what is the best non-slr digital camera for concert photography?

[DansFriend]

of course the best is a SLR BUT they are too fancy to bring in to your standard concert as a simple audience member. I need a compact digital, that can be hidden if need be, we know some of those stupid venue rules, but in general be able to quickly shoot, nice quality photos with very little noise. yeaaaa....
yes well I don't have press credentials (therefore not the comfort of being in front of the barriers) and I have been to several concerts where they allow cameras, so lets just disregard the 'able to hide' point, and take it as more to mean I keep it in my pocket and pull it out when I want to take a shot. DSLRs with their fancy lenses and such are not very practical up front at a raucus concert. so rules aside, what's a quality digital point and shoot that's gonna take the best pictures in a dark concert. saturated colors with little noise. thanks
sorry, but fhoto face didn't answer my question.
also, I know that I am not going to get perfect photos, I know I can't use a flash. I've been to SEVERAL concerts with and without a camera policy. I've even taken decent photos with a crappy 2.0 pixel digital when I was close enough...but I want BETTER pictures, and a DSLR is not practical. I know simply getting a camera with a better zoom and more pixels will improve the noise factor. I just want model numbers and brands from people who have used these camera in low light situations with success. that's all. thanks for all your insight though! =)

[skyblacker]

Assuming that this concert allows fans to photograph (and some do, but you should always check):

If you're not using a D-SLR, you're going to get some noise. The best you can hope for is that the picture won't be blurry beyond recognition.

The Fujifilm Finepix F20 (and its successors the F45fd and F50fd) is the best compact camera for low-light condtions. Here's how my F20 handled a skyline at night:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=153823&l=4d1e9&id=662785372

You can find it new on ebay for $140.

Be sure to hold the camera as steady as possible. If you can't bring a tripod, at least try to brace it against something.

By the way, even though this camera could fit in your pocket, store it in a proper case anyway (and wear the wrist strap whenever you're holding it). Accidental drops and dirt in the lens are the #1 and #2 causes of broken cameras. I know this sounds obvious, but I used to work at a place where 80% of customers didn't know this, so I'm just throwing it out there.

[Edwin]

Give fhotoace his 10 points and be done with it.

[fhotoace]

You will need to be able to get close to the stage, but really why risk getting your camera confiscated?

Part of a notice on a recent concert venue:

"Prohibited items (cameras and audio recording devices) that are discovered during inspections at Stadium entrances must either be returned to the owner’s vehicle or discarded. The Stadium will not provide a storage area for these items. Unlawful items that are discovered during security inspections are subject to being confiscated and the person in possession of those items is subject to arrest. Guests arriving by mass transit must take particular caution not to bring any prohibited items, as no exceptions will be made."

It is up to you, but it is something to consider.

I shoot concerts, but I have both press credentials and a venue press pass.

BTW, I use two DSLR's and a few lenses.