Voodoo Press en
Lil Wayne, the most talked about rapper in the world right now, has
confirmed that he'll perform at this years Sumfest in Jamaica.

Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Keyshia Cole and Elephant Man have also
been confirmed whilst Chris Brown and Akon are currently in
negotiations according to the organisers.

Lil Wayne broke into the mainstream with his latest album Tha
Carter III, the LP sold over a million copies in the US in it's
opening week.

The album is in it's third week and sits at number 35 in the UK
album chart. The Reggae Sumfest is in it’s 16th year, it takes
place from July 13-19 in Jamaica and is one of the biggest Reggae
show's on earth.

Lil Wayne is also set to play this year's Voodoo Experience in his
hometown New Orleans.]]> Tue, 1 Jul 2008 15:20:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1519_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 here.]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:45:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1524_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 The musical celebration will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October. The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone.
Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., scored the year's best-selling album sales debut this month, with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."
The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1522_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
In related news, Lil Wayne recently released two new songs. The first is a feature with David Banner called "Shawty Say" and the other is a joint track with the hook master T-Pain called "Can't Believe It".]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1521_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
New Orleans native Lil Wayne is the latest addition to the line-up
for this year's VOODOO EXPERIENCE that features more than 90 acts.
Lil Wayne is described as "one of the most prolific performers in
hip-hop" by the New York Times (6/18), "...one of the most
compelling performers around" by the Los Angeles Times (6/18)
and "arguably the most prolific rapper of the past few
years," by Nola.com/Times Picayune (6/18). As the latest addition
of New Orleans talent, Lil Wayne reunderlines the VOODOO
EXPERIENCE's commitment to honoring the vast and rich musical
traditions of this unique American city.

This news comes as Lil Wayne's album--his first in three years--
sold more than one million copies in its first week while topping
Billboard's Top 200 album, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album, Top Digital
Album, Comprehensive Album and Top Digital Album charts. The
album's first single, "Lollipop" has also topped Billboard's
Hot 100, Hot Rap Track and the Hot 100 Airplay charts.

The VOODOO EXPERIENCE--set for October 24, 25 and 26 in New
Orleans' historic and scenic City Park--will be highlighted by
performances from R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots,
Death Cab for Cutie, Thievery Corporation, Wyclef Jean, Panic at
the Disco, Joss Stone, Dashboard Confessional and Erykah Badu,
among others (full line-up is available at
http://www.thetenthritual.com). These acts will appear in the VOODOO
EXPERIENCE's three distinct performance areas--Le Ritual, Le
Flambeau and Le Carnival--on six stages, each of which highlights a
unique side of the personality of New Orleans. This year, the
annual event celebrates a milestone--its Tenth Ritual--honoring 10
years of music as well as New Orleans' bohemian culture, arts and
cuisine.

Tickets are on sale now via http://www.thetenthritual.com and Ticketmaster
andhttp://www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are available on a first-
come, first-served basis. General admission tickets at $115 for
weekend passes; LOA VIP Experience passes are offered for $450
which includes 3-day admission with in/out privileges, grandstand
viewing of the main stage, reserved parking, full bar services,
exclusive New Orleans cuisine, private bathrooms, a Tenth Ritual
poster autographed by the artist, exclusive experiences and more.]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:20:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1520_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The musical celebration will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October. The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., scored the year's best-selling album sales debut this month, with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:15:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1518_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The festival has R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots as headliners, while Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, Lupe Fiasco and the Blind Boys of Alabama will also give performances.

Wayne's scheduled appearance at Voodoo is legit, but his advertised gig at Club Illusions in Alabama on Saturday was a big fat scam that ended up leaving hundreds of fans disappointed.

According to WENN, the bogus concert promoter presented himself to the venue as Tony Lee of Coastal Boy Entertainment. After promising club manager Esa Jones that Weezey would be in attendance, 700 tickets were sold for the June 21 show.

But concert goers were ultimately left hanging, and the crook made off with over $45,000 in ticket sales.

"We got scammed real bad," said Jones. "It looked planned, they printed tickets, had radio advertisements, ticket locations, it looks so legit."

A police investigation has now been launched into the alleged fraud.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1517_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Jun 27 2008 8:25AM EDT

Rapper Lil Wayne is the latest addition to the lineup for this year's Voodoo Experience in the rapper's native New Orleans.

The musical celebration will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October. The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., scored the year's best-selling album sales debut this month, with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=766_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Rapper Lil Wayne is the latest addition to the lineup for this year's Voodoo Experience in the rapper's native New Orleans.

The musical celebration will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October. The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., scored the year's best-selling album sales debut this month, with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:30:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=767_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Associated Press 06.27.08, 8:25 AM ET

NEW ORLEANS -
Rapper Lil Wayne is the latest addition to the lineup for this year's Voodoo Experience in the rapper's native New Orleans.

The musical celebration will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October. The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone.
Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., scored the year's best-selling album sales debut this month, with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:25:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=765_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Associated Press - June 26, 2008 4:44 PM ET

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Rapper Lil Wayne is the latest addition to the lineup for this year's Voodoo Experience, a musical celebration that will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October.

The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone, as well as Louisiana favorites Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins, Marc Broussard, Ivan Neville, Cowboy Mouth and others.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is a native of New Orleans. Just this month he scored the year's best-selling album sales debut with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=774_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone, as well as Louisiana favorites Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins, Marc Broussard, Ivan Neville, Cowboy Mouth and others.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is a native of New Orleans. Just this month he scored the year's best-selling album sales debut with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=773_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
Rapper Lil Wayne has been added to the lineup for New Orleans' Voodoo Experience which takes place from October 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park. Wayne, whose album Tha Carter III recently debuted at #1, will be joining headliners R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots, for what will be the New Orleans native's biggest headlining set of his career. The Voodoo Experience will also feature acts such as Death Cab For Cutie, Panic At The Disco, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and many local and regional acts.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=775_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The musical celebration will feature dozens of acts on six stages in October. The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., scored the year's best-selling album sales debut this month, with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=776_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
June 26, 2008 , 6:00 AM ET

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.

Lil Wayne has joined the lineup for the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans, to be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park. Wayne, a New Orleans native, will be playing the biggest hometown headlining set of his career at the event.

The rapper recently debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 with his new album, "Tha Carter III," and also logged time atop the Billboard Hot 100 with the single "Lollipop."

As previously reported, the Voodoo Experience will be headlined by R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots.

Also on the bill are Death Cab For Cutie, Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Panic At The Disco, Joss Stone, Lupe Fiasco, Dashboard Confessional, DeVotchKa, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Cold War Kids, Ghostland Observatory, Joseph Arthur, Old 97's, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, the reunited Shudder To Think, the Gutter Twins, Thievery Corporation, Tokyo Police Club and Man Man.

Among the dozens of local and/or non-rock acts set to appear are the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irving Mayfield's New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the New Orleans Bingo! Show, Ozomatli with Chali 2na, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Kermit Ruffins, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Iguanas, Bonerama, Marc Broussard and King Britt, the latter staging a tribute to local legend Sister Gertrude Morgan.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=769_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 for details.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=771_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The lineup already includes R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots, Erykah Badu and Joss Stone, as well as Louisiana favorites Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Trombone Shorty, Kermit Ruffins, Marc Broussard, Ivan Neville, Cowboy Mouth and others.

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is a native of New Orleans. Just this month he scored the year's best-selling album sales debut with 1 million copies sold of his new CD, "Tha Carter III."

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its 10th year, will be held Oct. 24-26 at New Orleans' City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Carter bumped into legal troubles earlier in the year when his tour bus was pulled over and, according to police, found to contain a number of drugs.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=772_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
written by Brandi Hopper

Thursday - June 26, 2008

Lil' Wayne is headed back to his hometown of New Orleans to headline the "Voodoo Experience" festival this fall.

The 3 day concert event marks the biggest hometown headlining set of Wayne's career and couldn't have come at a more appropriate time. The self-proclaimed "greatest rapper alive" recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with his new CD, Tha Carter III and made history by becoming the first artist to sell over a million units in a week since 50 Cent's 2005 album, The Massacre.

The Voodoo Experience, which is in its tenth year, typically draws tens of thousands of fans. Past performers have included 50 Cent, Eminem, Rage Against The Machine, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Seperating itself into three parts, the concert features six stages and a wide-ranging line-up of music including hip-hop, R&B, rock, alternative, jazz and blues.

Along with Weezy, R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots, will co-headline this year's event. Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Joss Stone and Wyclef Jean are among the other acts on the bill.

As SOHH previously reported, Weezy shut the BET Awards down Tuesday with his crowd rousing performance assisted by T-Pain. F. Baby took home the Viewer's Choice award for "Lollipop" featuring the late Static Major.

The Voodoo Experience will take place on Oct 24-26 at New Orleans City Park.]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=770_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=768_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
Formerly called the Voodoo Music Experience, the City Park festival, scheduled Oct. 24-26, has added singer-songwriter Dashboard Confessional and indie-rock darlings Death Cab for Cutie and Panic! at the Disco to the marquee, joining previously announced headliners R.E.M., Stone Temple Pilots and Nine Inch Nails.

Festival organizers also announced the inclusion of soul singers Erykah Badu and Joss Stone, rappers Wyclef Jean - who played the first Voodoo festival - and Lupe Fiasco, electronic group Thievery Corporation, and indie-fusion ensemble DeVotchKa.

The packed lineup of rock, hip-hop and electronic acts is accompanied by a stellar roster of local talent. Festival perennials such as Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, and Big Sam's Funky Nation are scheduled, as well as New Orleans rock groups Ratty Scurvics Singularity, Morning 40 Federation and newcomers The Vettes. Local favorite Clint Maedgen will grace several Voodoo stages, with the New Orleans Bingo! Show and his own ensemble, Clint Maedgen +9.

The New Orleans-heavy lineup continues a shift in direction that the festival took after Hurricane Katrina, said festival producer Steve Rehage.
Alex Brandon / The Times-PicayuneSinger Erykah Badu joins the 2008 Voodoo Festival Lineup.


"In the earlier years there was a lot more electronic stuff, but when we came back after the storm, I think we thought there was a real need for more New Orleans music," Rehage said.

