I'm Not Going To Al-fest

Post by **amzo39** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:36 pm

If I can get a CAMERA or something to replace my broken one, I will definitely make some sort of video, as previously mentioned in that other thread. If I'm allowed, that is. I don't know.

If I can't get a replacement or something,(

) then I'm sure someone else will make a video..

Post by **algonacchick** » Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:48 pm

Hi, I'm Patti, and I'm an Al-oholic. However, I'm a broke Al-oholic, so I won't be going to AlFest. I'll be relying on those who are going to keep me and the others in my boat updated as to what's happening. I'm counting on all you lucky people. Don't let me down!

Post by **Dr_Dad** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:12 am

Well, my problem isn't money -- it's timing. I had really REALLY wanted to go, but unfortunately, as I think I'd said elsewhere, my wife and I have a previous engagement that I just can't break -- we're hosting a retreat that entire weekend. We do this maybe twice a year ... and it just happened we'd set up for that weekend months ago, before I even knew about ALFEST 2009.

*sigh*

So ... poop. Ah well ...

In all seriousness, however, I did think of another venue that might be fun to consider for a future ALFEST. Yes, prepare for yet another Dr Dad epistle.

I'd love to see Al come down for an annual local event called "Family Gras". It's a suburban Mardi Gras event that started after Katrina in 2006, and it occurs on the weekend before the weekend before Mardi Gras Day [meaning roughly 9-11 days before Mardi Gras Day]. It was begun ostensibly to lure people looking for a more "family friendly" Mardi Gras away from New Orleans proper and into the suburbs ... and have folks spend more money in the 'burbs too. It has however tried to promote more family-oriented activities seen in Mardi Gras of old [read: when *I* was a kid ... back when dinosaurs ruled the earth]. So, they encourage dressing in costume and bring in family acts for concerts [last year, N'Awlins' own Imagination Movers were the big hit -- now they're on Disney!]

Now, I won't get into the whole "Mardi Gras IS family friendly Uptown, it's only kinky in the French Quarter" arguments that locals get into with each other as a result of this event, so let's bypass all that -- though both sides frankly have valid points.

However, as you can see by this list of performers for the 2009 weekend, Al would fit right in with the whole "family" aspect of the weekend. Plus there are several Mardi Gras parades that march that very same weekend to partake in. And most importantly, the entire outdoor concert is FREE!!! [It's SRO ... but it IS free ...]

I think Al would be willing to do it -- I mean, after all, he's come down for Mardi Gras before, and he's always loved coming to New Orleans. He even served as Grand Marshall of a local parade once [the Krewe of Caesar in Metairie on February 18, 1995 ... I know -- I saw him there and got him to throw me a Go-Cup, which I got Al to autograph in 2003!! So it wouldn't be the first time he'd be here!]. The primary issues would be getting his booking agent interested in Family Gras, and getting Jefferson Parish interested in Weird Al.

But think of it -- all WAY fans dressing up in costume as Al video characters or UHF characters ... chowing down on authentic N'Awlins food ... catching beads, cups, and doubloons ... and watching a FREE Al concert ... doesn't that just sound like nirvana? [Smells like it too ...

]

So, does the concept of Mardi Gras parades and a FREE Al concert on a weekend in February [in 2010 or a future year] sound like something you WOWAYers might be interested in??

Should I look more into this?

Or give it up as a pipe dream?

Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:01 am

I would be there in a heartbeat. I've only visited N'Awlins once, as a guest of someone I met on a Star Trek BBS (yes I am that geeky) and had a lovely time.

Post by **TMBJon** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 6:52 am

Yeah, I would definitely attend such an event as I am a big fan of New Orleans.

Post by **WHiZZi** » Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:41 am

I wish I could come too.. but flying from the Netherlands to the USA is pretty expensive and I cannot get free from work

aww, sometimes I hate living in NL!

Eyeball Chair · Post by **Eyeball Chair** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 2:24 pm

Al fest? is this gonna be like another alcon?

either way I won't be able to go >.<

Post by **Seva** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 11:21 pm

Why, oh why you Americans don't come out with COMMIEdy Fest for those like myself?

SEVA.
-not a Communist, really.

Post by **kyky27** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:57 pm

I don't get to go either.

1) not enough money whatsoever

2) this is also in the middle of harvest. that's what sucks about being a farmer...

Post by **Kevbo1987** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 1:35 am

This sounds like an awesome event, but I also cannot go. I definitely don't have enough money to afford airfare and a hotel room. I hope everyone who is going has a great time though.