Round Two!

A day of rest and now we are back at it. But WAIT! some of you may be saying. Jazz Fest isn't starting back up until Thursday. Very true, but that doesn't mean that there isn't fun still happening!! Obviously today I am at work. If all goes according to schedule, Lisa should be arriving here around 2. We are going to meet up at the New Orleans arena around 4. No we aren't lucky enough to have tickets to the Hornets game. However Bonerama is going to be playing the pre-game festivities outside the arena, so might as well go soak up some of the playoff atmosphere!! Tomorrow it will be work again then I will bop on over to Wednesday in the Square where I will be pouring beer for a few hours. Hopefully this week someone will actually give me a break....I killed 5 kegs on my own last week and well...this week is going to be SO much more busy.

Thursday, well Thursday is a special day. I am hoping to see lots of people at the Acura Stage that day. Not just the bands, but the actual people. Bonerama AND PBS on one stage, back to back??? I mean how frickin lucky can one girl get??

Just to mention again if you will be in town, either visiting or living here, don't forget on Friday night that Bonerama will be doing another signing at the Jamie Hayes Gallery from 8-9! Come see the print for yourself and have the guys sign it! :) :)

Jazz Fest or Rain Fest?

My Jazz Fest has been so different this year. It has thrown me off a bit. I haven't taken many pictures so far, mainly because of the rain. Two days of rain hasn't made it real pleasant at times. For the sake of music we endure it.

Friday I got out the fest later than planned. I grabbed the only thing that has been customary for starting out the fest, crawfish bread and a Miller Light and headed over to the Fais Do Do stage. Caught a part of the Zydepunks before going over to Congo Square to browse the wares for sale. I kept running into people I know, so before I knew it, it was time to head on over to see Bonerama being interviewed by David Fricke (of Rolling Stone). It was a great interview laced with some music. Hearing the bones blast away the paddock area at the Fairgrounds was just amazing. The sound bounced of the walls and just filled the space up with the brassy ballsy music that is the Bone. Best quote of the whole interview was when Craig said that Mark learned how to dress and do his hair from Harry Connick Jr. Oh and of course when David kinda forgot that Bonerama DID have a guitar player. After the interview I had to check out Robert Plant and Alison Krause. She has the most beautiful voice. Someone said to me later that it reminded them of a mother singing lullabies. Robert? Well come on now. He is Robert Plant.

After that I bid the fest a fond farewell for the evening. I had to head on over the hotel where the manager was staying and count out some merch and get it organized for the evening. First up for the Boneramas was an artist/musician reception in the Quarter. Jamie Hayes is a local artist who has done up a rather funky and fun print for Bonerama. It is being sold at Jamie's gallery and also at the shows. The boys and Jamie signed a bunch of posters and mingled with fans. I sold a few cds and the new t-shirts that have the print on them. The best moment had to have been the one captured in the below pic:
I think George Porter Jr was happy to have one of the prints in his hands. I won't be surprised to see a George one soon. There will be another reception this Friday, May 2nd at the gallery as well. After that it was time to get everyone to Chickie Wah Wah, and blow the joint down. I was designated to sell merch in the little patio area that has just been finished.
I was quite glad the rain held off that evening.

Saturday I started out helping out WWOZ with will call, then made it into the fest just as the rain came down. We stuck it out though. Saw some Jon Cleary, Dr. John, Cowboy Mouth, Robert "Wolfman" Washington and then to the very shortened set for Paul Sanchez.
The picture turned out dark because, well it was DARK out already!! It was pouring and there was thunder and lightning. Paul only played 3 and a half songs. And let me tell you, it was the best 3 and a half songs that I heard all day. Everyone on that stage wanted to play for those fans that stayed and they gave it everything they had. Matt Perrine set the mood, as he came from the dressing room area you could hear him coming down the corridor playing "Singing in the Rain" by the time he got to the stage the crowd was cheering. It was one of the most fantastic musical moments for me. Something so simple. Craig saved us from having to stay out longer at the fest waiting for another ride, he just rocked the world last night. I was able to squeeze in a short nap before heading to the Maple Leaf. Not my most fun night there. I was selling merch out in the back bar area. It as so crowded, I got stepped on, hit in the face (it was an accident) drink poured down my back, and stepped on some more. It kinda sucked. Not the music just the whole atmosphere. It was too crowded for my liking. I didn't end up getting home until after 4:30 this morning. I stayed for about 5 songs of George's set at the end of the night and it was still packed when I left. Not as packed but enough.

