Added by searingblue on February 8, 2006
Anyone have any suggestions on what not to miss at Jazzfest. I've never been. Staying at the hotel Staying at the Hotel Monteleone Thurs. - Sunday.
It depends on what weekend you are going.
We are there the second weekend so we will catch Fats Domino, Jimmy Buffett, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Soul Rebels Brass Band, and will mill about to see if there are other smaller bands that catch our eares. We are also seeing George Clinton and Government Mule (both are playing in local clubs - not at the actual festival).
The first weekend is actually the weekend I would prefer to be going (we booked before they even announced the gigs) - I would definitely see Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Etta James, Ani DiFranco, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Radiators, Galactic, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. There are so many small bands that are great (which is what I am sure you were really looking for), just most of the names escape me as there is usually a little alcohol involved when we are there, and my memory is not as good in that state... :)
There are so many great bands playing clubs in the French Quarter too, so you should check the local venues (http://www.jazzfestgrids.com) and see if anyone strikes your fancy. Last year we saw Better than Ezra at the HOB and Warren Haynes and Dave Matthews kicked it up at a live show too. Amazing. Have a fantastic time!
kewlio
http://www.nojazzfest.com/schedule/index04.html
http://www.nojazzfest.com/schedule/index_2nd_weekend.html