New Orleans Jazz Fest 2012

[darkglow]

 :D

[e_wind]

Hey guys, anyone know who's playing what night or when it would be announced? I just figured that weekend two of this is possible. My family lives in the south, my parents love the eagles, and on that Monday morning I leave the country for awhile. What better way to spend my last weekend than with my parents in Nola seeing our favorite acts.

[ALady]

If Al Green and MMJ are on the same day, I'd seriously consider this.  Both are on weekend 2, right?

[Fully]

If Al Green and MMJ are on the same day, I'd seriously consider this.  Both are on weekend 2, right?

I think Al Green is scheduled for the first weekend.

[ALady]

Well, boo.

The overall lineup is so much better the first weekend, sheesh.

[Fully]

Well, boo.

The overall lineup is so much better the first weekend, sheesh.

Yeah, I thought so too. I think I'm going to end up just going to Memphis to see them. It's closer and I won't have to take off work to go. Plus, I've got a friend I can stay with so no hotels needed.

[br00ke]

ok so it's looking more like i'll be at JF this year  please alert me via all means possible WHEN there's so much as an rumor for a show .. Preservation Hall or not !!!

[Penny Lane]

ok so it's looking more like i'll be at JF this year  please alert me via all means possible WHEN there's so much as an rumor for a show .. Preservation Hall or not !!!

i'm looking to do both weekends and make that my big vacation of the year (staying in NOLA all 9/10 days). i also wouldn't mind trying to get up to memphis and catching a day at the Beale Fest (seeing MMJ) --a fest i've always wanted to do. (+ seeing the Stax Museum)

[Fully]

Penny, the Stax Museum is worth the trip! I went this past November and loved it.

[Shug]

Penny, you are right in wanting to see the Stax museum.  I've been to it about four times and for me, its an awesome monument to the greatest American music form, classic soul and an incredibly emotional experience.  There is such a great story and history to the formation and development of this kind of music.  Combine a visit to Stax with a challenging and sobering visit to the Civil Rights Museum at the old Lorraine Motel (where most of the Stax musicians used to stay) and you've got quite a vivid portrait of the tangled history of Southern music and culture in the middle of the 20th century.  So much music history happened in Memphis (and New Orleans and Nashville), its really amazing to think about it. Go to Civil Rights first, which will probably make you sad and finish off with the celebration of Stax, pure joy through and through.  And don't miss the ribs at Cozy Corner BBQ!

[br00ke]

i'm looking to do both weekends and make that my big vacation of the year (staying in NOLA all 9/10 days). i also wouldn't mind trying to get up to memphis and catching a day at the Beale Fest (seeing MMJ) --a fest i've always wanted to do. (+ seeing the Stax Museum)

damn gina !!

[Penny Lane]

thanks Shug and Fully--the only prob i'm gonna find is trying to do that stuff on Beale Fest weekend so it might not be feasible..i made my parents take me Graceland when i was 12 so i have seen some of it but don't remember--def haven't seen either museum you mentioned@!

well i'm booked for both weekends--but it's all fully cancel-able if my $ or work situation falls through..

[walterfredo]

well i'm booked for both weekends--but it's all fully cancel-able if my $ or work situation falls through..

pace yourself!  The first year I hit up JF (2002) I was in Nawlins for 13 straight days.  I think it took two months to fully re-cooperate.

[ALady]

 ;D

[Penny Lane]

well i'm booked for both weekends--but it's all fully cancel-able if my $ or work situation falls through..

pace yourself!  The first year I hit up JF (2002) I was in Nawlins for 13 straight days.  I think it took two months to fully re-cooperate.

ha ha...i know..i've done JF before, but never both weekends.
i'm not going to the festival on all the days, either...def gonna pace myself and not get too crazy..hopefully catching a few late night shows and hanging on frenchman st during the week ...

