Thanks for the replies. It appears that there are a lot of classical fans out there and I am surprised that many prefer seats somewhat removed for the direct sound, i.e., 20th row or back.
I go to around 25-35 concerts a year. Most of them are rock, roots, blues, bluegrass, jam bands and jazz concerts. I refuse to attend concerts in an arena. And, the good thing about getting older is that the bands I enjoy are no longer able to sell out these type of venues. Therefore, I am able to see them in smaller venues, "older movie houses" that seat 2,500 people or so. Places like the Eastman in Rochester NY; Smith in Geneva, NY; Place in Albany, NY;Troy Savings Bank, Troy NY; Orpeum in Boston and the Beacon in NYC.
I really enjoy going to these type of venues and the renovations that have been done provide for a stunning environment.
I would agree that the front row center, balcony can be one of the best seats in the house. You are up above everyone and there is leg room. Also, the sound can be engaging with out phase problems coming from the tops of other people's heads. However, I do enjoy 10th to 5th row center, on the floor, for most of the shows I attend. I really like the direct sound with just a touch of hall reverb.
Any further back, ie., 15th or so, you often get stuck under the balcony, which has a negative effect on the sound. Although, I have sat there and have enjoyed the music.
I also go to a number of outdoor venues and when it is in the open air I try to to get a seat 15 to 20 feet back from the stage. I find that again, this can strike a good balance between stage and P.A., if one is being used. If there is a shed, ie., SPAC and the various "Tweeter" like venues, I again go for 10th row or so.
As for Jazz, there is good news and bad news. Often, most performers play at small clubs. Get there early and you have a great seat. I always go for center in order to strike a good balance between instruments. And, if it is a small venue and there is no P.A. then fantastic! The real instruments can sound great. I will often try to get the second row of tables and hope that others are there to hear the music and not talk but that is something that doesn't always occur.
The bad new is that if you don't get there early you can get a bad seat way in the back. I usually go with out if that is the case. I just can't stand being stuck in the back listening to waiters, people talking and dishes crashing.
Thanks for the replies and further comments are appreciated.
I go to around 25-35 concerts a year. Most of them are rock, roots, blues, bluegrass, jam bands and jazz concerts. I refuse to attend concerts in an arena. And, the good thing about getting older is that the bands I enjoy are no longer able to sell out these type of venues. Therefore, I am able to see them in smaller venues, "older movie houses" that seat 2,500 people or so. Places like the Eastman in Rochester NY; Smith in Geneva, NY; Place in Albany, NY;Troy Savings Bank, Troy NY; Orpeum in Boston and the Beacon in NYC.
I really enjoy going to these type of venues and the renovations that have been done provide for a stunning environment.
I would agree that the front row center, balcony can be one of the best seats in the house. You are up above everyone and there is leg room. Also, the sound can be engaging with out phase problems coming from the tops of other people's heads. However, I do enjoy 10th to 5th row center, on the floor, for most of the shows I attend. I really like the direct sound with just a touch of hall reverb.
Any further back, ie., 15th or so, you often get stuck under the balcony, which has a negative effect on the sound. Although, I have sat there and have enjoyed the music.
I also go to a number of outdoor venues and when it is in the open air I try to to get a seat 15 to 20 feet back from the stage. I find that again, this can strike a good balance between stage and P.A., if one is being used. If there is a shed, ie., SPAC and the various "Tweeter" like venues, I again go for 10th row or so.
As for Jazz, there is good news and bad news. Often, most performers play at small clubs. Get there early and you have a great seat. I always go for center in order to strike a good balance between instruments. And, if it is a small venue and there is no P.A. then fantastic! The real instruments can sound great. I will often try to get the second row of tables and hope that others are there to hear the music and not talk but that is something that doesn't always occur.
The bad new is that if you don't get there early you can get a bad seat way in the back. I usually go with out if that is the case. I just can't stand being stuck in the back listening to waiters, people talking and dishes crashing.
Thanks for the replies and further comments are appreciated.