Swag's Fest Journal

Gambit Jazz Fest Recap

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:15:38 GMT

Gambit magazine's "Count Basin" chimes in with his review, recap, and highlights of this year's fest.

http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/highlights-of-jazz-fest/Content?oid=2004934

2012 Attendance Numbers

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:17:06 GMT

WWL reports:

NEW ORLEANS -- Officials from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival released the attendance estimation for the 2012 festival, and organizers believe that 450,000 people attended the seven-day event.

The 450,000 attendees is a marked increase from the 2011 festival which saw an estimated 400,000 people. According to organizers, the 2012 festival was the largest since 2003.

The 2010 attendance was 375,000, 2009 had 400,000 people and the 2008 festival saw 375,000 - 400,000 attendees.

The largest attendance still remains for the 2001 festival which saw 618,000 people and had the one-day record of 160,000 people for headliners Mystikal and the Dave Matthews Band.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/450000-attend-2012-Jazz-Fest-151177555.html

See recent historical attendance figures here: http://jazzfest.swagland.com/jfattendance.html

Fest recaps

Thu, 10 May 2012 02:08:00 GMT

Kudos to the Times Picayune for their Jazzfest coverage, which seems to get more extensive every year. All their reviews can be found at http://www.nola.com/jazzfest/. In particular, make sure to check out the Music reviews from A to Z, which has write-ups of over 100 Jazzfest performances!

You can see some reviews from Offbeat at http://www.offbeat.com/blogs. Their full fest coverage - which is always excellent - will be in their June issue, out at the end of this month.

Swag's observations

Thu, 10 May 2012 01:51:32 GMT

I had a great Fest. The weather was excellent, the music lineup was strong, and the vibe was excellent.

A few semi-random observations:

The Fest did a much better job this year with recycling. The vast majority of trash cans had a recycling can right next to them.

It was crowded. We'll likely get some sore of official ballpark numbers soon, but from what I saw, this was the best attended Jazz Fest since Katrina. But no, the total numbers didn't approach the records set back in 2001. The Acura Stage was packed out for Tom Petty, for Bruce Springsteen, and for the Eagles. The Springsteen crowd was very early to arrive, with the lawn basically full shortly after noon. Of the three days, surprisingly (to me), I think the Eagles was the most crowded.

For Petty, we were set up towards the front but on the side, in front of the Krewe VIP stands. I had left to see the Midnite Disturbers, and had a heck of a time getting back after, as the walkways from the track were totally clogged. But for the other two big days, we were near the back, and despite the huge crowds, you could still get in and out. Big kudos to the Fest for painting the "aisles" from the ramps down into the crowd, these walkways remained usable (single file, but passable) all day long. During Bruce and the Eagles, I could still get out and back in, to use the port-o-lets or to buy a beverage.

Even on the crowded days, the port-o-let and food lines stayed reasonable. When the port-o-let lines looked long, I could always find a shorter line 20-30 yards away at the other end of the bank. I think the longest port-o-let line I waited on had just 2 or 3 people in front of me.

Unlike the port-o-lets, the line at the Grandstand raw bar for oysters was long, throughout the Fest. But great to have them back after the BP-related absence last year.

Did anyone check out the new Dell Tent? I walked by it once or twice, but barely notice it. It's good that they could find a spot on the rather full Fairgrounds to set that up without blocking other stuff.

The Gentilly sound booth was moved to the right, off center, towards the track. The result was much less lawn space that had a blocked view of the stage.

If you don't have exact bus fare, RTA will now give you a change card (paper voucher) that can be used on your next ride. I'm not sure when this started, but it's a customer-friendly move, for sure.

Hotel deal recap

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:56:47 GMT

Recapping the 2012 Fest season results from Priceline, in the end, the deals looked a lot like they did in 2011.

Deals did come through for both weekends, but only within a week or so of check-in. That meant that you needed nerves of steel, since the deals appeared after many backup reservation cancellation deadlines had already passed. And it meant that if you were staying both weekends, you probably had to change hotels; I didn't see any nice deals that spanned both weekends.
The sweet spot for weekend stays turned out to be in the $100-120 range. That's about the same as 2011, but higher than years earlier.
Midweek nights are still a bargain, attainable in the $60 range.
As with 2011, the majority of late deals came from various brands under the Marriott corporate umbrella.

For whatever reason, there was almost no successes reported from Hotwire this year.

Start looking over the next two months to find a cancellable backup for 2013, and stay subscribed to this blog to learn of any deals that may pop up as soon as this summer.

Posters shipping

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:48:08 GMT

Art4now reports that posters ordered online before the Fest have begun to ship. They ship the earliest orders first, and it sometimes takes a couple of months to get them all out, so if you ordered late, have patience.

The Fest poster of Trombone Shorty apparently sold out late second weekend for the numbered and C-marque editions. Signed and remarque are still available, as are all editions of the Shamarr Allen Congo Square poster.

