Heavy metal Christmas carols

When the Trans-Siberian Orchestra first came to Cape Girardeau in 2004, they were probably met with looks of bewilderment.

"When we walk into town for the first time most people think we're a bunch of Russians," jokes TSO guitarist Al Pitrelli. "Let's dispel that myth."

No, the members of TSO are not Russian, even though their name and their look conjures up images of the hardy residents of the frozen north. But winter is the band's playground.

This year there will likely be few people in Cape Girardeau wondering who TSO is. After two years, local audiences have a fairly good idea -- a massive theatrical spectacle that mixes rock 'n' roll, Christmas music and stories with an elaborate light show and stage production.

In 2004 about 4,300 people saw the band's unique take on Christmas entertainment. Last year more than 5,000 people saw the traveling show's return to Southeast Missouri.

Now 10 years have passed since the first TSO album took Christmas by storm. And now, a TSO show has become something of a local Christmas season tradition. For Show Me Center Marketing Director Shannon Buford, there could be no better yearly holiday standard.

Last year Buford saw the show from the arena's upper level seats and was very impressed, even at the nosebleed level.

Al Pitrelli, lead guitarist and co-songwriter of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. (James Minchen ~ Provided photo)

Buford thinks the quality of show he saw will bring TSO's new local fans back for yet another year -- along with some who haven't seen the group yet. Translation -- big success for the third time at the Show Me Center.

"We could advertise and have the largest advertising budget on Earth ... but it's the word of mouth that does the most," Buford said a week before the Wednesday concert. "This is a really, really good show, and everybody knows the best kind of advertisement you could possibly have is someone who's seen the show before."

According to press materials released by the tour, TSO's third appearance in Cape Girardeau will offer something new for fans. But the band is keeping the added spectacle a surprise. Those who want to know what it is will have to talk to someone who has already caught a show at another venue.

Buford didn't have figures immediately available on the number of tickets sold a week before the concert, but said he thinks the upward attendance trend for TSO will continue. Instead of hurting the band, Buford thinks their two previous Cape Girardeau performances will help TSO pack the Show Me Center.

If Buford is right, TSO could draw a bigger crowd than Brad Paisley's "Time Well Wasted" tour did in October.

"Even before I found out TSO was coming back, there was a lot of buzz," Buford said.

Steve Schaffner is definitely feeling that buzz. For the second year he'll be one of seven local musicians who join the orchestra for their performance on stage.

"As far as shows go, this is the biggest production, as far as all the lights and explosives and smoke ... that I've ever done," said Schaffner.

TSO has a commitment to becoming part of the communities they play in, said Pitrelli. He admits the practice is good for business, but he also sees community interaction as a way to give back to fans. As they do every year, TSO will again donate $1 of every ticket sale to local charity.

"I think it would be really lame if we came into town year after year and say, 'Hey, thanks and Merry Christmas' and left," said Pitrelli. "Longevity is paramount, and we want people to know we do care. The people who come to see us should know it's their money, and we're giving it back to the community."

Those words come from a guitarist who used to tour with metal heavyweights Megadeth. TSO's musical mission has taken him to a much different place -- one where he's playing for families from grandparents to grandchildren night after night. Gone are the mosh pits, replaced with generations sitting side by side listening to a kind of Christmas music they won't hear anywhere else.

For Pitrelli and TSO's other members, those they meet on the road have become part of one big Christmas family. Cape Girardeau represents one small branch of that family.

"To travel America at Christmas time is really cool," Pitrelli says just a few days before TSO's touring starts again. "Everybody's in a good mood."

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

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Want to go?

What: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Show Me Center

Info: 651-5000, www.showmecenter.biz