Considerations in live music - indoor vs. outdoor. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

When Debating Indoor and Outdoor Concerts, Keep These in Mind

If I think about the variety of concerts I've attended at this point in my life, it's safe to say they are split on a fifty-fifty basis, meaning fifty percent indoor and fifty percent outdoor venue. Now, depending on your nature in listening to music, there are those who are split on this debate. Or, at least in my experience, those whom I've met at the shows I've gone to seem to vocalize this debate.

85
When Debating Indoor and Outdoor Concerts, Keep These in Mind
CC0 Public Domain

Both indoor and outdoor concerts offer their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, music is music – if the sound sucks, that's just something we, unfortunately, have to deal with that day. Let's take a more in-depth look at this debacle and talk about a few items to keep in mind when attending a show, whether indoor or outdoor

Weather

If it is warm or cold, being indoors helps resolve the issue of rain, snow, sleet, wind, etc. Now, can the climate inside be an issue? Of course, it can! Overall, snow, rain, sleet, wind, and heat aren't factors – and an indoor venue saves you here.

Acoustics

Depending on the structure of the building, acoustics can flat out suck, or possibly heighten the experience exponentially. Think about some artists you've had a chance to catch in both settings, which one was more memorable or flat out better for you? Having a hard time deciding? Well, let's take this a step deeper, think about the band's responsiveness to the audience – was it heightened outside or inside? Did the indoor bass overpower your abilities to hear the group?

Intimacy

Outdoor venues tend to hold more people, but not in all cases (i.e., arena tours). This particular aspect favors the indoor show, especially for the smaller concert halls and nightclubs. For Chicagoans, think about Schuba's, Empty Bottle, Lincoln Hall, Primary, The Metro, Smart Bar, SpyBar, etc.

Crowd/Fan Following

Bands all have different fans; we know that. The Greta Van Fleets of the world can range from those in their mid-teens to the Gen X'ers or Baby Boomers who knew Led Zeppelin in their hay-day. Contrast that to Outkast and their following; this is probably more of those in their 20's to early or mid 30's – it comes down to when they had radio presence. What does any of this mean? If I'm going to see a Fleetwood Mac show, I'm going to lean towards a hopeful outdoor show, yet, that's not the case for us as they will play the United Center in September (hey, beggars cannot be choosers here).

Access to Concessions, Drinks, Bathrooms, etc.

I save this one for last as it is probably the most important. A small venue like Schuba's in Lakeview has one bathroom for men and women. Now, that means a long wait line for the bathroom…well, not necessarily. The venue has limited capacity, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue. The Allstate Arena or United Center have tons of bathrooms and concessions, but lines tend to drag – depending on when you need to make a run. That's because the venue holds THAT MANY more people. So, make sure to keep this valuable tip in mind when attending a show.

Are all of these the right things to focus on when deciding to attend a concert? I'd say not. In my experience, they seem to matter the most, and at the end of the day, everyone can use a little advice when considering the commitment of a concert, buying tickets and enjoying those lovely fees associated with the costs! Rock on folks.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

123556
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

27122
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

25377
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments