David Sanborn is playing at the Blue Note next week . We would like to have a good table, fairly near the stage. Will showing up early ensure this? Do we need to tip someone? I will appreciate any suggestions.

In the past the Blue Note worked with the AmEx Gold Card - don't know if they still do. You call the concierge number for AmEx and they make the pre paid reservation, and you get priority seating. We did that once and got fantastic seats. If that doesn't work for you, it definitely helps to get there early. Your best bet is to plan on showing up when the door opens, when you should have your choice of tables. Relax and have dinner then enjoy the show.

Also - sometimes, if you go to a mid-week 8 PM show, and the later show is not sold out, they invite the early show guests to stay and the only cost is a second minimum - no second cover charge.

Have you been to the Blue Note before? Do you understand how the tables are arranged?

Have you looked at the website? It sez:
"Seating is first come, first served. Please arrive early for the best seats."

The earlier you get there to stand in line, the better your table. It's that simple. You book early to have a table, but which table it is depends on your place in line. No bribing, no shenanigans, earn your spot by standing in line.

Again on the website you'll see something about preferred seating for Amex - if you have one, check it out, I don't know how that works.

I did read the website. Sometimes, what the website says and what really happens aren't the same. Some of the reviews said that tables weren't NOT first come, served. I was hoping for some first hand input. Sometimes, bribing and shenanigans is how it gets done. I prefer to have it work the way its supposed to, but that is not always the case.

Thanks for the idea about the AmEx card. I don't have one, but I may get one for this. They are also the only card with a Delta miles rewards program, and Delta is the airline I fly most.

It has to be a certain level AmEx card for this type of thing. Garden variety card doesn't do it. I had to borrow my son's card to make my reservations.

"... I was hoping for some first hand input. ..."

I gave you first-hand input. I booked, I waited in iine, I sat down. Several times. That's how it works.

That service is only with the most expensive AmEx cards - can't imagine t would be worth it just for this event. (Green or gold cards won;t do it.)

It says on their website "AMERICAN EXPRESS® PREFERRED SEATING
Gold Card, Platinum Card®, Centurion® Card, and select Business Cards for Small BusinessPurchase tickets through Gold Card Events to get VIP Seating. To take advantage of this offer you must purchase in advance online. Enter the 10-digit toll free Customer Service phone number located on the back of your Card to receive VIP Seating."

The Blue Note is not very large. People are squeezed in like sardines. You can camp a few hrs. before the show and try to be among the first inside.