Avett Brothers in 2009: ‘Three words that became hard to say: I and love and you’

2 Comments

1. 

   Edgy Mama December 31, 2009

   FJK,
   I’m with you on every point here. I’ll look for you at the Civic Center, and we can have a "while we’re waiting" beer together while trying not to be trampled by younger, lither Avett fanatics.

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2. 

   FJK December 30, 2009

   Hey Jason. We’ve talked about this one before. I know you clearly “Can. Not. Wait.” for the Avett Brothers’ New Year’s Eve show. I don’t blame you. I admit I am psyched to see them for the first time. I realize they are so popular here in Asheville that the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium turned out to be an untenable venue.

   So the “powers that be” decided to move the concert into the much larger Civic Center to accommodate more fans. I think we all understand that. But the planners who plan these types of events should have known better in the first place. They ought to have had a much better realization of what this special band and this special night might mean to so many folks around here. But too late for that.

   There is also another aspect of this change that I feel is total crap. Here is a portion of the e-mail that went out to people who had initially purchased tickets with the understanding they would be sitting in reserved seats, in a much more intimate and comfortable concert hall, Thursday night:

   “As a ticket-holder for the originally scheduled venue, you will be entitled to enter the show 30 minutes before regular door time. Doors open at 8:00PM for the general public, but your early entry opportunity will begin at 7:30pm. Please note that this show is general admission seating only, and all seating is first-come, first-serve.”

   We all know what this means. Getting in a long line on a freezing cold evening, way ahead of the previously anticipated entrance time, to eventually be herded in to the Civic Center like cattle. If you have already made early evening dinner plans downtown, like so many New Year’s Eve revelers like to do, you are now really screwed. Cancel them to wait and hope you get a decent spot to listen and watch once you’re inside. Also realize there is an opening act. So don’t expect the headliner to take the stage very soon.

   Don’t get me wrong, Jason. I am not a party-pooper. I will be there. I am still looking forward to seeing the Avett Brothers, but not going through what amounts to an ordeal for that experience. OK, I admit it. I am too old for this. Happy New Year to all!

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