I didn't realize I hadn't written this review yet. But Benaroya is a beautiful hall in a great location with awesome acoustics. It's connected to the transit tunnel by elevator. Some pro tips: - Be a Donor and Symphony subscriber - you get access to a Friends lounge for free coffee and tea at intermission, you can swap tickets if you can't make a show, you get an upgrade pass so you can sit with the big wigs for one show - Pre-order your intermission drink so that you're not spending all intermission in a line to get a drink that you won't be allowed to bring into the auditorium - People watching in the Atrium is best from the balcony Have fun!! read more

Benaroya Hall - Lobby - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We came here to watch the Seattle Symphony and the chorus play. We sat on the 3rd floor I believe on the left side of the stage. Our view was great, but I would suggest sitting infront of it for a wider view, if you are more into intimate sitting then choose the side balconies. There was plenty of people bur it didnt over crpwd the speace and it was still easy access to drinks. You can also pre-order your mid-show drinks, so that you dont have to stand in line. The bathrooms are clean and available. They have nice large mirrors. There is parking garage available, but when we got there it was already full. Make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time, otherwise you can park on the garage accross from Target. The symphony itself was magnificent, the sound was so perfect, the musicians were perfectly synchronized and the chorus was over the top amazing. I totally recommend this place, specially for a date night or an evening with the family. read more

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Attended the Amos Lee concert last Tuesday, he performed some beautiful arrangements with the Seattle Symphony. Have always loves this venue don't often attend things here aa much as I would like. It's a beautiful venue with the Chihuly chandeliers on each end of the main entrance lobby. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The lobby to the main hall area is beautiful. My friend took some beautiful shots of the city skyline from the second floor wish I had thought about going up there as well. There is lots of room for people to move around loved the little terrariums on the trees. There is a bar and an I believe you can bring a bottle of water only into the main hall. Have always love the acoustics here. It's a beautiful venue with the wood and large pipes. Just a heads up closer doesn't alway mean better. We paid more for seats in orchestra far left the main performer was on the right side. I had to tilt my head way back to see him we were in the second row I felt really bad for the people in front of us I'm sure they couldn't see Amos at all. Since it wasn't a sold out show we ended up moving to seats that were open in front of some friends about 12 rows back for the last part of the show. So much happier back there and saves me from having to go to a chiropractor. read more

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The best performance venue in Seattle is surely Benaroya Hall. Although I have never been to New York, I think of Benaroya as the Carnegie Hall of Seattle because it is a prestigious facility that not many performers get to play. Attended the Jake Shimabukuro show here a few days ago. I have also seen Sigur Rós play Benaroya several years back. Although this is the home of the Seattle Symphony, it is interesting that I have been able to see Icelandic rock and a Hawaiian ukulele show here. The venue is gorgeous. There are several floors of seating here. There is also balcony seating on both sides of the venue. It would be nice to sit in one of those seats one day. I got my ticket on Goldstar, so my seat was in the far back of the ground floor. Even so, the view of the stage is great. Though you can't see the performers on the stage without theatre glasses from that distance, the acoustics of the venue are pristine. I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout for the show. It was almost fully packed. Impressive for an ukulele concert. The crowd was quite diverse with folks of different ages and ethnicities. There was an active Hawaiian contingent, but also older folks and kids too. Seattle never ceases to amaze me when it comes to the diversity of concertgoers of the shows I attend. The show itself was amazing. Just unbelieveable what Jake could do with this simple instrument. Though I can't help but think of what Jake's hands look like since he plays the ukulele with such velocity. I really like Benaroya Hall as a venue. The shows I saw here were great. I would like to see more mainstream acts play here though. The Paramount is nice, but I think Benaroya is an even better place to see a show. read more