In a Voodoo first, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will team up with gospel dynamos The Blind Boys of Alabama for a special "gospel brunch" set on Sunday. The partnership was the brainchild of Preservation Hall director Ben Jaffe, who has organized several prior collaborations with the Blind Boys.

"It just was something that made sense," Rehage said. "One of the interesting things about playing in New Orleans is to have that spontaneous combustion with other musicians."

In another special event, DJ and producer King Britt's set will honor Sister Gertrude Morgan, the painter, singer and folk artist who called the 9th Ward home until her death in 1980.

This fall will mark the 10th anniversary of Voodoo, a milestone Rehage said is "over the top." .

"Given what we've been through as a community," he said, "to still be standing after 10 years, we feel fortunate."

VOODOO TICKET SALES

A one-day pre-sale of Voodoo Experience weekend passes is set for today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at www.ticketmaster.com. The three-day passes are $100, plus service charges. To participate in the pre-sale, enter the code word: VOODOO. On Monday, three-day passes will be $115, plus service charges. VIP Experience passes are $450 and include a three-day pass, with in/out privileges, grandstand viewing, reserved parking and various other perks. Single-day tickets will go on sale in September, pending availability. For more information, go to www.thetenthritual.com.]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:10:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1526_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
Billboard.com can reveal that the event will also feature performances by DeVotchKa, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Cold War Kids, Ghostland Observatory, Joseph Arthur, Old 97's, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, the reunited Shudder To Think, the Gutter Twins, Thievery Corporation, Tokyo Police Club and Man Man.

Among the dozens of local and/or non-rock acts set to appear are the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irving Mayfield's New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the New Orleans Bingo! Show, Ozomatli with Chali 2na, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Kermit Ruffins, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, the Iguanas, Bonerama, Marc Broussard and King Britt, the latter staging a tribute to local legend Sister Gertrude Morgan.

Weekend passes priced at $115 go on sale Monday (June 23). Three-day VIP passes will also available for $450.]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:05:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1525_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 http://www.pluginmusic.com/news/archive.php?id=3174
Innerpartysystem was introduced to the world last fall 2007 with The Download EP, a six-song batch of self-recorded demos - including "Don't Stop" - that pointed the way to their self-titled debut, scheduled to arrive in stores on September 9th on Island Records.
After self-producing The Download EP, IPS recruited an A-level quorum of producers and mixers to work with them on the album. These included: Joel Hamilton (Book of Knots, Sparklehorse, Blue Tip), Mark Needham (the Killers, Pete Yorn), Spike Stent (Björk, Arcade Fire), and Alan Moulder (Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Jesus & Mary Chain, The Killers) and Stuart Price (Madonna, Seal, The Killers) all of whom brought new ideas on sound and instrumentation to the group.
The album release caps Innerpartysystem's non-stop summer tour grid, which began several weeks ago on fellow Island group Ashes Divide's first tour ever, the band formed by lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Billy Howerdel (of A Perfect Circle). On June 23rd, IPS kicks off a dozen UK club and festival shows (with one side trip to Düsseldorf), their second visit across the pond. Writing about "Don't Stop," the UK's Kerrang magazine noted, "If you're looking for some beefy, groove-laden electro-rock, then you're gonna cream your pants at this stompy dancefloor destroyer's titanic chorus."
July 8th marks the start of a major cross-country US itinerary, as Hot Topic presents the "Hope For The Hopeless" US tour with Kill Hannah, Medic Droic, and White Tie Affair, nearly three dozen dates through August 23rd (including Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 2nd). IPS will also perform at the Voodoo Music festival in October.
"Don't Stop," a gripping debut single was licensed to EA's globally popular FIFA Street 3 freestyle street football (soccer) video game (released November 2007). Another track "Heart of Fire," was played during the MTV VMAs in September 2007; and was licensed to EA's Burnout Paradise video game (released January 2008).
Innerpartysystem - lead singer Patrick Nissley, Jesse Cronan (keyboards, programming), Kris Barman (guitar, keyboards), and Jared Piccone (drums) - took their name from the heirarchic controlling class in George Orwell's novel 1984. The concept resonates in today's world of fake celebrity-worship - which is prominently swiped by Nissley in "Don't Stop," as he rails out, "I feed the rich and fuck the poor."]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=93_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 May 23 in Vancouver - October 26 in New Orleans
View All Tour Dates
North America, Europe
Support Acts: The National, Modest Mouse
Arenas, Amphitheaters
Notable: Guitarist Peter Buck says the veteran Athens, GA band isn't shying away from their vintage material. Also catch R.E.M. live at a number of festivals including North American fests Sasquatch! (near Seattle, May) and Voodoo (New Orleans, October) and Euro fests Oxegen (Ireland, July) and T in the Park (U.K., July).
Recent Release: "Accelerate," 2008
Chart History]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=92_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
Nate Chinen reviewed the reunited Stone Temple Pilots' show in New York City on Sunday. Although I hope for the best, he perfectly described my long-time feeling about the band: "The feeling imparted by these performances was desultory and joyless. The band never rose above a sort of grim competence."]]> Mon, 2 Jun 2008 12:05:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=94_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, there may be better time to plan a trip to Louisiana then now. Not only does New Orleans have plenty to offer to tourists and locals alike, but also visiting Louisiana helps put money back into the economy and may be one of the best proactive steps that you can take to show your support to this living piece of American history.

Rich with the sounds of jazz, zydeco, and Cajun music Louisiana offers plenty to those who want to experience some of the finest music America has to offer. The nightlife is active and it has been said that the soulful melodies are Louisiana's native language. Not only is Louisiana's air permeated with music, but you'll also find lots of casinos, dance clubs, and fine eateries to keep you occupied until the sun rises on Bourbon Street. There's no doubt that music is the heart and soul of Louisiana, and you'll find plenty of music festivals to enjoy when you visit. From the Baton Rouge Blues festival which is free to the public and takes place in April, to the Voodoo Music Experience at the end of October there are always plenty of musical acts to tantalize your ears no matter when you visit.

Though Louisiana is teeming with nightlife, it's also a great place to bring your family for a vacation as well. Some of the most popular family oriented destinations in Louisiana include taking a carriage ride through the French Quarter where children can get a first hand view of the historic district, or enjoy a wonderful tour of the Mississippi on steamboat. Children will also enjoy taking a tour of Oak Alley Plantation, where they will view authentic historic costumes and the splendor of both the mansion as well as the grounds. Families will also enjoy visiting the Louisiana Children's Museum located in the French Quarter. The museum is open between Tuesdays and Saturdays, and open between 12:00 P.M and 4:30 P.M. on Sundays. There are over one hundred interactive exhibits and the museum recommends that you plan at least two hours per visit. One of the best features regarding the Louisiana Children's Museum is the fact that if you hold on to your admission receipt, you can come and go throughout the day without paying another admission fee. If you'd like to discover more things that you can do when visiting Louisiana, I recommend that you order online or download the free official Louisiana travel guide.]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 12:05:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=95_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The three-day festival is set to take place October 24-26 in New Orleans' historic City Park, amidst lush lagoons, bayous and one of the largest collections of mature oak trees.

Also on the bill for the tenth annual festival are local heroes the Neville Brothers, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Irving Mayfield's New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.

Tickets are set to go on sale Friday (May 2) at Thetenthritual.com.]]> Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:15:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=1527_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:05pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - New Orleans' Voodoo Music Experience festival will marks its 10th anniversary in October by hosting three of the biggest bands of the 1990s: R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots.
The three-day event kicks off on October 24 at New Orleans' City Park; tickets start going on sale on Friday, priced at $100 for the three days.
Additional acts include hometown heroes the Neville Brothers, making their Voodoo debut, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irving Mayfield's New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the New Orleans Bingo! Show.
Last year's Voodoo Music Experience was headlined by Rage Against the Machine, the Smashing Pumpkins and Wilco.
Reuters/Nielsen

© Thomson Reuters 2008. All rights reserved. Users may download and print extracts of content from this website for their own personal and non-commercial use only. Republication or redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and its logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Thomson Reuters group of companies around the world. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:05:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=97_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Stone Temple Pilots also top the bill for the festival's tenth installment, set to unroll on New Orleans Oct. 24-26.
By William Goodman 04.28.08 4:52 PM

Spin cover boys R.E.M., industry-defying shredders Nine Inch Nails, and recently reunited alt-rock mavens Stone Temple Pilots (watch live!) have been announced as the headliners for the tenth installment of the Voodoo Music Experience, slated to hit New Orleans' City Park Oct. 24-26. Additional acts include the Neville Brothers, making their first-ever Voodoo appearance, as well as local acts like the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Irving Mayfield's New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and the New Orleans Bingo! Show.
A complete lineup will be announced as the festival date approaches, and if last year's complete bill is any indication, the 2008 Voodoo Music Experience could pack quite a musical punch.
Fans can purchase special presale tickets May 2, when a limited number of three-day passes go on sale for $100 via thetenthritual.com.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:05:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=96_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
EVENT INTELLIGENCE 03.04.08

Hitting the Right Notes
Lessons learned from producing large music festivals.

The Flaming Lips performed at the 2006 Voodoo Music Experience.
Photo: Andy Goetz

Big egos, bigger storms, and the occasional impromptu jam session-the people who coordinate the biggest music festivals have seen it all. Here's what they do to keep everything harmonious.

Look for unexpected combinations.
"Some things are exciting because of the chances you take, like pairing a great American guitarist such as Derek Trucks with a master musician from India like Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya to explore the commonalities of Southern blues and classical Indian ragas," says Rob Gibson, executive and artistic director of the Savannah Music Festival. "These types of musical experiences push both the artists and audience. When successful, they create a powerful bond."

Project grace under pressure.
"This year, Saturday night headliner the White Stripes canceled the week of the show due to a medical emergency, and Friday morning we had a water-main break that turned our pecan-grove V.I.P. area into a river," says Autumn Rich, special events planner for the Austin City Limits festival. "The whole world was watching; there was an enormous amount of media. When you plan an event of this size, always appear calm, no matter what happens. Patrons just want to see calmness and togetherness-everyone follows your lead. No matter what's happening, if I need to have a moment, I go off on my own. It's not in the public eye."