[e_wind]

just got confirmation that I have Wednesday through Sunday available. Looks like I'll be heading to NOLA. My dad loves the Eagles and is paying for the hotel room, woooooooo



without having to read all the pages... whats the best hotel situation for price/location. I don't think i need to be right up on the festival if we can save money somewhere else

[Shug]

I like the looks, location and price of the Omni Royal Crescent http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewOrleansRoyalCrescent.aspx

[NoVa_NoLa]

Price...well, things can get pretty spendy very quickly.  I liked to stay in the bigger hotels on Canal for Jazz Fest primarily for convenience.  Easy access to cabs and short walking distances to/thru the Quarter.

There are a few club shows being announced:  http://www.boomboomtickets.com/evlis...&events=search

[NoVa_NoLa]

I love New Orleans (have visited twice) but I've never been to Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.  I worry a bit that the crowds will be overwhelming... 

If I go, my basic plan is to attend the festival on just the day MMJ plays, and then the other nights see shows in the clubs after the festival is over.  From what I've gathered, one can still gorge themselves on music just going to the after-shows.  Mostly what I'd like to see is local New Orleans music like Irma Thomas, Funky Meters, Kermit Ruffins, Dirty Dozen, some zydeco, etc.  Wouldn't mind seeing stuff like Sharon Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm, Grace Potter, etc, too.

How crazy-crowded will it be for MMJ's festival set?  Would there be a spot with a little bit of space that isn't super far away from the stage?

How realistic is it to expect to see a bunch of the festival acts at the after-shows?  Are most of those last minute deals, or is there a schedule announced ahead of time and can you get tickets ahead of time.  I know people have kinda answered some of these questions already about hoped-for MMJ after-show, but I'm still wondering about how it works for other after-shows.

Any attempts at trying to answer these questions by folks who know would be really appreciated.  Thanks!

Shug...totally hear you one this!  Nothing wrong with not wanting to be jostled by strangers all day.  :)

For years, I had a friend who came only for the night time shows during jazz fest.  If there was something really special happening on the Fairgrounds, he'd go that day, but otherwise, its was party all night sleep all day.  I have another friend who comes every 4 or 5 years, hangs at the hotel pool all day until around 5, then heads to the Fairgrounds...maybe.   It's all about doing what you want.

The crowds can be a bit much.  I like to travel alone during the day...it makes it easier for me to get where I want to be without having to wait for a group to get food, or look at art, or talk to strangers, etc.  All of that is great and I do all of those things myself, just when I have time.  Selfish, yes.  But, this was my major vacation every year so it was all about me.   ;)  As you mentioned there are so many other bands to see, it's really easy to get out of the crowds if it's too much.  There are 13 stages...if you really want a treat go to the kid's tent.  They have good music and it's shaded and mellow.  :)

I spend more time now in the Jazz Tent which has chairs and misting fans.  When I need to be at one of the outdoor stages, I travel on the (sand) track.  Usually, it's a lot less crowded than trying to walk on the main pathways with everyone else.

The big names that play the fest will probably not play any clubs shows.  However, all of the New Orleans bands will be around in a variety of combinations and venues.  The night time shows are slowly being scheduled/announced now, but that will get into full-swing in the next month or so.  My rule of thumb for many of those shows is that if it's sold-out, I can find at least 5 other equally as good or better shows to see.  My favorite motto still:  "Jazz Fest isn't about what you saw.  It's about you had to miss to see what you saw." 

For MMJ's  prior festival appearance, I stood about halfway back in line with the sound board.  There was plenty of room.  The front looked crowded, but I think it may have looked worse than it was. This year may be different.

Hope this helps!  And, (early) welcome to New Orleans! 

[br00ke]

My favorite motto still:  "Jazz Fest isn't about what you saw.  It's about you had to miss to see what you saw." 

i remember learning that phrase during my 1st JF. i am getting SO STOKED ... i opted out of going right before x-mas as i was feeling some financial strain. i'm still poor but i can make it work gosh darn'it !!

also, keep the updates on night shows coming. those are usually where i spend most of my time and i definitely have to hit up an anders osborne show ... maybe with a little stanton moore, maybe some karl d., etc ... w00 h00 !!!!!