Official Jazz Fest photos

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:44:18 GMT

Both weekends of the 2012 Jazz Fest Photo gallery are now online.

http://www.nojazzfest.com/gallery/photos-2012.php

Lost and Found

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:43:36 GMT

If you lost something at the Fairgrounds, you can contact the Fest at lost@nojazzfest.com to see if it was turned in. If you found something, use that same email to see if someone is looking for it.

And if you lost a wedding band, check out this thread.

Marriott 2nd weekend

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:43:23 GMT

In case anyone is still looking

Via Priceline.

A couple of days ago, I bogged Fr 5/04 - Su 5/06 4* FQ @ $100 => Marriott New Orleans.

Since then, I have a report of $100 being declined, with a $114 counter-offer being accepted at the Marriott. SO it ooke like that deal may still be active, albeit at a slightly higher rate. If your initial attempt gets declined, remember you can re-bid immediately by adding zones without any 4* hotels, like Garden District.

As always, get Jazzfest Priceline info at http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html.

My direct Priceline.com link.

Webcast schedule

Wed, 02 May 2012 22:26:13 GMT

Second weekend - Streaming video.

http://www.youtube.com/jazzfest

All times CDT. Shows marked with * asterisks are rcorded from weekend one.

Friday May 4

    14:00
    Marcia Ball

    14:05
    Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers

    15:00
    Roddie Romero & the Hub-City Allstars *

    15:15
    Papa Grows Funk *

    15:25
    Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

    15:45
    Bonerama

    16:35
    Voice of the Wetlands Allstars *

    16:55
    Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes *

    17:15
    Zac Brown Band

    17:30
    Rodrigo y Gabriela and C.U.B.A.

    19:00
    Glen Hansard *

    19:00
    GIVERS *

    19:30
    The Dirty Dozen Brass Band *

    19:55
    Bon Iver *

    20:00
    Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue *

Saturday May 5

    14:00
    Allen Toussaint

    14:05
    Anders Osborne

    14:55
    The Dixie Cups *

    15:05
    Cowboy Mouth *

    15:10
    Irma Thomas

    15:35
    Better Than Ezra

    16:45
    George Porter, Jr. & Runnin' Pardners *

    17:25
    Jumpin' Johnny Sansone *

    17:25
    My Morning Jacket

    17:55
    Zebra *

    18:55
    Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk *

    20:00
    Janelle Monae *

Sunday May 6

    14:00
    Galactic

    14:00
    funky Meters

    15:15
    Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers

    15:45
    Bonnie Raitt

    17:10
    Tribute to Alex Chilton feat. Dave Pirner, Alex McMurray, Susan Cowsill, Doug Garrison and René Coman *

    17:10
    Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys *

    17:45
    The Neville Brothers

    18:10
    The New Orleans Bingo! Show *

    19:00
    Creole String Beans

    19:40
    Preservation Hall and Friends

    20:00
    Jimmy Buffett, Acoustic - with Mac McAnally

Marriott $100 second weekend

Wed, 02 May 2012 22:20:23 GMT

Via Priceline.

Fr 5/04 - Su 5/06 4* FQ @ $100 => Marriott New Orleans

As always, get Jazzfest Priceline info at http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html.

My direct Priceline.com link.

T Shirts

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:55:04 GMT

Thanks to Threadhead windowman, you can see the 2012 T Shirt designs & prices here:
http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=19499

The shirts are available on on site at the Fest, and some designs and sizes do sell out, so it's always good to shop the first day you attend.

Dianne Reeves cancels

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:58:57 GMT

Jazz singer Dianne Reeves has cancelled her scheduled appearance Fest on Sunday. Ramsey Lewis Electric Band takes her slot.

Day one photos

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:56:27 GMT

Not mine. From the Fest folks:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150710848138951.404004.90601348950&type=1

First day impressions

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:30:55 GMT

Great weather today. Not too crowded, room at most of the stages, food and bathroom lines stayed short.

Beer is still $5 for Miller Lite Coors Lite, and Coors. No MDG this year. $6 for Blue Moon. Drafts include Miller Lite & Bud for $5, Blue Moon, Pilsner Urquel, and Abita for $6. A few of the drink tents were also selling cooler bags for $5.

The Gentilly Stage is turned a bit to the track side this year. I think that helps with sound bleed at Fais Do Do.

Have a great Fest, everyone!

Jazzfest Cubes in Excel .xls format

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:34:13 GMT

Created by a fest board lurker named Mike, now posted at Threadheads.org, right under the Grids link. It list date, times, stage, artist, genre, and even a link to the artists' web sites. Check it out!

Audio & Video streaming

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:32:26 GMT

For those who can't be at fest, or only certain days, don't despair. You can still hear or see lots of the performances.

YouTube will be streaming Friday, Saturday & Sunday of second weekend. Two channels of video. Schedule TBA, keep an eye on http://www.youtube.com/jazzfest.

