Helloween are the masters of the power metal craft... guys that routinely play festivals and stadiums across Europe and Latin America. Luckily for us, they are not that big in the US but they are the kind of band that won't mind playing a 2000-capacity venue if their fans need them there. So for 80 bucks I got to stand 6 feet from them and see their full show (not a watered down version because this is a small theatre), complete with pumpkin drum riser, and the full lineup that covers all the eras and styles. Kiske and Deris are the type of vocalists you don't hear often, guys that can actually sing live the same things they sing on studio, and 3 guitars onstage allowed for full arrangements. This was just masterful. Hammerfall as openers are also a treat (these guys are headliner stuff), and played with more energy and passion than acts half their age. Spotless!
Venue is great to have that intimate, 3-feet-from-your-heroes feeling, with good enough sound, and a quick, efficient entry. Stage also is big enough to fit the bands and associated trappings w/o feeling cramped.
Only real downer: 17$ for a beer is stupid.