What would your musical life be without the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival?
You may soon find out — for the first time, the Jazz and Heritage Foundation board, the non-profit group which controls the direction of New Orleans’ greatest musical event, has decided to consider a “title sponsor” for the event.
This means that if a group — let’s say someone like Microsoft, or JVC, or some mega-bucked corporation — decides to ante up enough money, they can virtually own the festival. This year, Computer Associates, (holding its 20,000-plus convention in New Orleans during the festival) and the foundation board discussed the possibility of CA becoming the title sponsor (read the “Computer Associates Jazz & Heritage Festival”). The time wasn’t right this year, apparently, as CA and the board didn’t reach an agreement, but according to a recent Times-Picayune article on the subject, “the door is definitely open for 1999.”
Considering this proposition as a music lover and supporter of all things musical in New Orleans, I was outraged at first. “How dare they!” I thought, “the Jazz Fest is part and parcel of the musical heritage of the city — they’re selling out!” But hey, I’m a businessperson too, and it takes some big bucks to put on an event of the scope and quality of our beloved Jazz Fest. If they can raise the dollars, good for ’em! But, and it’s a big but — for what are those extra dollars being used? Will they bring in better entertainment? Will our local musicians be paid more? Will the title sponsor have an influence on the types of music presented? Will ticket prices go down (or at least stay the same price)? Will the Fest be expanded to extra days to cut down on the overcrowding that’s really become detrimental to increased attendance in the past few years? Will a new festival be created? Will the foundation’s non-profit activities and contributions be expanded? Where will the extra money go (lots of locals wonder where the profits of the Jazz Fest go now, anyway)?
It might be a good PR move on the part of the non-profit Jazz and Heritage Foundation to make public its board’s expenses, the foundation and festival’s administrative costs, and the ways in which its profits are utilized for charitable activities. It’d probably be wise to let the music community know that allowing a title sponsorship (and the money it will bring in) will improve the situation for everyone, as that is supposed to be the Foundation’s goal as a non-profit entity.
Of course, there’s always the option of calling it the Computer Associates’ New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival — as long as the music doesn’t change. That should cover all the bases.
I’d like to hear your opinions on this issue. Please email me at [email protected] with your comments.
One venture the Jazz and Heritage Foundation certainly supports is the newly formed Musicians’ Clinic of New Orleans. The clinic is a not-for-profit healthcare service sponsored by the Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans, the Jazz and Heritage Foundation and the LSU Medical Center (OffBeat participated in a survey assessing the need for such a clinic). The clinic is located in the LSU Medical Center Clinics Bldg. at 2020 Gravier Street and is staffed by volunteers from the LSU Medical Center faculty. “Over the years, our musicians have soothed our souls and lifted our spirits. We want to thank them. We want to keep them healthy. The LSU clinic’s goal is to keep our musicians thriving!” says a press release announcing the clinic’s opening.
Musicians’ health services are provided based on their ability to pay. Members of the Musicians Mutual Protective Union #174-496 and all professional musicians in the greater metropolitan area are eligible to receive this healthcare service. Call 599-0000 for information or an appointment.
OffBeat staffers made their annual trip to Austin’s South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW) just last week. A media co-sponsor of the event for eight years, SXSW is an incredible testament to the creation of a viable music industry. SXSW has literally put Austin on the map musically. The directory of attendees from SXSW is a virtual who’s who in the music business in the U.S. and internationally. It’s definitely a power-schmooze arena. About 800 bands took part in showcases in Austin clubs — everything from singer-songwriters to roots music to real alternative stuff. Twelve bands from Louisiana showcased — (Rhudabega was a big favorite).
New Orleans is definitely on its way to becoming a mecca for music business as well — its own music conference LMNOP is gearing up for its second year. According to Managing Director Scott Aiges, things are progressing well — about 200 bands are scheduled to showcase this year. Keep looking at OffBeat for info on LMNOP, or call them at 504-592-9800 for more info.
OffBeat (and Times-Picayune) cartoonist Bunny Matthews has signed a development deal with Porchlight Entertainment to create an animated primetime cartoon show. The adult-oriented show will be set in New Orleans (da’ nint’ ward version of “Southpark”?), but according to Matthews “will not be Vic ‘n’ Natly.”
Matthews said, “If Mike Judge, the bass player [and creator of “Beavis and Butthead”], who was kicked out of Anson Funderburgh’s band can make it, so can I.” Yeah, you rite.
In an intriguing twist in the New Orleans record retail landscape, Virgin Megastore — which opens April 16 — hired away longtime Blockbuster Music District Manager Ray Genovese as their Store Manager. Genovese is a veteran of the local record retail business, having worked for Tape City, Sound Warehouse and Blockbuster. Says Genovese, “It was a very tough decision to make after 14 years with Sound Warehouse and Blockbuster, and 25 years in the New Orleans record business. But, it was a very exciting offer, and I look forward to the challenge of living up to the Virgin mystique.”
Finally, you have a great chance to win a cruise for two on the first-ever Zydeco Cruise, set to sail from New Orleans on November 14-21. The cruise will feature Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie and all the zydeco dance lessons your little feet can stand. Just subscribe to OffBeat (or buy a subscription for a friend) and you can win a chance; or send a postcard to the magazine with your name, address and phone number to “Zydeco Cruise,” 333 St. Charles Avenue, Ste. 614, New Orleans, LA 70130 (deadline for entries is June 1, 1998). The winner will be announced in our July issue. Bonne chance!
