This is more of a report on the new venue and not the show itself. On the other hand, the show was killer. A few months ago, I saw Wade Bowen at a local fair. Although the setlist was identical, the Astro show was a bit better. I credit that to the Astro’s sound setup. Of course, Casey Donahew always knows how to throw down a good time.
There’s a new music venue in our neck of the woods! The Astro Theater & Amphitheater in the big ol’ town of La Vista. I had the opportunity to attend the first show at The Astro Amphitheater. Originally, the show was scheduled for the indoor 2,500 capacity theater. For the stat keepers, the amphitheater holds 5,000 astronauts – wonder if that’s what The Astro is going to call their regulars?
The outdoor oasis is located in the La Vista City Centre. The oasis aspect is no joke. I parked the Froggy mobile in the parking garage but I would be interested to see if somebody could park north of the venue by or around the 34-acre public park. I tried finding the park’s name but no dice. Maybe it is called the Astroturf? The parking garage is in the La Vista City Centre so there’s watering holes, eating spots, and your regular big town La Vista festivities. I saw a food truck and their focus was on cheese. I’m really bummed they left after the show. During the show, I bet I thought about that Cheese Food Truck a half dozen times. Other than the early departure of the Food Truck, there really aren’t any complaints about the venue.
About the AstroTurf Public Park. . . when I saw that bad boy, I thought it was a golf course because the landscaping was impeccable. I double checked and it wasn’t AstroTurf – there’s actual grass. There’s a massive fountain that shoots water about 20 stories in the air. There’s a pond that looks like it could hold 5,000 astronauts. My facts and figures might not be totally accurate and I don’t suggest dipping in the pond but you get the idea. I think the best way to check out a show is to park close to the park, walk THROUGH the park, and go to the venue. You can do it that way. Just remember: You might not be able to cash in on the Cheese Food Truck.
The sound was great. The food and beverage selection was impressive too. Lot of venues get knocked on the beer garden and food selection but the Astro has it going on. I’m a Red Bull kinda guy and some venues don’t even carry it but the Astro does AND the price is decent! A bad habit that I picked up is smoking cigars. I like an energy drink and a cigar #YOLO so I could knock the venue on the smoking section. It looks like a kennel for bad humans – which makes sense and it is the right thing to do but the bummer deal is you can look through the smoker’s jail and see a gigantic retaining wall (probably 20 stories tall) that leads up to the parking garage and La Vista City Centre Mecca (where the Cheese Food Truck was parked). You may ask: “do I really have to trek up 20 stories to get back to the surface of the City Centre? No, remember my facts can be off but the stairs aren’t an issue. The stairs are an architectural wonder so you don’t need oxygen tanks or climbing gear but when I was choking down the cigar, I thought it was a distance to go but it didn’t feel like it going up and down the stairs. There is a wheelchair ramp which is really cool. I’d almost walk that because you get a good angle of the venue and the AstroTurf Park.
The security and folks working the venue are super chill too. I have to give them bonus points. The first night is always the tough ones. Something is bound to break, not work, or get destroyed. I’m sure there were some issues – nothing is perfect, right? But the crew didn’t show it.
I met some fellow Astronauts. . . .
Wade Bowen sending the Astro into Orbit!
Gonna need an extra oxygen mask because the venue took my breath away! The Astro! Is Astro-nomincal!
