I guess for each miserable date and/or relationship she has, the fans get amazing new music as she works out her emotions. She talked about her kids, her inspirations for the songs (painful relationships and drama) and joked about getting older and dating. Sarah McLachlan, in the smaller venue, had the opportunity to take time for a conversation with the audience. Watching on the giant screen was still good for those up close moments I was seated near the back on the far right side and could see well and hear each song quite clearly, except for the person next to me singing along to every song – singing every single word along with Sarah – he was a super fan! I’m not sure how you avoid the sing-a-long super fan so I tried my best to ignore him but did laugh when people in front and behind him were commenting about his singing. The Xcite Center had two large video screens on either side of the stage to enhance the experience. The sound was fantastic as were the sight lines. Pre-concert lighting and stunning chandeliers in the Xcite Center Seriously, you wouldn’t think a local casino would spend the money on the decor but Parx Casino definitely invested in this wonderful venue.

For a concert venue, I was surprised by the gold fabric walls and the crystal chandeliers in the room – it was fancy – Las Vegas fancy in Bensalem. The one downside without tiered seating is that you could get a tall person or someone with a big head or hat in front of you so pick your seat carefully. The room was arranged in three sections for the concert and the folding chair like padded seats each had a beverage holder set up (plastic only in the room). It opened earlier this year and has hosted musicians and comedians as well as events. The new Xcite Center at Parx Casino is set up for 1,500 people, which is a nice size and yet didn’t feel too big or small. It was actually even easier than I thought. So when I saw that Sarah McLachlan was coming to Parx Casino XCite Center in Bensalem, I figured that’s easy enough to do alone – a concert at Parx Casino.

If it’s a larger stadium arena, I won’t go by myself but if a smaller venue (like Broadway, Las Vegas showrooms, theatres, etc.) I have no problem. While I’ve done so many things solo, going to concerts is always a tricky one for me. It’s funny how people will have an opinion on all things solo and often reply “I could never do that alone” or the dreaded “you’re so brave”. Opening Title for the Sarah McLachlan concert at Parx Casino

Xcite center at parx casino