GOD AND THE JAZZ & HERITAGE FOUNDATION KEEPS THE PEACE
Dave Matthews Takes The Stage
I broke up with Dave Matthews fans at Jazz Fest 2001. Although I’d seen Cowboy Mouth several times before that first Fest of the new millennium, I was stoked to see them in this setting where everyone plays their best, especially locals triumphantly returning for the hometown crowd. However, as I tried to reach the Ray Ban Stage (now Acura) the day of their performance, the Dave fans had gotten there early and spread out giant blankets, staked off expansive areas, and generally crowded everyone out. Half the blankets were empty, awaiting late arrivals or just hogging space, and as I tried to tip-toe my way along the edges–they’d block the walkway–I was yelled at and harassed at every turn. For the offense of stepping on the corner of one blanket, a girl jumped up, slapped my rear, and called me a ‘fat ass.’ I couldn’t get anywhere near the stage, but the people up front all had their backs turned, ignoring every other act and talking over the music as they waited. Even Cowboy Mouth, used to a hometown reception, got disgusted and stopped mid-song near the end of the set, dropped their instruments, and walked off stage. I applauded. In that moment, DMB fans became the Newman to my Seinfeld, and I’m not alone. Dave Matthews day is greeted with groans by Jazz Fest fans far and wide.
ABOVE: Dave Matthews opens his set with “Seven”
God Sends The Rain To Keep The Peace
This year, though, God and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation worked at mending fences. At some point between my last Fest in 2003 and my return in 2012, the Foundation instigated new rules: [Read more…]