Tips For The Best Concert Experience
By: Lanie Brice ‘24
With the COVID vaccine more widely distributed and new safety measures in place, live music is making its return to LA and around the globe. As a music industry major, I’m selfishly excited to get back to live shows, but I’m also relieved for the small venues who have fought hard to stay open through the last year and a half. Since we’re all a bit out of practice when it comes to going to concerts, I made a list of six tips to make sure you have the most fun (and safe) experience possible seeing your favorite artists live.
Pick Your Outfit Carefully
Outfits can make or break your experience at a show, and there’s always so much to consider when putting one together. First and foremost, as fun as it is to be cute, it’s important to be comfortable! You want to be able to dance and move freely, so I highly recommend jeans or a romper. Make sure your shoes won’t give you blisters, and if you’re worried about being too short to see well in a crowd, consider getting a pair of platform shoes. I love my platform Converse because they give me a few extra inches without the strain of standing heels. Also, check the venue policy to make sure that your bag is within the size limits, and consider picking up a clear bag for the easiest possible entry to the venue.
Plan For The Kind of Experience You Want
Especially when it comes to GA shows, there are so many different experiences you can create, and it’s entirely up to you to decide how you want the evening to take shape. You can arrive at the venue in the early or late afternoon and wait in line for hours to get your dream barricade spot, or you can arrive right at doors and watch from the back where you can easily get drinks, merch, and have plenty of personal space! Both can be tons of fun, but they’re very different experiences. Make sure you get on the same page with your entire group about what you all have in mind for the evening.
Talk to Other Fans Around You
One of the best parts about going to concerts is that you’re in a room of hundreds or thousands of people that all love the same artist you do, and if my experiences are any indication, you probably have much more in common than just the single artist. I’ve made so many friends that I’ve kept up with on Instagram for years simply by making conversation with the person standing next to me or behind me in line. I often go to shows alone, and I always find myself leaving with brand new, instantly made friends. Even if you do go with friends or family, don’t miss the chance to get to know new people and enjoy the extremely special community of shows!
JP Saxe @ the Fonda
Consider Whether You Want Merch Carefully
If you want more of a memory than just the photos on your phone, you might be tempted to run to the T-shirt line the second you make it into the venue. While I’ve definitely been one to open up the merch line, keep in mind that whatever hoodie/T-shirt/vinyl/poster you buy, you’ll have to carry it with you throughout the entire show. This can be burdensome and take away from experience if you’re worried about holding on to your new purchases. If you want to get merch after the show, be prepared for long lines leaving the venue, but shopping afterwards will keep delicate items like vinyl and posters in much better shape. Also, if you don’t buy anything at the show and have regrets, artists often have the same or similar merch on their website that can ship directly to your house!
Stay Aware of Your Needs
Going to concerts comes with a major adrenaline rush because it can be such an intense experience. At many of the shows I’ve been to, artists have paused the show to help someone who passed out in the GA section. To avoid any incidents, make sure you’re hydrating throughout the day and not just right before or at the show. Before you leave, make sure you eat a solid meal to keep your blood sugar up throughout the night. Finally, stay in touch with your body, and be honest about your own needs. If you’re getting tired or the crowd is too intense, make your way to the back of the pit or step aside for a breather. Your health is always the most important thing! This is especially important at hot, outdoor festivals where there are extra considerations like bringing sunscreen or paper fans.
Me outside the Fonda
Be Prepared With Your Vaccine Card, ID, and Mask
On a health and safety note, mask wearing and vaccination are mandatory parts of attending shows right now. We’re extremely lucky to have live music back, and the industry can’t afford to lose the touring sector again. That means we all have the obligation to enjoy responsibly by keeping our masks on properly through the duration of the show.
It also creates some extra entry requirements you might not be familiar with if you haven’t seen live music since the start of the pandemic. Every venue handles it differently, but generally, be ready with your vaccine card and ID when it’s time to scan your show ticket. If you can’t bring your entire wallet, try to get a clear holder for your vaccine card to protect it when you have to pull it out, and make sure you choose a secure place to keep it during the show. You might get a wristband or a hand stamp to indicate that your documents have been approved while you’re in line, so you should only have to show them once. If you don’t want to take your paper card, make a clear copy of it to bring with you because many venues require a hard copy, not just a photo on your phone. Before you leave the house, throw a spare mask in your bag just in case.
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