This morning I was at the fest again to help out WWOZ, made it in before the rain hit again. I only caught two acts today. Leroy Jones and Gregg Stafford. It was dry in the Economy tent, just the way I liked it. The music was killin and had people second lining through the crowd. You make the best of what you can do. Like Mr. Phluffy did.

I mean no other man I know can pull off that much pink and still be straight. Seriously. I left shortly after Gregg's set to get merch ready for this evening's festivities. Nope no Bonerama tonight. Tonight it is PBS' turn and let me tell you...I am ready to hear some of their funky music. Almost craving it. But not until I catch a nap.

It Begins

I am sitting here with what is probably my 4th or 5th printout of the Jazz Fest cubes. Going through and marking the acts I want to see. Some stay constant, others are added. Really none go away. Unless I clone myself there is no way I can FULLY enjoy every musical act I want to see. We all know that it will change again anyway. Some people have their cubes laminated. I kinda understand that, and would do it as well but it is a waste of money for me because in the end, it will change. I have two color of highlighters with me this time. It is time to get a bit more serious about my planning. See I am helping out WWOZ on a few days and I need to remove the acts from the time I am working. This weekend I am going to be at the will call booth for a few hours handing out brass passes. Next weekend there will be a few hours spent in the hospitality tent. I obviously won't be making any of the sets in those times. So acts must be removed. *SOB*

It is an almost delicate science really, working out your jazz fest schedule. You want a nice mixture of the bands you know and love, the ones that someone told you about (ya know that one night in the club and they just raved about a certain band?) and for some, it is about seeing the big money makers. Because really when else are you to see Billy Joel for under $50? (providing that you bought your tickets before the price went up)

Tomorrow morning I am shooting to be there in time to see a couple of the first acts. Right away we run into a scheduling conflict. One is a band I love, the other I have heard a few songs on the radio and told you really have to check them out live. As long as I have crawfish bread I can make it through the day.

Not a Rock Star.....just in training.....

I was talking to someone yesterday when I realized that the craziness kicks off tomorrow. Not that I don't mind, but this time of year seems to go by in such a lighting pace. Really time goes by when you are having fun. So much happens that I am amazed year after year that I can manage to pack in so much to one day. This year will be no exception. I have once again realized how lucky I am to be here in this city and experience this time of year with all the joy that I can handle. I also realize that there is going to be very minimal sleep for the next few weeks. Let me give you a quick run down on what will be happening.

Tomorrow is the Wednesday in the Square fun. If you can make it out, you should!! Big Sam's Funky Nation is starting the evening out following will be the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. I will be pouring the Abita and dancing. Thursday evening I will be taking in the musical styling of Paul Sanchez and who ever is sitting in with him that night. Now here is where it twists a little on me. Normally on the eve of the fest, George Porter Jr. plays at Southport Hall with the Runnin' Pardners. I don't believe that is going to happen, in fact I believe he is playing with the Trio at the Maple Leaf. Which is fine. Just a bit closer to home and I will still get the dose of George I need before the fest begins. Friday, well Friday is of course the fest. I am not sure what time I will be there, but I will be there and I will be taking in what I can when I can. Most definitely with crawfish bread in one hand and a beer in the other. There are a certain amount of acts I want to see but it always changes right. I will be at the interview that Bonerama is doing with David Fricke, cuz that is just too cool. Friday night Bonerama is kicking it off at Chickie Wah-Wah. Yes it is back. Yes it is awesome, yes Dale rules. Saturday I will be helping out WWOZ at the will call booth for the morning then into the fest I go. Again I will go where the fest takes me. Saturday night Bonerama is at the Maple Leaf. Sunday will repeat the same way, ending with PBS at the Howlin Wolf. Monday will either be a day of rest (work happens also this day) but Instruments Acomin is at Tips and that is always a fun night. Tuesday I do believe will be a rest. Wednesday it is back to Wednesday in the Square and beer pouring. Thursday is of course the big fun day for me. Bonerama AND PBS at the fest. Both are playing that evening as well. PBS is at the Howlin Wolf, Bonerama is at French Quarter Tips. Friday I will be working the Hospitality tent for WWOZ for a few hours at the fest then enjoying my time there. Friday night Bonerama is at Rock-n-Bowl. Saturday more fest, then Bonerama at d.b.a, Sunday is of course the last day of the fest, which I am usually catching my 500th wind at. Sunday night ends it all with PBS at the Howlin Wolf. Then I will collapse. Not to mention friends in town, people at the house, it is so the best time of the year. Hopefully I will see some people out there, please come find me. I will either be dancing or lying on the grass taking a nap, come say hi.

