I suppose that is a valid question to ask of a professional musician but since I am not such a person, it still surprises me when that question is posed to me.

Nonetheless, I've tried to think of some of the better auditoriums that I see in my travels. But before I begin, let me point that out that I'm not endorsing that these venues are the best out there. There are many good ones, but these are some of the first that come to my mind.

1.) Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, Spartanburg, S.C.

This recently renovated auditorium features theater-style seating with a huge main floor and a large balcony. This building has not one, but two spacious lobbies. It also has one of the widest and deepest stages I see all year long. But it's main appeal is the staff. Everyone up and down the company ladder goes out of their way to make sure everyone - from the fans to the artists to the promoters and so on - has a pleasant visit. The building is equipped with a full array of theatrical lighting and the acoustics in the auditorium are some of the best you'll find. If there's any drawback, it's the fact that this auditorium sits right next door to a 24-hour Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.

2.) J. E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir, N.C.

Another venue that offers theater-style seating, pro lights, great acoustics and plenty of working room for the artists. Like at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, the staff is top-shelf and a joy to work with. This building has made a name for itself by hosting events that some major cities only dream of - despite having only 999 seats. Very good parking, complete with covered drop-off point for the elderly, handicapped, etc.

3.) The Lancaster Mennonite High School, Lancaster, PA.

Are you supprised to find a school on this list? While this venue offers both floor and balcony seating, the seating is not the typical theater-style often found in newer auditoriums. Instead, you'll find very long padded pews. There's impressive lighting (for a school facility) and the sound is very good. While I've never personally dealt with any the staff at this facility, they must be good to work with because Garden Spot Promotions hosts many concerts there.

If the designer had only included a few more feet of space, the lobby would be a little easier to manuever through during intermission.

4.) The Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN

Much like the Spartanburg facility, only a smaller lobby - that's because there is more seating. This auditorium is huge and when you are on stage, it looks as if the room just keeps going forever. Great sound, fine lighting and another large stage. Helpful staff, too.

Parking can sometimes be tricky, so if you attend an event there, get there early.

Common to all four auditoriums is the stadium-style arrangement - the gradual rise from the first row to the back row. And here's something I don't think I ever recall hearing at any of these: "It's too hot." "It's too cold." Someone in each building knows how to regulate that temperature very well. Pay that guy double!

These are just the first four auditoriums that crossed my mind as I was thinking about this topic, and believe me, there are other venues that merit attention (and some day, I'll do this again). I purposedly excluded churches from this list (despite the fact that many concerts are held in worship centers every weekend), but rest assured they can hold their own as far as being a great place for a musical evening.

I've attended many concerts in all of the buildings above and I can honestly say that each venue did nothing to distract from the concert - which is exactly how it should be.