Seeing Heart back in the 80s at the Paramount was a wondrous event. Sitting in the second row in a center aisle seat made it even more spectacular. But many years later when the finest sound technology has recently premiered in my home city AND Heart (among my top 5 all time favorite artists ever, and happen to also hail from my home city) founding sisters (as well as founding member Howard Leese) Anne and Nancy Wilson are performing a very special event and I again am fortunate enough to acquire very fine (mid room, forward or sound desk) seats and share this event with my future wife, life is indeed special! In one of my engineering classes we studied the structural significance of what set Benaroyal Hall apart from all the rest, particularly in Seattle but most importantly, it was the first of its kind anywhere in the world. That is something that was important to myself and presumably numerous others that evening, and most likely to countless more in years to follow. As I'm writing this I'm realizing, most probably, my next two similar reviews are completely going to actually include Anne and Nancy, something that prior to tonight I hadn't thought about in years, but it also will end up being a completely true, but planned coincidence. I only wish I'd though to have brought a camera to each of those three shows so I could include pics from each. The two others are events which I had essentially what I'd almost call VIP seats, though none were, just lucky. read more

Amazing venue for music. My favorite thing besides the acoustics is the seating, there is actually enough room for your knees. I am 6'2'' and I was very happy, but that's because it was built in 1998. Being a new building it is not as grand inside as say the Paramount, but it is still very nice with a contemporary look to it. Like I mentioned before the acoustics are amazing, there is not a bad seat in the house and their A/C work very well, which can be another problem for an older place. I can't believe I have lived here 12 years and just now been inside. Oh yeah if you have kids please feed them less sugar or leave them at home before arriving to a Gershwin or a classic venue. I am not going to say any names, but you know who you are. read more

Benaroya Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is one of the best concert halls in the country. I've enjoyed numerous concerts here over the last few years. The accoustics are such you can hear someone drop a paper program from the other side of the hall. I'm lucky to have tickets at the side balconies that overlook the main stage. It's just an incredible venue to watch the Seattle Symphony. On the main level there's a Wolfgang Puck cafe where you have a bite to eat before you attend the symphony. read more

I came to watch the Seattle Symphony on opening night at this venue. Inside, the hall is ornately decorated and rather small compared to some of the other orchestral halls I've been to (i.e., Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center). Therefore, almost every seat in the building offers a great view. On the other hand, the relative compactness of this place makes it seem less grandiose. For example, the gift shop is the size of a typical one car garage. read more

Benaroya Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I've been here a few times to watch a musical performance, graduation ceremony and then once for a live talk (Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York). I'll say that the seats aren't the most comfortable, but if the performances are engaging enough, you'll forget that your butt hurts from sitting. The venue is classy, clean and huge. You can't bring drinks or food in but you can enjoy them outside. The parking can be challenging and pricey in the area, but it's a really great venue to visit once in a while for an opportunity to absorb some culture and entertainment. read more

I've visited Benaroya hall to watch the Seattle Symphony twice and both times have been just wonderful. The acoustics are phenomenal. I enjoy sitting in orchestra center for some great views of the symphony. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of leg room. It's not like other theaters like the Moore for example where my knees hit the chair in front of me. If you haven't heard the symphony before, I highly recommend you pony up the funds to check out the best in the northwest! read more

