offBeat :: Louisiana and New Orleans Online Music Resource - Latest Comments

Re: Treme vs. the Wire Battle of the Bands at Tipitina’s: Photos

asdf — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:25:51 -0000

Flew in from Wisconsin for a quick vacation, and one of our party found this going on. So very, very glad we got tickets-- fantastic, sweaty, long night in an amazing venue. Memories for the rest of my life.

Re: Treme vs. the Wire Battle of the Bands at Tipitina’s: Photos

TthreeK — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:22:32 -0000

I was at this show and it was incredible. I might fly to Bmore to see the rematch!

Re: Gathering of the Tribe

GetTiedOn — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:43:17 -0000

The easiest most obvious solution would be for Shell to bring in a shuttle train that scoots around the race track. For a few people it might be a big help. And they can hand out water...

Re: Filthy Lucre

Blueschipper — Sun, 13 May 2012 23:03:06 -0000

Quint is still around, but most of the people who conceived and created the Jazz Fest have now retired or quit. Night Concerts are a thing of the past. It is now run by corporate flunkies who want all the best viewing areas. And the Foundation wants to keep control of everything for their little club of friends and families. Many hard working locals have quit working the Fest because, "it just isn't fun any more." Bigger is definitively not better.

Re: John Boutté, All About Everything (Independent)

Mark Kil — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:05:01 -0000

Love this guy. Can't wait to hear the album!

Re: Filthy Lucre

Lit — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:25:33 -0000

How 'bout "elitist"?

This isn't a grammar test. Anyone reading her comments in context can see that she is repeatedly slamming the ticket holders themselves as much as NOJHF. That is misguided, period.

Re: Let’s Just Shut Frenchmen Street Down

Mar — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:00:29 -0000

I like Frenchman but, frankly, I want to hear more African-Americans playing--anywhere!
Were the clubs in Treme shut down to keep the African-Americans from profiting from their own creation and to keep Caucasians supplied with music they didn't come up with, yet have fun and earn money (however little) playing? That kind of stuff has happened before...

Re: Let’s Just Shut Frenchmen Street Down

Mar — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:42:39 -0000

Oops, left something out re:

I agree with the last line of the article:

I vote for the music, every time, hands-down, and so should you.

But I can't, and won't, unfairly push anyone else to do so.

Re: Let’s Just Shut Frenchmen Street Down

Mar — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:34:24 -0000

After the storm, I started going out a lot more--to Frenchman, in particular. Often times I was there, most club doors were closed yet people outside were able to hear the music played inside just a bit as one approached, sound level dropping off as nearing the doorstep of the next venue (except maybe a small blues joint that really needed the air circulation!). I (a local), and many folks who exited cabs, i.e., for the most part, tourists, would walk by a club, open the door(s) to take in the scene inside and decide about going in. It felt like you were exploring and making discoveries.

I think the one worry for a number of us was if we were disturbing the
musicians/audience inside with our peering and obvious decision making.

A
sedate approach, like this, by the clubs draws people in. Or, we'd just (have to) get used to it. If this were tried for awhile, without
club owners getting "louder" with their building façades, I would enjoy
it more than dueling-genres-decibel-levels which, from info in the article on which we are commenting, seems to be rooted in fear, greed, insecurity, self-centeredness--nothing "for-the-good-off-all".

How about a small speaker somewhere in the wall around the door thru which passersby could hear music from inside?

How could that hamper business?

I do give up the possible point that persons who are fairly inebriated
might not realize music is being played or that the club is open.
Perhaps that is why you need your alert-eyed door-tender/"barker".

I think my preference would be to be able to hear a bit of the music outside the club.

Business owners--perhaps you should consider cooling it a bit. Get creative about increasing business. (During Jazz Fest, I overheard a club employee saying they were at fire marshall crowd limit because they had advertised in a local magazine...)You, too, could injure the goose that lays everyone's eggs, by short sighted, uncooperative actions. Educating your customers in a respectful way is key, too. I know some of you try to educate your customers with the occasional sign which speaks to buying 1 drink per set. I pay the door charge when there is one and put something in the tip jar when there isn't a door, and regardless, I buy at least one drink per set and tip $1 or $2. per drink. Consistently. The 2 or 3 times, over the past 6 years, I didn't have the cash, I did what I could and hoped my usual behaviour would cover me. .... I also wipe the toilet if I tinkle on it and there is tissue available (I have often brought my own tissue.).
I may be unusual in all that (I don't know and I certainly hope not) but I really appreciate all the people who make it work that I can safely listen to and enjoy live music !!

