"2009-10-13T00:00:00"^^ . "Ok this was my first time at the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, or any symphony orchestra for that matter. I arrived early to find a friend had been the first in line in anticipation of a huge crowd. I was told earlier in the day by the box office lady to get there early because tickets would sell out fast. I'm glad I did I had the opportunity to chat and catch up with a couple of friends and the thought of running into the theater first was exciting even if I have to stampede over a few grey hairs in wheel chairs. The doors were suppose to open at 6:30 pm and did about ten minutes later. At that time the line looked like a polling place for a Bush election; it was long. We headed for the second floor balcony and sat just left of center with a fantastic view of the stage. I headed to the bar and was surprised to learn that I can take my wine back to my seat without having to place a security deposit for carpet cleaning. Drinks were average price $6 dollars for the house wine and $6 dollars for a cocktail. Not bad considering the tickets are free. I don't know much about classical music or orchestras but what I can say about the acoustics from the second floor balcony is that the sound from the back of the stage was more clear than the instruments in the front. At intermission I ventured back to the bar and then onto the patio with the negative edge pool that looks out over Tempe Town Lake. The fire pits were well placed and flowed well with the water and the mood of the night. I sat through the second act with a new found respect for classical musicians and look forward to returning to TCA for more opportunities to out seat gray hairs and drink in public to a refined art that some may say is reserved for the privileged and I say is reserved for my entertainment."^^ . "0"^^ . . "5"^^ . . "1"^^ . "2"^^ . .