Rising

Lisa asked me to go and take some pictures of the river for her, so I thought I would share with everyone the pictures I did take. I went on up the levee where I normally take my bike rides. The last time I went on a bike ride was a week and half ago. I was amazed at that point how high it was then, I mean I did know the river was rising but I guess I didn't comprehend it to well.

The water around the radio tower isn't normally right all the way up the levee as it is in this shot. There are usually people down at the base of the tower fishing, playing with dogs, not much room for that now.
These are some of the houses that are on the other side of the levee. They are all raised up for this purpose, although the water hadn't been reaching the houses in awhile, so when I went by and saw the water underneath the houses and up the base of the levee it blew my mind.
The one thing that I had gotten used to seeing was the fridge that someone dumped down the levee. It has floated about a half a mile from where I would usually see it, now mixed in with driftwood, and other trash items.
Under the Huey P, some ducks are swimming along!
One more shot....it is definitely getting higher and higher.

One day of Rest

So Pete asked me if I did in fact make it out to FQF. I am proud to say that I did. I was a little out of it for most of the day. My body took quite a beating from being on that concrete floor in the arena for so long. My knees hurt, my feet hurt, I had blisters and was over all exhuasted. I didn't want to miss out on the fest however. I was willing to power through it. I was up pretty early on Sunday and made my way to the Streetcar. By the time it got up to Napoleon, the car was packed, yet more people kept getting on. I did run into some friends on the way, so we walked over to Ingrid's set together. Once there we did lose track of each other, but that was okay. Really all I wanted to do was to sit down and enjoy the music. Jessica showed up, and by that time I decided I wanted a Pimm's cup. The line to sit down to eat was out the door, and some people standing in line wouldn't let anyone wanting to go up to the bar and order a drink to go, well go in. Obviously some tourists and I wasn't in the mood to fight it so I wandered across the street and got myself a bloody mary. We went back to Ingrid's stage to catch the rest of her set. We weren't there more than 5 mins when I was called and asked to come and sell Merch for Paul Sanchez's gig. We sold a TON of cds for Paul, Shamarr, John and Susan.


They had a nice crowd gathered around their stage, and everyone did seem to be enjoying themselves.
As you can see here from this pic, I had some extreme bags and dark circles under my eyes, yet I did have a smile on my face. I love the way that the set was advertised as Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road show, yet he gave the stage over to John, Susan and Shamarr so they could do their thing as well. He is a gracious performer. After Paul's set we went over to Jackson Square to catch the end of the Pfister Sisters. If you haven't seen them, you really should. These ladies have some beautiful voices!!
After the set we did finally get a chance to eat (first meal of the day) and I knew exactly what I wanted to get. Vaucresson Sausage. I ordered up a hot sausage po' boy and Jessica got a crawfish sausage po'boy. We gracefully ripped them in half (okay it wasn't graceful) so we each got to try a little bit of each. Of course we had our customary hurricane together. Then it was off to Preservation Hall to see Leroy and Katja.

I was at this point starting to fade fast, so we journyed on back to my house to drop off Jessica's bag then, well it was a trip down to the Maple Leaf so Jessica could induldge in the crawfish boil. We stuffed ourselves with the spicey goodness then it was time to crash. Crash I did. I am still trying to recover. But so worth it.

The DL. The 411.

Sit down, relax, grab a drink and get ready to hear all about the spills chills and aches of this past weekend. This will be a long post as I want to put as much as I can remember into as possible. However as I sit here at my desk, I have dozed off once or twice already.

