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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'Online' has been updated

Two chapters have been added to Online.

~ Hath

JazzFest Simulcast today!

Saturday May 2nd starting at 12:45 PM CT watch live performances from Ben Harper and Relentless7, Dr. John, and Spoon, one hour of Dave Matthews Band's performance, highlights from Joe Cocker,and much, much, more! See full lineup.

If you go here, you can vote for which performers you'd most like to see. It doesn't say anything about the vote meaning anything, but if you look at the list of performers they're going to show on the site, Jovi isn't on there. BUT, they are leading the poll...

Guess we'll have to tune in and see...

~ Hath

Football, Anyone?

Ron Jaworski's Running Deer Golf Club in Pittsgrove, NJ will be holding its first Craft Fair & Demo Day this Sunday.

The Craft Fair will be held in the Grand Ballroom from noon to 5 p.m. There is free admission, giveaways, kids crafts and activities & more. They will be giving away an autographed Jon Bon Jovi football.


SO! Anyone in the area? Willow?

~ Hath

Because I also have a crush on Chris Daughtry

Daughtry will debut “No Surprise,” the first single from the band’s second album, during the Wednesday, May 6 episode of American Idol.

It is the first track from their 19 Recordings/RCA July 14 release. Daughtry is currently in the studio finishing the yet to be titled album, which follows the band’s GRAMMY-nominated, quadruple-platinum debut. “American Idol fans have been so loyal to this band, we wanted to give them the first listen to our new single,” says singer Chris Daughtry.

Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely recorded the new album’s 10-plus songs in Los Angeles. Boasting a more gritty sound, the new album features a band sharpened by two years on the road, where they’ve graduated from clubs and theaters to opening arenas for Nickelback and Bon Jovi.

The new album follows the runaway success of Daughtry’s 2006 debut, which scored three #1 songs and was the biggest-selling artist release for two years running. The accolades garnered by Daughtry include multiple wins at the American Music Awards, the World Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards.


I can't wait! Not a big fan of Idol this year, but a HUGE Daughtry fan. SO looking forward to the new record!

~ Hath

Feel the global love...

In my Google Alerts this morning, a link popped to a site where the author was writing about "The God-liness of Richie Sambora".

Of course, as a self-labeled LOVER of all things Sambora, I had to go check it out. She describes Richie as "...unique and a fine, fine man, with some gorgeous guitars, kick-ass solos, and really, really nice hats."

It was a fun read.

~ Hath

Richie DID take off his shades...

... at TriBeCa lol
Here's one pic I found...




I swear to God, it should be a crime to cover up those gorgeous eyes...

~ Hath

More TriBeCa pics

Thanks to my 'email buddies' (you know who you are). Love you girls!

~ Hath

Jon Bon on Fallon Tonight

Check your local listings, NBC is re-running the first epi of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

~ Hath

Matty's Newest Venture

Article found on The Advocate:

Matthew Bongiovi, the youngest brother of Jon from the Bon Jovi rock group, plans to open a bar in June at 84 W. Park Place in downtown Stamford, the former site of the Thirsty Turtle.

It will be a "boutique nightclub" called 84 Park, said Nan Leonard, Matthew Bongiovi's publicist.

Unlike his world-famous brother, Matthew Bongiovi is an entrepreneur, not a musician, Leonard said Wednesday.

The younger Bongiovi co-owns the Elements Steakhouse & Lounge in Sea Bright, N.J., with Vince Rizzo, according to the Elements Steakhouse's Web site.

Leonard said more details about 84 Park will be released soon. Bongiovi was not available for comment, she added.

If it opens as scheduled, the new club could draw customers from large crowds that gather for the Alive@Five concert series sponsored by Stamford's Downtown Special Services District.

"It is very, very positive that someone like Matthew Bongiovi wants to partner in this major and expensive effort" to renovate the former Thirsty Turtle in the downtown, said Sandra Goldstein, executive director of the DSSD. "It shows that even in times of economic hardship, people recognize strong communities and strong potential for economic growth."

The Thirsty Turtle closed for undisclosed reasons in the winter after six years of operation.

