Open Air Concert Series

[dleroux57]

To everyone...we went to last night's performance of Hotel California and the band was great...however the set up was horrible. The Polo Field is on level ground, therefore visibility for everyone was zero. The stage was too low, the two screens beside the stage were definitely too low, should have been a couple feet higher. They should have staggered the golf carts so people could see over the cart in front of you. The carts were mostly 6 feet apart but parked one in front of the other, so you couldn't see anything and that also blocked your view of the screens as well. We paid $100 for 2 people in the green section and probably should have gone with the $60 in the back and done better. I hope Entertainment sees this or hears from others, as we heard many complaints, and can improve this for the rest of the week's performances. We bought tickets for the same section for Friday night as well, not excited about it.

[champion6]

Give them your feedback directly: Feedback | The Villages (https://www.thevillages.com/feedback/)

[Two Bills]

Should have sat on the roof of your cart!

[collie1228]

We were there too. Green section - $100 admission for the cart. The map provided by The Villages Entertainment shows the green section to have good sight lines relative to the stage, one section back. Wrong. We were way to the side, with absolutely no view of the stage, but had good sight of one of the video screens. The concert was good, not great. We have tickets for The Jersey Boys on Wednesday night, and now that we know what to expect, we are less excited about it.

[YouNeverKnow]

To everyone...we went to last night's performance of Hotel California and the band was great...however the set up was horrible. The Polo Field is on level ground, therefore visibility for everyone was zero. The stage was too low, the two screens beside the stage were definitely too low, should have been a couple feet higher. They should have staggered the golf carts so people could see over the cart in front of you. The carts were mostly 6 feet apart but parked one in front of the other, so you couldn't see anything and that also blocked your view of the screens as well. We paid $100 for 2 people in the green section and probably should have gone with the $60 in the back and done better. I hope Entertainment sees this or hears from others, as we heard many complaints, and can improve this for the rest of the week's performances. We bought tickets for the same section for Friday night as well, not excited about it.

We are hoping to be able to enjoy a a concert but maintain safety as well.
In one of the Facebook groups someone said some people brought chairs, some were dancing, and concessions were available. If you stay in your cart are you far enough away from people that are choosing to sit in chairs or dance?
Did you feel the golf carts were far enough from each other so there was enough space between the people on either side?

How was the check in process with the tickets ( Did the person taking your tickets wear a mask and distance?)
We are looking for a safe venu that will let us enjoy a concert but still maintain safety standards recommended by the CDC?

[dleroux57]

Check in process was fast, however once you were inside the field no one even looked at your tickets. People were hollering out the color sections they were looking for and went to it w/o checking the tickets at all, could have sat anywhere!

[Regor]

Didn't go to the concert, but sure as hell heard it! We live over a mile from the polo grounds, near Hacienda Hills CC. Even with the doors closed we could still hear every song and beat of the drums. I would say the volume was way to loud.

[Bogie Shooter]

To everyone...we went to last night's performance of Hotel California and the band was great...however the set up was horrible. The Polo Field is on level ground, therefore visibility for everyone was zero. The stage was too low, the two screens beside the stage were definitely too low, should have been a couple feet higher. They should have staggered the golf carts so people could see over the cart in front of you. The carts were mostly 6 feet apart but parked one in front of the other, so you couldn't see anything and that also blocked your view of the screens as well. We paid $100 for 2 people in the green section and probably should have gone with the $60 in the back and done better. I hope Entertainment sees this or hears from others, as we heard many complaints, and can improve this for the rest of the week's performances. We bought tickets for the same section for Friday night as well, not excited about it.
Why hope they read this, that’s a long shot.
Contact them with your concerns.


Villages Entertainment

Remote Box Office & Customer Service
(352) 753-3229
Monday – Saturday | 8:30am – 6pm

[EdFNJ]

The idea of the outdoor concerts seemed good but it looked like from the get-go the implementation would be problematic. I had tickets to Queen at Savannah Center which was "postponed" 3 times before it was finally cancelled (and took a credit card dispute to get a refund after 4 months) and was tempted to try this version but now glad I didn't.

