that's right, this year's jazz fest was wet, so wet that the fairgrounds themselves were closed on friday. TV news reports said this was the first day in 13 years that the entire day's shows were cancelled.
it didn't matter.
we only know one speed at jazz fest, and that's full tilt boogie. we took the rain in stride and did our thing (sort of the "we could have fun stuck in an elevator" approach).
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here's a rundown of the happenings:
THURSDAY NIGHT ~ late arrival for most of the krewe this year. we all touched down in the late evening and congregated at the hotel (holiday inn express in the french quarter, of course). we then bounced out to bourbon street and reacquainted ourselves with a few hurricanes.
jah rasta made a surprise appearance, and we were off to the races. late, late night we hit a jam session that included robert walters and stanton moore. this took us to sunrise (if not to the moon).
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FRIDAY ~
the line between thursday night and friday morning did not exist. or perhaps it did, and that's why it didn't. hmmm.
however you slice it, friday came with a torrential downpour and threw our normal routine out of whack. we usually hit the fairgrounds early to set up shop, but one look outside told us this day would be different.
fortunately, the ever resourceful Artiste Formerly Known As Solo had us covered.
the Artiste led us on an Odyssey through the Big Easy on foot in the driving rain. no one questioned our destination or our leader. well, ok, we questioned both. but not really.
anyway, we got there: a community center auditorium where an african Zulu tribe was putting on a dance exhibition. killer. and then this was followed by the legendary South African trumpeter and jazz musician, Hugh Masekela. holy shiznit, we scored!!!
the rest of friday was spent hanging out in the french quarter and lounging around the hotel. some of the group took a bus tour; the rest of us got caught up on some sleep and/or Jerry Springer (Truck Stop Ho).
friday evening brought a stroll to a cajun restaurant called Michaul's. sweet family style spot with excellent grub and a down home attitude. exactly what we were looking for.
post-dinner, captain HazMat joined the fray, and this was just the jolt we needed.
late night took us to the F & M Club... late, late night to Tips to see Keller Williams and Spearhead. and, of course, a six pack of crystal burgers to top it off.
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SATURDAY ~
classic jazz fest. weather cooperated, allowing us to dial up a grand afternoon at the fairgrounds. early arrival led to some solid positioning that set us up to be in the mix all day.
awesome to be back in the thick of it. killer food, killer music, killer partying.
as always, was great to kick it with some old school banditos.
shout outs to some old friends and some new fest faces: KD, chef, fred flinstone, the jester (aka Vodoo Daddy), mel, twinks, markus, lisacurls, all our neighbors, etc.
we took in some great muscial treats all day. the line-up at the main stage included marc broussard, anders osbourne, the funky meters, and santana.
the night shows were jamming too. we caught jurassic 5 and then galactic at the state palace.
late, late night took us to bourbon street for some chess and quiet reflection. hard on the body, good for the soul.
we hit igor's on the way out of town for one last bloody, and that was all she wrote.
dearest jazz fest, always sad to say goodbye, but never too early to look forward to our next encounter...
