I fear I’m getting more curmudgeonly as I age.
Going to the Hollywood Bowl during the summer is one of those things that make me grateful to be a Southern Californian. Nothing like packing a picnic, riding the Park and Ride bus up the hill, and enjoying an evening of music outdoors. It almost doesn’t matter what the performance is. It’s such a magical venue.
Last week, my husband and I went to the Bowl to see the LA Philharmonic and Harry Connick, Jr. perform for the July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular. The evening started out spectacularly. We forgot to buy Park and Ride tickets in advance and just showed up at the stop without knowing the schedule. We made it just as the next bus was loading. Then we were able to grab one of the last open spots on the grass at the very top to enjoy our dinner. Once it got close to show time, we found our seats and they were almost smack dab in the middle.
But then, it started. The inconsiderate behavior. The man sitting on the other side of me continued his loud conversation even as the conductor began speaking. The introduction of quiet music didn’t stop him and when the music got louder so did he. A family of late comers arrived a couple of rows behind us. Rather than slipping into their seats discreetly, they very indiscreetly announced, “Better late than never!” While Harry Connick, Jr. played a beautiful piece on the piano, a woman a few rows back asked, “Is he going to sing us some songs?”
Cue internal screaming. I understand it’s an outdoor concert, but none of this would happen at Walt Disney Hall where the LA Phil regularly plays. I try not to get too grumpy, but scenes like this seem to occur more and more frequently. Or maybe it’s always been like this and I just notice it more. *sigh* Either way, I’m going to have to have an attitude adjustment or the joy of going to the Bowl is going to be replaced with silent seething.
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