What would you pay for a chance to get closer to your favorite artist? For $350, you can attend a pre-show sound check by teen heartthrob Justin Bieber. For $800, pop princess Christina Aguilera will pose for a picture. $1750 gets you a front-row seat for Jersey arena rockers Bon Jovi – and you can even take the seat home.
Today, we find out how big-name artists are making a mint off VIP concert packages. Later, Alan Gilbert looks back at his first season as director of the New York Philharmonic.
Paying Extra for Concert Perks
Fans of Rick Springfield still turn out in droves to see the pop singer perform “Jessie’s Girl” live. But for the few who can shell out $1000 a ticket, there’s an added bonus: the chance to schmooze with Springfield after the show.
Alan Gilbert
A night at the opera doesn’t get much more rollicking and unpredictable than a performance of György Ligeti's apocalyptic satire Le Grand Macabre. Alan Gilbert is capping his first season as music director of the New York Philharmonic by leading the New York premiere of this riotous two-act opera, which has been described as “part avant-garde, part Marx Brothers.”
VIP Concert Tix
John Schaefer wonders why he isn't more upset at VIP concert packages.
Gig Alerts: Braids
Braids
"Lemonade"
Playing at: Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St., East Village)
Get: Tickets ($10 at door) | Directions
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Soundcheck® is WNYC’s on-air and online destination for new music, live performances and engaging conversations with artists, critics and tastemakers. Listeners start the conversation at Soundcheck.org and continue it with host John Schaefer every weeknight at 9 p.m. on 93.9 FM and WNYC.org.
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