I Choose Indy!

Fellow Indy Chooser John Uhri attended the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at Conseco Fieldhouse that took place this past weekend. I asked him if he’d write-up his review of the concert for the site and share it with our readers.

I’ve always been a metal head. So ten years ago, when I heard that members of the band Savatage were putting together a “metal” Christmas album, I was thrilled. That project turned into the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) and has been going strong ever since. I have always lived near cities where TSO was playing, but never got to see their live show. This year, my wife got us tickets here in Indianapolis.

With three Christmas albums (and one other album as well), the group brought plenty of material with them to Conseco Fieldhouse last night. The band played a mixture of classic and original Christmas music accompanied by two manic violinists and a back-up orchestra. With the band is a group of fantastic singers bringing a true rock opera experience to the audience. Just as amazing as their music is the stage show itself. With a morphing light rig, laser lights, falling snow, musician lifting-risers, flames and fireworks the show must truly be seen to be appreciated.

The show falls into basically two parts. The first half is a more-traditional playing of the group’s songs tied together with a narrated theme. Most of their songs with lyrics were performed during the first half. The second half of the concert cranked up the volume (and the fireballs) and was much heavier. TSO’s instrumentals were featured and the musicians got a chance to really show their stuff.

The show is truly family-friendly (other than the volume) and our 6 year-old rocked out with his older brother. It was the first rock concert to which either had been. While it was not my first, I haven’t seen a show this good in many years.

Finally, I thought I would mention that TSO takes a dollar from each ticket sale and supports a charity in the community in which they are playing. In Indy’s case, they made a donation to two: Community Health and Shepherd Community Center.

Thanks John for sharing. You sold me. Looks like I’m going to have to make this a must-do event in Indianapolis the next time Trans-Siberian Orchestra is here performing.

Enjoy his slideshow on flickr from the show