Denise Aivalis, co-owner of the building that will house 84 Park, said the club will have an "L.A." theme.

"It's going to be something that Stamford has not had before," she said. "We have been working hard to get this deal done."

The ground floor of 84 W. Park Place contained the Art Bar before Thirsty Turtle.

"It's a good location," said Jack Condlin, president and chief executive officer of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce. The club, 84 Park, "should do well there."

The recession has not stopped restaurants and clubs from opening in the large block that 84 W. Park Place shares with the Bowtie Cinemas Majestic, the landmark Curley's Diner, several other restaurants, Target and the 34-story Trump Parc condominiums.

An outlet of the Buffalo Wild Wings chain opened April 18 at 208 Summer St. amid media fanfare and large crowds from a free wings giveaway. Nearby, the Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar and Mary Ann's Mexican restaurant are slated to open next month.

"The economy is showing signs of recovery," Condlin said. "We have heard that some restaurants and food places are actually seeing an increase in business. They are still a little leery and not ready to celebrate yet."


~ Hath

Random Richie

Leaving LAX on Monday to fly out to NYC.

Anyone ever flown on the same plane with him? Is he a sleeper on those cross-country flights? Reader? What does he read? Does he flirt with the flight attendants or just want to be left alone?

Inquiring minds want to know...

~ Hath

Jon Bon to dine with the prez?

President Obama’s first White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner has the feel of a political convention with a touch of Oscar glamour.

Excitement surrounding the Obamas’ entrance into the White House has turned next Saturday’s dinner into a weeklong parade of non-stop parties, A-list celebrities, dinners and brunches.

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Natalie Portman, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Val Kilmer, Bradley Cooper, Kyra Sedgwick, Tyra Banks, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, Eva Longoria Parker, Kevin Bacon, Jon Hamm, Forest Whitaker, Ed Westick, Jessica Szohr, Jon Bon Jovi and Kate Walsh are just a sampling of the bold-face names scheduled to attend.

~ Hath

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The Boys at TriBeCa

early review mentioned that in the documentary Jon seemed lonely and disappointed at being unloved by critics. That's a bit surprising to me, actually. Jon has always said they'd never been the critics' darlings, and he never seemed to mind.

I didn't see the documentary myself, so I can't make my own judgement, but it appears to me that Jon (and the band for that matter) never seemed to care what any of the critics think (witness This Left, my second favorite record after TD, but major pans from the crits).

Watch for BigAppleJovi's review of the show; it's sure to be an excellent review.

From all accounts so far, it was an interesting showing, and the guys looked a little tired. Guess they need the energy of a concert audience to look their best.
Speaking of... when is that summer show?

~ Hath

David Bryan Interview on Q104.3

This is the full interview from Q104.3 on April 21. This is the same interview where the vid clips are from. I love listening to his voice. You can practically hear the smile in his voice.

Give it a listen :)

I have downloaded this file and will upload it to my SkyDrive later tonight.

BUT, for now, here's the interview....

~ Hath

Win the Toxie Soundtrack

Prize : The Toxic Avenger : The Musical Soundtrack CD.

Where : shakefire.com

Deadline : May 26th, 2009.

How To Enter : Click the above link and complete the form.

Open To : Residents of the United States.

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Happy Anniversary, Jon and Dorothea!

Life in the limelight isn't always kind to relationships, but rocker Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea Hurley have made their marriage work.

So how do they do it?

Fear, apparently lol.

At the Food Bank for New York city's Can-Do Awards dinner on April 21, Jon was asked what he thought was the secret to a happy, long marriage.

His answer?

"I'm afraid of my wife," he jokes. "Best investment I ever made," he adds more seriously. "Trust me, she's the best. I'm very happy."


I thought that was a great, funny, flip answer. But we all know the truth. It's like any other great marriage: the two of them love each other, respect each other, and have the patience to put up with each other's crap. :)

Happy Anniversary, Jon and Dorothea, and congratulations!

~ Hath

New Jovi Show Teaser!

