Seaside JAZZ Festival

fulltime, I am the main one on here doing the fussing, but it isn't because they were charging admission. It is because there were almost no people in the audience for whom the bands to play, and that was due to Seaside charging admission. As another person pointed out today, there are typically more people on that grass in Seaside, when there is nothing going on, even though the last three days were silently free. If the place was packed, you wouldn't hear me moaning. I am embarrassed for the lack of the audience, and since many people were in town, I think it is solely due to a lack of promotion and ticket prices. It is fine to put on your blinders and enjoy the almost private show, but for me, there is something about live audiences. I am reminded of the idea of going into a supposedly great restaurant on a Friday night, only to see no one else there. To me, that is how this week's shows felt. Rebirth Brass Band played a wedding a couple of weeks ago with more people than the Seaside Jazz Festival opening day. Perhaps if I said that the Seaside Jazz Festival was a successful event, then, you could ask me to share what I was smoking.

Today was a repeat audience of the last two days. Pictures above, from Friday, were the same scene for Saturday and Sunday. As I was standing on the sidewalk after today's show ended, I had people stop their cars and ask me if something was going on. I kid you not. There is not one banner posted, nor names of bands listed, no welcome to the Seaside Jazz Fest posters, for people to see when driving through Seaside. From inside the venue, all you would really know is that it was a Heineken Festival with Jazz, but no one was drinking.

update on next weekend's tickets -- according to the flyer I saw today, Friday will be free admission. Sat and Sunday tickets will be $50 each day, and Monday will be $75. For the weekend pass, tickets will be $150 each. No discount for kid prices.

fulltime, I am the main one on here doing the fussing, but it isn't because they were charging admission. It is because there were almost no people in the audience for whom the bands to play, and that was due to Seaside charging admission. As another person pointed out today, there are typically more people on that grass in Seaside, when there is nothing going on, even though the last three days were silently free. If the place was packed, you wouldn't hear me moaning. I am embarrassed for the lack of the audience, and since many people were in town, I think it is solely due to a lack of promotion and ticket prices. It is fine to put on your blinders and enjoy the almost private show, but for me, there is something about live audiences. I am reminded of the idea of going into a supposedly great restaurant on a Friday night, only to see no one else there. To me, that is how this week's shows felt. Rebirth Brass Band played a wedding a couple of weeks ago with more people than the Seaside Jazz Festival opening day. Perhaps if I said that the Seaside Jazz Festival was a successful event, then, you could ask me to share what I was smoking.

Today was a repeat audience of the last two days. Pictures above, from Friday, were the same scene for Saturday and Sunday. As I was standing on the sidewalk after today's show ended, I had people stop their cars and ask me if something was going on. I kid you not. There is not one banner posted, nor names of bands listed, no welcome to the Seaside Jazz Fest posters, for people to see when driving through Seaside. From inside the venue, all you would really know is that it was a Heineken Festival with Jazz, but no one was drinking.

man, this does sound like a crying shame. but, SJ, I have seen a big banner out near 30A, near the seaside post office, for a few weeks now announcing the festival. I picked up postcards announcing it as well. I also saw posters around town. they always grabbed my attention because I liked the design and all the black, and I would think to myself "I want to go to that.. the cost is reasonable for such a show.. " but I never made plans to go because there are lots of other things going on as school draws to a close and I just don't have time. maybe next weekend... for those who enjoy really good music, they will pay the price. but, where were the people? why didn't they come? this is what I don't understand. is it market driven? are people protesting seaside for their town rules and regs? did they fail to do any marketing beyond a few posters and a banner? what the hail happened?

