Disco Debacle

The press release for the Legends of Disco Live concert at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York this past Saturday, March 31, read thusly: "Five legendary acts from the 1970s will come together one night only to create the ultimate old-school disco party. The Legends of Disco LIVE at the Hammerstein Ballroom-NYC will showcase LIVE performances from five legendary disco hit makers: CHIC starring Nile Rodgers, The Trammps featuring Earl Young, Tavares, France Joli, and Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, with MCs Deney Terrio from Dance Fever and Joe Causi from CBS-FM." Sounded good. I thought of going until I saw the $99.50 ticket price. Now, I love France Joli (who has supersized herself since the 70's but still sounds marvelous).

And I adore Chic. But $100, basically, to see these people at Hammerstein Ballroom? I don't think so. The show was not well publicized and a friend, who went as press, was treated so shabbily by the venue's staff that he actually left in a huff. Two tickets were arranged for the writer + guest, only for him to arrive and discover just one ticket held at the box office. And it was for standing room on the floor; no balcony seating! Furthermore, the staff were abrupt, rude and bullying. This is no way to treat press people there to review a show, Hammerstein Ballroom! Get a clue.

Unsurprisingly, in the ensuing days since the event, no major New York City periodical has published a review. My guess is that the sadly underpublicized, overpriced event was poorly attended. I hope the acts took their money upfront.