It is frustrating that people who move into an area populated with venues want to
change this fact and/or the rules/ambience/etc. once they tire of living that way 24/7. (It can also be a little disconcerting that the ambience is a little "edgier" than is my personal preference with some of the people in the area who seem to be using drugs and living on the street.) It is their right
to try. The areas under concern at the moment were long ago much quieter. Things change/are changed. It can seem unfair if these folks seem to have many more assets and an
easier time of getting their way or are joined by people who
maybe are getting older, and want their purchase to "grow up" along with
their own lifestyle. I do have sympathy for those who have lived in the area for decades and have watched it grow into something they did not bargain for and who only wish that ordinances already on the books--which club owners agree to by virtue of their license-- be enforced. It's not fair - and could be a little hypocritical- to insist that they get out because of the love of money of some of the more uncaring business owners.

This can all be worked out. Everybody just relax.

What can you do about short-sightedness
(particularly financial and cultural), selfishness, arrogance (once
they've had their fun the party's over), lack of discernment/disregard
for the factors which bring "life" and refreshment versus a dead
financial-musical experience and anyone in authority abusing/misusing power given them for the good of all ?

Speak the truth in love, don't fear trying things a different way before you are forced to by ordinances ad nauseum, and stand your ground. (Oh, yeah, and end racism.)

Maybe seemingly unrelated, but needing the same kind of reasonable, even-handed, "no fear" approach is tourists treating most any street in the city as though it is a cordoned off area where traffic is expected to be impeded by their drunken--or shopping induced euphoric--ambling ways when crossing. Too, locals need to be brushed up on their responsibility to stop when someone enters a designated cross walk area (I've noticed this on Magazine St.).

Educating tourists, perhaps in the same way they are given tips re:crime, about their responsibilities as a visitor would do well to set a tone of increasing mutual respect which would ADD to the relaxed vibe.

We who live here should not be expected to give up things such as access to our driveways simply because a tourist-infused festival or locals-infused parade is afoot just as residents cannot deny someone parking on the street in front of their house even if it is the residents' "regular" spot. We who live here have responsibilities along with the enjoyment we get from living in such a "fun" place to live just as do tourists who need to respect that it is not all fun and games and need to respect the people who live here. Either party should leave/stay away if they tire of those responsibilities. Too, residents should see improved city services when tourism is flourishing.(Where does the money go?)

Honestly and vulnerably getting everything on the table with a good faith negotiation based on respect of all parties would iron out most of these issues to the bearable agreement of all.

You do need adults who know how to behave to get that far, that way, though.

I agree with the last line of the article:

I vote for the music, every time, hands-down, and so should you.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:59:39 -0000

Yes she should of worded it " the area 86's by NOJHF for the elite ticket holders" .. however elite as an adjective does mean "representing the most choice or select" which is a proper usage of the word. They are sold as the "most luxurious way to attend the fest", " with special viewing privileges" and "exclusive access" and therefore meet the definition of elite as in being the most choice or select ticket. The words in quotes come directly from the Jazz Fest site.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:00:15 -0000

Well since we all have our grousing out of our systems, why don't we come up with a list of recommendations for the Fest Organizers. remembering that the Fest Organizers can do nothing about ill mannered fest goers that don't clap for the work the musicians have done, etc.

From reading over the comments .. including my own, here are 3 items that the Fest Organizers could consider doing .. and some benefit all fest goers not just us gimps.

1) Allow pre-purchase of handicap parking .. this would allow the gimps (me included) to arrive at different times just like the Big Chiefs and other premium fest goers or just regular fest goers who aren't limited in where they can park and would let the Fest Organizers have some idea of how much handicap parking and facilities are needed. Most of us gimps are on limited incomes so buying the other premium packages just to be able to unload and load our chairs/equipment is not an answer.

2) Consider moving the Golden Circle over to the track side of the stage with access from the track rather than the paved interior roadway. They would still have their premium space and the old handicap area could be reinstated. I think this would be less expensive than building raised platforms for those of us in wheelchairs so that we have some view of the stages as they did with part of the handicap area at Acura by the Big Chiefs stand,

3) Find a way of marking the old pathways on the lawn areas and enforcing them. This is both a "health and safety" issue as well as would relieve some of the congestion in the handicap areas as those of us gimps that could use the lawn areas if they had access routes would use the lawn leaving the up close handicap area for those who can't access the lawn area. For my first 25 yrs of going to the Fest pathways from the gates down to the lawn were kept open but just by the Fest goers, just like the valley path at Acura and the path between Fais Do Do and Congo. This would allow medical personnel access if a health emergency arose and would also seem to make emptying of the garbage cans by the staff easier.