As one of the organizers of the Seabreeze Jazz Festival (which was held at Seaside it's first two years back in 1998 and 1999) -- I know the work it takes to build one of these events. It simply doesn't become successful overnight in a small market like South Walton. Celebrating our 10th year last month...the event at Gulf Place attracted a total of 15,000 people (4500 max per day) over a 4 day period. Almost 60% came from out of our area. Our daily ticket was $80... weekend pass $130....and VIP tickets $375. We were able for the first time to offer VIP Corporate tables for $5000 each...and all four of them sold out. The bottom line is... if the event is good enough-- people will come and yes...they will pay admission to attend. I do feel the tie-in to the smooth jazz radio station is an important part of its success. But I can't help to feel the marketing people at Seaside must feel at a loss for such a poor turnout. Hopefully next weekend will be an improvement for them.

thank you seabreeze radio. I do feel better after hearing from you. It is upsetting to me to hear about such a low turnout in my favorite little seaside community. but it is new and all. I hope this festival continues. actually, I wish it was over here at Eden State Gardens with musicians playing and people lounging on the grass under the massive oak trees, hint, hint...

I agree...great idea...but since the new Event Ordinance is now in effect in WC -- Eden would never be approved for an event permit by the County Commission due to zero on-site parking. The days of having Artsquest there or any event that would attract a good crowd...sadly...are history.

I agree...great idea...but since the new Event Ordinance is now in effect in WC -- Eden would never be approved for an event permit by the County Commission due to zero on-site parking. The days of having Artsquest there or any event that would attract a good crowd...sadly...are history.

oh well, I guess we can just enjoy it in peace then and not have to share paradise with hordes.

man, this does sound like a crying shame. but, SJ, I have seen a big banner out near 30A, near the seaside post office, for a few weeks now announcing the festival. I picked up postcards announcing it as well. I also saw posters around town. they always grabbed my attention because I liked the design and all the black, and I would think to myself "I want to go to that.. the cost is reasonable for such a show.. " but I never made plans to go because there are lots of other things going on as school draws to a close and I just don't have time. maybe next weekend... for those who enjoy really good music, they will pay the price. but, where were the people? why didn't they come? this is what I don't understand. is it market driven? are people protesting seaside for their town rules and regs? did they fail to do any marketing beyond a few posters and a banner? what the hail happened?

I've been in Seaside the last few weeks and don't recall seeing any signs, though there could have been. I can tell you that during this event, when you drive by all of the white tents, you wouldn't know what it is. Perhaps the signs are all blocked by the tents.

Tonight, I read in the Walton Sun, an article on the event and half of the article talks about Hurricane Katrina victims, and that this event is a fund raiser for NOLA bands who lost their homes in Katrina. I heard one other person say this on Friday. No where on the tickets or posters or ads in the Walton Sun, does it mention that this is a fund-raising event. People like to give to good causes, but this good cause was not publicized at all. Tell people why the ticket cost money. You have to be able to sell it, and they are not selling it. In fact, the MC closed out Friday's show without mentioning anything about the reason for the event, didn't mention the next show, the other bands, etc, and when he was running out of filler, he said, "Take off your clothes." Thankfully, he stopped talking after that. I think that is when he knew that he was not an MC.

there was definitely one large banner hanging high near the PO on the green. but I never saw anything about a fund raiser. that's a pretty important part of the event, I would say.

This is even more disturbing if the event was a fundraiser. Very unusual for people not to show up for that.

Respectfully, the above statement should be clarified with several facts.

At a DSA (Merchants of Seaside) general meeting on 12/20/07, merchant attendees were told that the Board had decided the Seaside Spring Wine Festival would be replaced by "Journey Through Jazz" in 2008.

The merchants as a whole were never asked by the Board or DSA office if they wanted the Spring Wine Festival ended. The merchants as a whole were never asked by the Board or DSA office if they wanted a Jazz event.

Thus, both decisions appear to have been made solely by the Board. The majority of merchants had no input nor knowledge until the Jazz event was announced by the Board at that meeting as being a done deal.

The purpose of my post was meant to clarify that the event was not put on by the Seaside Corporation or Seaside homeowners without the merchants' input but that, ironically, the "Merchants of Seaside" put on the event without the merchants' input. Most people don't know the difference between all the entities, and why would they? Your post further makes the point that there was a huge disconnect between the organizers, the merchants, and especially the potential ticket buyers.

Event website here: http://www.seasidefloridajazzfestival08.com/

I cannot find any mention of this event being a fund raiser of any kind.

