CONCERT JAM

We attempted to see Crosby, Stills and Nash at Irvine Meadows on Saturday, Aug. 8. We were on the 405 just three miles from the amphitheater at 7:15, 45 minutes before show time, when the traffic stopped. Due to traffic congestion, we arrived at the overcrowded parking lot at 9:30. All we saw was the second half of the show. We sat down just as the intermission ended.

Irvine Meadows has no business housing concerts if they cannot manage the incoming traffic. Two hours and 15 minutes to go 3 miles is absolutely absurd. Especially when one pays $22.35 for a seat. (I also find it annoying that the seats are listed at $18.50, but in order to get one it costs you more because of a service charge and a surcharge.)

In total, not counting the money for gas, it cost our car $111.75 to sit in traffic, while three miles away CS&N; were playing without us.

SETH ERIC CUTLER

Los Angeles

An Irvine Meadows spokesman said there is usually a slight traffic backup for its events, but nothing like the jam-up Aug. 8. The traffic “wasn’t all going to the amphitheater,” he said, adding that the California Highway Patrol attributed it to “too many people going places on a Saturday night.”