I just got back from San Francisco last weekend, the site of the long-awaited Meters reunion. The Warfield Theater was packed with fans, the crowd was psyched (well ahead of time)–after all, this was the reunion we’ve waited for almost two decades for, and nobody thought it would ever really happen. The band was wonderful; a few jams went off into the stratosphere, but the old magic and connection between the band members was great. I know for a fact that there was absolutely no animosity between any of the band members (those are long bygone days), and everybody was thrilled at the way the concert turned out–just another example of music being the ultimate healing force in the universe, I guess.
The question is: will it happen in New Orleans? I think it will.
The general consensus is that San Francisco was chosen as a venue because two of the four members of the original Meters (Leo Nocentelli and Zigaboo Modeliste) live in the Bay area; and Bill Graham Management, which manages the Neville Brothers and the funky Meters (George Porter, Jr. and Art Neville) is also based in San Francisco. Ticket prices were pretty steep too ($85 at the door, well out of the range of the average New Orleanian, but not the average San Franciscan). The band members (and management) could easily see that what happened on November 11 at the Warfield was a phenomenal experience. There’s a whole new fan base of funksters out there (see Cristina Diettinger’s review of the San Francisco show, this issue)–more the age of original Meters fans’ kids. That’s pretty damn cool, if you ask me. These guys have created a unique legacy that’s just as popular (or even more so) with a new generation. Even the after party scene rocked San Francisco until the sun came up (not something you usually see in San Fran–but John Gros at the Paradise Lounge (with Art Neville sitting in!) kept ’em hoppin’ ’til 8 a.m. or so. The question remains–who will promote the Meters’ reunion show in New Orleans? Jazz Fest? House of Blues? Tipitina’s? You betcha–it’s gonna happen; we think this Jazz Fest will be the time.
Since this is the Christmas season, and we should wish goodwill to everyone, let me say thank you to all the musicians who provide the live performances and CDs for our reviewers and editors to write about; a special thanks to our advertisers and subscribers who support local music and musicians through their investment in this magazine; and of course to the OffBeat staff and writers who work so hard to put out this labor of love.
My trip to San Francisco pointed out something pretty interesting for this Christmas season. While our local economy leaves much to be desired in a lot of ways, I have to say that as a place that fosters artistic endeavors, New Orleans rules. I have never, ever seen so many homeless people on the streets as I did in San Francisco. It was truly sad and appalling. While every large city, including New Orleans, has a homeless population, ours is minuscule compared with San Francisco. I’ve been told by a musician/promoter in San Francisco that a lot of musicians in town are having to leave, as they can’t afford to live there anymore (I don’t think anyone will ever have to say that about New Orleans, at least in my lifetime). So while San Fran, Los Angeles and New York have the lion’s share of the money, they will never have the musical soul of New Orleans (thank God!). If you live here, overlook all the bullshit, the third world mentality, the byzantine politics and give thanks for what we do have: a place where musicians and artists can at least afford to live and develop their art. And we get to enjoy it all, every day!
BEST OF THE BEAT
It’s time again to pick the award winners for OffBeat’s Best of the Beat Music Awards. In October, we sent ballots to over 6,000 musicians and music businesses throughout the state for nominations to the Best of the Beat ballot. The nominees are listed in this issue, on pages 48 and 49. To vote for your choice, please go to offbeat.com or insideneworleans.com. OffBeat’s Best of The Beat Music Awards 2000 will be held again at the House of Blues on January 3, 2001, with the Business Awards as a separate event on January 4, 2001. This year, the House of Blues will sell a very limited number of tickets to the Music Awards to the public for $35 each (contact the HOB at 529-BLUE for more information on tickets).
NEWS NOTES
Best web site idea I’ve seen in a while: musicjournalist.com. Gives contacts for music writers, photographers, tips on editorial stuff, contacts for bands and record labels geared towards journalists. Excellent site!
Loyola University Music Business Seminar Series in December will present Jeri Goldstein with a lecture on The Art of Contract Negotiations and Career Management within the Music Industry, Monday December 11, 7:30 p.m., Nunemaker Hall, Loyola University. The event is free and open to all students, faculty, and the general public and is co-sponsored by the Music & Entertainment Industry Students Association, OffBeat, the Louisiana Music Commission and WWOZ Radio. As one of the most respected agents in the country, Goldstein managed the careers of some of the top touring acoustic artists on the circuit. She is well known for her prominent writings in the music industry, including her book, How to be Your Own Booking Agent.
WWOZ and the Louisiana Music Factory will celebrate ’OZ’s 20th anniversary on the air with a party at the Factory on December 4, from 5 to 9pm. Call the Music Factory at 586-1094 for details on who’s playing at this special celebration.
With that being said, a Happy Christmas to all–and get in those Best of The Beat votes! See ya in the new year!