[rp1991]

We live 2 miles from it, could hear better than you could.

[courtyard]

Open air concerts...that's my worst nightmare. What about the people living nearby? They are going to be absolutely miserable!

[Stu from NYC]

Open air concerts...that's my worst nightmare. What about the people living nearby? They are going to be absolutely miserable!

Would think if they close their windows they would barely hear it if at all

[Bilyclub]

Rock concerts have been loud since the beginning.

[justjim]

OP makes some very good points. Village Entertainment should hear about these issues. Perhaps the next outdoor concert changes will be made and they will do better. Not my “cup of tea” but just wondering how large was the crowd?

[JohnN]

I like Hotel Caliornia, but I wasn't willing to try the drive-in movie route.
I'm glad I just stayed home. Hopefully 2020 will return to a non-Covid world.

[brunogal]

We had a group of 4 in the pink section (pretty far back). Honestly, it was the most fun we've had in awhile. Carts were well distanced, we did bring bag chairs, felt like old times! Hell, I couldn't ever see much of the stage at any concert I attended because I couldn't afford to! It was really well attended and the large screens on either side helped a lot, too. I feel that type of concert is what will work in that venue. The piano men and Tom Jones?? Not so much. If I wasn't heading out of town, I'd go see Queen, too. As far as the neighbors go, it IS The Villages and we were done early. I hear the nightly square entertainment from where I reside...........no biggie.:coolsmiley:

[tophcfa]

I want to thank the OP for starting this thread. We have been considering attending one or more of these events and it is always great to hear the experiences of those who have attended to help our decision process. I don't really want to go to a concert with sound only, and no decent visuals. Trying to watch a band from far away, on a screen, does not get me excited.

[Stu from NYC]

Many years ago we saw Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park NY. Actually we did not see them just heard them via loudspeakers.

Enjoyed listening to them but we prefer sitting up close.

[tophcfa]

Many years ago we saw Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park NY. Actually we did not see them just heard them via loudspeakers.

Enjoyed listening to them but we prefer sitting up close.

Very many years ago, also was at that concert. Way too many people there for my liking, but great music. If my memory serves me correctly, it was around 1980 or 81?

[Mendy]

We attended last night in a car and it was not a great experience. Sat in chairs in front of car and could barely hear. They had one food truck on each end of the venue. Long lines and ran out of some food (corn dogs and mac and cheese were gone by 6:45). There was plenty of room for more food trucks......too bad it was so poorly planned. We felt safe as most people were wearing masks while in line and the cars/carts were socially distanced. We are going back Friday night for Queen and hope they make some adjustments to improve the experience.

[sralph99]

Enjoyed the Piano Men show tonight from my car. They did a good job getting everyone in promptly and I thought the sound (and screen) were both very good.

[Butters]

We were in the yellow section, last row of carts but in the middle. Agree stage and screen to low could not see anything from cart. Was disappointed until I got out of cart and set my chair where I could see one screen with my binoculars. I settled in with a blanket and enjoyed the concert. Love Hotel California.

[MandoMan]

To everyone...we went to last night's performance of Hotel California and the band was great...however the set up was horrible. The Polo Field is on level ground, therefore visibility for everyone was zero. The stage was too low, the two screens beside the stage were definitely too low, should have been a couple feet higher. They should have staggered the golf carts so people could see over the cart in front of you. The carts were mostly 6 feet apart but parked one in front of the other, so you couldn't see anything and that also blocked your view of the screens as well. We paid $100 for 2 people in the green section and probably should have gone with the $60 in the back and done better. I hope Entertainment sees this or hears from others, as we heard many complaints, and can improve this for the rest of the week's performances. We bought tickets for the same section for Friday night as well, not excited about it.

I was also in the green section, about four rows back, not far from the middle. Having the golf carts there while sitting in lawn chairs was a bit like sitting in an audience while a number of very large people in front of me were standing up. The golf carts are way over our heads. However, parking people in exact spaces in open fields is tough in the daytime and even harder at night. I was amazed by all those carts filing in and parking with the aid of a few flashlights in the dark. Congratulations and well done to all the people who made that possible.

