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to the VNO Jazz Fest Page Strong headliners on all three days. Dr. John and Al Hirt will be big local draws on Friday, and James Taylor adds a "national" performer. Lots of other local faves on Friday, including Woodenhead, C.J. Chenier, Zachary Richard, and Little Queenie. Ellis Marsalis and Pete Fountain on Saturday would make me pick Saturday over Friday if I had to choose. I'll probably pass on Santana, since odds are he's playing at the same time as one of the two other main acts. Add Cowboy Mouth, a bunch of brass bands, Allen Toussaint and Jean Knight, and you get a strong day. I've never been a big fan of Irma Thomas, but her shows are intense and totally New Orleans, so that'll be a big draw on Sunday. Who knows about Earth, Wind and Fire, since it's been so long since they've been up on the charts. If they're scheduled at the same time as the funky Meters, I'll be watching Art and George.
Summary: If you have to pick one day, go Saturday. There isn't a single act with a serious national following any of these three days (like Jimmy Buffett or Phish), so there won't be one of those "one-act crowds" invading the Fair Grounds this weekend.
Thursday is traditionally "Local's Day," in that most folks from out-of-town come in for Saturday and Sunday. BeauSoleil's a winner, Blues Traveler will attract a crowd, as well as Mary Chapin Carpenter. It'll probably be more crowded than past Thursdays, but I don't see that as a big problem. If the big acts get too crowded, there's always Delfeayo Marsalis and Tab Benoit. Friday's headliners don't look like the types to attract ridiculous crowds (Al Jarreau, Bruce Hornsby, Delbert McClinton), so this will be a good day to get a real taste of the 'Fest without being trampled. Cyril Neville and the Uptown Allstars, Doc Cheatham, and Rockin' Dopsie Jr. make this a good day. Saturday evening will be very strong, with Buckwheat Zydeco, Herbie Hancock, and Better Than Ezra. I'll take George Porter and Runnin' Pardners, Charles Neville, and Dirty Dozen to round out the day. The Second Sunday will be the usual zoo and mass of bodies, with the Nevilles and the Rads closing the show. I usually take a pass on this day because of the crowd, and there's no one act that is pulling me to change that strategy.
Summary: Friday looks like the best of the three days here, although the lighter crowds on Thursday do make for a nice afternoon/evening. Saturday and Sunday of Weekend Two are always more crowded than Weekend One, so count on that in your planning.
I'm not a big Neville Brothers fan, so if I were coming from out of town, I'd get more for my money on Weekend One. There's the funky Meters to get some Nevilles music (specifically Art), then Ellis Marsalis, Pete Fountain, and Al Hirt are a trio of acts that define New Orleans Jazz. Combine that with the general overcrowded situation in the Quarter and at the Fair Grounds for Weekend Two, and my money would be better spent on Weekend One.
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