Trans-Siberian Orchestra

We had our Date Night on Thursday. I was very, very excited because not only were our plans going to take us out of the High Desert, but we had tickets to see TSO in concert.  I have wanted to see them in concert since - well, forever! OK, they only started in the 90s, but it seems like forever to me. So, I saw they had a new performance and were headed to Ontario, CA and I purchased tickets for Ken and myself.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

So, we left early and headed down to Victoria Gardens. Sadly, we weren't as early as we wanted because the weather wasn't it's typical Sunny California. It never ceases to amaze me that a little rain and cloud cover makes it impossible for people in So Cal to drive. 

We chose to have supper at The Cheesecake Factory. We were torn between that, Islamorada, and TGIFridays. We don't normally eat at the Factory, so we went with that idea. Apparently, eating before 6 pm is out of the norm for Victoria Gardens, so we were seated right away. 

Our service left something to be desired, and we were not impressed with the quality of the food. Oh well, it was still great to get dressed up a little bit and go somewhere for supper. 

We walked around a little bit to work off the meal, and we wanted to stop by the cigar shop that we had seen driving in. It was a cute little place with a ton of selection. We bought a couple sticks, chatted with the owner and then grabbed some coffee and headed over to the Citizen's Bank Arena for the concert. 

As we have only been to the Arena for hockey, Ken was very curious how it would look for a different production.  I had managed 5th row seats right in the front, so we settled in and waited for the show.

Of course, Ken has been in a total smart-ass mood meaning that he keeps up with his "jokes" which makes the rest of us groan and moan and he has taken to making funny faces in the pictures. Well, I'm making sure to include all of the funny-faced photos from now on.

Once the concert started, I was hooked!!  Sadly, I saw that Ken was not as excited about the show as I was, but he did enjoy parts of it. 

The "new" show was great. The story that was told was excellent and, at times, heartwrenching. The theatrics were amazing!! I was so surprised about the ending - they didn't actually want to end performing, so then they played and sang some of the "older" songs - the ones I had heard from the radio and from friends' CDs that made me like TSO, and I loved every moment.

The concert was three full hours. I have no idea how people can perform that long, but they did, and it was obvious that they enjoyed every minute of performing. I was blown away by Wish Liszt - the two pianists did an amazing job and had a blast with running around and switching pianos. Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to play like that again!! I miss playing the piano, but I so appreciate those who do! 

Then came the rendition of the Carol of the Bells. I loved every second of it!! One day, I'll try singing again and teach the girls as well. To be able to do a four-part on this song is amazing!!

By the time we were leaving, I was amped up. Again, I was very bummed out that Ken did not enjoy the concert as much as I did, but he was a trooper about it. 

We arrived home very late and safe. The weather, again, did not cooperate with us. It was rainy and foggy heading home, but we were very lucky that people were driving carefully this time. 

It seems that the concert has put me in the Christmas spirit finally!