The Sphere
November 7-9, 2024 – Over the years, Gina and I have had the pleasure of sharing many live music experiences, including season tickets to the Paul Mason Concert series. Live music has always been a big part of our lives, from our first real date at Grant Park—where we enjoyed a symphony practice over a Giordano’s pizza—to countless concerts since. I was lucky enough to marry someone with the same love for nearly every genre of music, and today, our playlists are practically identical. So many songs bring back memories of precious moments together and with our kids, reminders of our shared journey.
These days, I leave most of the concert planning to Gina. Last weekend, she outdid herself, booking a triple-header in Las Vegas. Friday night, we snagged tickets to see the Eagles at the Sphere, followed by a Billy Joel and Sting concert at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday.
The Sphere is a marvel. Officially known as the MSG Sphere, it’s the most high-tech concert venue globally, with an immersive setup that pushes the boundaries of entertainment. Its LED-covered exterior shines like a beacon, and inside, it boasts the world’s largest high-resolution LED screen, wrapping around 160,000 square feet. But it’s the Sphere’s audio system that blew me away. Using advanced beamforming technology, the sound reaches every corner with precise clarity, creating a unique, personalized experience. Seats even come equipped with haptic technology, adding a physical pulse to the music. The Eagles’ concert was a perfect mix of classic rock and tech, with ultra-high-definition visuals that transformed each song into a mini-journey, whether down a desert highway or the Las Vegas Strip.
Saturday night took us to Allegiant Stadium for a rare, one-night-only performance by Billy Joel and Sting. Sting’s performance was reminiscent of his Caesars residency, where Gina and I saw him a few years back, but this time he joined Billy Joel for a few songs, making it truly memorable. Billy Joel’s set was packed with his iconic hits, from “Piano Man” to “Uptown Girl,” and he brought the audience in with his usual energy. Both artists, well into their 70s, were as vibrant and dynamic as ever, captivating the massive crowd with their timeless appeal.
We had family and friends in town, though we didn’t cross paths with all of them. My cousins, Kenneth and Jayne, and our Jazz Cruise friends, Shelly and Keith, were also there, adding to the incredible atmosphere.
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When Mark heard about our Vegas weekend, he flew in and joined us at the Wynn. I love betting on sports with him, and this weekend’s wins from the Oregon Ducks and the 49ers almost paid for the trip! Our daughter, Mia, also happened to be in Vegas for work, filming a nutrition segment for CBS Las Vegas. For the first time in years, we found ourselves enjoying a family weekend together, this time in a suite at the Wynn. Unlike the old days, we splurged on some fantastic restaurants—Delilah’s and Hell’s Kitchen. Deleted: Added: It was a spontaneous, unforgettable weekend with family and friends, and I’m grateful for every moment. Sometimes, the best memories are the ones you don’t plan for.
