damont

One of the things I do to support

killernurd's band habit is working concessions at Nissan Pavilion with the Chantilly HS Band Parents. This occasionally has the side benefit of getting to hear (more or less) some good concerts... albeit from various concession stands, which is why you can *more or less* hear them -- it really depends on how good the band's sound crew is.

The best sound crew I've heard in almost three seasons was definitely the crew for Steely Dan last year. Whatever they are paid it should be tripled. You could hear *everything* from the brick concession stands, which is the absolute worst place on the site for hearing a concert. However, this year has had three crews that were fairly close to as good: the crews for Dave Matthews, Rush, and this evening for Yes.

Given that I was able to hear most of the concert, I can report that the band are in good voice. Whether one would have enjoyed the concert depends very much on if you like the band's music; I do, which put me in the minority among the parents working concessions. The opening number was "Going For the One" which I found an unusual choice but effective; I honestly don't remember exactly what songs were played or in what order, as we were VERY busy (not a big crowd at this show, but a very hungry one). As I left the parking lot they were playing "Starship Trooper" which might well have been their closing number given what time it was.

As I walked towards the parking lot I was able to see the big video screens that the amphitheatre uses to give closeups of band members and so on. I was struck by how gracefully the band members had aged. (They must all be in their 50s or maybe even 60s, seeing as their first album was released 35 years ago.) And they still appear to enjoy singing and playing, which I find very heartening being a musician myself. All in all, while not the best show of the season (that, IMO, was probably Dave Matthews) it was a worthwhile show to be at, and I'm glad I was there.