Invite spontaneity.
"This past year, John Mayer was headlining the amphitheater, and the day he was slated to play, he found out that Buddy Guy was performing, too," says John Bowler, vice president of sales and marketing for Summerfest in Milwaukee. "He said, 'I want to go jam with him.' So after his performance, I took him to the stage where Buddy Guy was playing, and he and John Mayer had this impromptu 45-minute blues jam. The crowd loved it."

Don't be afraid of wild ideas.
"We received an email from a very nice couple who explained that they really, really wanted to have their wedding at the festival," says Dan Shaw, event director for the 10,000 Lakes Festival in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. "Wary, but thinking it might be fun, we scheduled it at noon on one of our nicest music stages, complete with band, wedding party, minister, ushers, and 300 groggy festival attendees who accepted the open invitation. The ceremony was a blast, followed by a loud and obnoxious wedding parade back to the campgrounds for the reception. My favorite memory is of one of the fine local police officers doing the chicken dance in a ring of tie-dyed folks eating cake and cheering him on. The lesson learned is that people love free cake, and that sometimes ideas might seem silly at first, but end up being brilliant."

Don't underestimate willpower.
"Fifty-nine days out, the levees broke," says Stephen Rehage, founder and producer of the New Orleans-based Voodoo Music Experience. "Putting on the 2005 event was sheer will, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. There were no hotel rooms at the time, so all the artists made the commitment to come in on tour buses and stay there. We had to bring in 100 percent of the equipment and drive it down from Memphis. It was literally a 24-hour-a-day job. When we were in the middle of building the stage, FEMA confiscated our cranes for an emergency and didn't give them back for six hours. Fortunately, I had a big ally in Trent Reznor-he was the one artist who said, 'I'm going down there even if I have to bring my sleeping bag.' He and all of Nine Inch Nails showed up early and helped us build the dressing rooms. There was no separation between artists and production crew."

Have backup plans.
"In 2006, on our opening Thursday, the power to the facility went off at 3 p.m., just as people were pouring in and we were about to have our opening ceremonies," says John Bowler of Milwaukee's Summerfest. "We had about three hours and 15 minutes of no power. There were a couple of PA systems on a backup generator, so we were able to keep everyone abreast of what happened. When people realized it might be a while, some of the artists came into the bleachers with acoustic guitars to jam with the crowd. We also had the University of Wisconsin marching band on the property, so they fired up their routine to entertain the audience."

Solicit input for improvement.
"Feedback and more feedback from your patrons is key," says the 10,000 Lakes Festival's Dan Shaw. "We give as many opportunities as possible for comments, criticism, and suggestions. On-site surveys, comment cards, email, online polls, and forums all provide invaluable information about the patron experience. Offering giveaways or a contest for submitting the questionnaire has also helped increase the number of people who respond. The best improvements have come directly from suggestions from the audience."

Know how to reach your audience.
"The first year, 1999, we went with an online service and thought we'd sell all our tickets online," says the Voodoo Music Experience's Stephen Rehage. "The thing is, people were still using 56K modems and couldn't complete the transactions on the Web, so that led to everybody walking up to buy tickets. Then we hit a thunderstorm, and our walkup traffic dropped off. It was a hard financial lesson to learn." A switch to a more standard ticketing system, plus good first-year buzz, helped spike ticket sales from 8,000 to 65,000 the following year. -Martha C. White


RELATED TOPICS Savannah Music Festival, Austin City Limits, Summerfest, 10000 Lakes Festival, Voodoo Music Experience, FEMA

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Savannah showcases musical talent in kid-friendly festival
By Jacky Runice | Family travel
Published: 12/29/2007 12:24 PM

After countless "Sesame Street on Ice" shows, I was jazzed to experience a real music festival again as I hit the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans: Smashing Pumpkins, Wilco, Sinead O'Connor and Spoon were a few musicians on my radar and, of course, I wished some or all of my kids could be there with me.

Two hours into it, I realized that standing around in a muddy field with thousands of tipsy fans had lost more than a modicum of charm over the years, and if my kids were with me I would have become the party-pooper parent. There is a place, however, where music festivals and families meet quite nicely, along with history, Southern charm and lovely spring temperatures. Let's go to Savannah, Ga., shall we?
The Savannah Music Festival, or SMF, has become one of the largest cultural tourism draws in the Southeast. In 2007, 45 percent of concert-goers traveled from out of town to enjoy a selection of premieres, one-time-only productions, exclusive U.S. appearances by international artists and a cornucopia of educational opportunities.

Under the direction of Rob Gibson (former co-founding director of Jazz at Lincoln Center), SMF offers classical and jazz concerts as well as various styles of American and international roots music. The ambitious 2008 program is a 17-day musical arts marathon (March 20 to April 5) featuring nearly 100 events. Venues range from theaters and auditoriums to open-air locations and historic places of worship, so you needn't fret about standing for hours, nor forcing your energetic kids to sit still.

The variety of performers assembling in the old seaport city makes SMF one of the most distinctive festivals in the country. Kids and teens can see a rock icon, Police drummer Stewart Copeland, premiere an original work with classical musicians. If the kids are studying guitar or piano, how about catching "The World of Slide Guitar" featuring virtuosos or "Piano Showdown" showcasing masters such as Hank Jones, Marcus Roberts and Eric Reed? They might begin to better understand rock roots by experiencing regional and American musical genres, including jazz, blues, Cajun, zydeco, country and bluegrass. International artists include the dazzling Brazilian mandolin player Hamilton de Holanda; a 25-year old Spanish vocal prodigy, Antonio Pitingo; Angelique Kidjo offering contemporary West African music; and Ana Moura's modern Portuguese fado singing.
Other musical luminaries on the bill include Blind Boys of Alabama, Audra McDonald, Wycliffe Gordon, Marty Stuart, Emerson String Quartet, Bela Fleck, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.

Adding to the joyful mood, the 19th annual festival takes place as Savannah celebrates the 275th anniversary of its founding. Consider weekend passes, which must be purchased by phone, to save more than 10 percent. The theme for opening weekend is World Music, Classical and American Roots, while up-and-coming high school musical stars will want to attend the middle weekend's "For the Love of Singers." The final weekend is all about "Jazz and a Touch of Americana."Single tickets and series passes can also be purchased by phone at (912) 525-5050 or online at www.savannahmusicfestival.org.

Parents should note that the Festival's Music Education series takes place in theaters in the historic district and, although the audience is primarily local schoolchildren, visiting parents and kids are encouraged to attend free of charge. Take a look at www.savannahmusicfestival.org/performances/gulfstream-music-education. Check availability at (912) 234-3378, ext. 112, or just show up at the specified venue 10 minutes before show time to ask for overflow seating.
Savannah's climate in March and April is nothing less than heavenly, with average highs around 75. Two hotels in the historic district, The Mulberry Inn and the new Holiday Inn Express, have bundled lodging with weekend festival passes. Call (912) 234-3378, ext. 105, to book.

Teens may go for an iPod walking tour (www.itoursavannah.com) and younger kids will take to an Old Town Trolley Tour of the city (www.historictours.com/savannah). After an earful of roots music, how about some straight-up Southern food at Angel's Barbecue (www.angels-bbq.com) or Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House (www.mrswilkes.com)?

Your girls might want to visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts USA, and everyone enjoys a day trip to Tybee Island Beach, an easy 20-minute drive. Take a dolphin or kayak tour, climb Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse or explore Tybee's two forts.
The Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau can help with details on lodging and other family-oriented activities. Go to www.savcvb.com or ring (877) 728-2662.]]> Sat, 29 Dec 2007 12:10:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=99_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
By Rob Cambre, Geoffrey Himes, Joseph Irrera, Alex Rawls, John Swenson and Dan Willging

Once year-end suggested some sort of critical consensus. If you read enough of them, you knew the three or four albums that you really needed to hear. As the musical marketplace fragmented-each addressed by its own media-year-end lists have come to seem more and more like a series of stand-alone pronouncements with little relationship or overlap.
Rather than buck the trend, we embraced the chaos and threw the doors open wider. Why limit year-end lists our city or state? Why limit them to albums, or to recorded music at all? If they tell us anything real about the previous year, they have to reflect what we heard and how we heard it. Admittedly, it's hard to go out and buy the shows that moved Rob Cambre, but he might be more plugged in to the city's musical aesthetics than the rest of us. After all, the live experience is-and has been-the thing here, and many New Orleans bands were better represented in performance this year than they were by the CDs they made.


Good Energy
No CDs on my list this year, not because I didn't hear anything I enjoyed. It's just that I heard so many things that making a best-of list seems arbitrary and unfair at this point. Maybe some of the things I heard in passing will reveal themselves to be unbelievably awesome on repeated listens, but it's too early to tell. So I've decided to compile a list of memorable live events (and people)-all of which occurred in Louisiana to be true to the mission of this magazine-that left me with good energy long after the fact. So here they are in chronological order:

The Anti-Crime March on City Hall (January 11)
Han Bennink and Kidd Jordan, first meeting and concert at King Bolden's right after the Saints' playoff game (January 21)*
Keith Moore, R.I.P.: NoiseFest benefit concert (March 11), Keith's funeral (April 21), and NoiseFest '07 in Michael Patrick Welch's backyard (May 6)
Frank Gratkowski week (March 12-15)
Playing John Lennon & Yoko Ono's "Cambridge 1969" with Donald Miller at Zeitgeist's Yoko Ono/Fluxus tribute (March 31)
Yo La Tengo at Tipitina's (April 5)
Wilbert de Joode and Helen Gillet duo at McKeown's Books (April 10)
The Thing at the Big Top (April 26)*
Roky Erickson at Ponderosa Stomp (May 2)
Rob Wagner/Hamid Drake/Nobu Ozaki and Kidd Jordan at the Dragon's Den (June 4)
The Smoked Meat Festival in Ville Platte (June 23)
Cree McCree's 60th Birthday Party at the Mother-in-Law Lounge (August 19)
Meat Puppets at One-Eyed Jacks (September 15)
Konk Pack at the Big Top (October 5)*
Magik Markers at the Hi-Ho Lounge (October 20)*
(*Denotes concerts I organized under the Anxious Sound moniker, but I think that these four were so strong as to warrant inclusion despite any conflicts of interest I might have.)
-Rob Cambre

Two by Two
The best Louisiana albums of 2007 seemed to come in pairs. Two different New Orleans trumpeters, for example, released deeply affecting jazz-instrumental elegies for their hometown in the wake of the failed levees. Terence Blanchard's was more formal, employing a string orchestra, while Christian Scott's was rawer, employing the local rapper Brother J, but both sprang from the same gut reaction-and both featured pianist Aaron Parks.

