by Lisa Pickering

Created on: March 05, 2009   Last Updated: March 08, 2009

I love live concert experiences. It's what I live for. There is nothing like seeing the talent of live performers in person creating such an intense and emotional experience for everyone there. I've been to my share of live shows, from intimate gatherings to full out rock and roll mayhem. Every concert experience is different depending on the band, the venue, the crowd, and even the weather. Sometimes the best part is the experience of being there, sometimes it's the show itself, and sometimes, if you're lucky, it's both.

Really the main aspect of any concert is the band. If the band is good, chances are your going to have a good time. With the amount of money it costs these days to venture to these events, you had better like the band you're going to see, otherwise it's just not worth it - unless of course you have a friend who gets free tickets from work like I do. I tend to go with her to see smaller, indie bands no one really knows about in small venues. It's nice, because I get to experience a lot of different groups I normally wouldn't and check out some cool places. These shows center around New York City and I've discovered that I really dig the small, general admission, chiller venues, sometimes more so than the giant arenas. But it also depends on the band you're seeing. My favorite type of live show is the open arena. I love outdoor venues, especially the festival scene. I love being outside when it's sunny and warm with a bunch of bands playing around me, enjoying a cold beer. If the weather's bad that can make or break the show depending on who you're with. If you can handle the bad weather and enjoy it, then you can still have a fabulous time.

My main concert buddy is my sister. We have a whole routine worked out. Unfortunately, since she is a teacher she can't get much time off and I end up having to venture from my home in New York, to hers in New Hampshire. We gravitate between Massachusetts and New Hampshire for such events. Boston is one of my favorite cities to see a concert in, although I don't enjoy the fact that if you're from out of state you have to be 25 or older to buy beer in many of the venues. Imagine being 24 years old and having to have your sister by alcohol for you. It's absolutely ridiculous. We like to get to the show early and tailgate a bit in our car. Nothing major; just a few beers. Then we venture into the arena and visit the t-shirt booth. That's a staple at every concert I go to. It's too overpriced and really unnecessary,

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