Although baton brandishing and wavy hand flourishes are associated with the concert hall, conductors can be hired out for other events, such as checkbook balancing or the christening of a new riding mower. Find a musical master in their natural setting with today's Groupon: for $19, you get a zone-A seat to the Lansing Symphony Orchestra's January 8, 2011, performance (a $38 value) at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts on the Michigan State University campus.

A mid-Michigan institution since 1929, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra performs for more than 20,000 visitors every year. This January, LSO presents master harpist Yolanda Kondonassis, who's been praised by the New York Times for her “powerful playing and musicianly energy.” Kondonassis will perform an evening of classic overtures, concertos, and all your parents' favorite hip-swinging harp hits. Lyre aficionados will gush at the soulful plucking of Debussy's Danses Sacree et Profane, Respighi's Pines of Rome, or Ginastera's Latin-infused Concerto for Harp and Orchestra.

The harping commences on the Michigan State campus at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts—one of Michigan's largest performing arts venues. Since once-customary concert accouterments such as doublet and ruffles are no longer necessary, music lovers may dress as they would on any night out with friends. Eating, drinking, constant coughing, and communicating to the symphony via nautical flags are generally frowned upon, and patrons are encouraged to arrive slightly ahead of time in order to find proper seating.