Alabama Civil Rights Pilgrimage: Class of 2024

Yes, You Can: Go to a Concert By Yourself

Seeing Beach House perform from VIP

This is part of my Solo Living: Yes You Can series. Click here to find the intro and all the topics.

Who doesn't love a good live music event? There's nothing quite like sitting on a grassy knoll on a blanket or lawn chair enjoying a perfect summer evening while indulging your ears in music that speaks to you. Well, let's face it, although outdoor summer concerts are great under the stars, indoor ones can be just as enjoyable with the right seats.

Experiencing a concert with one of your music soulmates, whether friend, shallow acquaintance, or romantic partner can be sweet. But what if you desperately want to grab tickets for an upcoming concert and you can't find a music buddy? For folks in a romantic relationship, more than likely, your special boo will go just to please you. As I have grown older, and my musical tastes have changed again, I find myself interested in seeing performers none of my friends are familiar with. Some of the things I have tried to avoid going alone in the past:

  • Send a shout out to friends asking if they would like to go. For most people, if they don't know the performer, they have no interest in spending money to see the act. I find this weird. I can understand if the tickets were more than $50. But if an act is only $10, what's the harm? You get to spend time with a friend and possibly discover a new favorite band. But most people don't see it that way. 
  • Buy two tickets and offer to take a friend for free. Usually someone is up for a free concert. Sure, it's a drag to spend double the money, but if you can afford it, why not? I know I have received plenty of freebies from people in the past when I was in college, so it's an opportunity to be generous to someone else. 
The last time I did the latter, it was to the M83 concert, which ended up being amazing. Then came a turning point. After M83, I had set up a Pandora station with M83 and by listening, discovered the band Odesza. I learned that Odesza was coming to perform in Raleigh at a great venue, the Red Hat Amphitheater. I sent the traditional call out message to friends but no one responded. It was a general admission show and didn't cost that much. As the concert date came closer and closer, I flip-flopped about buying tickets. Did I really want to go to this event, and if I did, should I buy one ticket or two? In the end, I decided to buy one ticket because I didn't want to spend more money on a concert I still wasn't sure I would enjoy.

This concert ended up being fantastic. I now count Odesza has being one of my favorite bands and listen to their music almost daily. In addition, my love for Odesza has lead me to many other artists that make my day -- such as Bonjr, Ital Tek, Washed Out, and Explosions in the Sky. Since Odesza, I have been to multiple live music shows by myself. And while not every concert has been as epic as that first one, the ability to go out and do the things I enjoy regardless of the company I keep allows me to create the life I want for myself.

Going by yourself has some perks:

  • Because you are alone, you will be more likely to engage in conversations with others, which leaves you open to meeting new and interesting people.
  • You are the captain of the ship, and if you want to take a break for a drink or snack, use the restroom, take a walk, or leave the show early, there is no one else's needs to consider. 
  • It is much easier to get upgraded when you are by yourself. At the venue, check in with someone to see if you can get an upgrade. Sometimes, before a show starts, there are seats the host/hostess can give away. 
  • Getting back to your car quickly is much easier by yourself, ensuring you can exit the parking area before congestion hits. 
Yes, there are downsides. There is no one to commiserate with during and after about how great the show was. And there is no one to watch your stuff while you go to the bathroom. But other than that, going to a concert by yourself can be empowering as you take pleasure in music you truly enjoy. Who knows? Maybe by going alone, you will find future concert buddies to attend shows with.  


Comments

barnestown said…
I almost prefer going to concerts and shows alone! Its much easier to make your way to the front row/front of stage if youre solo