Thursday morning is where we will start. When I got the first of many production schedules, we were to be at the arena for 5:30 AM. I was spared that by a phone call around 7 PM Wednesday night saying, no we get to go in at 9 AM. Well that is a HUGE difference. I kept my alarms set for the normal time as I wanted to pack up my backpack with some things I may or may not need, and as we all know how much I love the public transportation around here, I wanted to get on a bus that would get to the arena at the assigned time. I was out of my house at 7:30 AM, arriving at the arena at 8:00 AM. An hour ahead of the call time. I found a little café across from the Superdome and had the first of many cups of coffee. I made my way to the arena around 8:30 and saw the hustle and the bustle as they were loading in all the lights, sound, and stage. I made my way to the production office where I met some of the PA’s and office staff. I was given a tour of the arena and the rehearsal room. We then sat down with the Stage Manager and the Assistant Stage Manager (ASM). See they brought down their own people to work the show, they knew they would need a few more ASM’s so they hired someone locally who in turn got me the gig. I was the 2nd ASM to the main ASM. At that point they walked us through the show, explaining the set, and how the general flow was going to go. We were then asked to go and mark out the stage in the rehearsal room. Of course the room we were using was smaller than the actual stage, so we scaled down for the purpose of fitting in the room. The purpose of marking out the stage was so when the actresses rehearsed, they had a general feel of where things were. We were in the middle of this when we were asked to come and help sort out the dressing rooms, green room, hair and make up rooms. Basically make sure that there were enough seats in each room. It turned into a small headache, as the saying goes “to many cooks in the kitchen” With that sorted out we finished taping up the rehearsal room. We were waiting for our next marching orders when we were told that we were going to get to go home for the night. It was 5:30 at this point and the reasoning for letting us leave was that we were going to be doing so much more in the upcoming days and they didn’t want us to burn out to fast. Most of the day was “hurry up and wait”, we knew it was about to get crazy. I journeyed off to meet Jessica and the D.C. Krewe at Snug Harbor for a quick bite and then to d.b.a and the Maple Leaf.

Friday morning our call was also for 9 AM. This time I had a ride, as the other 2 ASM’s were showing up on this day and one lives nearby. Again the day started out the same. We gave the two new ASM’s the tour of the arena, gave them the lowdown at what was going to happen. It was more of the hurry up and wait, then the fun started. Turns out that they didn’t have enough talent escorts so we went into a mad dash to track down people we knew who may be available to sit at the hotel and make sure the actresses got in their cars and help them with anything they needed. The one person I did call mentioned she was going to the Quarter, I had forgotten all about FQF for a bit. I was assigned the fun task of going over the Superdome to find some allergy medicine for one the actresses rehearsing in the rehearsal room. We didn’t have medical in the Arena but the Superdome did. Of course the “Super Love” portion of the weekend was happening over there. Every security guard and person with the Dome directed me up the 3rd level to find medical. I get up there and no, it really wasn’t what we needed. I didn’t need the health lounge that was offering free HIV testing, information about pregnancies, free blood pressure test, all the good stuff you would find at a convention. I finally tracked down a medical room and no one was there. As I am waiting for the assigned person to be radioed and told to come up to where we were I get a text message from the arena (my radio wasn’t working over there) that I needed to go section 133 locker room 4. So I head down there to discover that there was no one in that room either, and I knew there wasn’t a locker room on level 1. So back up I went to the 3rd level. Or so I thought. See I had taken the elevator down with a “Super Love” staff member but she was called off to somewhere else. I get back on the elevator and ask for the 3rd level. Yes they have an elevator operator. When the doors opened up it didn’t look right, and I made a comment about it, but the older gentleman working said “no this is right” well it wasn’t, I was up much higher than I had been. Rather than arguing, I found the closest exit and ran down the ramps until I got to the right level. Luckily I was finally able to locate the medical personal just to find out that they didn’t have allergy medicine. So I text back to the arena this news only to find out that they had also sent someone to the drug store. I made my way back down to the Superdome floor where they were just starting the “Super Love” day. Up on stage they had some Native Americans fancy and traditional dancers. I stopped in took in the moment. It was back to the arena for some more “hurry up and wait”. Our next big task was herding in the members of the choir. It was originally to be 200+ choir but ended up being only like 100+. We then joined in the rehearsals of Charmaine Neville, Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill. We mainly just watched the rehearsals, every once in awhile a few of us were called onstage to take down the names of the choir members that would be onstage. We taped the stairs so that they were more visible, and put names on the choir chairs. We were finally released around 10 PM. I made my way to the Maple Leaf and sold merch for Bonerama. My main plans had been to go, set up the merch, maybe stay for the first set then have my housemate or Jessica sell merch for the rest of the night. However I was having too much fun, there were a ton of people that I knew there. The bar was packed and the sound was awesome. I did take off as soon as it was possible when the band was done. I arrived back to my house around 3 AM. I knew that the next day was going to be long.

