Monday Madness
With the concert season almost upon us, we want to know:

How do you find out which performances are in town and at which venue? I mainly find out through word of mouth. I seem to always miss the announcements in my local paper and, since I hadn't been listening to much radio, that's not an option. I try checking Ticket Master's site often, but even that gets old!

How do you buy your tickets (i.e. online, box office, eBay)? I'm still primarily old school, going to my local Tower Records and standing in line. Spouse is the online buyer, trying to snatch the best seats. I don't know about this method, I've seen one too many glitches during the crucial moment of pressing buy and then being kicked out of the system. You're left scrambling to get back to the site!

Do you have copies of seating charts you refer to or just accept what's offered? Oh dear, relying on what's offered would never, ever do! Whether tix are bought in person or online, we always have our own copy of the seating chart. You better believe we refer to it, too!

Which is most important: seating location or hearing the music live? Definitely hearing the music live. There's no replacement for live performances. None!

Which venue, if any, do you absolutely refuse to see a performance at? Yes, the Forum. It has some of the worst seating. They built it with huge columns that obstruct your view and nosebleed seating that makes binoculars a necessity and causes vertigo.

Do you dine at the venue or eat prior to the performance and why? It depends. We love the Hollywood Bowl and the delicious menu they provide. We gladly dine there even it's expensive. On the other hand, the Arrowhead Pond sells nothing but fast food junk and the Universal Amphitheater, has so many eateries that we can find someplace to dine that beats their fare!

Do you attend performances with certain folks only? Usually, it's just spouse and I. Folks say they want to attend, but when it comes to paying for the tix, it's too much money or they want guaranteed assurances about seating. That's impossible for anyone to do. Sometimes Shy Gal accompanies us when her hubby's working nights and we always have a good time as a trio.

Which items are standard accessories/must haves for any performance? Binoculars, number one, got to have my digital camera/binoculars. Yea, baby! LOL Batteries. I forgot extras for the Phil Collins Farewell Tour. Doh! Money. That's it. I try not to take a jacket, etc. less is better. Spouse just reminded me, I need to carry my cell phone.

Do you buy merchandise/souvenirs? No. The performers get my money in ticket sales only. I don't buy key chains, T/sweat shirts, programs, etc. Excuse me, I'm not paying $25 for a program of glossies. That's too darn ridiculous. Don't get me started on the $50 sweat shirts, come on. Have reasonable prices and I'll spend. Gouge me and I'm walking!

What's the most you ever spent for a ticket (one ticket) and which performance? Was it worth it and why? My new total is $150 for Madonna at the Arrowhead Pond in 2004. It was definitely worth it and I would've regretted not attending. I suspect that may have been her last tour, but foresee Vegas (a la Elton John, Barry Manilow and Celine Dion) in her future.

How far will you drive for that performance you just can't miss? So far, I've driven from L.A. to San Diego to see The Eagles, Santana and Elton John. I'm from So Cal and we don't do miles, we do time. I drove 2-1/2 hours one way for these concerts. I'd drive to Vegas for the right performance, which is four hours away. I'd spend the money for airfare to Frisco, if I must! Let's see, that's a 45 minute flight or six hour drive. However, if I'm not flying, forget it! LOL