Meanwhile, two outsiders who witnessed the failed levees from afar-Americana singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier and avant-jazzer-turned-bluesman James "Blood" Ulmer-translated their observations into trenchant songs. Gauthier was born and raised in Louisiana, while Ulmer recorded his album in New Orleans.

The vibrant, young string-band scene in Lafayette was represented by the scene's two best albums so far. While the Pine Leaf Boys emphasized the local traditions of Cajun and zydeco and the Red Stick Ramblers integrated the local sound into a more eclectic blend of swing and old-time, both made high art out of barroom dance music. The Zydepunks managed something similar in New Orleans.

Two veterans of the city's club scene-the subdudes and Anders Osborne-turned the same unlikely blend of New Orleans R&B and singer-songwriter folk-rock into career-best efforts. This was especially surprising from the subdudes, for the last thing you expect from a band that breaks up and then reunites years later is its best work.

Terence Blanchard: A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina) (Blue Note)
The Pine Leaf Boys: Blues de Musicien (Arhoolie)
Mary Gauthier: Between Daylight and Dark (Lost Highway)
Christian Scott: Anthem (Concord)
The Red Stick Ramblers: Made in the Shade (Sugar Hill)
the subdudes: Street Symphony (Back Porch)
Anders Osborne: Coming Down (MC)
The Zydepunks: Exile Waltz (Nine Mile)
James "Blood" Ulmer: Bad Blood in the City: the Piety Street Sessions (Hyena)
Various Artists: Goin' Home: a Tribute to Fats Domino (Vanguard)
-Geoffrey Himes

The Aftermath
Many of my favorite CDs of 2007 contained songs about Hurricane Katrina and the Federal levee disaster that followed. Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's "Lower Ninth Ward Blues" tells a personal story of the loss of his home, while Anders Osborne's "Oh Katrina" looks at the hurricane "as a bitch" making subtle references to the disaster.
Johnny Sansone's Poor Man's Paradise contains two Katrina songs that are remarkable. The title track "Poor Man's Paradise" is overtly critical of the federal, state and city response, while "I'm Going Home" is an intensely personal reflection of what it feels like to return home. Sansone's hushed singing voice and his piano playing along with Joe Krown's gentle organ is heartfelt. This is by far my favorite Katrina song. My top ten best CDs of 2007 are:

Bob French: Marsalis Music Honors (Marsalis Music)
Tom McDermott: Live in Paris (STR)
Matt Perrine: Sunflower City (Independent)
Marc Broussard: S.O.S.: Save our Soul (Vanguard)
Ann Savoy and Her Sleepless Knights: If Dreams Come True (Memphis International)
Johnny Sansone: Poor Man's Paradise (Short Stack)
Al "Carnival Time" Johnson: Lower Ninth Ward Blues (Patty Lee)
Twangorama: Twangorama (Independent)
Anders Osborne: Coming Down (MC)
Various Artists: Goin' Home: a Tribute to Fats Domino (Vanguard).
-Joseph Irrera

Funtime
In downloading days, identifying best albums seems unnecessary limiting and doesn't reflect how I listen to music when I'm not reviewing. I found myself returning to the first four songs on the New Pornographers' Challenger (Matador), "Hustle Up" and "Second and Dryades" from Galactic's From the Corner to the Block (Anti), the Kings of Leon's "McFearless" and "My Party" from Because of the Times (RCA), Quintron's "Wild West (Bank)" from Jamskate and "Lonely at the Bottom" from Supagroup's Fire for Hire (Merovingian/Foodchain). It's not that I didn't like those albums in their entirety; it's simply that those were the parts I listened to for fun when I was off the clock.

Perhaps it's a function of post-K life that I admire heavy art, but there's enough serious going on that the music that spoke to me was about fun-smart fun, but fun: M.I.A.'s Kala (XL/Interscope), LCD Soundsystem's Sound of Silver (Capitol) and Junior Senior's Hey Hey My My Yo Yo (Rykodisc). All are conceptually spot-on, using the seemingly simple pleasures of dance music as a Trojan Horse for their own agendas-revolution in M.I.A.'s case, examining race and sexual identity for Junior Senior, and merging 30 years of dance and rock for LCD Soundsystem.

...and if I'd had Bettye LaVette's The Scene of the Crime (Anti) longer, it might make my list. I know when I want a '60s soul gal, I go to her before Sharon Jones.
-Alex Rawls

Virtual Jazz Fest
Van Morrison sang at Jazz Fest with a violin/steel guitar/saxophone accompaniment that drew more from his lyrical, Celtic leanings that his overt R&B roots, although the latter were still much in evidence in his singing, just as they would have been at a Ray Charles concert with similar instrumentation. Though the big stage crowd was impatient for a prominent display of brand merchandising, Morrison continued to explore this delightfully unexpected exchange with his muse. The type-A blond who was pushing her way authoritatively through the crowd stopped when she saw me taking notes and informed me she was a doctor from San Diego, and if Van Morrison wants to play on that stage at Jazz Fest he'd better get his ass in gear. How long can it be, I thought, before this disgruntled vacationer and the thousands like her at the festival will be able to purchase her own virtual reality Jazz Fest pass. She could just put on her experience helmet and enjoy exactly the Van show she wanted. Fifty thousand fans could be Acura grooving on 50,000 separate realities. Hell, you could "do" Jazz Fest from the comfort of your office. Of course, you're never going to get a replicator to reproduce the Crawfish Monica.

Trombone Shorty has the charisma and talent to be a top tier star. His live show is as exciting as anything that's happening in this city right now, and his Voodoo set showed his affinity for tapping the energy of a young rock crowd. Here's hoping his next album develops the new material he'll need to continue growing.

In the still unsettling absence of the older generation of Nevilles from the city scene, Ivan has assumed the mantle and stepped gloriously in the void with Dumpstaphunk. The new wave of New Orleans funk was a bright spot in 2007, with Galactic releasing its watershed album From the Corner to the Block and Papa Grows Funk demonstrating the importance of good songwriting on Mr. Patterson's Hat in a format that too many people think is a medium just for showboating instrumental chops. When PGF rolls into "Tootie Montana" at its live shows, the room practically levitates.
My favorite festival was Chazfest, followed by the Mirilton Festival. Morning 40 Federation, my vote for New Orleans band of the year, played them both. Most of the audience at any given point during both of these festivals included musicians and listeners who'd shared performance spaces within the previous 24 hours.
--John Swenson

'Pod-Proof Listening
Another year has whizzed by, which means we're inching closer and closer to saying our last goodbye to the traditional CD retail outlet where product is still sold in physical, tangible units. Industry experts predict that in the next decade, retail music shops might be as rare as typewriters or eight-track tape players are today. The advent of the iPod has helped accelerate the digital music revolution, but not without its detriment. While the mp3's compressed format allows listeners to load ridiculous amounts of music onto their beloved apparatus, it has also changed the way music is listened to. The iPod grants access to more music, but its sheer volume means that listeners are more likely not to give some things a deserved second chance when there is so much to sift through. And how many times were those discoveries made on subsequent listens, not the first time the needle dropped on a platter of vinyl or a CD first entered its player? "It makes for a lazy listener," my friend Uncle Funky remarked over lunch one day. This year I constructed my year-end best of list largely of offerings that could conceivably be bypassed, stuff that shows artistic depth, reveals a different side of the artist, is innovative or has a multitude of influences. In other words, stuff that can't possibly be appreciated with just one or two superficial listens.

Papa Mali: Do Your Thing (Fog City)
Ann Savoy and Her Sleepless Knights: If Dreams Come True (Memphis International)
Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars: La Louisianne Sessions (Octavia)
Renaissance Cadienne: Minuit Cadien: Noël au Pays des Bayous (Tracas)
Keith Frank: Undisputed & To Be Perfectly Frank (Soulwood) (a cleverly disguised double disc of contemporary zydeco and traditional Creole music)
Lil' Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers: Doin' It Big Time (Cha Cha)
Pine Leaf Boys: Blues de Musicien (Arhoolie)
Buddy Flett: Mississippi Sea (Out of the Past)
Jake Schepps: Ten Thousand Leaves (Independent)
This year was also a monumental one with Cajun and Zydeco music earning its own Grammy category. Kudos to Cynthia Simien, wife/manager of zydeco's Terrance Simien, for her tireless efforts.

Published December 2007, OffBeat Louisiana Music & Culture Magazine, Volume 20, No. 12.]]> Wed, 5 Dec 2007 12:10:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=100_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
The Voodoo Music Experience 2007 Photos
The Voodoo Music Festival 2007
Celebrating the rich music from the heart of New Orleans, this year's Voodoo Music Experience is being held October 26-28, and Mix is there to bring you all the news and photos from the event.
All Photos: Dave Vann]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:10:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=101_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 http://www.newyorkcool.com/archives/2007/November/music_Voodoo_Experience.htm



Voodoo Music Experience
October 26, 27 & 28, 2007
New Orleans City Park
Written and Photographed
by Amy Davidson
(Opposite Photo: Chris Robinson
of Black Crowes)


A billboard in downtown New Orleans greeted me with "The bounce is back" and indeed it was. The voluptuous Voodoo Music Experience commenced on Friday October 26th and ran through Sunday October 28th featuring over one hundred and twenty bands from around the world. The Fest was held in New Orleans' City Park, the home of the city's museum of art, sculpture gardens, stadium and a golf course. The mix of sounds and styles was as diverse as the culture for which the city is famous. There was a place for everything from a scantily clad marching band to up-and-comers Earl Greyhound to hardcore-favs like Friday night headliner Rage Against the Machine.

Voodoo Experience Marching Band

A record one hundred and fifty thousand people attended Voodoo's ninth year. The crowd seemed younger and perhaps a bit less music savvy than that of California's Coachella Festival, but this was a group that was not only there for the music but also for the city.

