'Deep Thoughts' by Tony

[nashvegasfess]

Is it possible to pay too much for live music you love?

Examples:

Rolling Stones - $125 Phillips Arena in Atlanta ---- ummm NO
Galactic - $25 at City Hall in Nashville --- Noper
String Cheese - $40 at the Mosque in Richmond - close but still no

Discuss.

[Orleansnj]

Yes, it is possible - because sometime the venue really just su*K$ and it can ruin the best of performances. I tend to agree with some of the other posters on the board who have mentioned they avoid stadium/arena shows because they are venues better left to sporting events.

Now, if it is your all time favorite band, forever, and ever and it is their last performance forever and ever - well, what the hell.....

but seriously, with ticket prices sky high in most venues -why not be picky?

Good question - can't wait to hear what others say on the topic.

[nashvegasfess]

Yes, it is possible - because sometime the venue really just su*K$ and it can ruin the best of performances. I tend to agree with some of the other posters on the board who have mentioned they avoid stadium/arena shows because they are venues better left to sporting events.

Now, if it is your all time favorite band, forever, and ever and it is their last performance forever and ever - well, what the hell.....

but seriously, with ticket prices sky high in most venues -why not be picky?

Good question - can't wait to hear what others say on the topic.

with you for the most part. However, there is something to be said for a really cool production geared to great music. Adds to the experience. Revent obvious example - Pink Floyd show in ATL.

However, ain't nothin' like catchin' Bonnie Raitt and Jon Cleary in the sunshine.

I have experiences at bad venues as well and it has detracted - I'm thinking Smith's Old Bar in Atl now.....

[Lostcajun]

Great question. Sure. Sometimes the price is too high for artists I would like to hear live.

This is especially true when we are able to discover talent that can truly be one of those magic moments with artists who are still willing to play for free because they still love what they do. I would rather put more money into those artists than the ones who charge the big bucks for stuff they were passionate about 20+ years ago, but have lost the joy and hunger to play.

Jazzfest is the best of all, because it's anything you could ever imagine for very reasonable ticket prices. And you get to discover talent and support it!

[almarco]

just seen hugh masakela in a two hundred seat community college theatre last night , great show , grazin in the grass jam was awesome.

[nashvegasfess]

Great question. Sure. Sometimes the price is too high for artists I would like to hear live.

This is especially true when we are able to discover talent that can truly be one of those magic moments with artists who are still willing to play for free because they still love what they do. I would rather put more money into those artists than the ones who charge the big bucks for stuff they were passionate about 20+ years ago, but have lost the joy and hunger to play.

Jazzfest is the best of all, because it's anything you could ever imagine for very reasonable ticket prices. And you get to discover talent and support it!

the value of all values.

Just wondering what people think. While thinking about it rationally, some tix are clearly just too expensive but if you leave the show smiling and it gets burned into the life quilt, was it too much?

I'm not sayin, I'm jess sayin'.

[sophisticated sissy]

It's all relative, I suppose. Sometimes, when I think about all the tix I have stacked up in my drawer for shows that are months away, I wonder if my interests might be better served by purchasing a CD - Certificate of Deposit, that is; not a Compact Disc. :)

As a way of justifying the money I spend on shows and concerts, I remind myself how much season ticket holders spend for MLF or MLB. I'm not into all the reunion shows by groups that threw in the towel decades ago, but if the venue is right and it's a group I love, I'll go out and support them.

[stynger]

I've thought about this question and still can't come up with a good answer.

I've seen Springsteen more times then I can remember and have spent a lot of money. Always good. But I remember back in the day when he played The Shrine in LA solo in the 80's I didn't go because I thought it was either too much or I didn't want to spend the money. Legendary shows I regret not attending. So he is an example of being worth it.

I wanted to see Van Halen this year but didn't want to spend the money to see them. I'll probably regret that decision too.

I think if you fork out the money it's worth it (unless it's a terrible show for some reason). If you don't then it was too much money.

Does that make any sense?

Nash what was your bad experience at Smith's? I've been there a bunch and it's always been good.

[nashvegasfess]

but just to clarify. Listening to the Stones that night, I didn't feel like they mailed it in and/or were passionless.

I've seen BNAs and not-so-BNAs not feel it.

In other words, the size of the stage is not a consideration when I listen to the music.

But, just for the record, I am the guy who enjoyed "dancin on the ceiling' when Fats unfortunately could not make it out;--}

[nashvegasfess]

I've thought about this question and still can't come up with a good answer.

I've seen Springsteen more times then I can remember and have spent a lot of money. Always good. But I remember back in the day when he played The Shrine in LA solo in the 80's I didn't go because I thought it was either too much or I didn't want to spend the money. Legendary shows I regret not attending. So he is an example of being worth it.

