Attending a concert is still one of the best ways to experience music from your favorite artists. Whether it’s happening at a large or small venue, it can be an anxious moment for many. From securing the ticket, getting to the venue, securing parking, to being searched and getting a good place to stand inside can be overwhelming. If its your first concert all these feelings can be amplified times ten.
Here are ten things to do if you are attending a concert for the first time that will enhance your experience:
1. Get there early to secure a good spot and allow yourself plenty of time to get settled in.
You do not want to be among the last to enter the venue when you are attending a concert. Making an entrance may work for a party but at a concert the main attraction is always the performer(s). Everyone wants to see and get the best view just like you, so get there early, and get familiar with place like the bar, the rest room and position yourself to see the stage.
2. Put your phone away and enjoy the moment.
The best way to enjoy a concert is to immerse yourself into the moment and sing word for word the songs being performed. You will miss a great deal if you are updating social media about the moment by moment events. Leave that to the entertainment journalists. Be in the moment.
3. Introduce yourself to those around you and make a few friends.
A concert has like minded people all around who share a common interest in the headline acts.
You can strike up conversations about their music, shared history and more than likely you will be the only one who is attending a concert for the first time so you can learn something from new.
4. Put on your dancing shoes and be prepared to dance when the music starts.
Don’t spend money to attend a concert and be among those who are too cool to dance, sing or shout. Entertainment requires feedback. Get your money’s worth and you can measure this by how your voice sounds the next morning.
5. Participate in any activities or contests that the artist(s) may offer.
You are now part of the concert tribe, so join in the fun and be a super fan with contests and trivia. Imagine winning a trip to Beyonce’s house after attending your first concert. Ok…come back to Earth..I said Imagine.
6. Take plenty of pictures and videos so you can remember the experience.
This is your moment for life. Unless you are at a comedy concert where pictures are not allowed, take plenty of pictures. Your older self will thank you and of you are now older, your younger self will thank you. But you can wait till later to post them..Be in the moment.
7. Make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks if you need to.
With all the screaming, drinking alcohol, shouting, dancing, talking and learning new songs you are going to need water. Be sure to hydrate all night.
8. Buy some official merchandise and souvenirs to remember the night.
Make sure you make purchases inside the venue, bootleggers will be outside selling knockoffs as the original. Support the artists and the team that help them to be who they are.
9. Applaud and cheer for the artists and show your enthusiasm.
They need this trust me. Its not easy to perform non stop for 2 hours so the least you can do is show appreciation. A good artist will command you to do this easily
10. At the end, don’t forget to thank the artist for the great performance.
You will feel better when you say thanks out loud. That energy will be felt by the artist. If you see them after the show say thanks and refrain from having the temptation to ‘fansplain’ i.e tell them how you almost didn’t make it to the show because you thought the event was not going to be good. Just say thanks and express gratitude that you had a good time.
Bonus: What to wear:
For men:
–A pair of dark–wash jeans
–A collared shirt or t–shirt
–A pair of dress shoes or sneakers
–Optional: A leather jacket or jean jacket
For women:
–A pair of dark–wash jeans or a skirt
–A nice top or blouse
–A pair of dress shoes or boots
–Optional: A leather jacket or jean jacket