The purpose of my post was meant to clarify that the event was not put on by the Seaside Corporation or Seaside homeowners without the merchants' input but that, ironically, the "Merchants of Seaside" put on the event without the merchants' input.

Most people don't know the difference between all the entities, and why would they?

Your post further makes the point that there was a huge disconnect between the organizers, the merchants, and especially the potential ticket buyers.

Agreed, agreed, and agreed. We love Seaside and want to see it do things that please locals and visitors alike.

Imagine the families that will be coming here for Memorial Weekend that will see a wall of tents...and their kids can't play on the grass at the amphitheatre unless they pay $150 for admission.

DSA, take down the tents and make the remaining shows free including Neville Brothers. The $$$ losses might begin to be offset by the goodwill that would create...

Let's support the musicians & merchants

Now is the time on SoWal when we dance. It's time to get your funk on people!



May 19, 2008

The Neville Brothers Headline Seaside Jazz Festival


Seaside, FL – The Neville Brothers, New Orleans “First Family of Funk”, bring their blues-soaked jazz to the Seaside Amphitheater, Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 at 6pm as part of the Seaside Jazz Festival: A Journey Through Jazz sponsored by The Merchants of Seaside.

The festival started last weekend, with a full line up: featuring headliner, Latin Grammy Award-winning flautist, Nestor Torres, Shamarr Allen, Jesse McBride, Ted Shumate, The Rebirth Brass Band. The festival continues this weekend, Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26. Friday night opens with free access to the community as Hot 8 Brass Band takes the stage at 7pm.

A variety of jazz talents round out the line-up this weekend, including Marva Wright, Little Freddie King, Glen David Andrews, Hot 8 Brass Band, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, as well as Gulf Coast favorite, Dayve Stewart.

Tickets can be purchased through The Merchants of Seaside by calling 866-579-5424 or online at www.seasidefloridajazzfestival08.com and are available as daily passes or full access weekend pass. Friday, May 23 is a free kick off concert; tickets for Saturday, May 24 are $50; tickets for Sunday, May 25 are $50 and tickets for Memorial Day, May 26, featuring the Neville Brothers are $75. The full weekend access pass is $150.

The Merchants of Seaside are proud to support New Orleans jazz musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina, bringing them to the stage in Seaside and donating proceeds from the festival to further their ability to get back to what they do best: play music.

Let's support the musicians & merchants

http://www.seasidefloridajazzfestival08.com

May 19, 2008

The Neville Brothers Headline Seaside Jazz Festival


Seaside, FL – The Neville Brothers, New Orleans “First Family of Funk”, bring their blues-soaked jazz to the Seaside Amphitheater, Memorial Day, Monday, May 26 at 6pm as part of the Seaside Jazz Festival: A Journey Through Jazz sponsored by The Merchants of Seaside.

The festival started last weekend, with a full line up: featuring headliner, Latin Grammy Award-winning flautist, Nestor Torres, Shamarr Allen, Jesse McBride, Ted Shumate, The Rebirth Brass Band. The festival continues this weekend, Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26. Friday night opens with free access to the community as Hot 8 Brass Band takes the stage at 7pm.

A variety of jazz talents round out the line-up this weekend, including Marva Wright, Little Freddie King, Glen David Andrews, Hot 8 Brass Band, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, as well as Gulf Coast favorite, Dayve Stewart.

Tickets can be purchased through The Merchants of Seaside by calling 866-579-5424 or online at www.seasidefloridajazzfestival08.com and are available as daily passes or full access weekend pass. Friday, May 23 is a free kick off concert; tickets for Saturday, May 24 are $50; tickets for Sunday, May 26 are $50 and tickets for Memorial Day, May 26, featuring the Neville Brothers are $75. The full weekend access pass is $150.

The Merchants of Seaside are proud to support New Orleans jazz musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina, bringing them to the stage in Seaside and donating proceeds from the festival to further their ability to get back to what they do best: play music.

