I used to like Pershing Square a lot, but lately it became worse, badly maintained, so I stayed away from it even during the Summer Concert Series that I've attended for years. Since last year, they walled in the square for the concerts. Besides looking ugly and feeling too enclosed, they increased security, have too many rules (no food or water from outside) and you have to get tickets via Evenbrite, free, but you have to do it ahead of time.
Long overdue update. I remember when the space was opened and easy going (sure, some folks stumbled in creating a few issues, but nothing major) and we used to picnic before a concert.
Since Grand Performances lost its space temporarily this summer, I came to see 2 concerts at Pershing Square. The lines were too long, around the block. The 1st one was a fun Beatles tribute (the band Rain). Besides having old style food trucks, the worst selection ever and water for guests running out (they want you to buy even water!!!), yep the place got greedier!....I had no issues.
Next time I came to see REO Speedwagon and after the long line, they confiscated my digital camera saying that it's not allowed! That the band doesn't want that and they announced it on social media. Which one, because I haven't seen a post on Facebook, etc??? They also made me toss my candy bag -had health issues in the summer so I had some candies just in case. After I mentioned it to them, they told me there's a 1st Aid Tent. I should have left right then. But I trusted them with my camera and got the name of their manager. I was supposed to pick it up after the show.
During the show, EVERYONE was taking photos and videos with their phones, so what about the band not wanting photos being taken during the show rule???
Before the ending of the show I went to look for the manager, Teresa Velasquez to get my camera. It took forever to get her to come where she told me she'd be at. The people working here are jerks, wouldn't radio her and were making me like a fool for wanting to take photos with a camera instead of a phone. I'm a film professional and don't feel like taking photography tips from a security guy who can't do his job!
It took forever to get my camera back (a Cannon, with a decent zoom, point shoot that I like to bring around the city, since my phone doesn't have the best zoom in the world). I talked to so many people, described my camera to so many of them. One was making me into a liar, he brought the wrong camera to me, it was somebody else's. How about putting a label with my name on it? If you confiscate cameras, put them all safely in a box with everyone's names on them! These folks are major clowns, can't organize anything. Teresa Velasquez was yelling at me, even after I explained I don't need this stress (I've been dealing with health issues). I admit, I yelled back since I was upset of the idea of my cool camera being lost after she promised me otherwise. Miserable excuses for security people and human being!
I'll never go to one of these concerts ever again. read more