Mile High Music Festival seating strategy?

[Seeker]

Who knows the way this Festival works? I have not been to the Mile High Music Festival before. Is it one of those drills where you race to a spot with your tarp, or is it more fluid among the different stages?

I don't intend to hang around after MMJ for Dave Matthews Band, and I do not look forward to competing with DMB fans to be in front of the stage during MMJ. What is the best strategy?

Damn, I just wish they played Red Rocks instead....

[TGMC421]

Damn, I just wish they played Red Rocks instead....

That would be ideal!  Red Rocks is the only venue I've ever seen them play at.  It is certainly magical.  

[.Walt]

Who knows the way this Festival works? I have not been to the Mile High Music Festival before. Is it one of those drills where you race to a spot with your tarp, or is it more fluid among the different stages?

I don't intend to hang around after MMJ for Dave Matthews Band, and I do not look forward to competing with DMB fans to be in front of the stage during MMJ. What is the best strategy?

Damn, I just wish they played Red Rocks instead....

I would guess that it's more fluid, but I've never been there. A Red Rocks show would've had sweet!

I think the better question is how are we going to get a picture with Jim and the boys. Any of you guys have cute kids or an attractive girlfriend? Those two usually help. I'm doing anything to meet up with them...annnything.

[johnnYYac]

Who knows the way this Festival works? I have not been to the Mile High Music Festival before. Is it one of those drills where you race to a spot with your tarp, or is it more fluid among the different stages?

I don't intend to hang around after MMJ for Dave Matthews Band, and I do not look forward to competing with DMB fans to be in front of the stage during MMJ. What is the best strategy?

Damn, I just wish they played Red Rocks instead....

I would guess that it's more fluid, but I've never been there. A Red Rocks show would've had sweet!

I think the better question is how are we going to get a picture with Jim and the boys. Any of you guys have cute kids or an attractive girlfriend? Those two usually help. I'm doing anything to meet up with them...annnything.

Be careful.  Jim has been known to pack heat.

[.Walt]

 ;D

You're right Yac.

I'm kinda glad you actually read this thread, because I was wondering how it worked out for you. Any advice would help. The closest I've got was outside Milwaukee. Their roadie was smoking weed outside the bus, and I asked if the band was on there and if I could get a picture. All he said was, yes they are and no you can't. I was this close!

[johnnYYac]

I had a similar experience in Birmingham in April.  After the show, I ran into these guys who had backstage passes and gave me an extra one.  It was after the show, as I said, so we went around back to see if these would help get us to the band.  A security guy outside the bus seemed hopeful that he could set us up, or else he was having fun fucking with us.  He used his radio to locate the boys, then informed us it appeared they had already left.  I'll never  know if he was honest or enjoying himself messing with our heads.

For Newport, I had joked to folks here on the forum and elsewhere that I had this fantasy of Jim signing my favorite Omnichord, the OM-84.  I didn't believe it to ever happen.  That said, I ended up bringing it along, even grabbing a Sharpie from my sister when I picked her up on the way.

After Jim's set, I noticed Daniel MM and Ben S backstage right and wondered if Jim might be wandering around back there somewhere.  To my left, I saw his silhouette through some netting.  So I told my sister I'd be right back and went around the stage left.  (It must be noted that Newport was an outdoor festival with easy access to backstage.  For a downtown theater or arena, you're at the mercy of roadies and security.  At Newport, it's much more casual.)

So, anyway, I stood on the side while Jim spoke with a reporter.  Then, a couple with small child came up to him- friends, apparently.  I waited about 10 minutes, showing others in the crowd the OM-84 and answering questions.  When I was demonstrating it, playing Touch Me 2, I know I caught Jim's attention.  I may have called to him once, but generally stayed put and let him be.  When the couple left, he came over, amused that I wanted him to sign the OM-84 (I bet no one had ever asked him to sign an Omnichord before).

I have to thank the guy who took the pictures of me with Jim.  The first one, Jim had his eyes closed and this dude looked and asked to take another.  Jim came around the barrier for photos and was still indulging a small crowd of about a dozen when I came back with my daughter, sister, and niece.  He graciously stood for another photo with the girls.  As I've said elsewhere, I will never forget when, after the last photo, my daughter Maddie almost knocked Jim over with a huge hug.  He seemed to really appreciate it.  It was the highlight of the experience.

Here are all the photos from then.  Anyone else from the forum in these pictures?

[.Walt]

That's amazing story and great pictures, Yac!

Since Mile High is going to be outside this should help me out big time. Jim loves the kids, I'm sure that made his day. I'll let you know if things work out. I'm going to try, but I'm thinking it's about 10% chance this works out.

TGMC and Seeker, I'm all about playing the JohnnyYac patient game, but Plan B could go into effect rather quickly if I don't see results as quickly as I want them.

Plan B...I push you guys into security and then I run past to get a pic? I'll do it for you guys, we'll just take turns on who gets to run past and who gets push.  Are you guys down for the cause?

I also talked to my brother about the hotel, I guess we're staying at the Red Lion.

[Seeker]

Great posts, but I just want a strategy to be close to the stage for MMJ.

Dave Matthews hard-core fans will claim all of the front, I assume. I'll ask around to find out how the turf wars work at this festival, and get back if I learn anything.

[.Walt]

Great posts, but I just want a strategy to be close to the stage for MMJ.

Dave Matthews hard-core fans will claim all of the front, I assume. I'll ask around to find out how the turf wars work at this festival, and get back if I learn anything.

They're going to have to beat hardcore Jimmy Cliff fans. I'm seeing Jimmy for show. So maybe instead of pushing you guys into security, I push you guys into Dave Matthew fans?  ;)

[TGMC421]

Great posts, but I just want a strategy to be close to the stage for MMJ.

Dave Matthews hard-core fans will claim all of the front, I assume. I'll ask around to find out how the turf wars work at this festival, and get back if I learn anything.

They're going to have to beat hardcore Jimmy Cliff fans. I'm seeing Jimmy for show. So maybe instead of pushing you guys into security, I push you guys into Dave Matthew fans?  ;)

Hahaha, deal!  Mosh those fuckers out of the way!   ;)

[mlwar51]

My husband and I went to Mile High Last year and I believe it is open so first come first serve.  So Jim heads up these guys want to take a picture with you!

[.Walt]

My husband and I went to Mile High Last year and I believe it is open so first come first serve.  So Jim heads up these guys want to take a picture with you!

;D

I can't tell if you're warning Jim to beware of us or telling Jim to make sure he looks for us so we can take a picture.  Jim, we come in peace...unless you're security or a camped out Dave Matthews fan...then annnything goes!

I have a feeling the Stoned, Drunk, and Stupid thread will be on fire after Mile High.  8-)