On Dec. 26, 2016, I was fortunate enough to catch progressive rock/ Christmas/ neo-classical metal band the
Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) live in New Jersey at the
Prudential Center. The best part is that I was seated second row in the floor section, baby!
Now, I should start by saying that I this was my first time ever seeing the band. I hadn't heard a whole lot from them aside from the track here and there. Of course, I knew them best when they were progressive/ power metal band Savatage. The things is I really wasn't expecting much. I thought this was going to be a lame, pretentious, and boring show. Holy fuck was I ever wrong! This was one of the most fun and mind blowing live experiences ever!
Before the concert I got a pic with metal radio DJ, co-host of the very missed
That Metal Show, and author
Eddie Trunk. He is always so nice, friendly, and down to earth in person.
Guitarist
Chris Caffery came out to greet the crowd before the concert began. At every show, a portion of every ticket sale goes to charity. This time was no different. Bless, this band for having such a good heart.
Not soon after this the concert began and from then on TSO kicked all our collective asses! Mixing video images, storytelling, laser lights, "snow", pyro (including white-hot fire!), beautiful back-up signers, and a large, over-head ramp walkway, it had everything, and more, that you could ask for in a big arena rock performance.
TSO consisted of/ were joined by: Zak Stevens, Dustin Brayley, Rob Evan, Autumn
Guzzardi Horton, Mee Eun, Kim, Roddy Chong, Robin Borneman, James Lewis, Lisa Lavie, Georgia Bleu, Natalya Rose Piette, Russell Allen, David Z Rock, Joel Hoekstra, Kayla Reeves, Bryan Hicks, Jeff Plate and Chris Caffery.
Set-list:
Who I Am
March of the Kings
The Lost Christmas Eve
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night
Good King Joy
Christmas Dreams
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Savatage cover)
Christmas Canon Rock
What Child Is This?
Music Box Blues
First Snow
Promises to Keep
This Christmas Day
The Best of TSO
Christmas Jam
A Mad Russian's Christmas
A Last Illusion
Christmas Nights in Blue
Wizards in Winter
Carmina Burana
Mountain Labyrinth
Not the Same
The Night Conceives
The Mountain
Requiem (The Fifth)
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) (Reprise) (Savatage cover)
I think I'll let the pics do most of the talking from here on. Enjoy, and remember as cool as they may look, it's even more awesome in person:
After the concert I got to meet beautiful signer for the band,
Kayla Reeves, backstage. In all, this was a most amazing and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend you all to partake in this and see TSO live at least once in your life. You owe to yourself and will thank me for telling you about it, even if you are doubtful about it.
Kira Lee is an amazing NYC based artist. ACA Galleries, in NYC, is currently having an exhibition of her incredible art, called Legends and Lyrics. They her music inspired pieces are of iconic rock artists like John Lennon, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, David Bowie (who gets a whole wall dedicated to him!), Kurt Cobain, and many others. Her art is amazing and truly breathtaking. As you get closer to look at it, you get to truly realize just how much work and heart she puts into her pieces, as you come to realize that they are made up of words and lyrics, inspired by each of the artists.
yourself a favor go as soon as you can! I guarantee that you will be glad that you did. 