I thought the concert was great (except the encore, as I don’t like Joe Walsh). I sang along with nearly every song. The music was loud, but not too loud. It didn’t hurt my ears at all. (Except that in the encore, they cranked up the volume about ten decibels, and I could feel my hearing shutting down.) I had a good time with friends. It was nice to get out. There was a LOT more social distance than in the squares.

[NotFromAroundHere]

Would think if they close their windows they would barely hear it if at all

Your thinking would be wrong. :) We live 1.75ish miles from the Polo Fields and could recognize the songs with our double panes closed. We opened the door to the lanai so we could hear better. Could not see stage or video screens very well at all.

Half the neighborhood (exaggeration) was out on the street trying to figure out where the noise was coming from.

[nick demis]

The idea of the outdoor concerts seemed good but it looked like from the get-go the implementation would be problematic. I had tickets to Queen at Savannah Center which was "postponed" 3 times before it was finally cancelled (and took a credit card dispute to get a refund after 4 months) and was tempted to try this version but now glad I didn't.

We saw Almost Queen at Foxboro 2 months ago and they were great even with the hall only 10% filled

[crash]

Would think if they close their windows they would barely hear it if at all

Or setup a chair outside and enjoy a free driveway concert.

[Django]

We live in Santo Domingo village. At first I thought my neighbor was playing a radio outside on their lanai. We heard this concerts with our tv on doors and windows closed. This music is too loud and should be turned down. If you really want to save some money and don’t mind seeing them, just drive up to the Savannah recreation center parking lot and you can hear the music just fine!

[Girlcopper]

Didn't go to the concert, but sure as hell heard it! We live over a mile from the polo grounds, near Hacienda Hills CC. Even with the doors closed we could still hear every song and beat of the drums. I would say the volume was way to loud.
Its an open air concert. Of course, you heard it. I seriously doubt they will lower the volume. Just think. Free concert for you since you claim to have heard it thru closed windows

[Girlcopper]

Your thinking would be wrong. :) We live 1.75ish miles from the Polo Fields and could recognize the songs with our double panes closed. We opened the door to the lanai so we could hear better. Could not see stage or video screens very well at all.

Half the neighborhood (exaggeration) was out on the street trying to figure out where the noise was coming from.

Ha. Guess some people live in bubbles and cant figure out what theyre hearing when its just music

[msilagy]

I am so sorry this happened to all of you. My thought is you were scammed out of a high fee to see a band on flat land! For me this type of venue would be of no interest.....buyers beware!

[NotFromAroundHere]

I am so sorry this happened to all of you. My thought is you were scammed out of a high fee to see a band on flat land! For me this type of venue would be of no interest.....buyers beware!

For the life of me, I can't figure out why people need to see the band. I can't see the band on my car radio. My eyes don't add anything to what my ears hear. Just me, I guess.

[tallmanf]

And get off my yard.

[MoNonnon]

Went to “hear” The Piano Men last night. I think the idea of outdoor concerts/movies is a great idea. But the stage needs to be higher, and also the screens. How did they think being on level ground would be okay? I’ve never been to a concert where the stage wasn’t raised up. Just sayin’

[tonycirocco@me.com]

to everyone...we went to last night's performance of hotel california and the band was great...however the set up was horrible. The polo field is on level ground, therefore visibility for everyone was zero. The stage was too low, the two screens beside the stage were definitely too low, should have been a couple feet higher. They should have staggered the golf carts so people could see over the cart in front of you. The carts were mostly 6 feet apart but parked one in front of the other, so you couldn't see anything and that also blocked your view of the screens as well. We paid $100 for 2 people in the green section and probably should have gone with the $60 in the back and done better. I hope entertainment sees this or hears from others, as we heard many complaints, and can improve this for the rest of the week's performances. We bought tickets for the same section for friday night as well, not excited about it.
$100.00??????

[Two Bills]

We attended last night in a car and it was not a great experience. Sat in chairs in front of car and could barely hear. They had one food truck on each end of the venue. Long lines and ran out of some food (corn dogs and mac and cheese were gone by 6:45). There was plenty of room for more food trucks......too bad it was so poorly planned. We felt safe as most people were wearing masks while in line and the cars/carts were socially distanced. We are going back Friday night for Queen and hope they make some adjustments to improve the experience.


