What a topic this Jazz Fest booking question is. After posting the question, “What do you think about this year’s Jazz Fest line-up” to our Web site, our mailbox has been flooded with responses. Last month’s “Plugged In” included just the beginning of the interesting comments we’ve received, so this month we’ll try to cram in as many more as we can. Thanks to everyone who used the opportunity to vent their frustrations about artists they’d hoped to see that weren’t booked, or to expound on the greatness of Jazz Fest and the musical quality and diversity it offers.

“I’ve been perusing the line-up for this year’s Jazz Fest — and attended once before in 1995 — and the name that’s missing is that of Alex Chilton! He played a superb set in ’95 and had me hurrying off to buy his A Man Called Destruction album. I also attended his Auckland (New Zealand) concert later in the same year. Where’s Alex this time around? Or will he be appearing at one of the evening concerts? Whatever, I’ll be making my way from the Antipodes in a few weeks to party with the rest of ya.”
(Fred Muller, Whangarei, New Zealand)

“I’m not bitching too much because I’d be happy with one-twentieth of the entertainment each weekend of Jazz Fest provides. But to me, the first weekend line-up is so lopsidedly strong compared to the second weekend line-up (when I’ll be there). They get Tiny Town, the Iguanas, Anders Osborne, Better Than Ezra, Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, while we get Jimmy Buffett and (I was incredulous when I heard this one — ughhhhh) the Doobie Brothers! Granted, Emmylou [Harris] and Ziggy Marley are great additions for the second weekend, but what is this, top 40 radio circa 1982? That said, I can’t wait to discover new stuff, rock out with C.C. Adcock, Irma [Thomas], the Nevilles, Ani DiFranco, and everyone else the second weekend. Of course, they could play Deacon John 45’s from a record player off the Ray-Ban stage and I’d be dancing and acting like a fool.”
(Cameron Smith, Indianapolis, IA)

“I think the line up is weak, to say the least. Very similar to most. Why bring back Dave Matthews, next year it will Phish (can’t wait for them, they have as much musical talent as I do)? Where is Sonny Landreth? Is Zachary Richard playing? Also, it seemed that the last time [Jimmy] Buffett played, our good friends the parrot heads caused many problems. So to tell you truth, it’s lame, but New Orleans is great, and that’s why I good back. But Quint Davis knows how to run a festival. Also not happy with corporate sponsorship, but as a CPA I am well versed in financial matters. Enough complaining, on to more important issues.”
(David Feller, Chicago)

“I would really love to see Daniel Lanois join Emmylou Harris, Dave Matthews, or the Neville Brothers during their respective sets. While he is an amazing producer, his guitar playing live is truly amazing and full of energy — you simply cannot capture this moment. Also, I am aware that he has some new solo material to follow up Slingblade.”
(Bryan Watkins, NYC)

“Having worked in the jazz/blues/gospel management and booking industry, even with Quint Davis, I know of the options that are available and it seems like they are avoiding anyone with true skills, outside of locals, and leaning towards names. With the money they are spending to get the Dave Matthews Band, they could have had a huge number of quality jazz artists to help with this year’s limited talent selection in this extremely important genre.
“I mean, come on! Jimmy Buffett? Are you shittin’ me? Can you possibly think of a more clichéd, hurting act to draw more useless yuppies to a sacred event? Why are they attempting to ruin the one music festival in the country that once held high standards. It seems like every year they add more rock bands and yuppie groups in order to draw them in, but isn’t this contradictory to the entire history and goal of Jazz Fest?

“I think it’s time that they step back and take a look at the direction they are taking the Fest. Dr. Professor and Mr. Booker are probably rolling in their graves. I would be.”
(Jon Sherman, San Francisco)

“My friends and I have a name for it. It is that feeling you get when you are at the Fair Grounds and it is impossible to imagine being anywhere else or doing anything else at that exact moment in time. We call it a “moment.” I am sure that many people go through their entire lives without really knowing what this feels like. I, however, have been lucky enough to experience many of them over the years. Sonny Rollins caused me to have such a feeling of nirvana I thought that all those Christians might be right about the Rapture and that God was going to come get us all right at that very moment.

“But . . . whatever it was it was not in the Goddamn parking lot. Why the fine folks at Festival Productions have chosen to put the Jazz Tent in the parking lot (along with the Gospel Tent, which is no less important) and make more room for circus geeks like Spyro Gyra and The Doobie Brothers is beyond the reasoning of a simple Soul Fan like me.

“I know that the crowds have not been growing at the rate that the promoters would like. And I completely agree that the fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday can get really crowded and very uncomfortable. But is the solution to start taking away the very things that made it what it is? I don’t know what the exact solution is and I am not a Festival Organizer, but I do know that the largest public park in the United States is just across the way (Quint, hint, hint!). It is the Louisiana Jazz and Heritage Festival. It is not the Louisiana Heritage and, uggghh, oh yeah, by the way, we have some great Jazz out in the parking lot Festival.”
(Brooks Hamaker, Jazz Fool and Brewer, Abita Springs, LA)

“I’m so jazzed about the Fest this year. I’m happy with the line up but for one artist who isn’t on the list: Sonny Landreth. Saw him last year and stood up front with the true believers. Tell me that he’ll be there. I’m coming from Pittsburgh and even with the great acts scheduled not seeing Sonny would be a real disappointment. Who sets up the schedule? Did someone forget to invite Sonny? He is truly a New Orleans artist. Am I the only one who feels he should be included in the Fest?”
(Monica Reskovac, McKeesport, PA)

“This year’s winner for the most out of place musical act goes to Buffy Sainte-Marie. In years past I have awarded this honor to Richard Thompson and Phish, among others. If ya can’t dance to it, don’t book it. Regarding corporate sponsorship, how does the ‘Megabux Computers Jazz and Heritage Festival at New Orleans’ grab you for a title? Just say NO! And while we’re at it, bring back the Professor Longhair stage! And how about dedicating a James Booker stage?”
(Bruce Ward, Houston)

“Bravo! It’s like old times. A few headliners, but mostly Louisiana bands like it should be. Please Quint, stick with your roots. No more Phish Phiascos.”
(Steve Moran, a nine-year Fester, LBI, NJ)