[Dixielandjazz] NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL PUBLICITY

[Steve barbone]

Talking about publicity for N.O. Jazz festival later this month, The
Philadelphia Inquirer (the major daily) had a feature article on it in the
Sunday Travel section. Just about a full page by a staff writer.

Headliners?  B.B. King, Dave Matthews Band, Elvis Costello, Nelly, The
Neville Brothers , Los Lonely Boys.  Plus a reunion of the original Meters,
a New Orleans Style Funk Band. Plus a bunch of major star attractions like
Dr. John, Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Soul Rebels Brass band
& others. And oh yes, some OKOM, and Louisiana Rock with Cowboy Mouth, a
local legend. etc.

Something for everybody. the article gives detailed informatio0n on how to
get there from Philly, hotels, ticket prices etc. It also points out that
some 650,000 people attended one year prior to last years washout. Plus, for
the 2005 event, original producer Quint Davis has been paired with Los
Angeles powerhouse event producer, AEG. They are professionals who know how
to spread promotion around the USA and manage such a large event.

Says producer Davis: "You can choose where you want to go and what crowd you
want to be in. there's always somewhere to go. Its all there."

BTW, their target audience is folks from 25 to 55 years old, and this age
group has been the mainstay of the festival since the early days.

AEG, certainly seems to be doing their job. Today's NY Times (Sunday) also
had 2/3 of a page in their Travel section about visiting New Orleans. Not
specifically about N.O. Jazz Fest but it does get a mention or two. Another
news article, not an advertisement. (Neither paper carried New Orleans
advertisements)

The Times suggests visits during the week when the New Orleans musicians are
building their local fan base. They mention The Maple Leaf Bar, 8316 Oak
Street as usually being packed to the rafters on Tuesday nights when Rebirth
Brass performs with "a stage presence that dares you to stand still." As Bob
Ringwald said, they are a great band. Though perhaps not strictly OKOM they
are hard to resist moving around to.

Also mentioning Kermit Ruffins at Vaughn's Lounge 4229 Dauphine and Snug
Harbor, 626 Frenchmen, as the home away from home for the Marsalis family.

PRICELESS PUBLICITY IN A COUPLE OF MAJOR MARKETS. I'd go myself if I wasn't
so boxed in with gigs at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City along with the
rest of my schedule.

Tickets $35 ($25 in advance), kids  under 12, $5. Or for the "Wiggins High
Roller Crowd", a special VIP package, special viewing areas/access etc., is
available for $550 to $650 depending upon which weekend.

http://nojazzfest.com

Cheers,
Steve Barbone