“I’m having trouble deciding on which weekend to head down for Jazz Fest. Both lineups are looking pretty solid…Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews Band, Keith Urban, and the Meters; there are so many different types of music and artists playing. Has anyone else gotten their tickets yet? I’m getting excited; this year is bound to be the best year yet! And, I feel really good about being able to have a good time AND contribute to the NOLA economy to help the city make a comeback. Is anyone planning to head down to New Orleans this year? If so, who are you going to see? Are you staying through or just going for the weekend?”
Since there’s really no General Question here, let’s move this to MPSIMS.
samclem for General Questions
I’m going for both weekends. My main interest is traditional jazz, and my favorite acts are:
First weekend -
Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble
Young Tuxedo Brass Band
Don Vappie
Gregg Stafford
Second weekend -
New Leviathan Oriental Fox Trot Orchestra
Michael White with Thais Clark
Walter Payton and Snapbeans
Evan Christopher and Tom McDermott
The first weekend is better for real old-time traditional jazz (it includes the Preservation Hall Jazz Band as well as the acts I’ve listed above). The second weekend seems to have a little more variety as far as trad jazz goes - for example, the New Leviathans are a big orchestra specializing in dance band and novelty material (as opposed to pure jazz). Evan Christopher is one of the most talented clarinetists I’ve ever heard, and along with pianist Tom McDermott they perform a combination of ragtime, jazz and Brazilian music.
BTW, if you’ve never seen a traditional brass band, it’s well worth it to see the Young Tuxedo Brass Band. Every year at Jazzfest they put on a mock jazz funeral, complete with a second line from one of the local social aid and pleasure clubs. This year I expect this to be a serious occasion - if I know Gregg Stafford (the leader of this group) he will use the occasion to honor those lost to Katrina.
Other local acts you might want to check out are Leah Chase (first weekend - great singer and daughter of a local restaurateur) and the New Orleans Klezmer All Stars (second weekend).
Thanks Jeff for all of your input. I have to say aside from the music I am also excited about getting to go to some of my favorite restaurants. Galatoire’s is open again and I hope that Brennan’s and Commander’s Palace is as well. Between good music and good food, I am going to be in heaven 