Our call for Saturday was for 7:45 AM. My ride picked me up at 6:30. We were able to load up on iced coffee and be there with bells on. This was it. Everything we needed to know about the performance that night was to come at us in a flying manner. We spent the morning getting the chairs for the actresses ready (all the ladies sat around the stage which was in the round) taping their names on the chairs making sure we had enough. Honestly this day becomes a bit of blur. I was on my way back to the production office from running an errand of some sort when I ran into some of my fellow ASMs. They were discussing out to remove the black draping from what was to be Oprah’s dressing room. Why? Oprah was not coming. That is right. The lady who was the biggest draw to the entire event (for most people the event in itself should have been a draw but that is for another time) there was a monologue written especially for her. The official story is she was sick. This wasn’t the case, but it’s not my place to say in a public forum why she didn’t show up. Let me just say that the little respect that I had for her is no longer there. Let me a quick moment to explain something.. All the actresses were there because they wanted to be there. They wanted to take part in this amazing event. To raise awareness on the V-Day organization. They flew themselves out, they paid for their own hotel, they did not get paid to do this. They were committed to being there and supporting Eve and her journey to help women. Anyway. So we are taking down the draping and cleaning out the dressing room so we can put someone else in there. The producer of the whole thing wanders by and asks what we are doing. Turns out he didn’t know that Oprah had pulled out and here we the ASMs were the ones to break it to him. It turned into a controlled mass chaos for a bit, then it was time for the cue to cue rehearsal with the entire cast. In this mad cue to cue rehearsal I kept getting pulled to go over to hair and makeup and see how they were doing, then walk the actresses who were done with their part over there. So in a sense I didn’t do my jobs during the cue to cue. The only things I did do were the mic set ups for the choir, but as soon as I was done it was back to the hair and make up rooms and escorting. The house was to open at 6:30; we finished the cue to cue at 6:00. We had time to shovel food in our mouths, go over our duties one more time really fast, make sure there was water available for the actresses and the next thing you know, we were at ten minutes. The arena wasn’t sold out however there were a lot of people there. There was no backstage area for the ASMs to hang out in waiting for our next cue so we had to find spots in the aisles. I was a bit luckier as I was next to the choir band and was in a way able to blend in with them. One of the other ASMs (our local lead) spotted Dylan McDermott walking through the audience. Hot damn that man is beautiful! We given a 5 minute warning so I got an usher to shoo the women scrambling for pictures and autographs from Dylan. And then the show started. Our first cue was to pull the silk fabric off the stage in which Eve was lying underneath. Then we were off and running. My main job was to make sure that when the actresses in my section were almost up to let them know, to tell them when it was time to go up on the stage and help them up the stairs. There were a few mic placements done, helping change out a microphone that didn’t want to work and trying to make the show move smoothly which it did. The only part I was nervous about was really out of my control. See sitting with the actresses were some activists from all over the world. Some of them didn’t speak English. This was some of the ladies first trip out of the US, some out of their countries. They were going to be given flowers as they walked across the stage. As their name flashed up on the screen. We never rehearsed this. In the end we go the activists up all at once and then just had them walk up on stage. I am pretty sure it wasn’t on cue. As fast as it started? It was over. The energy in the hallway leading to the greenroom was exploding as the actresses cheered each other on. It was a fantastic moment. I found myself standing next to Val Kilmer as it happened. We ended our evening sometime after 1 AM.