I am always amazed when people who go to a 2 hour music concert and fear starvation!:ohdear:

[KRM0614]

Give them your feedback directly: Feedback | The Villages (https://www.thevillages.com/feedback/)
They could care less $ 50 each for knock off bands ? Mosquitos and all

[LSTSB2018]

The wait for drinks and food was 50 minutes!!! We purchased 4 events this time but probably won’t next time.

[KRM0614]

I like Hotel Caliornia, but I wasn't willing to try the drive-in movie route.
I'm glad I just stayed home. Hopefully 2020 will return to a non-Covid world.
I noticed you used to live in Alpharetta GA. It’s a beautiful area why would you move here from there ? Just curious. I’m thinking of moving up there.

[newgirl]

My house shakes! But, it is a small price to pay for my view :-)

[Two Bills]

They could care less $ 50 each for knock off bands ? Mosquitos and all

Has there been a single good thing in your life?

[jerseyshoreguy]

Were their food trucks and readily available bathroom facilities as announced?
Did they check to srr if you were bringing in drinks or food??

[Mewatt2@gmail.com]

Yup the neighboring communities heard it loud and clear.

[Stu from NYC]

Very many years ago, also was at that concert. Way too many people there for my liking, but great music. If my memory serves me correctly, it was around 1980 or 81?

As I recall they were about 300,000 people there. Went there with a bunch of friends and had a great time.

Thinking it was sometime in the 70's but could well be wrong.

A shame that Simon and Garfunckel could not get along better and stay together.
t

[crash]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why people need to see the band. I can't see the band on my car radio. My eyes don't add anything to what my ears hear. Just me, I guess.

If you don’t want to see the performance save money and listen to the real Eagles on cd’s.

I say you can’t say you saw Hotel California if you can not visually see the band you just heard them.

[Stu from NYC]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why people need to see the band. I can't see the band on my car radio. My eyes don't add anything to what my ears hear. Just me, I guess.

We like music better if in person

[ureout]

[QUOTE=NotFromAroundHere;1874087]For the life of me, I can't figure out why people need to see the band. I can't see the band on my car radio. My eyes don't add anything to what my ears hear. Just me, I guess.[/QUOT

I guess you have never been to a live concert then..

[Bogie Shooter]

Your thinking would be wrong. :) We live 1.75ish miles from the Polo Fields and could recognize the songs with our double panes closed. We opened the door to the lanai so we could hear better. Could not see stage or video screens very well at all.

Half the neighborhood (exaggeration) was out on the street trying to figure out where the noise was coming from.

This too shall pass.........

[Bogie Shooter]

They could care less $ 50 each for knock off bands ? Mosquitos and all

You don't know that for sure...

[NotFromAroundHere]

[QUOTE=NotFromAroundHere;1874087]For the life of me, I can't figure out why people need to see the band. I can't see the band on my car radio. My eyes don't add anything to what my ears hear. Just me, I guess.[/QUOT

I guess you have never been to a live concert then..

Of course I have. Actually seeing the performers in no way enhanced the experience. Except maybe Alice Cooper.

[kcrazorbackfan]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why people need to see the band. I can't see the band on my car radio. My eyes don't add anything to what my ears hear. Just me, I guess.

Because we can. To each their own.

[ProfessorDave]

My Review:
a) Band... OK; have heard bands just as good in the Village Squares. They played the music - but it was not world class at all.

b) Improvements... if the stage and the screens were 3 feet higher - would have made all the difference in the world for those attending.

c) Entry/Exit... exceptionally well done!

d) In Golf Carts?... bring chairs too; much more ability to shift around - see more.

[PaulinTV]

Any suggestions from people that have been to events this week what time we should plan to arrive for Absolute Queen?

[PennBF]

How many were at Woodstock. It was rain, mud, people sleeping next to you, drugs, some not dressed, many walking over you, and so on. This is The Villages answer to Woodstock or the old "Drive In Movies". Welcome to being a Senior Citizen! :a040: