Spring Break
Column: Concerts offer great life experience
Sam Fisher/Columnist
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: Opinions
In the flow of new people one constantly meets at Eastern, I met a guy who said he had never been to a concert. Even more surprising was he was 26 years old.
That might not be a big deal to some people, but I was literally speechless for a few moments. How had he not experienced the excitement and often spiritually energizing effect of a live music show? What was even worse was he said he once turned down an offer to go to a Bruce Springsteen show!
After our conversation, I thought about the dozens of concerts I have been to and how each one is a cherished memory.
There was the time I saw Earth, Wind & Fire with Chicago on my birthday in Chicago, George Clinton in Urbana, and 311 with Snoop Dogg at the Tweeter Center, to name some highlights. Beyond "regular" concerts, there is the festival, which represents the pinnacle of good times.
Festivals like Summer Camp near Peoria offer the prospect of seeing dozens of your favorite bands over three days and nights in an atmosphere of friendly anarchy.
A concert is more than just a night of entertainment. It's an experience you take with you - literally, if you buy a shirt.
Going to a concert with a group of good friends is something I look forward to above all else. Many times I've gone to concerts with acquaintances and after sharing the intense experience of the show, we became friends. Concerts strengthen the bonds of friendship and give you a good feeling about life. Nothing lifts the soul like the feeling of kinship you get with the rest of the audience when you are all united in your love for the performing band.
Not to sound like a motivational speaker, but the best concerts are catalysts for self-discovery and growth.
At Cavefest, a weekend-long music festival near Carbondale, late at night and in the spirit of the crowd surrounding me, I overcame my aversion to freely dancing, and had one of the best times of my life.
Losing yourself in the intensity of a great show leaves you feeling comfortable with yourself and with the world.
The band performing that night was Cornmeal, whom I had never even heard of before that night. They are now my favorite live band. Discovering music you like in person is vastly superior to finding out about it on the radio or from a friend, because it makes such a deep impression.
On the practical side of things, wearing a concert T-shirt is an instant icebreaker. Months or years later, when you're wearing a concert T-shirt, random people come up to you saying, "I love those guys," or, "I was at Summer Camp that year. Umphrey's threw down!" Right there, you could have a new buddy or possible romantic interest.
The concert experience is an integral part of modern life. I wouldn't be who I am today without all the shows I've been to.
Concerts are little blips in life where the stress of everyday living doesn't exist, with profound joy taking its place. Go to as many as you can!
Sam Fisher is a junior geography major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
That might not be a big deal to some people, but I was literally speechless for a few moments. How had he not experienced the excitement and often spiritually energizing effect of a live music show? What was even worse was he said he once turned down an offer to go to a Bruce Springsteen show!
After our conversation, I thought about the dozens of concerts I have been to and how each one is a cherished memory.
There was the time I saw Earth, Wind & Fire with Chicago on my birthday in Chicago, George Clinton in Urbana, and 311 with Snoop Dogg at the Tweeter Center, to name some highlights. Beyond "regular" concerts, there is the festival, which represents the pinnacle of good times.
Festivals like Summer Camp near Peoria offer the prospect of seeing dozens of your favorite bands over three days and nights in an atmosphere of friendly anarchy.
A concert is more than just a night of entertainment. It's an experience you take with you - literally, if you buy a shirt.
Going to a concert with a group of good friends is something I look forward to above all else. Many times I've gone to concerts with acquaintances and after sharing the intense experience of the show, we became friends. Concerts strengthen the bonds of friendship and give you a good feeling about life. Nothing lifts the soul like the feeling of kinship you get with the rest of the audience when you are all united in your love for the performing band.
Not to sound like a motivational speaker, but the best concerts are catalysts for self-discovery and growth.
At Cavefest, a weekend-long music festival near Carbondale, late at night and in the spirit of the crowd surrounding me, I overcame my aversion to freely dancing, and had one of the best times of my life.
Losing yourself in the intensity of a great show leaves you feeling comfortable with yourself and with the world.
The band performing that night was Cornmeal, whom I had never even heard of before that night. They are now my favorite live band. Discovering music you like in person is vastly superior to finding out about it on the radio or from a friend, because it makes such a deep impression.
On the practical side of things, wearing a concert T-shirt is an instant icebreaker. Months or years later, when you're wearing a concert T-shirt, random people come up to you saying, "I love those guys," or, "I was at Summer Camp that year. Umphrey's threw down!" Right there, you could have a new buddy or possible romantic interest.
The concert experience is an integral part of modern life. I wouldn't be who I am today without all the shows I've been to.
Concerts are little blips in life where the stress of everyday living doesn't exist, with profound joy taking its place. Go to as many as you can!
Sam Fisher is a junior geography major. He can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Kelly
posted 4/03/09 @ 8:19 AM CST
If those concerts are great life experience, I can't even imagine what good concerts would do for you.
Grad Student
posted 4/03/09 @ 1:20 PM CST
I don't see the point of paying a bunch of money to listen to the same music I can listen to in the comfort of my own home. Plus when you're at a concert you have to deal with all the annoying people screaming. (Continued…)
guy
posted 4/03/09 @ 3:30 PM CST
what do u mean u dont see the point? yea a lot of concerts r overprized especially ones in big venues where the nosebleed seats r 80 bucks but the going to a concert u get to be part of the performance, u feel the energy from the artist performing. (Continued…)
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