Jazz Fest 2014 is getting pretty close! And deciding who you're going to see at a music festival can be the toughest part, even tougher than the heat. It usually involves heartbreak, like last year when I had to choose between Hall & Oats and The Black Keys. But it's something that must be done. Some folks will try to do both, but I don't recommend it. I say stick to one and enjoy it, don't spend half the set making your way from one crazy crowd to another.
So here is my list of shows that I'm planning on making it to. Some of these decisions were not easy to make.
10. Solange
Just for funzies. Thursdays are usually the chill day of Jazz Fest. It should be a plesant set … and all the hippies will be at String Cheese Incident.
9. Better Than Ezra
It's a '90s thing. I bought their CD for one song back when people still did that.
8. Alabama Shakes
I've been loving this band. I can't wait to see Brittany Howard sing live. Her voice kills me sometimes. In a good way.
7. North Mississippi Allstars
I've been wanting to see these guys live for awhile. They seem like they put on a good show.
6. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
I love me some Trombone Shorty. It will be the perfect way to end Jazz Fest.
5. Phish
This is a nostalgia thing. I've had some pretty amazing times at Phish shows. It might be interesting to see them not under the influence of the things I used to do in my younger years. But then again, that might have been a requirement to enjoy them … I guess we'll find out.
This was a tough decision though, because Big Freedia plays at the same time. But I figured that since I live in New Orleans, I'll have plenty more chances to see her. Also, I'm going against my own advice here because I'll only be watching part of their set and then head over to Robert Plant before he goes on — but only because Phish starts an hour and a half earlier. That's a solid amount of time.
4. Santana
This was also a tough one. The Avett Brothers play at the same time, but Santana won out because he puts on an amazing show and I think he translates better to a festival. The Avett Brothers would be better to see in a smaller venue.
3. Foster the People
This decision is sure to be met with the shaking of heads from my friends and I may just have to go see Foster the People alone while they go watch The Boss, but I don't care. I must see them. I played their album Torches constantly. No matter what, it always put me in a good mood, and I can't listen to "Pumped Up Kicks" without dancing … at least a little bit.
2. Eric Clapton
I've never seen him before and figured I should since he's a legend. I hear he's a decent guitar player.
1. Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters
Robert Plant holds a spot among my top 5 rock gods (living or dead) so if he's there, it's a given that I'll be watching. And if you go see Robin Thicke instead … just please don't tell me about it.
