Trans Siberian Orchestra also known as TSO played two shows, back-to-back on Saturday at the Key in Seattle. This was the first time that I’ve attended an afternoon show and found it to be quite nice to get there in the afternoon, and leave in time for dinner afterwards.
The show to me has now become a tradition, and by the looks and sounds of it, it was tradition for most of the people that afternoon as well. That’s not to say there were no new comers, because that afternoon just as many virgins showed up for the holiday extravaganza as did repeat the offenders.
I arrived with plenty of time to setup my camera gear, and every year I’ve been fortunate enough to know some of the folks running the sound and lighting for the show. (This of course allowed me to pick my spot and get settled in) After shooting just a couple songs from the mix (sound board) I decided to take a seat early this year rather than spend my time concentrating on taking pictures. The holiday story and music remained pretty much the same as it has in the past, but the light show and pyrotechnics were over the top with laser lights beaming outward and the heat from the flames kept anyone one who arrived cold, warm throughout the show.
With things being pretty much the same and tradition to me is just that; something kind of expected, you know what it’s about, but you’re always surprised and glad to partake. TSO always delivers on that level of expectation 100%. However, I think it meant a little more than just another show for everyone there this year. There is always special meaning in the story of salvation, love, and hope, but with so many of us having been through some difficult times the past 11 months or so, I felt a kinship with everyone around me. Some of us less fortunate than others, and yet others who may have prospered this year, but felt a kinship and understood the adversities that each of us felt.
I was lucky that night too, and reconnected with three friends from my past. (Kind of like the three Spirits of Christmas, now that I think about it) One who sat only three rows in front of me with his family. I wondered when he would recognize me, and in the end we did. Another sat with me after years of absence from our friendship, and the third sat 12 rows behind as we texted each other for a meeting afterwards. All of these reconnections gave me hope that there is a tomorrow, and that there is no end, only change, and sometimes change is good. But, I did say this was about tradition and it was just that, a tradition that I have come to look forward to every year. The holiday season to me doesn’t officially start until after I see TSO kick it off in grand style, and like every year I’m always surprised and delighted after walking out of the show.
My hat goes off to the men and women TSO who work so hard to make so many of us happy even if it’s for the short time we spend in the land of dreams, for there is always hope if we stick together.
Oh, the big surprise- TSO will be going out on tour for the first time in 11 years in 2010 with a new album “Night Castle” released on 10/27/09. Now we won’t have to wait for the holidays to see them again! If you’re a fan, you’ll be sure to pick up the new CD too.