Go to the Show!

As a college student, I am always looking for new and fun things to do that won’t kill my bank account. Over this past weekend, a group of friends and I went to the Twenty-One Pilots concert. We bought the tickets the day before and they were about $40 per person for nosebleed seats. I know their basic hit singles that play on the radio, but my boyfriend listens to them religiously. For me, it doesn’t even need to be a big venue, it could just be a bar. Needless to say, I decided to go with little knowledge of their discography, but it turned out to be one of the best concerts I have ever been to. So, instead of missing out on concerts because you don’t know the artists, you should just buy the cheapest tickets and have fun with your friends or whoever you decide to go with, and these are some reasons why you should stop hesitating and go to the show!

1- Some Concert Tickets Are Really Cheap           

As I previously stated our tickets were around $40 per person which honestly is not bad considering some artist’s nosebleed tickets are around $250. Another upside to getting nosebleed seats is that some of the event staff come up and offer wristbands to go into the pit. In fact, Billy Joel is notorious for bringing fans down because he believes those are the people that really care to be there. He does not even sell front-row tickets. Certain venues are standing room only which means there are no seats, and each ticket is the same price such as The Fillmore in Philadelphia (29 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123) This concert for Couch is only $20 for general admission. I was fortunate enough that my friends were able to get those wristbands to get us down on the floor which was an unexpected surprise. Either way nosebleeds, general admission, or pit, you should buy the tickets and get a good experience.

2. The Energy of Live Music

Of course, blasting music in the car is always a great joy in life but seeing the artist live is a whole different experience. The artist goes from being a stress relief that you listen to all the time to an actual person performing in front of you. Not only is the artist singing or dancing but the visuals with lights and smoke and the music is so loud. Everyone in the arena is there to see the same person and listen to their favorite songs. When I did not know the words to some Twenty-One Pilots songs and everyone around me was singing, it brought tears to my eyes because all of these people have formed a community because of the person on stage. They even went around the crowd a few times which such a great way for fan and artists interactions. Nothing is more beautiful than that. You don’t even need to buy tickets to go to a concert to hear live music. There are numerous bars and venues that allow local bands to play their music or covers such as Sharkeys Grill and Ale House (7401 State Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19136) or Howl at the Moon Philadelphia (258 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102).

3. Discovering New Music

Since the concert on Friday, I have downloaded all of their albums on my phone and contemplated purchasing a vinyl. Seeing everyone be so happy and emotional while singing made the songs feel much more powerful. Becoming a fan is such an awesome experience especially when it begins with seeing them live. Open Mic Nights are held at The Grape Room for the past eleven years including comedy, music, and full bands on the weekends. (105 Grape St, Philadelphia, PA 19127). This is a great way to listen to the new artists of Philadelphia and expand your music taste as well. These artists have to start small to become big. The more music someone adds to their life the happier they will be because music makes people feel things even if the emotion is not a happy one.

4. It Is Good for Your Health

Music gives people a natural high because it has a direct effect on our hormones and can even be considered a natural antidepressant. The brain releases norepinephrine which invokes a feeling of euphoria. I felt this during the final song called “Trees” because the lights, smoke, monitors, and energy in that arena were so explosive and amazing. Moments of pleasure are often related to listening to good music including physical exercise, partying, showering, and many more activities. Music is a distractor and has the ability to change your whole mood. While I stood in the Wells Fargo Center as fans jumped and sang their favorite songs, I thought about how beautiful it is to be there and be introduced to this music in such a happy environment.

5. Creating Memories            

I have been going to concerts since I was 7 years old, and I’ve created such great memories with everyone I have gone with. Attending a concert with your favorite people to see great live music is a much better memory than staying at home. The experiences made at the concert are made to last a lifetime, or until the artist comes back to the city. When I was at the concert, nothing else mattered. All of my responsibilities were gone because I was enjoying the moment with my best friends. Attending a concert is something you choose to do so why not make it the best time you can. The Brooklyn Bowl is a venue that allows fans to have theme nights to celebrate the artist and their songs. Last November, my friends and I attended a Taylor Swift night that included all things Taylor Swift such as buttons, drinks, merchandise, and songs

So, do you want to go out and see live music with your friends this weekend? I know I sure do. Music is good for the soul and making memories with the people that mean the most to you whether it be pop, alternative, jazz, rock, or country. I suggest you start looking on some of these websites for upcoming events because I already have. I hope to see you at the next concert in town!

Brenna Gallagher is a 4th-year secondary education major in English.