I subscribe to BackstageJBJ on Twitter (shut up) and they teased us with this post today:

Looks Like Your Favorite Band Is Adding One More Show This Summer! :)

I'm sure it was on BSWJBJ before it hit the Twit, but I was still excited to hear this. Anyone know details? More specific rumors?

Anyone?

ANYONE?

Bueller?

~ Hath

Vote for Jon as "Best Oprah Surprise"

Over the past 23 seasons, Oprah and her team have surprised hundreds of unsuspecting guests. Do you have a favorite? Cast your vote for one of the options below, or write-in your pick. It could be featured on an upcoming show!

Jon Bon Jovi Surprises Beth Mills: Rocker Jon Bon Jovi shows up at Beth's front door with a special delivery.


Vote here.

~ Hath

Jon's speech at the Can-Do Awards Dinner

Thanks, Rike, for letting me know this was up. It's a partial video of the speech that Jon gave on the 21st when he accepted the Can-Do Award. I had some time this morning, so I transcribed what was here. If anyone has the "full" video (this one fades in a couple places -- you'll see -- and it isn't the full speech) I would love to hear it.

Jon may be accused of being a lot of things, but nobody can accuse him of not caring. Take his words to heart, especially in this economy where people are so down-hearted, depressed, and despondent.

Believe in the Power of We.

~ Hath

First, I'd like to thank Sonny and Cher for reuniting tonight.

You could tell that Ken cannot handle his wine; I can.

Those waves were two feet high -- I was fine.

Anyhow.

Thank you, thank you Kenneth and Maria for being such good friends, your kind introduction and your, your incredible work; be it at AMFAR or in the homeless issue with HELP USA. I'm grateful for the education and for your friendship.
And I want to give very special thanks to Mario and his wife Suzie for enlightening me, taking me through the Bronx and into Harlem. But I'd like to thank Dr. Lucy Cabrera and Julie Panabianco and everybody at the Food Bank of New York City for their hard work and for this honor.

But the truth be told, when I was asked by Mario, I was reluctant to accept this award. I feel guilty being praised for doing what brings me so much personal satisfaction. But then when I heard that 300,000 meals are being served every day across the 5 boroughs, I shook my head and at first I thought “well, this has to be a typo.”

So I called, and I asked, and I was humbled.

After going to the Bronx and seeing the food bank and its massive operation then heading to the community kitchen of Harlem where people would line up along a city block for a meal, I thought to myself how could I not lend a hand? And how could I not be part of this? This was New York City. In America. In 2009. This is unacceptable. This is, this is just unacceptable.

* fades here, there may have been more of the speech, but not on this yt*

Traditionally hardworking blue collar, even white collar families are having a hard time making ends meet. And at times like these, the problems seem overwhelming because still many people out here and outside of here want to help; sometimes they just don’t know how or who to help. And it can be hard to imagine one person can really make a difference in the face of such challenges, but here's just one statistic that blew me away: 15000 hours annually, are volunteer hours, at the food bank alone. That's just one example of people making a real difference.

The number of volunteers across America is growing. And in trying times, I believe that Americans have been there for each other. It's what I've often referred to as 'The Power of We'. There are those that say that maybe I have a romantic view of the world, and maybe I do, but I truly believe that people want to do good, and they want to help others. Perhaps there is just a little silver lining in these troubled times, and it's the motivation to see beyond ourselves, and the opportunity to look beyond our differences and truly make a difference, 'cause I believe that we are truly each other's keepers.

* fades here, there may have been more of the speech, but not on this yt*

Toxic Interview (Parts II and III)

OK, so I'm a slacker. BUT, I always follow through, even if it's late. Here are parts 2 snd 3 of the interview with Dave and Joe D.






~ Hath

TMZ Says Something Nice

That got your attention, didn't it? lol

From TMZ:

There's no more dangerous place in the world for a recovering alcoholic than Blackjack table in Vegas -- but this weekend at the Hard Rock, Richie Sambora was in the mood to gamble...



Fortunately, the Bon Jovi guitar legend -- who went to rehab for booze in '07 and got a DUI in '08 -- only took a chance with the cards, because Sambora and his crew stuck to bottled water all night long.

That's a win in our book.


Way to go, Rich.

~ Hath