Trans-Siberian Orchestra a Christmas Gift

Frank A. Fiorello; Peace, love, and a loaded gun.

On an exceptionally warm December 28, we headed downtown to attend the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's performance at Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Michigan, a city renowned as Detroit Rock City.

I was accompanied by my lovely lady, who had graciously purchased the tickets as a Christmas gift for me. She was stunning in red and black as we headed out, prompting me to express my heartfelt appreciation for her presence in my life. I suited up, then suited down. It was, as I mentioned before, an unusually warm December.

While heading out, we weighed our dining choices and chose to bypass downtown restaurants, selecting a neighborhood gem, thereby circumventing congestion and parking challenges.

Haney's Family Restaurant, established in 1985, is a hidden gem that boasts exceptional curb appeal, particularly during the spring and summer seasons. The establishment serves top-notch cuisine, accompanied by outstanding service, friendly staff, and personalized attention from the owner.

After enjoying our early dinner, my lady and I proceeded on our adventure to downtown, which was unexpectedly hindered by the Detroit Police Department's blockade of Van Dyke a main street. As we were turned around and were forced back towards Van Dyke, an officer directing traffic halted us. The officer in question displayed a notably cocky and aggressive attitude without justification.

Upon further observation, it became clear that they were blocking traffic to facilitate the passage of a funeral procession. I discreetly offered a prayer as they drove by, and subsequently, we proceeded down Van Dyke towards I-94, missing the turn while observing a dump truck loosing its trash. We then passed a State Trooper at Van Dyke and I-94 who appeared to be engrossed in his phone, missing the trash all over the road as we passed our turn.

Taking the scenic route proved advantageous, as we secured parking directly across from Little Caesar’s Arena on Woodward. We joined the rear of the line, which extended about four blocks. Notwithstanding its considerable length, the line progressed rapidly.

We confirmed our tickets and entered LCA, where a giant statue of Gordie Howe greeted us. As a dedicated Red Wings fan, I was keen to take a photo in front of the statue. Afterwards, we proceeded to the elevators to access the mezzanine and locate our seats. However, we inadvertently agitated the elevator operator with our misinformed notion of our designated area. I couldn't imagine the difficulties of navigating this complex facility while disoriented on a mindful of substances.

We then made our way to our presumed seats. The steep descent and angle made me feel as though I was experiencing vertigo. The view downward was dizzying, and I felt substantially more disoriented than my lady.

As we took our seats, I felt relieved. I was wishing that the seats on either side of us would remain vacant, considering the confined space. The seating arrangement made me feel confined, as if I had been fitted into a restricted area. It appeared that the arena had decided to sacrifice comfort for the sake of generating maximum ticket sales revenue. This approach seemed to typify the prioritization of profit over people’s comfort. Nevertheless, I was determined to enjoy my night out despite these limitations.

As the show was about to begin, a young couple in the row ahead of us appeared to be confused about their designated section. However, the arrival of the rightful ticket holders soon after clarified the situation. The couple graciously laughed off their mistake and proceeded to locate their correct seats and section. Fortunately, the issue was resolved prior to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra taking the stage. Nobody wants to be the ones who disturb the performance by searching for their seats while the show is in progress.

As the show commenced and the light display started, another late arrival joined us. As they made their way towards us, I felt uneasy about being squeezed together. Nevertheless, it transpired that we wouldn't need to worry about being crammed in with them. They graciously informed us that we were in the correct seat numbers but the incorrect section. I looked at my partner with a perplexed expression, acknowledging that we had become those people who would be hurrying past others while TSO performed, accompanied by the captivating light show.

With the seating arrangements in place, we were able to sit back and enjoy the evening's entertainment, courtesy of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The TSO's performance was nothing short of exceptional, featuring precise timing, masterful music, and a dazzling light show that rivaled the legendary productions of Pink Floyd. The pyrotechnics, choreography, and storyline of "The Lost Christmas Eve" were equally praiseworthy, making for a truly stunning and awe-inspiring experience from beginning to end.

As the TSO set approached its grand finale, featuring a dazzling display of sounds and visuals, my lady whispered to me, remarking on the omission of "Carol of the Bells" from the performance. I inquired as to whether this absence had caused her any disappointment, and she responded with a hesitant NO. In a remarkable display of synchronicity, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra seamlessly transitioned into "Carol of the Bells" as the lighting display burst into a vibrant spectacle of yellow laser lights, a color that she holds particularly dear. This exquisitely timed moment proved to be the crowning jewel of a Christmas gift that was already nothing short of extraordinary.

What appeared to be the crowning jewel in the arena underwent a sudden transformation as we exited the stadium. While taking photos in front of Little Caesar's Arena, a phone call interrupted us, courtesy of our darling granddaughter inquiring about our estimated arrival time. As it turned out, she and our daughter were still at our residence awaiting our return. Fortunately, Jesus blesses each of us with riches beyond our deserving. All one needs to do is take the time to appreciate instead of wasting time complaining.