Kamara and Matt of Earl Greyhound
The first night out, I was delayed on my way in from the airport and missed one of my "new" favorite bands, Earl Greyhound (I recently saw them at CMJ). But walking toward the main stage, I looked over and saw Kamara and Matt sitting on the sidewalk having a post CD- signing beer. This was most likely one of their last calm moments as they are set to tour with Chris Cornell this Month.
I was thrilled to run into them because after seeing them play the week before in New York, there was something I had been dying to ask them. In recent articles they are constantly being compared to Zeppelin. I wondered how they felt about that. I, for one, think that comparison is too limiting. This band is hard to categorize. On the one hand, I can hear the young Robert Plant/Jimmy Page similarity, but this band has a sound all its own. It's a sound that is comprised of rock, funk, and more soul than you thought could exist in a band this young. The music from beginning to end is tight and lacks the flaws often heard in bands that have played together far longer. It seems that they anticipate each other's next move with ease and grace and yet never sacrifice the intricacies for power or volume.

Matt and Kamara humbly expressed gratitude and excitement for the comparison to such a timeless band [Zeppelin]. This is another reason Earl Greyhound is so appealing. They have an edgy, powerful presence but are never self indulgent or dismissive. They are going to be huge. And I assure you these New Yorkers have the right attitude!!




Porcupine Tree Porcupine Tree
Next on my list of must-sees was Porcupine Tree. They are self- described as progressive/ experimental. Although I heard a lot of guitar driven rock, Porcupine Tree's live sound didn't seem particularly progressive or experimental. To look at these guys and to hear them play are two completely different experiences. The intensity of their sound was weakened by front man, Steven Wilson's nervous banter. Less talk would have created a more cohesive set. It ended up sounding more like the same song repeated over and over separated by idle chat. That being said, this band has a solid history and the following to prove it. So, there is obviously more to them than was displayed at Voodoo.

Kings of Leon played as the sun set. Their sound is as exhilarating and lyrics as vivid as the first time I heard them. It's impossible not to shake your hips and toss your hair a little as these three brothers plus a cousin make you feel fifteen again.


De la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine
Friday came to a close with Rage Against the Machine. The crowd grew impatient and chaotic as security corralled numerous fans that had breached the barricade even before the band took the stage. As the chanting grew louder and crowd's restlessness seemed insatiable, Rage took the stage. De la Rocha's politically charged lyrics seemed particularly relevant. He urged the audience to fight back against the government. Their hard hitting set included "Testify", "Klling in the Name" and "Down Rodeo" – in which Lyrics were changed to "Rollin' down Canal with my shotgun."

Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan addressed the crowd halfway through their Saturday night performance noting, "I came here expecting a living funeral but found a beautiful city." The stage was bathed in deep blues and greens as Corgan sang old favorites like "1979" as intimately as if we were watching him in a small pub.

Sunday was full of surprises. The weather was stunning and the smell of Cajun cuisine permeated the air. I tossed back a few Soco Hurricanes and made my way from stage to stage.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah remain a mystery to me. They crawled onto the stage with less energy than kids suffering from mono. They were either sick or exhausted or just didn't care. Maybe all three? I was extremely disappointed. Enough said.

Deacon John
The Presentation Hall tent seemed a buzz so I decided to check it out. The tent was packed to the seams and over-flowing into the grass. Deacon John, playing for over forty years, gave voodoo a taste of good old New Orleans Jump Blues. The sound reminded me of visiting Bourbon Street as a child. It seems that this is where the festival came full circle. This is part of Rock and Roll's beginning, its history.

Joe Trohman of Fall Out Boy

Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy
The crowd awaiting Fall Out Boy's performance was primarily comprised of teenage girls - screaming teenage girls. For the first time in three days, I felt old. I realized that they were there for the same band I was about to hear. But I, unlike my fifteen year old friends, was not there for Pete Wentz, the eye candy of the band. And while I understand how teenage girls' hearts go a-flutter when a hot, bass- playing, indie band boy looks out into the audience and smirks, it was really lead guitarist, Joe Trohman, who stole the show. He was as engaged as front man Patrick Stump, but much less introverted. Trohman moved about the stage like a bat out of hell and looked great doing it. While the set became a tad bit shaky during Fall Out Boys rendition of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside," I thoroughly enjoyed the set.




Paolo Nutini Paolo Nutini
Perhaps the most exciting part of my last day at Voodoo was Scottish Singer, Paolo Nutini. His sultry soulful voice exemplified musical styles both past and present. The mingling of both classic rock and melodic blues mixed with beautiful story telling makes Paolo Nutini a complete musical package. Although his demeanor seems a bit shy it is never the less endearing and makes way for the music to stand on its own without being clouded by antics or forced stage bravado.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes
I finished my Voodoo Experience with The Black Crowes. And no Black Crowe's experience would be complete without glasses filled with incense burning on each side of the stage. A heavily bearded and delightfully kooky Chris Robinson did his thing. They played hard and strong. The crowd boasted parents with their kids, the old and young proving this band continues to have mass appeal.

Voodoo 2007 was a success! The city of New Orleans, while still recovering from the flood, was able to put its best foot forward. The diversity of the music, food and culture made Voodoo 2007 a wonderfully enriching excursion. I cannot wait to see what Voodoo 2008 will bring both for the City of New Orleans and for the global artistic community.]]> Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:10:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=102_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0





THE SMASHING PUMPKINS have announced they will return to the U.K. and Europe for a major arena headlining tour launching January 27 at Arena in Belgrade, Serbia and encompassing shows in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Ireland, Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, where the trek wraps March 3 in Helsinki.

This will mark the band's third round of overseas dates in connection with their critically acclaimed ZEITGEIST album (Martha's Music/Reprise), which entered the album charts in July in the Top Five in the U.S. (#2), Canada (#1), New Zealand (#1), the U.K. (#4), Italy (#5) and Switzerland (#5), with more Top Ten debuts in Germany (#7), Holland (#7) and Australia (#8). In the U.S and Canada, a special configuration of ZEITGEIST-awarded a four-star rating by Rolling Stone-is now available at Best Buy stores with three bonus tracks from the album's original sessions ("Death From Above," "Ma Belle," "Stellar") and a bonus DVD with a 20-minute documentary, Inside the Zeitgeist, as well as the music videos for "Tarantula" and "That's the Way (My Love Is)."

THE SMASHING PUMPKINS' extensive 2007 tour schedule commenced in Europe with an intimate sold-out show at the historic, elegantly appointed Grand Rex in Paris (May 22) and wrapped with another sold-out small venue gig at Sheperds Bush Empire in London (June 19). In between those shows, the band headlined the major summer European festivals. Next, they returned to the U.S. for a special performance at Live Earth on July 7 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford NJ; residencies at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC (nine shows between 6/23-7/5) and the historic Fillmore (11 shows between 7/15-8/1) in San Francisco, CA; as well as headlining slots at the two Virgin Festivals in North America: August 5 at Pimlico Park in Washington, D.C. and September 8 at Toronto Island Park in Canada.

Following the D.C. performance, the band returned overseas to headline festivals in Belgium, England, Greece and Turkey. The Pumpkins' fall tour-their first full-scale North American tour since 2000-has been highlighted by multiple night engagements in Vancouver, Boston, Philadelphia and Atlanta plus headlining performances at the massive KROQ "L.A. Invasion" show at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles on 9/15 and the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans on 10/27. The band wraps its North American tour November 18 in Dallas.





Date: 2007-11-16
As Reported by: jason]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:15:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=103_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 http://www.neworleanscitybusiness.com/viewStory.cfm?recID=17295

Voodoo fest sets attendance record

11/13/2006

The Voodoo Music Experience drew nearly 100,000 people Oct. 28-29 to reset the attendance record for the 8-year-old festival.
More than 75 bands performed at City Park and official after-shows at various clubs throughout the city as part as the Voodoo 24/7 programs.

A collaboration between Saturday headliners the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the reunion of the Original Meters highlighted the range of musical collaborations and odes to New Orleans and Louisiana.

In the main performance area, Duran Duran paid tribute to the city by covering "House of the Rising Sun," the Drive By Truckers performed a stirring version of Randy Newman's "Louisiana 1927" and Red Hot Chili Pepper John Frusciante took a turn on "The City of New Orleans."]]> Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:50:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=826_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Monday, 12 November 2007

There's certain rituals I must do every year. First on my list, SXSW in Austin, Texas for their annual music convention, which helps to school me on the new buzz bands and gets me some good barbeque. Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California for three days in the desert that the kick off the summer music scene and allows me a side trip to Disneyland. Lollapalooza, in Grant Park that is now Chi-Town's very own annual music festival, that delivers my yearly Perry Farrell fix. Of course last but not least, New Orleans on Halloween weekend for oysters and their annual Voodoo Music Experience concert, hidden in the swaps of City Park.

Voodoo Music Experience 2007
Entertainment
Art

City Park
New Orleans, LA
October 26/27/28, 2007

This year it was back better than ever with three days to satisfy any music fan. This year you had over a hundred bands to pick and choose while you consumed vast amounts of SoCo drinks until you couldn't see straight, or maybe that was just me!?! Thank you free backstage bar!
Friday I arrived just in time to catch the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in the daylight. This is one of those bands that I love but I need to see them in a smoky dark club with the amps tuned up to eleven. Still even with sunglasses they looked and sounded great and was the perfect kicker for my hangover and the next three days.
From there I caught a little psychedelic buzz from UK's Porcupine Tree. After zoning out on their long prog rock jams I decided to sneak over to WWOZ/SoCo stage to get some Louisiana blues by JJ Grey & MOFRO. I saw them earlier this year at the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival and they bring the soul and the blues to their country ghetto sound.
After a few songs with JJ Grey bouncing from guitar to piano, I stumbled into the Bingo Parlour Tent near by to find out what all the fuss was about with this chick band doing Zeppelin covers. Wow, this Sarah Mclellan can really belt it out and let's not forget Steph Paynes ripping through riffs like she's Jimmy Page's long lost sister. Lez Zeppelin I can't wait until you come back to Chi-Town because I am THERE!

After hearing an awesome version of "I Can't Quit You Baby," I moved on over to the Voodoo Stage for the Kings of Leon set. I don't even recognize their newer clean shaven look but I do groove their harder edge sound. They came out and kicked it in from the very first notes. I miss the crazy hair and mustaches but this is a band that is getting better every time I see them live.