WWOZ reports that they "will be out at Jazz Fest for both weekends, broadcasting live! We'll be letting you do some Festing vicariously through us so keep your dial set on 90.7 fm (or wwoz.org) throughout Jazz Fest! Stay tuned as we continue to update our list of performers! Currently confirmed artists include:

Young Pinstripe Brass Band, Leah Chase; Stephanie Jordan Big Band; Slavic Soul Party; Cubano Be, Cubano Bop: Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band featuring Terence Blanchard; Loyola University Jazz Ensemble; Peter Martin; Jeremy Lyons and Members of Morphine; Lionel Ferbos and The Palm Court Jazz Band; Pat Casey and New Sound; Ellis Marsalis; Treme Brass Band; Victor Goines; Diane Reeves; Dukes of Dixieland; and Bombino of Niger "

Outside the Fairgrounds, Tipitinas will be webcasting al their Jazzfest shows live. Go to http://tipitinas.com/.

Intercontinental $130 midweek - 2nd weekend

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:34:23 GMT

Second weekend may be starting to break.

Via Priceline.

Mo 4/30- Mo 5/07 4* DT @ $130 => Intercontinental

As always, get Jazzfest Priceline info at http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html.

My direct Priceline.com link.

Hyatt Regency $150 Thursday

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:25:28 GMT

Via Priceline.

First weekend Th 4/26 - Fr 4/27, 4* DT @ $150 => Hyatt Regency

An earlier bid of $125 was declined, so there's your range.

Most years, this wouldn't be noteworthy. Single weeknights are usually pretty cheap. But for whatever reason (big convention?), first Thursday night has been problematic this year. Fri-Mon deals have been available on PL for several days now, but Thurs-Mon have been rejected.

As always, get Jazzfest Priceline info at http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html.

My direct Priceline.com link.

Jazz Fest 2012 app for Windows Phone

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:11:30 GMT

Does anyone have a Windows phone?

Jazz Fest 2012 app for Windows Phone is coming soon. Check the Windows Phone Marketplace later in the week.

App Description:

Enjoy the 2012 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on the go with Windows Phone. Updated for the 2012 festival, this app includes improvements from 2011: -Music and food schedules, searchable by date and stage, - Pinnable tiles, giving you quick access to the music you care about, - Festival map that can be pinned to Start screen, with pinch/zoom capability and landscape support, -Online/offline access, - Cloud architecture, providing the latest schedule changes pushed to your phone without updating the app, - “Mango” updates for faster load times, double sided tiles, multitasking and fast app switching.

NOTE: This app is NOT built or supported by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation, or its sponsors.

Jazzfest Bible

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:39:42 GMT

The May issue of Offbeat is nicknamed the Jazzfest Bible for the wealth of information it contains about the Fest and each year's performers. The 2012 issue has hit subscribers' mailboxes, and is now available online. Once in town, you can pick up a free copy at many local music stores and clubs, and they are always being handed out as you walk to the main pedestrian gates of the Fest.

Read it at: http://www.offbeat.com/2012/05

Jazzfest A-Z (bios of all artists):
http://www.offbeat.com/2012/05/01/jazz-fest-2012-a-to-z-guide-to-the-artists-playing-the-new-orleans-jazz-and-heritage-festival/

No Fosters?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:33:15 GMT

For at least the last decade, the beverage booths around the infield sold cans of Fosters along with the standard Miller (and then Coors) brands. Word is that this may be over this year, with Blue Moon replacing Foster's as the premium ($6) beer option.

While I'd personally agree that Foster's is probably better than MGD or Lite, I never though it was worth the dollar up-charge. And the booths always seemed to run out of Foster's, often by mid-afternoon. Still, I'm sure this will be a disappointment to some of you.

As a reminder, beer aficionados will find the best options in the draft beer booths near the Jazz, Blues, and Gospel Tents. Options there include Abita Amber and Pilsner Urquel along with the Blue Moon and Miller. Selections vary, so if you don't find what you want, try the next booth over.

Grids are final

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:47:58 GMT

Each year, www.jazzfestgrids.com provides the most comprehensive and complete listing of club shows in and around town during the Jazzfest period. The final updates are now in. This year's tally is 914 shows with 1580 gigs listed! (Some shows have multiple bands playing).

You can print out the whole thing if you want, or customize the listings to the dates and clubs you want.

As always, big thanks to the Gridmasters, who volunteer their time on this labor of love.

Count Basin's Picks

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:43:28 GMT

Gambit Weekly has posted their Jazzfest Weekend One edition online. This includes the legendary "Count Basin's Picks", which includes a brief description of every performer at Fest, with "critic's picks" highlighted.

American Songwriter picks

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:11:19 GMT

American Songwriter magazine has done a bucket list, naming 10 Jazzfest sets not to miss.

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2012/04/the-bucket-list-the-top-ten-artists-to-see-at-jazz-fest/