Lights, Lasers, TSO!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: A Holiday Tradition

One of my favorite holiday traditions is our family’s annual trip to Spectrum Center to see the best holiday show and giant touring production of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. TSO is hands down an immersive spectacle for all ages with lights, lasers, falling snow, stage props that move and descend down upon the audience, and more flames than a Slayer concert. Needless to say, I am always thrilled when the band announces a Charlotte date for their annual winter tour.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was formed in the mind of the late, great Paul O’Neill. After working with the progressive metal band Savatage, best known for their 1987 album Hall of the Mountain King, and members Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery, Paul had the idea of bringing the metal stylings of a band like Savatage and melding it with traditional Christmas music. Brilliant? Or crazy? Well, as it turns out, the idea was probably the best Paul ever had as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The band has become so popular that they have two touring productions, each doing two shows a day in most cities so that they can reach as many fans as possible. Here in Charlotte, we are treated to the East Coast touring band, which features guitarists Chris Caffery and Joel Hoekstra, violinist Roddy Chong, vocalist Russell Allen, and a plethora of talented musicians including a local string section that makes the entire show excellent from the moment the lights go out.

There are several different stories that the band uses for the tour and this year we were treated to The Ghosts of Christmas Eve as well as the best of TSO. Before the actual show begins, Chris Caffery makes his way to the stage to explain a little about the history of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and as luck would have it this afternoon and evening would mark the anniversary of the very first TSO performance ever which took place at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia back in 1999. Caffery also explains about the charitable organization that TSO helps out and is donating to locally which they do in every city at every concert. In addition, he took a moment to honor our veterans and members of the armed forces which he also does each and every time.

The lights go dark and it is showtime. After a rousing introduction, it is time for the first half of the show to begin. This is The Ghosts of Christmas Eve portion and we are transported back in time as the Narrator recalls a Christmas Eve long ago when a runaway child takes refuge in an abandoned movie theater and experiences ghostly visions. One of the best parts about a TSO show is that every member of the band gets their moment to shine and we are treated to a variety of songs featuring different vocalists and of course a different scene and lighting scheme for each one. The second half of the performance includes all the TSO classics and magnificent arrangements that we have come to love. What follows is a magical night of some of the best musicians you will ever get the pleasure of hearing, accompanied by what is unequivocally the very best light, laser, and stage production that you will ever see, bar none.

It is a powerful, emotional experience that will have you at times on your feet and at times shedding a tear. The vocals will soar across the venue and the guitars will sizzle as you are transported to a different time and place as TSO takes you on a wild and wonderful holiday ride. From “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” and “This Christmas Day” to the iconic “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” TSO just amazes at every turn.

If you have never experienced TSO, put this on your holiday bucket list. Their music and shows are top-notch whether you’re a fan of rock and metal, classical, or traditional. They offer something for everyone of all ages. They have some tour dates left this year so don’t miss your chance to see what I hope will become a beloved Christmas tradition for you as it has for me.

The stories told in the songs and at the show may or may not be true, but that doesn’t even matter. Just remember, that the magic of Christmas lives within you. Be kind to others and lend a helping hand whenever you can. Merry Christmas everyone!