I really love Benaroya Hall. I haven't really found a performing arts venue that even comes close to Benaroya. I've been to several performance here from classical music, to contemporary rising artists, to benefit concerts, and ethnic celebrations & festivals. The Taper auditorium is simply amazing. As you walk into the great hall and see the large organ taking up the entire back wall of the stage, you already know it's going to be a great performance regardless of what you're seeing. The way the auditorium is designed also provides superb acoustics and allows you to have a wonderful experience even in the highest mezzanine levels. I love that they showcase several different types of music and art and don't cater to just one style. I also love that even though you may be going to see a symphony, there may be an opera singer or dance performance within the same show. I also love that they make music and art affordable. You don't have to be rich in order to attend and be able to appreciate the arts. Often times they will offer $25 months or other deals where you can see multiple different types of shows for just $25. I've also been to the smaller auditorium upstairs and even though it's smaller, it still packs an auditory punch and is a little more intimate in setting. You also don't have to dress up for most performances and just come as you are. I've been to a benefit concert where one of my favorite electronic artists, Imogen Heap, help put on. It was wonderful and the way her voice echoed throughout the auditorium was eerily beautiful. Plus it was a great way to raise money for the Seattle Children's Hospital. I really like last year when they had a whole month of shows containing pieces by American composers. I love Aaron Copland and George Gershwin and had never heard either in concert. It's been quite hard to find a Copland performance and I almost think it's rare to hear Copland, but Benaroya really made my day by incorporating some of his works as well as Gershwin into their celebration of American music. I also went to a show that included the use of a theremin and showcased music from sci-fi movies like Mars Attacks. It was such an odd piece of equipment but also intriguing that someone could place music by manipulating the chords and tone of the music through hand gestures and movements in the open air. It's great to be able to be able to listen to new styles and types of music at Benaroya so don't be afraid to go to a performance you know nothing about as it may still be a quite pleasant experience and you might even learn to love a new genre of music that you never knew about before. So, just buy a ticket and show up. read more

Some of the ushers at Benaroya Hall don't understand that Black people like classical music, too.

We went to the Benaroya Hall with a friend to see David Sedaris. The venue is simply magnificent and spacious! We got seated up high but it still seemed like you could see all of the going's on pretty well from up there. The inside of the hall is gorgeous and the staff that work here are very patient and helpful for any patrons that may need. I see that the Benaroya holds a host of different events and apparently events that need to be several notches above the rest in order to be considered to perform here. I would love to come back for some movie screenings and concerts. In addition to being beautiful the place is also immaculate and you are reminded that you are in one of the more high brow venues if not the high brow venue in town when you go to an event here. read more

Like another Yelper mentioned, I wanted some place special to garner review #400. As I rifled through my ever-growing drafts, I immediately knew what would capture that spot... If you've never attended a performance at Benaroya Hall, you're missing out. Sprawling an entire city block, the hall is actually two performance spaces. The larger of the two auditoriums is the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. It seats 2,500 throughout the floor and three tier balconies. It's a simply appointed hall with blond upholstered seating juxtaposed against the darker wood touches throughout. Sight lines are excellent from the orchestra all the way to the uppermost box seats which face the stage for maximum viewing. I spoke with one of the docents who explained how each wood panel in the main hall was a different size to resonate with different sounds during performances. The architects took great pains to work with the acoustics of the space. When you are nestled in your seat, you won't hear buses outside or people honking angrily during rush hour. The hall was built as a box within a box, the inner of which rests wholly on rubber pads to further dampen sound. The overall result is a hall that is versatile and beautifully suited to every single performance I've seen here. Take a look at my uploaded photographs, they run the gamut. I haven't forgotten the smaller of the two spaces! The Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall seats 540 comfortably and beautifully. Smaller acts will play this hall or solo artists. I've seen Turkish musicians here, Kabuki theatre and on more than one occasion, The American String Project. Benaroya Hall is one of my favourite places in Seattle. The seats are comfortable with good leg room. The bathrooms are plentiful and kept well. The green-jacketed docents have always been friendly and quick with the lozenge if you need to quiet a persistent cough. One note about the facility: parking does sell out for events here so if you prefer to park on-site, go ahead and pre-purchase the parking with your tickets. Otherwise you can use the valet at The Triple Door or find garage parking a block or two away. Take heed though on the closure times of other garages, you might end up spending $35.00 because you didn't get to your vehicle before midnight. This is another venue that I advocate an immediate placement on their e-mail list. You can get special deals on tickets and advance notice when something is booked at the Hall. read more

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Beautiful and illustrious space. Great sound in each of the theatres. Only downside was the restrooms on the first level are always locked so you must use those on the second level nearer to the actual theatres you will be watching your performances in. This could prove a challenge if you require ADA assistance and are like me and have to go to the restroom immediately upon arriving. I've been here for various occasions, most recently there was a church service on Easter Sunday here in the largest hall - the sheer immensity of it is both daunting and impressive. I love how the outside of this building is modest and fits in well with the businesses surrounding it but once inside you are instantly made to feel fancy. I look forward to every visit to Benaroya Hall - keep up the great work maintaining it, folks! read more

