Bon Jovi masses encounter real New Orleans at Jazz Fest

by Keith Spera, Music writer, The Times-Picayune Saturday May 02, 2009, 2:52 PM

Never doubt the power of New Jersey's second favorite son to pull a crowd.

At 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, the line to buy Jazz Fest tickets stretched for more than a block north along Fortin Street. It extended from the Sauvage Street entrance past the Gospel Tent, all the way to the Blues Tent. At least those waiting could hear decent music.

Probably a thousand people were in that line. At $50 a ticket, that's $50,000 toward whatever astronomical amount Bon Jovi was paid to headline the Acura Stage today.

It is safe to assume that many of this afternoon's ticket buyers are Bon Jovi pilgrims. They are mostly young, flying college colors from across the southeast and beyond.

Many, in all likelihood, have never been to Jazz Fest. Perhaps many are unaware of the indigenous culture of New Orleans, even if it is their hometown.

The moment they entered the Fair Grounds, though, it hit them.

To the right, the Gospel Tent pumped with Dillard University's VisionQuest Chorale and special guest George Huff, "American Idol" alumnus and New Orleans native.

Up ahead across the track, Big Chief Juan and the Golden Comanche Mardi Gras Indians chanted on the Jazz & Heritage Stage in all their glorious colors.

Just past the stage, the neophyte Jazz Fest-er would encounter a second-line of the New Generation and Undefeated Divas Social Aid & Pleasure Club. Powered by the Pinstripe Brass Band, the "Gents" in burnt orange and pale blue strutted and stepped in matching suits and fans made of feathers.

Plunging forward, past the kid devouring the oyster sacks, he or she would run smack dab into the enormous throng at the Congo Square Stage for Deacon John and his big band. Moore would shake his moneymaker with a wicked slide guitar, and testify that there are "Many Rivers to Cross."

"It's time for the blues," he announced. "Everybody can understand the blues."

Even the most hardcore Bon Jovi fan.



Have fun, FM, JBJBounce, and all you other girlies. DON'T FORGET! Richie needs my cell number; I think he lost it lol.

~ Hath

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