Feel free to add but make sure it is something that the Organizers could possibly do.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Mfrankkk — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:20:54 -0000

Price and facilities go hand-in-hand! There are handicap accessible allowances, but stage access is not up front. It is about 100 feet back on the side in the bleachers. There is also parking provided for free as close to the gate as you can get.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Lit — Sat, 12 May 2012 07:49:40 -0000

I can't speak to the parking because I know nothing about it. I would rather the Grand Marshal area be aligned as you state and enter from the track. Much easier than fighting the crowd inside the track to get there.

But all of this is besides the point. If Jan's beef was with the NOJHF she didn't need to cast aspersions on those who simply attended the Fest like she did. Her reporting and comments were lazy and irresponsible in my opinion, and suggest to me that handicap access is not her real issue; rather, she is using it to manipulate a different issue.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:14:55 -0000

we were not talking facilities .. we were talking price .. ACL is horrible too .. Bonnoroo does not advertise handicap accessible, to be exact their web site does not even have any mention of handicap accessibility .. Jazz Fest does. ACL is about the same price as the Fest (about $4 higher) but facilities suck and food does too .. heard they improved some of the facilities .. first few years the food was only in one place so the lines were ridiculous as well as hard to get to and the toilet facilities weren't much better. Kerrville is accessible only if you have the strength or a 4 wheel power chair but still works for me. Lack of handicap accessibility rules out several of the festivals for me and I have a lot of tour brats as friends that are always trying to talk me into other festivals. And Jazz Fest is not $50 a day unless pre-purchased .. its $65 a day at the gate. However there are several fest in Louisiana that are low cost or free and also somewhat handicap accessible .. such as Satchmo or FQF or the International Fest in Lafayette.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:28:34 -0000

Yes her beef is with NOJHF .. they could of easily put the Grand Marshal area on the other side of the stage with an entrance off of the track instead of using the area that used to be the handicap area off the paved road side of the stage. Grand Marshall ticket holders overall are not handicapped so they can use the track, where the majority of the handicapped need paved access. If someone has a Grand Marshall ticket is handicapped and doesn't own a chair that can handle the track they of course could use the handicap area and still be up front though that would sort of be a waste of money at that point. Or they could of put them behind the old handicap area .. would still be up front though not quite as close .. the handicap area was only about 10- 15' deep and most of us are seated so we wouldn't block your view. When I rode the rail I would just get to the stage early enough to get a place on the rail .. I knew if I came late to a show that I wouldn't get a place on the rail .. but if being on the rail was that important to me I would make the effort to get there in time. Its similar to the parking issue .. as a Big Chief, Grand Marshall or Krewe of Jazz Fest you can pre-purchase parking and therefore be guaranteed parking .. as handicap I can not pre-purchase parking .. I have to get there before noon and hope its not full .. I have been turned away 3-4 times due to the handicap area being full the previous couple years and since I'm a Brass Pass holder sort of irritating as I already had paid for the day ticket. If NOJHF would allow pre-purchase of handicap parking that would solve that problem .. and they would also find out how much handicap parking they really needed (my guess about double of what they currently have). Where I parked one day this year was a Big Chief area .. it was completely empty when I got there at 12:45 and was at least 1/2 empty later that day. I would love to be able to go to the fest at 1 or 2 in the afternoon but since I needed the handicap parking I have to get there before 12 even though a 7 hr day at the fairgrounds is much harder on my body.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Mfrankkk — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:52:15 -0000

Have you ever been to Bonnaroo? I went the last two years. Let me tell you it is hell getting around, getting to the bathroom and getting food because of the layout and the overpopulation!! Everything is expensive, food is yuk, and hot!!! Most of the people camp out. By the second day, the populus' odor is something to behold when you are packed in the crowd like sardines(no chairs late in the day). As far as those $204 dollar, presale tickets, they are very limited in number. Most of the tickets sold are the higher price or scalped even higher. Jazz fest is country club compared to Bonnaroo!

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:22:46 -0000

I'm not sure what the answer is either .. I have been to venues where chairs were only allowed in certain areas or had to be rented but that is not how it is at the Fest .. as you probably remember it used to be that chairs at the fest were in the back behind the field speakers where families camped .. but now they are within 50 ft of the stage .. which had been standing/dancing area .. and also on the paved road and in front of the gates/ramps. I've come into gates off the track to run into a wall of lawn chairs on large blankets basically blocking the gate .. less than a foot of clearance from the ramp. If emergency personnel had to get to someone they wouldn't be able to .. I personally feel that is dangerous and asking for a lawsuit which I would not like to see happen.

