Where do I begin? First of all the staff at the Carolina Theatre must be commended for their fine work. It was pouring rain all day and my wife and I got there early and they graciously let us in the venue well before the show.
As for Pat and the group, words are hard to explain this group. They are no ordinary Jazz band. Usually when you see a jazz band they'll play standards or their own songs with a lot of improve, which turns me off. Pat and the band do a lot of improve but they do it within the framework of the song. Each musician is a master of his instrument in this band! The band consists of Pat, Chris Potter on Saxophones, Antonio Sanchez on Drums, Ben Williams on Acoustic Bass and Giulio Carmassi on Keyboards. I loved this concert! But I will also say that Pat is not for everyone or if you loved Pat 25 years ago you may not have any idea where he has gone? The best label you can put Pat Metheny under is Advangard or Progressive Jazz. He is differently not the Rippington's or any other "bubble gum Jazz" group. This group is well ahead of its time! The show was worth 10x the amount of my $70 ticket!
One complaint, the seating at this theatre are old and the rolls are very close together, so if you're like my wife who has long legs, it's hard sitting for three hours.