What a Night

On November 5, 2009 my wife and I attended what has become my Christmas tradition. We attended the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert at the Richmond Coliseum. The whole process starts about two months earlier when tickets become available for purchase. My goal each year is to get as close to the stage without having to sit on the main floor. Our seats this year where stage level height and close up.

The concert kicked off with a cut from their new CD, Night Castle. Then the Christmas part of the concert began. This is my 8th year to attend and by far the best yet. The music was spot on and the vocals were out of this world. With the new lights and added video screens, this year’s concert was over the top. James Lewis gave an outstanding performance in the first half with his raspy vocals.

The second half highlighted the cuts from the CD. Night Castle is a CD fans have been waiting years for it to be released. With a change of keyboard players and a new vocalist, the second half took off with hard-driving entertainment. One of the new singers, Tim Hockenberry, was positively outstanding.

If you have never experienced TSO, plan to see them in the future. I guess the best way to decribe their style is Christmas music Classical music Blues and Jazz performed in a rock opera style with video, lights, lasers, fire, smoke, and yes, even snow. The CDs are great to listen to, but to see the stage show brings the music to a totally new level. But for now, just purchase their CD and video collection and get lost in great music