FSU Kaleidoscope Series

With an outstanding array of musicians, the Kaleidoscope Series of concerts at FSU is a wonderful - and cheap! - way to see, hear and generally experience chamber music. But with such a misleading name, I wonder if these concerts suffer low attendance. I'm sure that many Tallahassee natives are very familiar with Kaleidoscope and readily recognize it as the chamber music series, but for the 40,000 students at FSU who have the opportunity to enjoy free chamber music, it might be a little vague.

That being said, if you have any interest in classical music, you absolutely must try one of these concerts. Even if you find full orchestras to be somewhat boring, I can guarantee that chamber music is a different experience - much more personal and far more interesting.

These concerts are always held in Opperman Music Hall, which is a little out of the way if you've never been there and aren't familiar with that corner of the FSU campus. You can see it pretty well on the Beta version of the FSU Campus Map. Tickets can be bought at the door, and are always free for FSU students. For more information, like directions, updated times, season subscriptions, and anything else you may want to ask, call (850) 644-4774.

The Beta Bar

http://www.thebetabar.com/calendar.htm

As a venue I think that the Beta Bar is dirty and poorly planned, but it hosts some bands that are well worth the sacrifice. Notably, Band Marino (from Orland0), The Ums (Tallahassee natives) and Look Mexico (also Tallahassee natives) usually play shows at the Beta Bar. Check out their calendar for the full schedule of concerts, including some I might not have added to this blog's calendar.

Tallahasseeshows.com

http://tallahasseeshows.com/

I'm not going to attempt to list all the concert venues and upcoming shows in Tallahassee, though I may highlight a few I find to be particularly amenable. Tallahassee Shows is a great database of all venues and upcoming concerts. Check it out!

Club Downunder

http://union.fsu.edu/cdu/

I think it's safe to say that every student at FSU knows about this great venue, but I don't think everyone appreciates just HOW great it is. Some really amazing bands pass through Club Downunder, but it's also used for various other events, such as the ACUI Poetry Slam. And, of course, all events are free for FSU students.

Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

http://tsolive.org/

Symphony orchestras are fantastic. They are not-for-profit, talented and filled with musicians who are passionate about their craft. Best of all, they're almost always cheap for students. The TSO plays in the Ruby Diamond Auditorium at FSU and offers a 50% discount for students. They only play once every few weeks, so make sure to mark it on your calendar.