I waited and waited for Toots And The Maytals and was only able to catch one song before making a run to the Playstation/Billboard stage. M.I.A. came out all iridescent, sunglasses and all to drop her beats and riotous vocals as she thrashed around the stage in a dominating prowl. Although she looked and sounded fierce, I of course was only biding my time for the headliner of the evening and maybe the festival as a whole.

Rage Against the Machine announced earlier this year they were reuniting to do a one off at this years Coachella festival that turned into a series of shows. I saw that first show in the Indio desert and I have to say Zach and the band came out like they never broke up. Well tonight was no exception and solidified their well oiled machine, all the while demanding a political uprise in the bayous. What can I say, I'll be sad if they go their separate ways after a year of solid shows around the US.

Saturday I found my way back to the grounds in time to catch the one and only Sinead O'Connor. I've missed her and it's nice to see her back singing songs and doing live shows where she belongs. Arriving on stage, the sun was pounding hard as she entered looking quite androgynous if not a bit dykey. Yet she sounded as gorgeous as she did back when she was the controversial pop star in the 90's. Sinead set included songs from her very first album and even satisfied the crowd with her Prince cover, "Nothing Compares 2 U," that even Prince is envious of still today.
After that I watched brief sets of the "Cousin Itt" looking singer of, Coheed and Cambria and trudged through the mud to see New Orleans own Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk. Neither really grabbed me but it's very possible I just didn't give either a long enough listen.

Regardless, I wanted to make sure I made it in time to hear the funky soul of Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. The one thing they are not innocent of is putting on a kick ass show that is mesmerizing. Wow, Ben Harper knows how to rock out a hat and can equally deliver on the guitar. The grooves he was laying down was just so intoxicating that I was almost tempted to dance, almost. I'm white so it's ill advised. I really could have left after his set, it was perfect, but I still had Spoon and the Smashing Pumpkins to catch.

Spoon is one of those bands that I've heard so much about and I've had problems getting into live. I suspect they might be a band you need to get familiarized on album before you venture out to see them live, kind of like The Shins. Yet with that said there was something about their set at Voodoo that grabbed me. Perhaps it's because I recognized their new song "Don't Make Me A Target" and "The Underdog" that are growing on me. I really need to add some of their albums to my iPod.

Smashing Pumpkins (or Zwan part deux) came out slow for a headliner and never really found their groove. Unlike the previous night where Rage came out in full force, Corgan and the band deciding to open up with new material that helped to lose the crowd from the get go. In fact most of the set consisted of new material with only a few nuggets to appeal to my musical taste buds. Still, Corgan did deliver on some of my Pumpkin favorites like "Drown," and the perfect pop song, "Today." It was disappointment in my eyes, but offering up a CCR cover of "Born on the Bayou" along with Corgan's nice acoustic rendition of "1979" came close to saving them.

Sunday I had every intention of arriving in time for the first band but I just couldn't get myself motivated. Sunday was a day showcasing some of the biggest and soon to be biggest names in the Chicago music scene. The Plain White T's was the first Chicago band but I did not make it in time to hear their radio hit "Hey There Delilah," but I heard they played it.

I did however make it to see the new buzz band Gym Class Heroes and I have to say I loved them. Their laid back playful stage antics made them a perfect band to start off the final day. Their blend of rap and indie rock made this NY band a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate but was very welcome. I might need to add them to my iPod as well.

After a brief visit to the concession area for a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, I headed over to catch a bit of the quirky Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. I'm not sure what I think of them but I must admit I found myself grooving to the oddly catchy "Satan Said Dance" with the chorus of "Satan, Sa-tan, Satan, Sa-Tan" that is fun and bouncy.

I missed Pete Wentz's jumping off of the speaker that caused him to break his foot but saw a photo of it and it looked nasty . They did a solid set but what's with the outfits guys? It's the south and you came out in layers and even a leather coat? Even though I would encourage the drummer to wear a shirt he at least knew what the temperature is out in New Orleans. Maybe I'm just nitpicking.

Paolo Nutini showed me a how not to have stage presence by singing with a hunch back with his eyes closed. My girlfriend kept talking about him from his Lollapalooza performance but I'm not sure if she was a fan of his music or just him in general. I have to admit his "New Shoes" song is a bit on the catchy side and growing on me every time I hear it.

The Black Crowes have surprised me all year by bringing new strength back to their live set. I gave up on them long ago but I've seem them now three times this year and wow they are back with a little less jam and more of a Allman Brothers like vibe. Glad to have the brother Robinson's back. Speaking of, Rich Robinson might have done a Pete Wentz a show earlier, coming out in crutches that did nothing to stop him from delivering some solid guitar licks.

After taking the time to catch a few songs of Irma Thomas and Zap Mama, I made it over in time to see Common appear out of the darkness to dominate the Playstation/Billboard stage. With his mastering of the freestyle, Common's one of rap's most original talents out there today and we are lucky to say he's one of Chicago's own.
Another Chicago talent, Wilco, closed the Voodoo Stage in a nice blanket of blue light. Tweedy and the boys out did their selves proving me wrong and provided to be the perfect closer. Wilco is one of those bands I sometimes forget how much I enjoy. They seem often to be off my radar but I always enjoy their live shows. Wilco proved tonight that they have earned their place as a headliner and a band that keeps pushing the envelope with each album.
I made one more pit stop before I closed the chapter to my 2007 Voodoo experience. I had to pay my regards to the "Night Tripper" better known as, Dr. John. His piano boogie is as much apart of New Orleans as is his signature growl that IS the "voodoo" music. Dr. John glowing in purple with his fingers tickling the ivories was the way I wanted to end my three days.

Once again the Voodoo Music Experience brought me back to one of my favorite cities and to one of my favorite musical festivals. This year I stuffed a smorgasbord of tasty musical treats in three days to make a perfect Halloween weekend. I'll see YOU, next year.]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:15:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=104_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 11-12-07

Ouch! Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz (aka Ashleee Simpson's boyfriend) broke his angle jumping during an Oct 28 concert at New Orleans' Voodoo Music Experience fest. Nevertheless, "No shows shows will be canceled," he promised on his FriendsofEnemies.com blog, adding that he was trying to get a walking cast. "If you see me at a show," he worte, "come sign (it)."]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:15:00 -0600 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=105_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
Posted by Chris Rose November 01, 2007 12:50PM
The air was crisp, clean and vigorous this weekend. It's that one week of weather that makes it worth living here all year. There was music everywhere, falling and fanning out like leaves of autumn. There were festivals, exhibitions and events everywhere. And Sunday, there were lots of touchdowns.

A friend of mine who used to live here, and was preparing to go back to where she lives now, said to me: "Is it Daylight Savings? Do we set our clocks back this weekend?"
"No," I said.
"Damn!" she said.
"What?" I asked her.
"I'd give anything," she said to me, "to be able to spend just one more hour in New Orleans."
There's your love story. I think that's the most beautiful thing I've heard spoken about this place in a long time. Just give me one more hour. One more drink. One more bite. One more dance. One more song in my heart.
Just give me one more hour. You could do anything with that.
There were tens of thousands of people at Voodoo Fest, getting sunburned and rocked out, raging against the machine, and there were tens of thousands of folks down in Belle Chasse, gazing at the fearsome display of grace and power at the Air Show, and there were thousands and thousands of people at the Convention Center for the jewelry show, cars parked miles away, up into the Warehouse District, people walking in groups to the show, and my friend said to me as we drove by the crowds: "It looks like the old days."
And it did.
There was a festival in Kenner and a festival in Bucktown, and there was possibly a moment this weekend when no one was home, everyone was gone, out, about, engaged, active and probably dancing.
If this town is dying, somebody better tell the people who live here.
Down at the Air Show on Saturday, standing there with my kids while the speakers blared "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder . . ." and the Thunderbirds roared above us in a Flying V formation, I had one of those God Bless America moments.
Or God Bless New Orleans. Katrina? I don't know anyone named Katrina.
Sunday afternoon, I was at the Rite Aid Uptown on Broadway when one of those maddening City That Care Forgot phenomena occurred in my presence.
There were about eight people in line, and it turns out that the guy in front of the line, his momma knew the cash register clerk's momma -- I swear I'm not making this up -- and so she stopped ringing groceries and leaned on the counter and they started yakking.

On and on. Like nobody else was there. Sometimes this drives me crazy. Sunday, it just made me laugh. If I had one more hour, I guess I'd spend it in line somewhere while old folks inquired about each other's mommas' health.

The cash register clerk asked the guy what he was doing Sunday afternoon and he said he was going to the second-line. I asked him where it was and he told me it started at Armstrong Park at 1 and "goes up," meaning it would wind its way Uptown through the afternoon. That sounded like fun. What a day for it. And I haven't been to a second-line in forever.

But I had to work Sunday afternoon. I was stuck down in the CBD in a parking lot behind an art gallery, painting. And while I was there, lost in reverie, out in the sun, I heard echoes coming over the buildings from up on Loyola Avenue, and I realized it was the second line parade, off in the distance, calling out to all who could hear, beckoning all to dance and wiggle. So I did. I danced alone in a parking lot. I gotta tell ya: I was feeling pretty good.

Click here to find out more!
And, at that moment, down the alley between two buildings, I heard a familiar sound, one I had not heard in a very long time, and it was like hearing an old friend's voice on the phone.

It was the streetcar moving down Carondelet. Glory be. The second line horns, the streetcar sounds and then Drew Brees threw a touchdown and then another and then another and then another and I was thinking: I don't need an extra hour.
The one I'm having is just fine.]]> Thu, 1 Nov 2007 12:20:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=106_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
by Gina Serpe
Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:54:56 AM PDT
Pete Wentz may want to rechristen his band Fall Down Boy after this.

The Fall Out Boy frontman suffered a broken foot during a particularly animated performance at New Orleans' Voodoo Festival Sunday night.

However, despite the self-inflicted ped impediment, the "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" rockers will not be canceling any shows, thus sparing legions of emo fans from shedding any more unnecessary tears.

The 28-year-old revealed the injury in a posting on his FriendsorEnemies.com blog Monday under the heading, "i've got good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first?"