Re: Filthy Lucre

summer — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:34:08 -0000

That is what I was referring to. Her suggestion that lawn chairs be rented out to those that NEED them. While I am not certified handicapped I do need a chair to sit in as do many people I know. With the targeted demo being 55+ (the age of hip & knee replacements) I don't see sitting on the ground a viable option for a lot of people. I don't have the answers but eliminating chairs, or charging for them, is not one.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:22:18 -0000

Sorry but Bonaroo is $259 for 4 days and that includes your car.. that is only $65 a day with parking .. parking at the Fest is $50 a day and that does not include the $50 pre-purchased or $65 at the gate per day ticket. Without pre-purchasing my tickets that is $115 a day so 4 days of Fest is $460, with pre-purchased tickets its still $400 with parking. I think your math is a little off. If you pre-purchase Bonaroo you can go as low as $204 for the 4 days with parking. And Bonaroo includes camping in that price.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:49:49 -0000

I think she was referring to lawn chairs being rented .. not wheelchairs or power chairs used by the handicapped .. the Vets offer wheelchairs there already. I would say 90% of the people there in lawn chairs are not handicapped. Now I prefer to just carry a small blanket or sarong to sit on on the ground and when I'm in the back I actually put one down next to my pwr chair and fold my pwr chair seat down as it does block more view than a lawn chair (its taller) and I sit on the blanket next to my chair. That way I don't block the view of people behind me .. but I have the ability to get in and out of my chair which not everyone who uses wheelchairs has, and I also have 4 wheel drive so I can use the lawn areas which a lot of power chairs can not go. Also something I see a lot of wheel chair users do .. running them on grass is a little harder but doable if you have the upper body strength or a helper to push you. I try to save the handicapped areas for those that can't use the lawn areas, but that's because I know that a lot of the pwr chairs I rented before buying mine could not handle the grassy areas.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Deddancer — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:27:49 -0000

The lack of passage ways now at the big stages is a major safety issue .. all it would take is one person dying because they could not be accessed or extradited from the crowd .. some way of marking the pathways and some enforcement of the pathways would reduce the probability and liability. As someone commented, they do this in the tents and grandstand .. if you are not allowed to block the aisles in them.

Re: Filthy Lucre

summer — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:03:58 -0000

I realize you are just throwing out ideas, but your suggestions that people who need chairs RENT them seems very insensitive considering your disability status. Besides parking, do you pay for your disability access? Just what Jazz Fest needs is another $15/$20 day of our money. If this ever came to be, I am sure you will see a very large increase in the number of disabled vying for what sounds like is already not enough space.

Re: Let’s Just Shut Frenchmen Street Down

H.B. — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:58:02 -0000

I live in Michigan. I discovered Frenchmen Street on my last visit to NO and cannot wait to get back there again. It is unique, even to New Orleans. Law enforcement ought to focus their attention more on preventing people from getting shot than they should on turning down the volume of the city's music. Violent crime is your biggest liability; music is your best asset! Priorities people; priorities!

Re: Filthy Lucre

Scott Fugate — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:11:09 -0000

I have dreamed of going to Jazz Fest all my life - but it's always fallen at a time that I couldn't swing due to my work schedule, or at a time when I had no work or money. This has been an ongoing pattern over the past 30 + years that has left me longing and fantasizing about this supposedly great event.

The only time thing we can afford to attend in New Orleans (due to hotel rates and such) is the Satchmo Fest, and have attended each year. However, I've been told that it's nothing compared to the "real" Jazz Fest.

The more I hear about Jazz Fest, the less it sounds like the things I love most about the Satchmo Fest . . . the sense of community, the lack of a class system, the accessibility of the artists, the local focus, the history, etc.

I guess I'll just stick to Satchmo and forget about Jazz Fest - it seems more in keeping with what I love most about New Orleans. I'm just worried it will get too popular, like everything else, and become inaccessible . . . like everything else.

Re: Filthy Lucre

Lit — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:27:11 -0000

Jan, if handicap access is truly your issue here, why are you (mis)directing so much of your anger at the crowd? The more I read of your inappropriate comments, the more it becomes clear to me that your issue is less about handicap access and more about your own musical snobbery and material jealousy. If Jazz Fest needs to provide better handicap access, why not focus on that, instead of taking gratuitous potshots at the crowd. Your comments are doing far more to create class distinctions that anything Fest is doing.

I have been a subscriber to Offbeat for many years, but your irresponsible "journalism" here is really making me question whether I want to continue supporting someone with an increasingly obviously personal agenda that is obscuring her ability to provide objective coverage.