Summer is quickly approaching, soon concert season will be in full swing. Many civic organizations and cities all over the United States will take advantage of the warm weather and have free concerts in their communities. Some of these shows are small affairs with local artists, others are city wide events with major artists. Brooklyn, where I live has the celebrate Brooklyn events http://bricartsmedia.org/performing-arts/celebrate-brooklyn/celebrate-brooklyn-prospect-park-bandshell which are free, but a small donation is recommended; and New York City as a whole has the popular Summerstage series which provides free concerts across the five boroughs. There are also many free shows for music festivals such as the CBGB’s festival and Afro Punk festival. Other cities hold similar events. Salt Lake City has the Twilight Concert Series http://www.twilightconcertseries.com which brings major artists to Salt Lake for a nominal fee of only $5. You can check your cities websites to learn about local summer concerts.
So, free or cheap concerts with huge acts sound like a win/win situation right? Wait, not so fast. Without a little bit of preparation and etiquette these fun summer events can be pretty rough. Here are some important things to consider before going to a free (or cheap) public concert.
Who is Playing?
Do you like the artist playing? How much do you like them? This seems like the most obvious consideration but one that many people don’t think about when a concert is free. Even though a concert is free, if you don’t like the band, please don’t go. If you are going to talk through the concert or use the event as an excuse to get publicly hammered, please just spare the people who are their to listen and enjoy the music and hang out somewhere else. Also if you are a fan, consider how much you like the band, are they your favorite or do you vaguely like them, because as we will discuss further public summer concerts can be a little different than normal concerts in other venues.
What is The Scene like?
Again, this seems obvious but is often overlooked. Public concerts are usually at outdoor venues and draw a larger crowd than many shows that people have to pay for. The scene and crowd of a public concert can be very different from those that the artist normally draws. I recall a twilight concert series event in Salt Lake where the crowd was moshing to the music of Beirut. But, not all free concert series are the same; in New York City I have found that crowds are mostly very respectful and appropriate. If everybody observed my first point we probably wouldn’t have bizarre and seemingly inappropriate concert behavior; it’s okay to Mosh if you are seeing Slayer but it’s not appropriate at a Beck show. However, until everyone follows a little bit of concert etiquette you may have to consider these factors before going. Ask some people who have frequented these concerts in past years, to find out what the scene is like. Even if you like a band, do you like them enough to put up with a few people who think a free concert is an excuse to relive their Frat days?
What is the Venue like?
In addition to considering the scene, it is also important to consider the venue. Most public concerts are outside. Here’s a list of questions to consider before going to a public concert.
- What is the park or amphitheater like?
- What is transportation and parking like to and from the venue?
- Are there limits to the numbers of people allowed in the venue?
- Do you need to wait in line to get in or get free or cheap tickets?
- When do you need to show up?
- Are there bathrooms or port-a-potties there?
- Does the venue allow outside food and water?
- How much does food and water cost at the venue?
- Does the venue allow alcohol or smoking?
- Does the venue allow lawn chairs and blankets?
- Are lawn chairs or blankets appropriate for the act?
- What is the sound in the venue like?
And possibly the most important question when considering the venue of any outdoor show:
- What is the weather like and how does it effect the venue? How hot is going to be? Is it muddy or dry? Is it dusty or windy? What happens if it rains?
All of these things can drastically effect how much you enjoy the show.
How Often Does The Artist Play Your City?
Besides the unique the Scene and the Venue, you also need to consider how often a band plays your city. If you will have many opportunities to see the artist in a different environment that may be more enjoyable to you; it might be worth it to you paying a little bit to see them. In other cases the public concert may be your best or only opportunity to see the act without traveling. This year in Salt Lake City, Wu-Tang Clan is playing the Twilight Concert Series. It’s just a conjecture, but I can’t imagine there are many opportunities to see Wu-Tang in SLC. On the flip side in Brooklyn, Talib Kweli is playing Celebrate Brooklyn. In the three years since I have lived in New York City, rarely does a season pass that I do not hear about a Talib Kweli show in New York. That being said, just because an artist frequents your city doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing the show. You have to consider all the aspects of the show to determine if it’s worthwhile to you.
So you’ve decided to go.
So you’ve considered all the aspects of the show and decide to go. Here are just a few small points of advice to make the show more fun for you and everyone around you.
- Bring good people with you. While I have gone to see bands I’m really stoked about by myself, it’s almost always better with people. Concerts are social events. Invite your friends who you think will also appreciate the show. Also don’t be afraid to chit-chat with that cool stranger about the show. Good concerts can bring out the best in people, and you already have at least one thing in common: you like the band.
- Commute to and from the concert responsibly. Remember parking maybe tight so plan ahead, carpool, use public transportation, walk or bike when possible.
- Wear the right clothes. It’s the middle of the summer, while you may look dapper in a three piece wool suit, it is probably a bad idea. Does it get cold in the evenings; should you bring a light jacket along? Shoes as opposed to sandals are usually a good idea in crowded concerts.
- Remember who is playing. If it’s a metal or hardcore show mosh; If it’s not don’t. If the show is all about dancing, dance; If it’s not groove along in a way that doesn’t annoy or distract those around you.
- Be respectful. Don’t ever yell out Free bird, or be the jerk who yells inappropriate things. If you are going to drink know your limits and be reasonable. If you are going to smoke be aware of those around you and be respectful.
- Participate. If the band wants you to sing along, sing along. Clap and cheer when it’s appropriate. The bands energy level and the vibe of the show can depend a lot on the audience.
- Be at the show, Get off your phone! While it is okay to take a few pictures or a bit of video, it is really annoying when a person has there phone or camera up above their head the whole show filming. You can’t participate if you are watching your show through a view finder. Also, don’t be talking, texting or on social media the whole time. Be present and enjoy the show.
- Do you have enough money/food and water? While the actual shows are often free or very cheap, food and drink often are not. Some venues allow you to pack a picnic. Others do not. Be prepared if you want to eat or drink.
- Bring appropriate blankets and chairs but don’t over do it. Be comfortable but reasonable. Nobody likes the folks who set up their entire living room at the show. Don’t be these guys
- Show up with enough time. Get there on time, public shows often fill up.
- Decide where you want to be in the crowd. Do you need to be upfront or will enjoy the show more from further away where the crowd is less dense. This is another reason to get there with plenty of time.
So you’ve prepared and are ready to go. Enjoy the show and help those around you enjoy the show. Have a good time!
