[Dixielandjazz] Re: New Orleans Jazz Fest

[Loerchen2 at aol.com]

Steve,
 
It's definitely a great party --  good food, lots of music, etc.  The crowds 
are down this year, as you'd  expect.  However, there's so little jazz that 
they should consider changing  the name to the Overamplified Rock and Whatever 
Fest.  Personally, I prefer  the French Quarter Festival, which is free and has 
a lot more good local  bands; you definitely get more Louisiana music at that 
one.
 
Economy Hall (where the trad bands  play) is usually packed; this year, it 
was only 2/3 to 3/4 full most of the  time.  However, I did hear some great 
music there.  Banu Gibson's band  was super as always, with guests Jon-Erik Kellso 
and James Alsanders.   The traditional brass bands like Young Tuxedo were 
also excellent.  The  tent is a little world unto itself; I see the same people 
there every year--both  locals and out-of-town visitors--and it' s like Old 
Home Week.
 
I would say that the best time to come hear  music is French Quarter Fest and 
the week following, when lots of musicians are  in town gigging at the local 
clubs.  This year was unusual because FQF was  the week before Jazz Fest, 
instead of 2 weeks before.  Made it much more  fun for visitors would usually have 
to choose between the two  festivals.
 
Sue  
***********
>>Sadly though, most coverage does not mention Pete Fountain, Tim  Laughlin,
>>Preservation Hall JB and all the other OKOM performers who  were there.

>>This article makes it sound like a great party. Sue,  what say you?

>>Cheers,
>>Steve Barbone