Jazz Fest West

Having zero expectations and no real plan in mind before deciding to go to Jazz Fest West made my experience good, but now that I’ve been, I know it could have been better.
I was determined to hear Anthony Hamilton, so I didn’t read any of the fine print or know too much about the event before getting tickets. I just packed a blanket and some snacks and headed over at around 11, for an event that started at 10. I thought this would be just fine… WELL, I WAS WRONG… So here are some tips for you:
* GET HERE EARLY. SERIOUSLY.
* Bring cash for parking, they take cards inside for concessions, etc.
* If you can splurge on VIP, do it. Ladies, you will thank me… the bathroom situation is BRUTAL.
* Pack plenty of snacks and REAL food. Yes, they have concessions, but they were not very good.
* Bring things to help you pass the time. Reception sucks, so your iPad/​Phone won’t do much for you. Bring cards, UNO, Jenga, whatever. It’s gonna be a long day.
* Everyone sneaks in booze, just do it. The booze options for sale sucked this year.
* Wear comfy shoes… you will be trekking on grass and hills.
* Bring high chairs, low ones, blankets, whatever. (Peeps bring beach umbrellas to this event, so don’t expect a great view)
* Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Have fun! This event is a blast if you come prepared or with an open mind and a hunger for a lively crowd and good music!

This event gets 5 stars for the entertainment, 1 star for the hot-​as* venue, 1 star for maintaining the rules oh-​so-​detailed on the website and as you purchase your ticket, and 4 for trying to be well-​organized.
I’m not going back until they fix the venue. Newport Jazz Fest, in May, with it’s temperamental temperatures, needs to switch with Jazz Fest West in July, where you’re sweltering and sweating. Rules said no high-​back chairs, umbrellas, etc. So I left my gear at home. I get there, and not only do folk have high-​backed chairs and umbrellas, but canopies. Yes, canopies! Well, I had heard that the year prior, some people fell out from heat stroke. But point being, just have no rules for anybody, then we’ll make it work.
My friend said, «Pay for VIP.» Pay an extra $ 300 for bathroom rights (needed ladies!), and a chair under a canopy. I’d just rather buy a cruise ticket and play my iPod. Knowing this, what drew me out? Jill Scott and Charlie Wilson. But no more! Live and learn.

3.5 stars.
I agree with the previous reviewer. As a first-​timer, my friend and I were careful to adhere to all of the finicky rules! BIG MISTAKE! We went out and specially bought «low-​back chairs» because we thought there would be a section for low-​backs only where high-​back chairs and their umbrellas wouldn’t get in the way of the view — WRONG.
So here’s the nitty:
Bring your water bottles and chairs (whatever you like). Despite the rules, your bags are not checked on the shuttle to the park. The buses were quite nice — equipped with A/​C and good music and storage in the under carriage.
GET THERE SUPER EARLY to find a decent place to sit.
Go with more than 2 friends — so you can take turns holding your chosen spot and getting grub at the food court.
‘Bring entertainment with you (i.e. card games, etc.) — we did and we were so happy we did — it was a long day!
Get a free event guide on your way — super helpful maps — the park is HUGE.
There are 2 stages — be sure to plant near the Main Stage where all the big acts are. This year it was Bebe Winans, Jill Scott, and Charlie WIlson. Otherwise, you could stay home and listen to their CD — it’s nearly the exact equivalent minus the sun and crowds.
Next time, I’ve decided to pay the VIP/​Preferred ticket price because it looks to be well worth it. General Admission tickets felt like it was for the paupers.

great music
great venue
koz was amazing!!!
if you have a gold or vip seat view is good. otherwise you will only be able to listen.
sound was so so
food was ok
it was way too hot. good thing there were cooling stations