One of the most exceptional symphonic concert halls on the planet, at least according to the experts--speaking in terms of the acoustics. It's nice inside, feels modern and grand without being stuffy or off-putting. You can see and hear perfectly from virtually every seat in the house. The staff is efficient and professional. You can park. You can eat very well nearby. They really went out of their way to put this place together, and they did an amazing, amazing job. I've seen classical, jazz, rock, and comedy performances here, always comfortable, always enjoyable. The sound really stands up and beats its chest here, too--it really is amazing to hear lots of acoustic instruments totally dominate such a large space. And that pipe organ is something I need to hear someday. It looks too cool. read more

Such a wonderful and beautiful venue, with truly fantastic acoustics...I feel like the sound has been consistently excellent regardless of where I've sat; the only difference for me comes if I'm on the lower level but underneath a balcony, when a little bit of sound bounces off of the floor of the balcony, but even that doesn't cause any loss of quality. We are so fortunate in Seattle to have a spectacular venue like this to host our excellent symphony. I've splurged a few times for balcony seats close to the stage and it was worth it to get the close-up bird's eye view of the symphony players performing. Truly a crown jewel for our city. read more

From time to time, I'm reminded of the culture that truly saturates the greater Seattle area! Over 12 years ago I actually graduated in one of the side halls in this building, and was awed even by that stunning architecture. It's truly an oasis from the chaos of downtown, and as soon as you step inside you're greeted with such a variety! Even during the day, when simple coffee shops (Honor coffee!) is open, there's a soft hum inside that keeps the pulse of the city present! Last night we went and watched the Northwest University, Choir and a symphony play some beautiful holiday songs! This is part interactive for the audience and I was stunned at the presentation! Aside from being beautifully decorated for the holiday season, the hall was easily the largest pop organ I've seen in my life. During the performance, the moments of laughter that punctuated the cheer celebrated, I realized how truly exceptional this building is! Even with the tight parking entrance, it was the best time I've had in a long time. It was fun to dress up, enjoy the holiday cheer in the most festive way possible! Even in Seattle! Thanks for adding to our wonderful holiday year of 2017! read more

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Excellent acoustics and a fantastic venue for all things symphonic! They also have a pipe organ which is huge! The concourse is voluminous and serves a variety of snacks, coffee, wine and liquors. The accompanying restaurant Muse is fantastic. The parking structure below the hall is somewhat tight. The floor seating has excellent sound but the seats do not have a lot of leg room for us taller gentlemen. Overall I highly recommend this venue! read more

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I came here on a date a handful of years ago to see the symphony. The acoustics are fantastic. The symphony is also amazing. I came to Benaroya Hall this weekend for Time Out For Women (TOFW) which is a women's conference put on by Deseret Book. I volunteered for the event. The security team, door greeters and ushers that I interacted with were all kind and helpful. It was really great to work with them. The venue was fabulous once again. Except for one microphone incident, there weren't any problems for the 2 day event. There isn't a bad seat in the house when it comes to hearing the performances. Bring binoculars if you are in a box seat or in a back row. There's a Starbucks and a cafe just outside the auditorium, inside the building on the east side. There's a parking garage in the building. However, there are a few parking garages nearby with a short walking distance too. Check out the dedicated wall on the west side of Benaroya to the veterans. read more

Acoustics are amazing! And having a reserved cocktail waiting for me at intermission-PURRRFECT!! read more

I came here for my fiancé's white coat ceremony for med school. Parking is a set 14 dollars. They have a few cafés within the building and lots of friendly staff. Definitely a fancy shmancy feel. We sat in the middle of the hall. There was only a small group playing on stage before the ceremony, but even with such a small group the acoustics were amazing. I can't imagine what a full show here would sound like. Seems like they play lots of interesting symphonies here (like Pokemon and final fantasy). Love it! read more