Now for the “gossip” of the show. The nicest actress? Didi Conn. Ya know. Frenchy from Grease. She just wanted to chat the whole time with us. I wanted her in my section, but alas she was not. The one with the most attitude and most diva like? Jennifer Hudson. Jane Fonda was eating in catering with the crew and production people, hanging out with us. The lady can rock out a pink jump suit like NO one else’s business. Kerry Washington has a very infectious laugh. Rosario Dawson was so excited and happy to be there she was practically bouncing off the walls. Faith Hill is really as sweet as everyone says she is. Jennifer Beales and Christina Lahti are smoking hot. Doris Roberts is fantastic. They were just all so nice. Really, truly and honestly. Since we were working there was to be no autographs or pictures which in the end was just fine with me. There was a documentary being filmed so hopefully we will be able to get our hands on that as well. The only person I really was hoping to have a conversation with was Eve herself. That didn’t happen, as she is a very busy lady. She did say hi and good bye. Overall this experience was a pretty fantastic one. Yes things didn’t go smoothly as planned, yes there were rough moments. But I wouldn’t change it for the world! If you do want to see some pictures, Getty Images has some up. Scroll part way down and then go to town. It is about 2 pages worth!!

If I were to Go....

So as luck would have it, not only is Vday this week, but so is FQF. The only day I will be attending will be of course Sunday. I plan on taking in the Pfister Sisters (NEW cd out NOW go grab it!!) Paul Sanchez and the Rolling Road Show, Leroy Jones, and hell...I don't know who else. I will be wandering trying to get as much in as I can. Or passed out in a puddle of drool.

If I were going Friday and Saturday, I would of course be checking out well just about the entire fest. Some of my favs will be playing. Original Hurricane Brass Band, Storyville Stompers, Rick Trolsen, Bonerama (that is a no brainer for anyone who knows me), Soul Rebels, Tin Men, Billy Iuso and the Restless Natives, Johnny Sketch, Susan Cowsill, Lionel Ferbos, Lars Edegran, Shamarr Allen, Big Sam, Bob French, Gal Holiday, Zydepunks, New Orleans Nightcrawlers.

So if you are going, check out some of these bands. You won't walk away disappointed!!

Breathe....Breathe.....

Ya'll remember how I get to work on the V to the 10th celebration that is going on this weekend? I just got my schedule. It seems from this schedule that I am in fact working in the arena. I will be putting in some looooooong hours there and it will so be worth it. We are talking about 15 hour days at least. See I wanted the Arena. I want to work in the Arena. The Arena is where the performance of Vagina Monolouges will take place. This is by the far the biggest performance I have EVER worked on. I may be having a slight freak out here. I need to get it all out before Thursday because I won't have time. That and I don't want to act like a complete moron and really fuck this up. I don't want to be a babbling idiot in front of some really cool people. I am not just talking about the celebs. (HOLY HELL) but with everyone involved.

Let me take you back a bit, not only to calm myself but to give you a background on my theatre history. I really don't think I have gone into it much here, but if I have, bear with me. I vaguely remember being in a play in grade school. I don't remember what it was about or what my lines where, I just remember being in one. And I do remember I enjoyed it. What I really remember was going over to the high school when I was in 7th or 8th grade to see a play that was going on. I don't remember if my sister had friends in it or what, but I remember that it had an impact on me. I really wanted to take drama classes when I got to HS. However, the way my schedule was set up, I wouldn't be able to take a drama class until my junior year. The first class I took was not the performance class. It was just the basics. We performed only in front of the class. It wasn't until the next year when I could start performing on stage. The summer in between my junior and senior I was able to be a volunteer at Music Circus in Sacramento. The show I worked on was "Sound of Music" and I was, I guess a stage hand. We changed all the sets in between scenes. It was a ton of fun. Come my senior year I was in 3 plays, my favorite being "Alice in Wonderland" as the Queen of Hearts. None of these performances were fantastic, I mean they were high school plays but they were a TON of fun. I knew when I went to college that I wanted my degree to be in theatre. I considered a minor in dance since my junior and senior years I had been taking dance (yes I did shut it!!) The summer before I was to leave for college I went back to Music Circus. This time as an intern for college credit. I did everything from painting, working in the costume shop, sound. See the idea was to get you to work on every aspect of the shows. I worked on the following "My Fair Lady" "South Pacific" "Grease" "Annie" "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "Man of La Mancha" you were also suppose to get a small role in a show. However the one they had me up for? I was going to be in Montana for orentation. I wasn't overly pleased but then what are you going to do. I ended up working with the sound people the most. For every show I was one of the mic dressers. Made sure everyone was mic'd at the beginning of the show who needed one then would go from exit to exit ripping off one mic and running it to another entrance and getting it on another actor....sometimes in less than 30 seconds (the theatre was in the round...lots of running) By the end of the summer I was getting to mic the leads. It was pretty awesome.

