Rude Audience at Concert

On Saturday evening, June 1, I attended a concert at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. An outstanding musical artist, Earl Klugh, was performing and I was thrilled to have excellent seating. I enjoy his style of music very much and I anticipated a wonderful listening experience.

What I experienced was far from wonderful. My date and I were subjected to continuous babbling by two couples in front of us. They were constantly up and down out of their seats, bringing long-lost friends by for a chat and carrying on totally oblivious to others who were there to enjoy the concert. As far as I could see, this typified what was happening throughout the entire audience as well.

It being an outdoor theater, I can understand a person wanting to have a cigarette--maybe one or two at the most out of consideration for those around them who do not smoke. This was not the case this evening. We were surrounded by heavy smokers who couldn’t have cared less. We had to contend with this rude and obnoxious behavior for the whole time we were there. Finally, it became so bad we decided to leave early.

I am absolutely appalled by the lack of courtesy and respect bestowed this truly fine musician, not to mention the people who paid to see him perform. This was not a rock band. I would expect something like this at a concert of that nature, but not for an artist of this caliber.

I will never again allow myself to be put upon by such an experience. Orange County residents just might need a lesson in manners.

--DIANA K. CALDERWOOD

Laguna Niguel