Benaroya Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Dress up, I mean you, yes, you the reader, because if you dare think about going to this wonderful, joyous beautiful, classy, gorgeous, lovely, great sounding, perfectly built masterpiece, then you need to be dressed up. There is none better on the west coast, and I've been to many of recital halls. Walking in, you are greeted by the Grand Lobby, the immense glowing structure, which is the jewel of the emerald city. On a show night, you will find wine and cookies scattered around. Look up, and become hypnotized; and if you look down... carpet. The lights blink, bells ring, and looking around, people start to head in, the gentle indication that you should find the Taper Auditorium. This auditorium is only the finest of all places to listen to music. It's a classy place; where anywhere you sit, you can not only hear the sound, but feel the emotion of the notes and resonance fill your soul. Close your eyes and imagine your favourite classical piece, maybe Mozart, Bach, Beethoven or Handel; imagine that artist playing just 30 feet in-front of you. Feel the sound, and vibrancy of the instrument, and warmth of your heart when you were younger. That's what it feels like to be at Benaroya Hall. If you have a chance to come, make it happen. read more

I've been to Benaroya Hall as a concertgoer (several times) and as a performer (just once), and I love this place. First of all, it's not hard to see that Benaroya is a beautiful building. Even while you're in the lobby waiting to enter the concert hall, you can meander on several levels, look out the window and see the waterfront lights, or enjoy one of the many Chihuly glass sculptures hanging from the ceilings. The staff working at Benaroya has always been helpful and friendly, which I am especially grateful for because it can be hard to find your way around sometimes. As for the acoustics (the most important part, of course), they're just excellent. And I can say this with confidence because I've sat in both box seats and probably every region on the floor. There are really no bad seats here. read more

What's to not love about Benaroya Hall?! I've been here many, many times over the years and I still have a moment of awe when I look around from my seat - the architecture is amazing! I've only come here for the symphony and they acoustics are fantastic. Benaroya Hall is very well kept with polite staff. Plenty of parking in the garage and a central location with a lot of restaurants to complete your evening. Love this place! read more

As a classical music novice, i cannot compare this to famous venues or comment on the Symphony Orchestra's skill levels. I can comment on the value-for-money for a novice, interested in learning with friends. At the beginning of the Symphony season a group of friends were getting together to buy a set of seats using a 'series ticket' (buy tickets to several concerts get a mjor discount) to the symphony and asked if I wanted to join them. What a great way to learn, listen then discuss with friends more knowledgeable than myself. For my pocket, symphony tickets are expensive, buying a series makes the music accessible. We bought a pack of 9 tickets and each concert works out at about $15. If someone cannot make a specific night they offer the ticket to the others, who then find a companion to join us on that night. It all balances out, I wont attend 9 concerts, but the seat will get used and each evening is a night out with friends. Even if you don't get 'moved' by the music, watching the audience and the Orchestra can be excellent fun. The soloist who's cell-phone rang on stage. The Violinist who looks like a member of ZZ-top, I wonder what he does in his spare time? The young adults, the elegant gentlemen and ladies in full-lenght dresses, the architecture... ..the anime tentacle-like glass chandelier... I recommend using this luxury, Seattle residents are lucky to have access to a Symphony.... read more

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I've been here for various events and remain impressed with the atmosphere of the Hall in general and the fabulous acoustics in specific. It doesn't matter what you hear here (a gospel concert, a poetry reading, a classical concert, a jazz concert) it'll all sound good. One thing I don't like (an urban reality) is the homeless who seem to easily enter the lobby after shows begging for money. They wig out the suburbanites and are a jolting shock back to reality after a sensual evening of auditory heaven. read more

Very nice...lost my tickets and they were able to reprint with no fuss...Went for the Master's of Scottish Arts. Really enjoyed this show now for last 5 yrs...very informal event for such a formal place... read more

