the local note

Skip The Embarrassment: Be Prepared
By: Bianca Llerena

Diving into the world of live music can be overwhelming, with the unwritten rules, concert etiquette, and intimidating concert veterans. A few questions you may have before going to a concert are: how early should I get to the concert? What should I know ahead of time? Do I need to bring anything with me? Being prepared is a big help in achieving the best concert experience, so here are the top 10 things to do to transform yourself into a concert expert.

1. Dress the Part
Wear clothing that reflects the music genre and the artist you are going to see. Band merch or clothing with alternative rock and indie aesthetics can help you be a part of the masses. “In Style,” a fashion magazine on fashion, beauty, and celebrities, says that considering your concert venue is equally as important as matching genre energy when it comes to outfit planning.

2. Use Concert Lingo
Familiarize yourself with common concert terminology like “encore,” “crowd surf,” and “mosh pit” so you can blend in and have conversations with other concert attendees. Reaching out to friends who have attended concerts before is a great way to get some insider information.


3. Arrive Early
True concert veterans know that arriving early gives you the best chance to secure a prime spot close to the stage. This also shows dedication to the band or artist and gives you a better view to enjoy the concert. According to “Fuel,” a website dedicated to the band Fuel, ” If you want to make an early start, arrive two hours before the show begins.”


4. Know the Setlist
Research the artist’s recent setlists online so you can anticipate which songs will be played and get ready to sing along. Having a good idea of what to expect from the artist also helps you look more like a concert veteran. The website “Setlist.fm” gives you the most recent and updated setlists of thousands of artists with real users helping update the site daily.

5. Capture Memories Sparingly
Don’t spend the entire concert with your phone out, recording and taking pictures. Capture a few memories, but remember that you are there to experience the live performance. You can find countless videos and images of your favorite artist online.

6. Respect Personal Space
Respect other concert participants’ personal space and don’t push, shove, or elbow your way through the crowd. Everyone is there to enjoy the show and spots on the floor are first-come first-served. “Traveling Fan”, a website based on concert lovers even suggests camping out: “Sitting on a sidewalk for hours (or days) can be boring and uncomfortable, but with the right attitude, you can turn it into a fun adventure that others won’t want to miss.”

7. Stay Hydrated
Stay hydrated, but stay mindful of the long bathroom lines. A reusable water bottle with a secure cap is essential. Usually, venues don’t allow liquids, so be sure to locate the nearest water fountain once you’re in. “It’s not uncommon at concerts to get so wrapped up in the music that you forget to drink water. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, rapid breathing, and confusion and can land you in the emergency room,” “The Nation’s Health,” a website that focuses on the news that public health professionals should know, said.

8. Go with the Flow
Learn to sway and dance to the music with the crowd. Experienced concert veterans don’t stand still like statues nor do they mosh during a softer song. Be aware of your surroundings and feel the rhythm throughout the show.

9. Bring Ear Protection
Experienced concertgoers know protecting their hearing is essential for enjoying live music. Invest in high-quality earplugs to enjoy the music while preserving your ears. The ultimate way to protect your hearing at concerts is to wear earplugs. Musician earplugs are a good choice because they dampen the noise without reducing the clarity. “You can also look into other forms of hearing aids and accessories”, says “Accurate Hearing Technology”, a website made by hearing aid specialists in Florida.


10. Post-Show Etiquette
After the concert, wait patiently for the artist to leave the stage. Experienced fans know that sometimes, there might be a surprise encore performance or that the artist will come out later to talk to fans, take pictures, and sell their merchandise.