One path of adventure that I take as often is possible is concert attendance, from orchestra to hard rock and almost everything in between. I believe that music is very important in that it is closely tied to the formation of association and memory. Remember your first concert?
Not only do I remember mine (Donna Summer at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), but also I remember that our father surprised my sister and me in taking us to the show… how crowded it was and that everyone was dancing, singing, and having a blast… that my dad brought in blankets and food and made sure that we were having the time of our lives. This experience formed permanent memories and allowed me to forever associate concerts with fun, bonding, and feeling alive. Whenever I hear a Donna Summer song (especially “Hot Stuff,” which was our favorite!), I’m instantly back on that evening with my father and sister, experiencing something new.
Throughout the year, I attend as many concerts as either: I can afford or that my friends will attend with me. I like to see new artists, attend new or new-to-me venues, travel to concerts, and watch artists of genres other than my typical favorites. I’m not a huge country music fan, for instance, but that that won’t prevent me from attending a country show. Sometimes I need to use sales tactics to find attendees. My biggest hooks are: You never know what might happen! What if you end up liking the music? What if something priceless or hilarious happens? Look at this as an adventure. Let’s open our minds to discovering something new.
By sharing my experiences with music, I hope to inspire people to be a little bit more adventurous. Attend a concert for the first time in years. Attend a show with an artist or style of music that is new to you. Open your mind. Listen. Enjoy the music, the surroundings, the people, and the adventure along the way!
What was your first concert?
I attended my first concert when I was 16yrs. My best friend and I went to Cleve.
to see Elvis Presley. It was 1957 and he was the hottest thing around. The girls
were screaming SO loudly that although I could see him moving around on the
stage I never heard any of the music. It was incredibly thrilling!
I love this, Vivian! Great story!!