Travelling through LA traffic is never good during the workweek. At least on weekends, you have the option to see other sights on the way to break up the almost 3 hour one-way drive. But I got on Western Avenue and jumped into the $20 parking lot next to the Wiltern.
While in line to enter, a person said there is available on-street parking off of Western. $20 learning lesson. But I was in a hurry since the ticket said 7pm show and I arrived at 6:50. Silly me. Doors open at 7pm and an unannounced opening act begin at 8pm. I should know better.
But this gave me time to wander about the Wiltern. It’s a restored art deco theater. Beautiful, located at the corner of Wilshire and Western. Get it?
I walked into the pit in front of the stage while wandering around and talked with a person from the entrance line. She said that getting into the pit was an additional charge which came with another wristband. But that no one was checking and that I should stay in the pit until I wanted to go to my seat.
I never found my seat.
Daniel Lanois came out as the opening act, starting with a slide guitar. He is an incredible guitarist, as well as being the Wrecking Ball producer. And after a 40 minute set and short break, Emmylou took the stage.
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| Yes, I was that close. |
I cannot put into words what a great performance this was. Emmylou’s voice and between songs banter were incredible, but the guitar work by Lanois really complimented Emmylou.
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| Daniel Lanois on guitar. |
I took pics of the Wiltern after the concert to let traffic clear out of the parking structure. The loonnngggg drive home took over 2 hours.
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| Close to where my seat was. Obviously the pit was a better experience. |
