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1. deadheadman (2 months ago)

   My wife and I love live music and attend a lot of concerts. Just this year we have been to Ram's Head in Annapolis, The Recher in Towson, Nissan Pavilion, Merriweather in Columbia, The Strathmore, The Meyerhoff among other venues. It's doubtful that we will be returning to the Birchmere anytime soon, however. The Birchmere, despite its legendary status (and it *is* legendary, to be sure) presents the biggest hassle in terms of customer service. Their requirement that you show up hours before the show to get in the cattle call for good seats is anathema in this era of print at home tickets. Just about every venue (except the Birchmere) has reserved seating. So much more civilized. Ok, so we're forced to get there early .. . after spending 2 hours in rush hour traffic coming from MD (there is no good way -- we've tried every route. It's difficult to describe the traffic in NOVA and it's impossible to exaggerate how bad it is . . . you simply can't get there from here . . . or anywhere :P) and we endure being last in line for the catle cow because of our lengthy trip down, so we decide to make the most of it and have an evening . . . get some chow and relax . . . but the chow . . . well . . . nothing to write home about, with a severely limited menu. And service is very spotty. Last night's Steeleye Span concert was the first time we got quick efficient service and didn't have to crick our necks trying to track our server -- Go Santos!!! Our other 2 visits there this year . . . not so good . . . And the positioning of so many of the table tops forces many people to turn around 180 degrees. The Ram's Head, for example, places almost all tables 90 degrees to the stage to facilitate viewing from every position. You can still set your beer down and pick it up on occasion . . . you know . . . use the table. Basically, for any real good act that we see at the Birchmere, the taste and excitement are diminished by the venue's lackadaisical treatment of the fans. Of course, since they're selling out all the time, why should they worry about how spotty the service is? Or be concerned that the will-call/cattle call system that they have is outmoded and inconvenient? Nissan sells out, too, but it's also such a PITA just to get to, so we don't go there anymore either.

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