Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Winter 2010 concert review

Marty Duren — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 16:22:01 +0000

As part of my son’s Christmas gift this year, he and I attended the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Winter 2010 concert in Duluth, GA, last evening. (Okay, I was not part of the gift; I was just the driver.)

Smartphone shot from the TSO concert, 12.10.10

We started off the night by forgetting the tickets. Thankfully, owing to an early start and a helpful spouse, we did not lose too much time and still made it to the arena in plenty of time.

We noticed immediately a very complex stage set up, but neither of us was prepared for the lights, screens, snow and fire that was to follow. Not to mention the amazing music that has made TSO a Christmas crowd favorite. They use enough spots and strobes to kill anyone prone to seizures, enough fire to give a pyromaniac a ten year rush, enough lasers for everyone to receive a free Lasik procedure, and have enough hair onstage to rival any three 80s bands combined. The 2:45 program made it well worth the price of the tickets.

TSO was introduced to me a number of years ago while standing in the middle of a Disney Store. A large music screen featured the video of ‘Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24).’ I was captivated by the music more than the content of the video. It remains my favorite work of TSO, and, in my judgment, the best contemporary contribution to the Christmas genre in the last 25 years or more. While I personally do not prefer most of their vocal arrangements, I love their instrumental compositions. [Continued below video...]

The concert experience is much more theatrical than I expected. TSO is nothing if not about presentation. If you enjoy symphonic rock, and have never heard the Trans Siberian Orchestra, give them a try. It is likely that you will not be disappointed. You can check tour dates here.

At the Acoustic House Show, concert review

Marty Duren — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Jordan Burk opens the Acoustic House Show All Photos: Donna Chapman

Andy Zipf

In the great tradition of indie music small venues like coffee shops, bars and homes are the trade specialty. Last night I have the opportunity to enjoy an acoustic show at the home of Eric and CJ Burk of Buford, GA. Headlined by American Standard, Damion Suomi, Lauris Vidal and Andy Zipf with opener, Jordan Burk, those in attendance were treated to about three hours of music, food and fun. It was the second show in as many months at the Burk home, a warm establishment perfectly suited to such concerts and though the performers might have outnumbered the attendees, they did not lack for spirit, enthusiasm and talent.

Damion Suomi

Lauris Vidal

All the performers with the exception of Jordan have been traveling together in transportation currently provided by To Write Love On Her Arms a “non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.” TWLOHA t-shirts and information was also available. While many songs were in the relationship genre, others were very reflective on issues of life including a few filled with biblical allusions like the eye of the needle and the vanity of life based on the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes.

The Samsonite drum kit of American Standard

Another aspect of indie music in full force was quality musicianship and the vocalizations typically different than pop radio–much more expressive than the million sellers that fill the air waves. It is this uniqueness of sound and experience related in the lyrics that make indie fans fiercely loyal; somebody you’ve never heard is somebody a fan thinks is the best musician penning tunes.

Lauris Vidal on MySpace and on .

Andy Zipf on MySpace and on

Damion Soumi on MySpace and on

Jordan Burk on Facebook and on You Tube

American Standard online and on on Facebook

You can keep up with Acoustic House Show now on Facebook and here beginning in February.

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Winter 2010 concert review

At the Acoustic House Show, concert review