My first experience at Benaroya Hall. First of all it's a beautiful Hall. I understand going into the hall after a performance has started is rude, I understand that, but if we got there and paid for parking ahead of time, and NO spot available for our truck (I checked the height of the garage and it was safe) was extremely frustrating, and it was 98% full when we drove up to the exit area to tell them that there is NO parking and they kept letting people in. Luckily, they gave us one of the electric car parking spot at the front as it would fit our truck. This ended up eating a lot of our time, with only a few minutes before our show started. We ended up on the second floor looking for the restroom and the usher that was at the door told me to turn around and use the one downstairs. Why does it matter? I'm already up here, I have my ticket and yes it's for downstairs but I have to use the restroom. Ugh, so more time wasting away, I rush back to the floor we are supposed to be on, the usher down there told me the show was about to start and to hurry up... ok, I had to do more than a #1... talk about pressure. I just did my business, and waited until I was allowed back in. I was pretty uncomfortable here to say the least. Those two elderly women ushers really made me upset. On top of the parking fiasco and having to use the restroom and now missing part of my friend's show. The only bright side was that our vehicle was accommodated (the parking people were nice at least) and the usher on the way out was super sweet as we had to leave early as my husband had to work 4am the next morning. Needless to say, I won't be coming back unless I absolutely have to. I'm sure being an usher and handing out programs can be difficult, being asked the same questions over and over again and showing people to their seats etc... but you don't need to be grumpy. Thanks for the "warm" welcome. . . sheesh. read more

This is just a great venue. I've been here several times for concerts (the acoustics are great) and multiple times for the National Geographic Live lecture series. The acoustics are still great, but it usually doesn't matter so much. One tip if you get the National Geographic lectures, they always place the podium on stage right, so try to get seats anywhere but box seats at house left. (The left side as you face the stage.) The problem is that the railing in front of you obscures your view of the speaker. There really isn't a bad seat in the house if you don't mind not being able to see him or her, and really the main focus is on the big screen behind them anyway. The ambiance is great. The design looks great to my eye and it's new enough that there aren't any worn looking patches. The stairs are wide enough that it's easy to get in and out. The staff is helpful. There are a couple of places in the venue to get food or drink before a show, out in the main corridor, but the seating is limited. I've always avoided it because I don't want to have to show up here an hour early just to get seat for dinner. There are plenty of places nearby to grab a bite to eat, so there's no danger of going hungry or getting thirsty if you don't want to Public transportation couldn't be easier. You're in the downtown corridor so there are a dozen nearby bus routes, and the venue is literally right on top of the bus/train tunnel. There are elevators that go down to the tunnel from the main corridor, or you can go outside and take the walkway down. read more

Benaroya Hall - Waiting for doors - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fantastic acoustics. Beautiful venue. I've been here twice to see the Scottish Masters Concert and absolutely love this place. All the docents are super friendly and professional and helpful. Gorgeous hall. Can't wait to come back for another event here. read more

Benaroya Hall - Intermission - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The hall is great! It arguably has the best acoustics in the city. The customer service at the ticket window has always been professional and accommodating. The ushers - like most of the halls in Seattle - have paid and volunteer (I believe - don't quote me on that part). But, I've never had an issue with anyone at Benaroya. Sight lines are good - it is sloped so for the most part, you can see well. I've never parked in their garage so I can't speak to that but I always enjoy the performances at Benaroya Hall! read more

Not sure how to review a symphony hall. Benaroya hall is quite beautiful and comfortable, the symphony is always a delight. read more

The symphony we were attending was fantastically conducted and performed (Distant Worlds). The drinks they offered before and during intermission were delicious and also quite strong. They now offer plastic glasses you can bring into the hall and for a pretty affordable price ($3 if I remember correctly). Absolutely worth coming back for. read more

Benaroya Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a beautiful venue with no horrible seat in the house. Seattle is lucky to have Benaroya Hall.