"for anyone who was at the voodoo fest in new orleans-you got to see me jump around," the capitalization-averse rocker wrote under the user name Clandestine, the same name as Wentz's clothing label. "ended up breaking the bone that connects my shin to my foot. no shows will be cancelled."

Lest fans not take Wentz at his injured word, Ashlee Simpson's other half also posted a photo of his bruised, swollen and desperately-in-need-of-a-pedicure foot.

"i am currently trying to get a 'rocker' boot so i can have a walking cast," he wrote. "currently my foot is the size of a small car. if you see me at a show come sign my cast."

Fans will have plenty of opportunities to make their mark. Fall Out Boy's has two dozen dates remaining on its Young Wild Things North American tour.

After a one-night reprieve from touring, the Wentz-fronted group is due back on stage in Jacksonville, Florida, Tuesday.

The quartet, supported by fellow teen-friendly rock groups Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's, wraps up the tour Dec. 2 in Las Vegas.]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:50:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=135_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
(Tuesday October 30, 2007 06:19 PM)
Fall Out Boy star Pete Wentz has become the latest music star to suffer an injury during a show, after breaking his foot.

The band's bass player was injured during a concert at the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans on Sunday.

Wentz follows Take That's Howard Donald and former Moloko star Roisin Murphy in being hurt on-stage, after they were both recently hospitalised.

He has posted an explanation on his blog, which includes a photograph of the damaged limb which is now apparently "the size of a small car".

He said: "For anyone who was at the Voodoo Fest, you got to see me jump around. I ended up breaking the bone that connects my shin to my foot."

Despite the accident, Wentz insists Fall Out Boy's American tour will go ahead as planned, with the group due to play a gig in Jacksonville tonight and dates scheduled into December.

"No shows will be cancelled. I am currently trying to get a 'rocker' boot, so I can have a walking cast", he explained.

"Currently my foot is the size of a small car. If you see me at a show come sign my cast", Wentz suggested to fans.]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:45:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=134_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 NEW ORLEANS -- Music and jets drew tens of thousands outdoors this weekend, event organizers said.
Attendance for the N'Awlins Air Show in Belle Chasse was estimated at 89,000 people. The event drew more people on Sunday than the entire weekend last year.
The three days of the Voodoo Music Experience brought more than 150,000 people out to City Park, organizers said.]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:45:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=131_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
I've been highly critical of the brains behind Fall Out Boy for awhile, but Pete is slowly beginning to earn my respect. According to NME, the bassist suffered a broken foot during the Voodoo Music Experience a few days back; however, he's not letting a few cracks sideline him from their current tour. About the injury, he said, "No shows will be cancelled. I am currently trying to get a 'rocker' boot, so I can have a walking cast." Hell yes, Pete. In honor of this manly behavior, I'm going to refrain from slandering you for an entire week. You've earned it.]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:45:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=133_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:45:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=132_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Fall Out Boy's hits-heavy set Sunday kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and featured well-received versions of "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Dance, Dance" as well as a faithful cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Bassist Pete Wentz kept up the energy throughout the performance despite suffering a broken ankle during one of his onstage jumps. Among the many other national and local acts performing on the festival's three stages included FOB's Young Wild Things tourmates Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience']]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=130_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Fall Out Boy's hits-heavy set Sunday kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and featured well-received versions of "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Dance, Dance" as well as a faithful cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Bassist Pete Wentz kept up the energy throughout the performance despite suffering a broken ankle during one of his onstage jumps. Among the many other national and local acts performing on the festival's three stages included FOB's Young Wild Things tourmates Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=129_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Fall Out Boy's hits-heavy set Sunday kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and featured well-received versions of "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Dance, Dance" as well as a faithful cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Bassist Pete Wentz kept up the energy throughout the performance despite suffering a broken ankle during one of his onstage jumps. Among the many other national and local acts performing on the festival's three stages included FOB's Young Wild Things tourmates Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=128_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Fall Out Boy's hits-heavy set Sunday kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and featured well-received versions of "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Dance, Dance" as well as a faithful cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Bassist Pete Wentz kept up the energy throughout the performance despite suffering a broken ankle during one of his onstage jumps. Among the many other national and local acts performing on the festival's three stages included FOB's Young Wild Things tourmates Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:40:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=127_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Fall Out Boy's hits-heavy set Sunday kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and featured well-received versions of "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Dance, Dance" as well as a faithful cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Bassist Pete Wentz kept up the energy throughout the performance despite suffering a broken ankle during one of his onstage jumps. Among the many other national and local acts performing on the festival's three stages included FOB's Young Wild Things tourmates Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:35:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=116_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Rage Against the Machine heated up the night on Friday as Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello & Co. roared out of the gate with "Testify" and "Bulls on Parade" and kept up an unrelenting pace throughout their 75-minute set. The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Saturday's lineup, punctuating their performance with surprising covers of the venue-appropriate "Born on the Bayou" and a dirge-like "I Love Rock 'N Roll." The Black Crowes delivered a solid set Sunday, even with an injured Rich Robinson playing guitar while seated after hobbling onstage on crutches. Among the many other national and local NOLA acts performing on the festival's three stages were Fall Out Boy, Coheed and Cambria, Sinead O'Connor, Gym Class Heroes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kings of Leon and Wilco. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=113_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Rage Against the Machine heated up the night on Friday as Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello & Co. roared out of the gate with "Testify" and "Bulls on Parade" and kept up an unrelenting pace throughout their 75-minute set. The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Saturday's lineup, punctuating their performance with surprising covers of the venue-appropriate "Born on the Bayou" and a dirge-like "I Love Rock 'N Roll." The Black Crowes delivered a solid set Sunday, even with an injured Rich Robinson playing guitar while seated after hobbling onstage on crutches. Among the many other national and local NOLA acts performing on the festival's three stages were Fall Out Boy, Coheed and Cambria, Sinead O'Connor, Gym Class Heroes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kings of Leon and Wilco. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=114_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Fall Out Boy's hits-heavy set Sunday kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and featured well-received versions of "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and "Dance, Dance" as well as a faithful cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Bassist Pete Wentz kept up the energy throughout the performance despite suffering a broken ankle during one of his onstage jumps. Among the many other national and local acts performing on the festival's three stages included FOB's Young Wild Things tourmates Gym Class Heroes and Plain White T's. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=115_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Rage Against the Machine heated up the night on Friday as Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello & Co. roared out of the gate with "Testify" and "Bulls on Parade" and kept up an unrelenting pace throughout their 75-minute set. The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Saturday's lineup, punctuating their performance with surprising covers of the venue-appropriate "Born on the Bayou" and a dirge-like "I Love Rock 'N Roll." Fall Out Boy's energetic set Sunday afternoon kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and kept the hits coming, despite the broken ankle suffered by bassist Pete Wentz during one of his jumps. Among the many other national and local NOLA acts performing on the festival's three stages were Plain White T's, Coheed and Cambria, Gym Class Heroes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kings of Leon and Wilco. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=110_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Rage Against the Machine heated up the night on Friday as Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello & Co. roared out of the gate with "Testify" and "Bulls on Parade" and kept up an unrelenting pace throughout their 75-minute set. The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Saturday's lineup, punctuating their performance with surprising covers of the venue-appropriate "Born on the Bayou" and a dirge-like "I Love Rock 'N Roll." Fall Out Boy's energetic set Sunday afternoon kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and kept the hits coming, despite the broken ankle suffered by bassist Pete Wentz during one of his jumps. Among the many other national and local NOLA acts performing on the festival's three stages were Plain White T's, Coheed and Cambria, Gym Class Heroes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kings of Leon and Wilco. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=109_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Rage Against the Machine heated up the night on Friday as Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello & Co. roared out of the gate with "Testify" and "Bulls on Parade" and kept up an unrelenting pace throughout their 75-minute set. The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Saturday's lineup, punctuating their performance with surprising covers of the venue-appropriate "Born on the Bayou" and a dirge-like "I Love Rock 'N Roll." The Black Crowes delivered a solid set Sunday, even with an injured Rich Robinson playing guitar while seated after hobbling onstage on crutches. Among the many other national and local NOLA acts performing on the festival's three stages were Fall Out Boy, Coheed and Cambria, Sinead O'Connor, Gym Class Heroes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kings of Leon and Wilco. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=112_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Perhaps a little voodoo was at work with the bewitching weather for the Voodoo Music Experience last weekend in New Orleans' City Park, with all three days of the annual festival blessed with warm and sunny afternoons that led into cool and crisp evenings. Rage Against the Machine heated up the night on Friday as Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello & Co. roared out of the gate with "Testify" and "Bulls on Parade" and kept up an unrelenting pace throughout their 75-minute set. The Smashing Pumpkins headlined Saturday's lineup, punctuating their performance with surprising covers of the venue-appropriate "Born on the Bayou" and a dirge-like "I Love Rock 'N Roll." Fall Out Boy's energetic set Sunday afternoon kicked off with "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and kept the hits coming, despite the broken ankle suffered by bassist Pete Wentz during one of his jumps. Among the many other national and local NOLA acts performing on the festival's three stages were Plain White T's, Coheed and Cambria, Gym Class Heroes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Kings of Leon and Wilco. Experience the event for yourself via video here:
Voodoo Music Experience]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=111_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0
http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/17091102/voodoo_2007_smashing_pumpkins_ra]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:20:00 -0500 http://www.voodoomusicfest.com/?content=press&?em23=108_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2008_0_0 Posted by kmarszal October 30, 2007 07:38AM
Check out the V.M.E. galleries

By 10 p.m. Sunday, Wilco had slammed home a magical set, a purple-suit-wearing Dr. John had bundled into a backstage sedan, and silence finally descended on City Park's oaks along with the damp night air.

But the 2007 Voodoo Music Experience was not quite finished. Amid the carved masks and ankh jewelry of the African Cultural Tent on the main Voodoo midway, the Rebirth Brass Band kicked into high gear as thousands of attendees streamed for the exits.

It was one last memorable scene from three days and nights full of them. Voodoo '07 represented the maturation of another distinctly Big Easy festival, one that, like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Essence Music Festival, is national in scope while retaining its local pedigree.