I wanted to see Van Halen this year but didn't want to spend the money to see them. I'll probably regret that decision too.

I think if you fork out the money it's worth it (unless it's a terrible show for some reason). If you don't then it was too much money.

Does that make any sense?

Nash what was your bad experience at Smith's? I've been there a bunch and it's always been good.

of Widespread Panic and I guess because it was acoustic and crowded/loud it was frustrating.

[Belle]

NassVegasFest

You mentioned something in your post that weighs with me and that IS the venue.

The Mosque is such a wonderful venue. I would pay lots to see anyone I like because part of my show experience is the surroundings and feel. The Mosque, Will Rodgers Auditorium, the Birchmere, DAR, The Troubador, Continental, Great American, etc..add so much to the show. Something about some venues that add so much that I am willing to pay more and feel like I got more.

But again nothing beats Fest on the track! Best price with the best folks.

[nashvegasfess]

NassVegasFest

You mentioned something in your post that weighs with me and that IS the venue.

The Mosque is such a wonderful venue. I would pay lots to see anyone I like because part of my show experience is the surroundings and feel. The Mosque, Will Rodgers Auditorium, the Birchmere, DAR, The Troubador, Continental, Great American, etc..add so much to the show. Something about some venues that add so much that I am willing to pay more and feel like I got more.

But again nothing beats Fest on the track! Best price with the best folks.

I feel the very same way about my favorite venue - The Ryman in Nashville. It is always on the lists of best listening rooms in the US. And I have seen many differenet types of acts there from Ben Harper, BB King, WSP, Del McCoury, etc. As you said, I am definitely willing to pay more than I ordinarily would, to see an artist there.

[Corona]

I feel the very same way about my favorite venue - The Ryman in Nashville. It is always on the lists of best listening rooms in the US. And I have seen many differenet types of acts there from Ben Harper, BB King, WSP, Del McCoury, etc. As you said, I am definitely willing to pay more than I ordinarily would, to see an artist there.
The only way I'd pay big money for a concert would be if it was one of my absolute favorite bands that I've not ever been able to see live AND if it was at one of my favorite venues. It has to be both....like the perfect storm.
e.g. Prince at the Fillmore in Detroit, WSP at the Fillmore etc.

[mightyradgumbo]

I hate paying a lot of money as I grew up, as many of you did, in an age where there was a lot of show for a little dough (not as much as the 60s, I am sure, but good enough) but I will drop dough if I really want to see a show. I get spoiled by JF, CFF, and other festivals where the value of the ticket is high. I also got spoiled, having grown up seeing soooo many good shows at small venues for a small ticket price. So I guess, long story short ;) only if it was really worth my dough.

[Chicago Fest Fan]

There are very few acts that I would pay in excess of $100 to see. Unless it's a once in a lifetime event (Zep or Pink floyd reunion) or it was for a worth while charity.
Festival tickets are still the best value for the money. Perhaps my favorite show of all time was this past summers Crossroads Guitar Festival. The tickets were $90, a bit high for me but an incredible value for what you experienced.(tickets were going for $500 + on ebay)
The reason that it was such a value, besides the incredible line up, was the way the event was organized. There was only about a 15-20 min between acts because of the split revolving stage which allowed the next band to set up while the performing band was still playing. You had just enough time to hit the bathroom and replenish your beverage before the next act started.

[Michelino]

There are very few acts that I would pay in excess of $100 to see. Unless it's a once in a lifetime event (Zep or Pink floyd reunion) or it was for a worth while charity.
Festival tickets are still the best value for the money. Perhaps my favorite show of all time was this past summers Crossroads Guitar Festival. The tickets were $90, a bit high for me but an incredible value for what you experienced.(tickets were going for $500 + on ebay)
The reason that it was such a value, besides the incredible line up, was the way the event was organized. There was only about a 15-20 min between acts because of the split revolving stage which allowed the next band to set up while the performing band was still playing. You had just enough time to hit the bathroom and replenish your beverage before the next act started.

Same here. Love the festivals as I have as much interest in listening to musicians that I've never heard much about as seeing my abosute favorites again. But value is always in the eye of the purchaser, I would have paid $90 for Crossroads without the slightest whimper if I could have made it. That Levon Helm $150 Midnight Ramble (http://www.levonhelm.com/about_ramble.htm)is definitely on our radar. On the other hand, I've never been much into the Big Money Pop groups and for most of the aging BNAs super priced tickets, well the only way I'd pay those prices is if a trip in a time-machine was included.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

$90 for Crossroads, great deal.
$35 for JF even better!
Next Monday my 17 year old wants to
see Van Halen.
Two Tickets $322 (issue price for non floor near the back)
sorry son......
Now if Led Zepplin tours....... priceless

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Best deal of the year:
Two guitar slingers $13
Feb. 22 Small venue in Houston
Chris Duarte Group
Eric Sardinas

[Belle]

Paying 3 bucks for my kids band to play in Battle of the Bands last week in my local favorite bar. Moves on again this Wednesday.

