My First Concert

Everyone has a first concert story, here’s mine…

Mixed Emotions

I was 24 years old and was going to attend my first concert and to add insult to injury, the only person I knew that was interested in this artist was my Dad. There were so many reasons for me to feel pathetic: I was a 24 year old female who never attended a concert before, the only person that I could get to go with me was my Dad and I wasn’t going to a rap concert or any other genre that my peers generally listened to.

My Dad is who exposed me to jazz, blues and other old school genres so it was a no-brainer inviting him to an Earth Wind and Fire concert that I had received tickets for. I loved Earth Wind and Fire for the countless hits they had, the up tempo beats, the instrumentalism and positive uplifting lyrics so I definitely wanted to go to this concert. Even though I was feeling pathetic under the circumstances, I was excited as well for the simple fact that this was going to be my first concert.

And so we commence…

As it’s time to enter the concert, here I am feeling as if I’m a 16 year old girl being accompanied by her Father to see N*Sync but I quickly got over myself as I noticed fans of all ages just to see Earth Wind and Fire. My Dad and I purchased the necessities for any concert… beer and more beer and found our seats readying ourselves. I have never seen a celebrity in person before and even though it wasn’t Justin Timberlake or Prince, the anticipation was just as gratifying.

As the intro to “Shining Star” begins, everyone, including me, stands up, applauds and screams. The percussion could be heard beyond the back row, the guitars and bass were electrifying and Philip Bailey and Verdine White appear as the smoke and special effects fade. Maurice White wasn’t alive when I attended this concert however it felt as if his melodic voice was on stage with them.

Not only was I touched by the music, I was also touched by audience. Seeing the diversity in race and age throughout the audience was admirable… to know that everyone there were fans of Earth Wind and Fire, what could be considered as an “old school artist” was fascinating. What else could I do besides be in awe and marvel at the diversity? Continue enjoying the concert with them! Those feelings of woe and shame quickly faded as I realized I was having fun with my Dad and enjoying the instruments and singing in the concert with everyone else in the audience who had no shame or pity. Music not only brings people together, it also promotes living in the moment.