Bimmer, I agree. Take down the curtains, put up a picket fence if you must control the food and beverage to protect the sponsor, Heineken. Get a good spokesperson to MC the event and solicit donations for the worthy cause. The green will be packed, and the money will flow.

As Kurt said, it's time to get the funk on. EVERYONE, Friday's show is FREE, and it sounds like it will be a great one. Come out and play! You too, Tootsie! www.myspace.com/hot8brassband (listen to samples)

The only advertising I ever saw was the sign by the post office. If it hadn't been for the white tents and Sowal I wouldn't have known anything was going on.

The tents are a pain and stupid IMO - the way to keep people from enjoying paid music for free is not to obscure their VISION and take up parking spaces!

Now is the time on SoWal when we dance. It's time to get your funk on people!

This past weekend has some great music, and I think the music will only get better this weekend. I'll see you there! Come out and support the New Orleans Jazz musicians who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina!

Can anyone enlighten me - were the proceeds always going to benefit NOLA musicians affected by Katrina, or was that decided after the fact because ticket sales were low?

As someone stated before, public knowledge of that would have been a MAJOR driving force in ticket sales.

See you all Friday night!!!!!!!

Anyone have any idea which organizations the proceeds will be going to, specifically?

Jazz Feast

I believe the concept was to help support the bands (which most are from NOLA) and provide some gigs! Many did loose their homes during Katrina. Normally the musicians are paid direct and the ticket proceeds go to help pull off the event.

The past weekend music was awesome!!!!!!!!!!! And the weather was great....

I heard one person, unaffiliated with the event, tell me on Friday, that he heard that some of the proceeds were going to NOLA musicians. I had no other knowledge of such until I read the article in the Walton Sun, last night. The only other place I have read that or heard of that was this morning, when Kurt posted a press release. The last sentence states that the proceeds were going to the NOLA Jazz artists affected by Hurr. Katrina. People riding by don't know that it's a Jazz Fest, so I'd bet good money that they don't know that proceeds are going to the NOLA Jazz musicians. Where are the booths with photos boards, showing the devastation of Katrina? Where are the slide shows? Where is the reminder of the good cause of the event? There is more signage for Heineken than the festival itself, much less the beneficiary of the event. I see nothing on their website home page regarding the proceeds/beneficiaries. Even looking through their entire site, I see nothing noting it. However, I did find plenty of rules on what you cannot do.


www.seasidefloridajazzfestival08.com/Seaside_Florida_Jazz_Festival_FAQ.pdf

This page offers info that I have not heard and contradicts something that I mentioned earlier, regarding no kid prices and food.
From the official site:

Can I bring food?
Seaside offers several food establishments to choose from. You may stop by and pick up food to go, or, you may bring in food and snacks of your own.

Can I bring my children?
Children 5 and under are permitted without a ticket, all other children require a ticket to attend the event.

Where do I park?
Parking is very limited in Seaside. Free parking is available at the Walton County Courthouse Annex with complimentary shuttle service to Seaside! Shuttle pick up and drop off is located at the Walton County Courthouse Annex on Hwy 331 at 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach - next to the Walton County Library and Walton County Chamber of Commerce. Shuttle services start at 5pm on Fridays and at 1pm on Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day.

Are individual tickets available?
No, the ticket is a one ticket for the entire weekend (note that the recent press release states daily tickets are available.)

THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT ALLOWED:
NO pets - except registered, Seeing Eye dogs
NO grills, hibachis, or open flames of any kind
NO glass containers or bottles
NO beer balls, six packs, or kegs
NO tents or pup tents (don't worry, there are plenty of tents around the perimeter.)
NO overnight camping
NO videotaping
NO video cameras
NO cameras or camera phones
NO audio recording devices
NO unattended infants or small children
NO littering
NO cell phones or pagers during performances
NO coolers (but you picnic baskets are suggested. I guess you have to eat hot food.)
NO umbrellas


THE FOLLOWING ARE RECOMMENDED:
Snacks/picnic basket
Lawn Chairs
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
I.D. tags for small children
Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be for sale inside the venue