Priceless.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

Paying 3 bucks for my kids band to play in Battle of the Bands last week in my local favorite bar. Moves on again this Wednesday.

Priceless.

Please tell more. Rock? Blues?
So, do more than one of your kids play?

[Belle]

Please tell more. Rock? Blues?
So, do more than one of your kids play?

My oldest (17) plays bass and formed this band three years ago. They are called Counting Out Load. They are football players. They play punk/pop. They started playing in front of folks last year. Won the talent show at school, then the parks and rec battle of the bands and now working on the local bar scene battle of the bands.

This is day four of my house being the practice stage. Right in the living room. Time to leave boys;)

They are good. Of course mama thinks so!!!

They now have 12 original tunes. They play Sum 41 and Blink 182 type covers. Their orginal stuff is more punk from the old days. Time to record a CD so they can remember these days as they are all leaving for different colleges this summer. But they are having fun. All my friends come out to support them too. We have a ball. But will miss this Wednesday as we are going to see Richard Thompson. Bad parents but will have lots of stand by parents to cast ballots and watch them all.

The other two play as well. 14 year old played in the jazz band in middle school and started a jazz band that is moving into a heavy horn jam band. He plays Baritone

The 11 year old is playing sax too in the school band, Alto sax

Thanks for asking.

[Orleansnj]

Definitely make the CD - and a couple of videos - they will absolutely ADORE that you have them a little later on........

that's really great !

[Corona]

wow!! that sounds so damn fun Belle! Good luck to him and lot of threadhead karma coming to Counting Out Loud to kick some serious azz!! :)

[mightyradgumbo]

Yeah Belle...Big Karma coming from a former garage band player lol Throw some videos up on Youtube so they become internet stars and we can see them.

[Rossvegas]

For me, part of it is that I'm getting older, and the other part is that I've seen most of the bands I ver really wanted to see live. I'll make an exception of its a band I really want to see AND if I can get great seats...I'm just not at all interested in paying $150 to sit in the rafters and having the privilege of breathing the same rarified air as Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, etc. Now, if you can get me in the first 20 rows for AC/DC, Steely Dan, Prince...we're on to something!

[Corona]

Just paid $80 to see Lenny Kravitz Sunday at a small venue...got main floor....totally worth it to me :)
It's that 'perfect storm' like I mentioned earlier!

[Belle]

Just paid $80 to see Lenny Kravitz Sunday at a small venue...got main floor....totally worth it to me :)
It's that 'perfect storm' like I mentioned earlier!


He is another I want to see. Sexy boy for sure!

http://re3.mm-a4.yimg.com/image/2880098119
Oink!

[marignygreg]

He is another I want to see. Sexy boy for sure!

http://re3.mm-a4.yimg.com/image/2880098119
Oink!

Just a hunch, but it would not suprise me if Lenny played the Fest this year. He has a new album/cd/record out and he lives part time in his 18th century house on Dauphine in da Quarters.

[nashvegasfess]

Just a hunch, but it would not suprise me if Lenny played the Fest this year. He has a new album/cd/record out and he lives part time in his 18th century house on Dauphine in da Quarters.

About 5 or so years ago, I am headed down to the fess and I have layover in ATL. As I am sitting in the waiting area, I notice this young, interesting, hot chick (cue the misogynistic overtones). She is way,way out of my league but I figure what the hell, she IS going to JF and I have had couple Scotch and sodas.

So we start chatting and she is very nice and excited about going to JF (first time she tells me). We continue to chat it up in line but I can't sit next to her on the plane without looking overtly stalkerish.

We land and I walk with her down to baggage claim. At this point, I have 'perfect storm' scenarios going through my head. Times are good. We get to baggage claim and I ask her if she wants to share a cab. She say she thinks she has a ride. At that moment, there is a small commotion and in comes Lenny Kravitz with bodyguard/baggage guy. They scoop her and her baggage up into the waiting limo. I believe I am in mid sentence with her. She never looks back.

We are at JF and I swear I see 'the girl' on stage with LK. Not as part of the band but dancing. My friends are, to this day, equally disbelieving and taunting about the story. It grows into lore more each year.

[rosetree]

A brush with celebrity!!! LOL ;)

[nashvegasfess]

A brush with celebrity!!! LOL ;)

with embarassment.