Depending on which way the wind blew, Voodoo sound waves crashed into the surrounding neighborhood, much to the chagrin of some residents. Others welcomed the diversion and economic boost to cash-strapped City Park. Precise attendance figures were not available Monday. But across three days, the total likely topped 100,000.

Along the festival midway, you could get a tattoo, test drive unreleased Playstation video games, munch a soft-shell crab po-boy or tour a FEMA trailer with a sign that asked, "Would YOU want to live in this for two years?"

For next year's 10th anniversary Voodoo, organizers may want to expand the popular Preservation Hall Tent and even the madcap Bingo! Parlour, which accommodated an aerialist in its nonstop bohemian circus.

In four years, Voodoo has occupied three different sites within City Park. This year's location alongside Tad Gormley Stadium lacked the dramatic backdrop of the amber-lit New Orleans Museum of Art -- although the towering pyramid of light formed by four intersecting spotlights was a nice touch.

This more cohesive site had its advantages. After the Oct. 22 deluge, ducks swam inside the Bingo! Parlour. Swampy patches remained when Voodoo opened Friday, but the field between the main stages was mostly dry on the high ground of the City Park running track.

"The running track saved us," said Stephen Rehage, Voodoo's founder and producer.

Dramas both small and large unfolded throughout the weekend. Some noteworthy moments from Voodoo '07 follow.

. . . . . . .

Six figure paydays have a way of bringing feuding bandmates together. The four members of Rage Against the Machine reportedly arrived at Voodoo in separate vehicles and stayed in separate trailers. They had not posed for a band photograph in years -- hence the old publicity photos that turned up in Voodoo previews.

But after a years-long estrangement, they reunited for a handful of lucrative gigs this year. Before their headlining set Friday, they agreed to be photographed together for Voodoo's archives. And once they hit the stage, all was forgiven.

The quartet specializes in one thing, and one thing only: Revolutionary hard-rock rap and funk, equal parts sledgehammer and scalpel. And they still do it very well, despite the long layoff.

A three-punch opening of "Testify," "Bulls on Parade" -- in which Tom Morello manipulated his guitar to sound like a DJ scratching a turntable -- and "People of the Sun" set the tone. Bassist Tim Commerford and drummer Brad Wilk are a potent rhythm section. Morello dropped one bomb after another, as Zack de la Rocha's spitfire staccato delivery provided cover fire.

Whatever your opinion of De La Rocha's leftist politics, he is an indispensable frontman. He largely held his tongue for the show's first hour. Then, during a breakdown in "Wake Up" -- which blatantly rips off the chord progression from Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" -- he spoke of visiting the 8th and 9th wards. The devastation tour made clear to him "that the United States government is at war in two places" -- Iraq and "against the people of New Orleans."

He then ticked off his list of perceived enemies at the gate, including Haliburton and real estate developers. New Orleanians must fight for what is theirs, he said. To drive home the point, he leapt offstage, crossed the no-man's land to the barricades, and threw himself into the huddled masses down front.

"Guerrilla Radio" went over huge, as did a final, explosive "Killing in the Name Of." Rage threw down the gauntlet for all who would follow.

. . . . . . .

Former Deadboy & the Elephant Men leader Dax Riggs' new band, the Blood Kings, punched up his curt, ragged electric guitar chords. "Thank you for coming to a celebration of the sun today," said the Houma gloom-and-doom singer, looking very much like a man who doesn't see much sunlight. Earlier, he introduced a song with, "This is about the horrors, the terror, of nightlife." That is his usual domain.

. . . . . . .

In keeping with the theme of Galactic's latest album, "From the Corner to the Block," three underground hip-hop MCs joined the band onstage. In a slammin' "What You Need," Lyrics Born ran down the merchandise available from a street corner entrepreneur with his genial, rapid-fire flow. Boots Riley of The Coup and Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 also took turns. The band roared on Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song," with Ben Ellman's sax substituting for Robert Plant's howl until the rappers jumped in and veered off in another direction.

. . . . . . .

Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals showcased the full range of their considerable strengths, from the muscular riffing of Harper's lap-slide guitar to the acoustic guitar and hand percussion of the pot ode "Burn One Down." The breezy "Steal My Kisses," with its clap-along segment and Caribbean island clipped guitar chords, was the product of a refined pop sense.

Criminals bassist Juan Nelson sang choruses of Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman" during a '60s soul excursion. And in "Black Rain," Harper proved he knew exactly where he was, singing, "You left them swimming for their lives down in New Orleans."

. . . . . . .

You never quite know which Smashing Pumpkins will show up: The smart, savvy Pumpkins that traffic in razor-sharp, stick-in-your-head-riffs, or the self-indulgent Pumpkins who bludgeon away with a modern rock take on meaningless hard psychedelia.

Early in the Smashing Pumpkins' Saturday night set, the latter version reared its bald head. Guitarist/vocalist Billy Corgan and his new Pumpkins -- drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is the only other holdover from the band's mid-'90s heyday -- raise a mighty racket. Obviously well-rehearsed, they moved forward as one.

Unfortunately, they reveled in racket for racket's sake, forgetting that carefully constructed songs made the Pumpkins famous. They even raced through "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" as if Corgan was paying the band by the second, short-changing the bombs-away bridge of a riff that is at the song's heart.

Not until a spot-on reading of the sweeping "Tonight Tonight" did the Pumpkins strike all the right chords, only to plow into another stretch of not terribly ambient noise.

Then Corgan informed the crowd that he had toured New Orleans the previous day. "I'm glad to see the city is not what the media portrays it to be," he said. "I expected to find a living funeral. But in fact the city is very much alive. No hurricane can kill this place." With that, he dedicated a solo acoustic "1979" to New Orleans.

"Today" was the Smashing Pumpkins at their best. But material from the band's new "Zeitgeist" CD was no more engaging live than on record.

The encore was far more interesting. Corgan and company put their stamp on Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Born on the Bayou" and deconstructed Joan Jett's "I Love Rock'n' Roll."

Any thoughts of a second encore were quickly squelched: Corgan was still onstage waving goodbye when DJ Tiesto fired up across the field on the Playstation/Billboard.com Stage. Much of the audience immediately turned and ran toward the club beat and strobe lights, a Voodoo rave under the stars.

. . . . . . .

Unlike her Voodoo brethren, Sinead O'Connor deployed both violin and pennywhistle Saturday afternoon -- and sang lyrics drawn entirely from the Book of Isaiah.

The now 40-year-old O'Connor's dramatic clarion call is undiminished. She served notice early on that she has no problem with her back catalog of pop hits -- she opened with "The Emperor's New Clothes."

Her five musicians swapped instruments and sang harmony. But O'Connor's striking, sorrowful voice was the centerpiece. Quick catches and sustained syllables conveyed high drama, as in "If You Had a Vineyard," the aforementioned biblical epic, with its frequent references to Jerusalem and Judah. A haunting "Nothing Compares 2 U" opened with just O'Connor's mournful voice and acoustic guitar; the rest of the band eventually fell in behind her. A final "Last Day of Our Acquaintance" was as lovely as all that preceded it.

O'Connor cited one drawback to a midday set under a bright sun.

"I was hoping I could wear this shirt for the whole tour," she said. "But after today, I don't know. I might have to take a bath."

. . . . . . .

The Voodoo Music Experience essentially absorbed the local stop on Fall Out Boy's Young Wild Things tour. The four acts on that tour -- Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T's and Cute Is What We Aim For -- occupied four slots on Voodoo's two main stages Sunday.

Or were scheduled to, anyway. Cute Is What We Aim For canceled its late morning set, reportedly because the band's singer had contracted laryngitis. Later, Fall Out Boy bassist and alt-rock poster boy of the moment Pete Wentz noted, "We routed this entire tour around being able to play this festival."

Still, Fall Out Boy intended to take care of business quickly, Wentz said, to clear the stage for the Black Crowes and the "almighty Wilco."

Fall Out Boy might take a few cues from those two more seasoned bands. Wentz and company had stage presence to burn, and Patrick Stump sang/shouted with vigor. But they have not yet learned to shift gears effectively. Bashing away is fine and good, but not every Fall Out Boy anthem is as distinct as the crunchy "Thanks for the Memories" and the hit "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race."

In introducing the latter song, Wentz denied accusations that the band is misogynistic. "We don't hate girls -- we f- - - - - - hate everybody," he clarified.

Not true -- at the end of the set, Wentz ventured down into the security pit to share the love with fans.

. . . . . . .

The Black Crowes' appearance at the 2001 Voodoo yielded nothing but bad vibes. Thanks to Snoop Dogg's delays on the same stage, the Crowes started late and played to a rapidly diminishing audience. Weeks later, they broke up.

They fared much better this time around. As the sun set, the Crowes were what Kings of Leon want to be when they grow up: A rock solid Southern-bred rock band with indisputable melodies and the ability to jam with purpose and authority.

Even though lead guitarist Rich Robinson hobbled onstage on crutches and played slide guitar sitting down, the Crowes locked in early and never let up. Chris Robinson, long of hair and beard, kept his freak flag mostly in check; his well-sanded voice was in good shape.

He and the band knocked out a faithful "Jealous Again," from their 1990 debut. For a finale, they stretched "Thorn in My Pride" into an epic, complete with a Chris Robinson harmonica breakdown. Every minute was worthwhile.

. . . . . . .

Midway through Wilco's Sunday night closing set, singer Jeff Tweedy suggested that fans leave early "to get a head start on traffic." But if they chose to stay, "it's gonna be worth your while, I promise."

He was right, and then some. At festivals past, I've seen Wilco get lost in the ambient experiments that sometimes bog down the band's albums. On Sunday, Tweedy and company played like they had something to prove.

Perhaps, as the title of their opening song suggested, they were simply "Misunderstood." Now sober, Tweedy is considerably more personable; his understated, somewhat goofy humor was on full display. And bassist and Mandeville native John Stirratt has taken his place at the forefront, standing side by side with Tweedy and singing harmony.

Tweedy and Stirratt are the only constants in Wilco's history. The current six-man lineup is versatile and fluent, mixing up textures, tones, tension and tempos. At one point during a tour de force "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," the six musicians faced one another in a circle, smiling -- they knew they were hitting on all cylinders.

On this night, they could do no wrong, whether easing back for "Jesus, Etc." or dedicating "Walken," with its Little Feat-like lap steel guitar, to Fats D