What to Have with You at Jazz Fest

Here are my well-considered suggestions for what should be in your Jazz Fest tote bag or back pack, to ensure that you're prepared and ready for almost anything, and have a good time:

--sunhat, preferably one that protects the back of your neck as well as your face; if it's windy, it should be snug-fitting or that ties on

--sunglasses, unless you really, really want extra wrinkles from squinting the whole time

--lots of cash (yes, there are ATMs, but there are also long ATM lines)

--one credit card in case you just have to have something in the Crafts area (more than one is just too much temptation)

--your cell phone, Blackberry, etc., with a waterproof carrier of some kind to protect it in case of spills or rain

--sunblock, preferably nothing lower than 30 SPF

--lip balm with a sunblock in it (a lot of people don't think about their lips getting sunburned, but they do)

--a handkerchief, to wipe your face and to wave during secondlines

--some kind of wet wipes (paper napkins are no match for BBQ ribs or boiled crawfish)

--toilet paper (the portalets often run out, especially toward the end of the day, and you can use it to blow your nose)

--small bottle anti-bacterial hand sanitizer

--Tide-stick or some other pocket-type stain remover (stuff happens)

--Jazz Fest schedule, preferably the kind inside the Off Beat Jazz Fest Bible

--folding umbrella (protects from sun and rain, if any, and also good for secondlining)

--for women, a light shawl or other wrap for windy, almost-chilly day, and to protect your shoulders from too much sun

--fan of some kind, folding fan or, better still, one of those spray-bottle fans available at the Fest

--if you have brought the battery-operated fan or other battery-eating appliance, bring 2 extra batteries of the correct size (you never know, and you can't be sure that the Jazz Fest General Store has the size you need)

--small emergency sewing kit with safety pins (you'll be glad to have this when/if something goes awry)

--small first aid kit with band aids of different sizes and bactine foaming spray and small bottle of tylenol (c'mon, you don't want to have to walk over to the Red Cross Tent for every little scratch or popped blister or sun headache, do you?)

--if getting soaking wet bothers you, bring a rain poncho or tyvek rain jacket, especially if rain is predicted

Personally, I think a camera is a waste of time, unless you're a pro or very rich, and have an expensive model with a telephoto lens, AND a Jazz Fest photographer pass, 'cause anything else is gonna take an unsatisfactory crowd shot with a pinhead in the far distance who is supposed to be the famous headliner. I wouldn't bother with a camera, except to take people-shots of yourself and your friends.