There’s rarely anything more reviving than a bass drum beating through your heart at a concert. Feeling the music with your whole body, bumping shoulders with people who are just happy to be there, it proves concerts are another type of drug.
I’ve been to many concerts in my short years, and I can tell you that it never gets old. Live music, whether it’s a local band or some big-shot stadium show, will always hold a special appeal. It’s a new experience every time, new people, and new artists alike.
One of the most important aspects of concert-going is the venue. Different venues share different perspectives with the audience. From my experience, I have gathered a few advantages of each venue, so let’s get into it.
College Campuses
While underrated, college campuses may be the most accessible venues to the public, especially students. It’s usually near a major/relevant city where it is easy for the population to commute.
College venues also host a wealth of different acts. Local bands, comedy acts, school concerts and the occasional well-known star. Most of the acts are affordable, due to it being directed toward students, however, the bigger stars are pricier.
The venues themselves are intimate, especially if it’s an enclosed stadium. I got the chance to see Sabrina Carpenter at UVA in the John Paul Jones Arena, where basketball games and other events are held. The smaller venue offered an almost confidential feel, as if the small audience was sharing a more connected experience with the artist.
College campus venues are definitely up there with some of the best.
Stadium Shows
When someone thinks of a concert, this is usually what comes to mind. A huge stadium, people packed into seats and the pit and big-shot names performing for thousands of people. There is never a doubt that a stadium show always makes for a good, active crowd.
While there are better seats than others, generally stadium shows don’t have awful seats, unless they’re behind the stage. Whether on the floor or in the nosebleeds, you get an amazing view of the crowd and the stage.
However, the best place in the house is the pit. The surrounding view of the stadium is amazing. It’s especially beautiful when the flashlights come out. Also, make sure to check out the VIP boxes, you might see someone you recognize.
When in doubt, go for a stadium show.
Beach Concerts
Beach concerts are the best summer pastime. The high of summer mixed with good live music? Amazing.
The sand is beneath your feet, and even if you can’t hear or see it, the fact that you know the ocean is right there makes it all that much better.
Because of the setting, the concert is open to weather, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent. At a concert in Virginia Beach, there was a thunderstorm rolling in, and you could see lightning above the stage, adding to the beach experience.
Overall, beach concerts are a blast. It’s a beach, everyone’s happy to be there.
Special Venues
These venues are once in a lifetime, or more if you’re lucky.
One of these places is The Sphere in Las Vegas. This summer, many artists are announcing brief residencies in the huge dome. With the surrounding screen and sound system, seeing your favorite artist at The Sphere is a bucket list item.
Another special venue is Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, CO. I’ve had the opportunity to see two back-to-back shows here, and let me say, this is one of the most amazing concert experiences I have ever had. The natural formation of the rocks makes the venue beautiful, with an amazing natural sound system. Backstage is magical, with secret sections of artist’s signatures and looking out to the stands.
If you have the chance to get to any of these places, don’t turn it down.