At the Fest, Ignorance Is Not Bliss

Hey everybody -- once you hit the Fairgrounds, it can be pretty intimidating -- stages and bands are everywhere (you'll soon learn that this is a good thing!). How can one ease the transition, you ask?

1. The golden rule of the Fest -- Have a grid with you! Before you leave for the Fest, go to www.jazzfestgrids.com and get grids for each day of the Fest. Laminate these grids. Punch a hole in these grids. Tie string through that hole and tie the grid to your clothes on Fest day. DO NOT LOSE THIS GRID -- if you do, you will be lost (NOTE -- nola.com hands out some fancy grids at the Fairgrounds entrances on the first day -- they go fast, so if you want one, get there early).

Also, go to the above website for club grids -- these list what's going on every night at NO clubs during the Fest.

2. Educate yourself about the artists who will be appearing. Most of the greatest stuff I have seen at the Fest has been stuff I've never heard of prior to the Fest. Don't miss out. Tune into "Jazz Fest Radio" for tracks from Fest '05 artists. It's free and you'll be happy you listened when you get to the Fairgrounds. Listen at: http://www.vh1.com/music/radio/stations/jazz_fest/station.jhtml

38 DAYS TO GO!!