beirut at terminal 5

last week I got to see one of my favorite bands, "beirut" play in manhattan at terminal 5-not exactly the greatest concert venue. their general admission does allow you to get close to the stage if you don't mind being pressed together like sardines in a can. doors usually open at 7, but die hard fans start lining up outside much earlier. the opening act starts at 8. when beirut made their appearance by 9:15 I had already been standing for two hours. a lesser fan might not think it would be worth it. but I can tell you it was definitely worth it! I've been listening to beirut for at least a couple of years now but this is the first time I've experienced them live and I have to say for me, their live performance was full of surprises-most notably how they upped the ante on their horns and drums. and oh my good good lord does zach condon know how to sing and does so with an amazing stage presence-though I should say that wasn't a surprise.