Now we are up to college. I spent two years studying acting because I really thought that is what I wanted. Turns out I didn't. It took a professor telling me this before I realized he was right. One of the associate professors suggested that I look at Stage Managing. Oh what a concept. And now....I am realizing I have talked a bit about the work I did out of college. 7 years straight of back to back shows. It was amazing. It is all leading up to this, I guess. This event is truly the largest one I have ever worked on.....I can't tell you the emotions that are going on here. It is going to be a thrilling ride, these coming three days. If you see me on Sunday at FQF? I will either be asleep on the grass in front of a stage or dancing my ass off.

Wait? The day is OVER??

It was a mad training session this weekend. It included a long bike ride, seeing 7 bands in 2 days (6 on Saturday), some sleep, reading, another long bike ride, movie watching and other general nonsense. I have been trying to post a blog all day, but work actually got in the way. Now that I have a second? I am too tired. I do have pictures to share, however that entails downloading and organizing....and well it will just have to wait until tomorrow. I need to go and find a document somewhere stashed in my room and then go to sleep.....acupuncture does that to me. Totally mellows me out man.....

Take a Second!!

Bonerama was nominated for a Jammy Award. Which is kinda like the Grammy's for Jam bands. Except the fans get to vote. So if you have a second, please vote for Bonerama. They are up for a Best Live Album of the Year award. It really doesn't take that long and I would love for them to walk away with it. :)

In Training

We are three weeks away from Jazz Fest. One week (and the rest of today) away from French Quarter Fest. What I am wondering is if everyone has gone into training yet for these fests? As for myself I do believe I am in prime form for the fests. Yes, I will be missing two day of FQF (SQUEE!! I start working on VDay in a WEEK!!) however if I had been going to those two days as well, I would still be in fine shape. However, one needs to keep up training so I offer these "tools" for your use.

Yesterday started the spring session of Wednesday in the Square. I have once again signed on to be a volunteer, or a taste tester if you will. I am one of the ones pouring the beers. It is a chance to listen to some steller music, drink some beer, eat some fantastic food (yummy Rotolo's!!) and hang out with some pretty awesome folk. I, however did not get to attend yesterday, as I was babysitting. I do that alot when Bonerama is on the road. Help out where I can. But I will be there next week!! And every week until June 18th. Either back at the beer trailers or selling merch. Check out the lineup and come have some fun!!

Coming up this Saturday is sure to be a lot of fun. It is once again time for the Freret St. Festival and is going to have a lot of great music and food. I grabbed this from my weekly Offbeat email since I can't seem to find a website for the fest: Saturday marks the 11th anniversary of the Freret Street Festival, presented by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans. Music starts at 11 a.m. with Jo "Cool" Davis, and over the course of the afternoon, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbeque Swingers, the Soul Rebels, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Fredy Omar, and Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots will be among the performers on three stages spread out from Napoleon to Jefferson Avenue. The musical offerings also include "An Afternoon of Jazz" with Troi Bechet, Leah Chase, Phillip Manuel (pictured), Gregory Thompson, Sharon Martin and Pearlie Tyler. The free festival will have artists and food vendors, as well as a home ownership fair.

Also happening this weekend is the Old Algiers Riverfest where yet even more music and fun can be had. This will go on both Saturday and Sunday.

So if you are in the mood for a fun musical filled weekend? It is here. Starting off small, then working your way up to FQF then to JF. Seriously love this town.

Sad News to Wake up to.

A NOLA blogger that I have read from time to time has gone away.

RIP