In life, at least for me, there is no greater feeling than going to a good concert. Introduced to a wide array of genres at a very young age -ranging from classic rock, blues, dance, country, jazz and so on- music has always been what I like to call my release not only from the everyday stresses life likes to produce, but an escape to a state of true bliss.
And, what better way to do so than by going to a concert to see a favorite band play some great tunes?
As an avid music lover and constant concert goer, in my eyes, one of the aspects of a good concert is when the front man, or woman, instantaneously kicks off the show not only with a great hit to amp up the crowd, but a conversation with the audience. Whether it’s just a little bit of small talk, or a five to ten-minute story about the inside of the artist’s life, I believe conversation allows a special connection to be had between singer and audience, making the show that much more meaningful.
Another aspect of a good concert is when the music allows you to simply feel. At a good concert, you feel a sense of unity with a whole lot of unfamiliar faces around you who share the same love, appreciation, and understanding of lyrics not only capable of moving thousands, but having the ability to produce waves of all kinds of emotions among the sea of people you are in. Music has a powerful effect on people where tears are brought to the eyes, smiles appear from ear to ear, and a recollection of memories resurface of times good, and bad, giving one a taste of nostalgia once again.
When I think of a good concert, I think back to the times I found myself surrounded by a crowd of people, singing, and waving their phone lights back and forth in a rhythmic manner to Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” head-banging to Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Heart,” and singing terribly and rather tone deaf to Journey’s very well-known hit “Don’t Stop Believin.’” Not only did all of these headliners put on an awesome show in a matter of three hours, but knowing that I was able to be immersed in a large community of people who shared the same feelings of ecstasy made it that much more of an enjoyable experience.
The venue of the concert also influences the experience. A big stadium or arena has incredible speakers and thousands of people. Everyone has their assigned seat and if you are far from the stage you can see the artists on the large monitors. A smaller venue, located in an old theater, creates a more intimate atmoshpere. In these venues, there is not a bad spot in the house. But you have to be careful at general addmissions concerts that you do not get caught in a mosh pit.
Truthfully, I believe that everyone has their own definition of what makes a concert “good.” Any concert, whether big or small in size offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy soothing jazz concerts, shows that keep your feet moving all night long, or mosh pits if you’re into that sort of thing, if you find yourself in a place where you can escape reality for a while, have a little bit of fun, and overall in a state of euphoria, I think the concert you went to has done justice in accomplishing making you feel alive.
PHOTO TAKEN by Caroline Mattise