Always enjoyed the beautiful performances! Spent NYE last Monday and again Friday to enjoy Rockstar Storm Large play with the Seattle Symphony backing her up! An Awesome adventure in music all the time! 4 star as Friday Storm Large vocals are intense and sound system couldn't keep up so she was maxed out volume wise but she can fricking sing incredibly! read more

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The building itself and the acoustic inside of the hall are great! The elevators of the building are not that easy to find, but depending in where you're seated that doesn't matter. The staff at the entrance was nice and friendly, the women on the concession stand were pretty stressed and didn't tell us that nothing but water is allowed inside of the hall. By the way, if you don't like big chunks of ice in your soft drink it will be warm! (Warm as in "we don't put these drinks in the fridge, just on a shelf behind the counter" warm) No, thanks. Our Seats were in the first row of the second tier and even though I liked the view and sound from up here I want to give out a warning, that the handrail is super low and you have to be extra careful (I always had the horror scenario in my head that I will stumble and fall to death down onto the orchestra level)! So pro: - great view and acoustics throughout the hall - interesting architecture - friendly staff con: - no drinks inside (except bottled water) - warm drinks (if you don't let them give you a lb of ice) - dangerous seating situation read more

$10-12 Alcohol. $5 Pop. $3.50 Bottled Water. You know why this place gets 5 stars? Because I'm not enough of a raving lunatic to pay the aforementioned prices for any of the above beverages. I saw a singer-songwriter-folk singer/harpist here who will remain nameless because people might claim I am trying to gain hipster street cred (hipsters have street cred, don't they?). She performed with an orchestra. I sat in the balcony. It was fantastic. The acoustics were perfect and the orchestra and the harp blended together to make some truly phenomenal music. In front of me were a couple of people who were - oh, how do I put this politely? - tripping their fuckin' balls off. I talked to one of them right before intermission ended and he said when she was playing the harp it was like rays or beams were coming up to him. I, being the curious type, asked him, "Do you mean like some kind of energy beam or more like a death ray?" His eyes widened and he didn't move for an hour or so after that. He was still sitting in his seat when I left. I either killed him, put him in a coma or sent him on the trip of his life. I hope it was the last one. read more

Benaroya, Ok...I've seen it all @BenaroyaHall. I heart the symphony. That being said, let me tell you what I've been a part of for the past few years. A. An incredible lineup of events from the National Geographic Series to performances by Lang Lang on piano. B. Joining Sir Mix-A-Lot onstage for this incredible mashup of " Baby Got Back Joins Seattle Symphony " performance (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w59e20ijOpE) C. Being surprised to the point of tears along with the majority of the performing symphony and the audience by the appearance of Steven Spielberg during a John Williams concert (http://bit.ly/2z0xgxM) D. Witnessing the #untuxed series become literal as two rows-full of audience members decided to make this the space for their BDSM evening...complete with blindfolded guests, props, antics and attire to make Christian Grey (and about 400 other members of the over-70-year-old-audience) blush. Brahms? Really? Benaroya, we salute you! And love you! And cheers to your courage, willingness to adapt to changing times, tastes and acceptance of all that is Seattle! xxo, Liana read more

In all of the years I've lived in Seattle I'm amazed I hadn't yet written about Benaroya Hall. Whether it's for concerts, movie screenings, private events or book readings, you don't get a lovelier venue in Seattle. Benaroya Hall not only somehow manages to feel massive while intimate, it's a spotless venue with friendly staff. You'd never have to worry about a seat with a sunken cushion, gum stuck to the railings or in the carpet, everything here is kept up well and remains in lovely condition night after night. The acoustics here are also great. I'd recommend sitting farther from the front if you're here for a show though. The placement of the speakers is such that it can be a little loud if you're up too close. During intermission there's typically wine and beer available plus a Starbucks just outside the hall if anyone wants a snack or some coffee. I guess I'll put it this way... If there's a show in town that I want to see and I notice it's playing at Benaroya, I squeal just a little bit louder. read more