PHOTOS: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, 11/18/18
The holidays came early to Wilkes-Barre as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra rolled into town like Santa Claus for two back-to-back concerts at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, Nov. 18.
The popular Christmas rock opera band made the second show special by surprising the 250,000th fan through the doors, Lauren Casey, with front row tickets with meet and greet passes, and more, including an autographed guitar handed to her on stage personally by TSO guitarist Chris Caffery:
“250,000 people is an amazing accomplishment!” Dave Chesler, promoter for the Larry
Magid Entertainment Group, said before the show. “TSO has proven through their 20th year of touring that they’re still growing, they’re still rockin’, and their fans love them!”
“It’s been an honor to host Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the nearly 250,000 TSO fans that have come through our doors since 2001,” added Stephen Poremba, SMG director of sales and marketing at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
“TSO has been electrifying fans in the greater Wilkes-Barre area for the last 20 years, and it’s only fitting to have TSO’s 20th Anniversary Tour help kick off our venue’s 20th anniversary season.”
Stopping in 65 cities for over 100 performances, the tour features a presentation of “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” based on TSO’s multi-platinum DVD and long-running PBS fundraiser. An epic light show and fully lit Christmas village adorn the stage as the band plays fan-favorite songs like “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” “O’ Come All Ye Faithful,” “Good King Joy,” “Christmas Canon,” “Music Box Blues,” “Promises to Keep,” and “This Christmas Day.”
This year, a portion of ticket proceeds benefited Brandon’s Forever Home, a charitable organization based in Hazleton that raises awareness of children in foster care and their need for permanent loving homes. To date, TSO has donated more than $15 million to charities across the country.
The continued success of TSO in Northeastern Pennsylvania has even inspired Twelve Twenty-Four, the nation’s longest running tribute to TSO. Formed in Hazleton in 2002, the smaller-scale holiday rock orchestra kicked off its 17th tour about a week after this show.
