13 Sep 5 Music Concert Tips and Tricks
Original Article Found On: OCM
Author: Linda Greaves (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
How many of you have some concerts lined up this summer? I know I do, and over the past year I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks along the way when it comes to attending a music concert. Today I’ll be sharing my top 5 tips and tricks to get you through your experience – in style, of course!
1. Don’t clump in the middle
This applies to those who are standing on the ground floor for their event. If you’ve already taken the extra time to arrive to your event early, you know what I mean. Once those doors open, everyone pools in and usually heads straight for the middle of the standing area. If you go along with the crowd, you’ll more than likely have to fight for that perfect spot to peer through shoulders to see your performer at all. Instead, shoot for the side! Most of the time, people forget that musicians work the whole stage and cross from side to side throughout a set. I’ve managed to score front row spots using this technique, and didn’t have to crane my neck or jump up and down to see the whole show!
2. Wear comfortable shoes
Okay, this should be a no-brainer, but I’ve seen one too many girls clip-clopping into a show like they were heading to the club. I get it, you want to look hot! I’m 100% supportive of that and whatever it takes for you to feel confident. However, are you really going to be feeling like hot stuff two hours later when the show’s still going? Whatever your comfort level is, keep in mind that you’ll be on your feet for extended periods of time! I’d recommend wedges if you still want to wear a tall shoe, but keep a pair of flats handy just in case. Otherwise, go for boots or sneakers. You’ll want close-toed shoes in case someone starts bobbing along a little to exuberantly and steps on your toes all night.
3. Don’t bring an obnoxiously, oversized bag
I still remember one concert I was at where the girl in front of me had this huge, rectangular bag that smacked my friend and I in the hip every time she moved. It was obvious she felt uncomfortable with it as well, and it definitely made everyone around her annoyed. When you’re at a concert, bring only the basic necessities. For me, the only things I’ll bring are my phone, keys, a debit card, and my ticket. All of those things fit in my pockets or a small, crossbody bag. When you’re jumping along to your favorite song, you don’t want any extra baggage weighing you down!
4. Invest in protection for your ear drums
I cannot emphasize this enough, but take care of your ears! No one wants to look like the dork with giant ear plugs sticking out of their ears (which there is a solution for too), but health is always more important than style! There are quality, subtle ear plugs created just for these occasions and your future self will thank you. At 90 decibels, your hearing will take a hit after prolonged exposure, and most event centers blast their sound system to 120 decibels. You’re going to want to be able to hear the future concerts you’ll be going to!
5. Live in the moment, not the camera screen
While you definitely want to document your time there, don’t forget to put the phone down and experience the music being played. You paid for this after all! Today I’m afraid most of us prefer living through a screen (hey, I’m guilty of it too, so I’m calling myself out), but moments like listening to your favorite musician(s) play live is something you want to pay attention to. Tuck your phone in your pocket, wave your hands in the air, and let the sound take you away.