Jon Pareles - 40th Annual Jazzfest

As described via the eyes and ears of Jon Pareles.

It turns out this is the most heavily attended one since Levees' - FEMA Fail05 , (peak year Jazzfest attendence was 2001).

Jon did a rundown on the Ponderosa Stomp here.

Jon and Jazzfest: "Zydeco at a Bowling Alley" here.

Jon, Jazzfest and "Soul Men" here.

Jon, Jazzfest and "Voice of the Wetlands" here.

There are more links following "Voice of the Wetlands," which are equally interesting and valuable to read:

"A Bit of a Stretch;" Behind Threadhead Records; "Other Glimpses From Friday;"

Jon is one hell of a reporter. He does his legwork as well as his earwork. I know just how arduous what he's doing is. I've been with Vaquero while he's done the same thing. It is not at all the same as running around from one stage to another while drinking a lot of beers, and running into your friends. Well, yes, that is part of it. But you have to somehow remain clear-headed enough to make notes and recordings that are usable, and then pull it all together when your body aches and your legs are like rubber, and you're starving and there's no place to get anything to eat, and somehow get back to where you are staying, while sneezing from all the dust and itchy from the sunburn because you sweated off your sunblock and if your wife isn't there to make you re-apply it, you didn't (unless it rained all day, then you're covered with mud). And it's late and you have to go out to hear these other esssential acts who are not exactly playing Jazzfest, or are playing this gig too, and you then have to get up really early and do it all again. While looking for breakfast and coffee while the rest of the world is doing the same in the city that isn't about fast, efficient service on little bit.

If I have this right, Jon started coming to New Orleans with Mardi Gras, 2006 (I remember running into him then, and don't recall that from previous years). He's learned so much. This is a really good job.