At this very moment, I am on a plane from Chicago back to the great state of Colorado. I've already finished this month's copy of Glamour, and I've skimmed through the most recent SkyMall catalog, even though I already read it once on my flight to Chicago. I've secretly watched the couple next to me rifle through eight different newspapers looking for the crossword puzzles. (Why not just buy a crossword book?) So, since I have another two hours to kill sitting on this flight, I started to look through the photos I took while at Lollapalooza this weekend.
This year was the first year I got to call myself a "paloozer", a word I'm pretty sure my favorite concert addict and I made up, (let me know if someone else has already claimed copyrights, but for now, we're going to take credit!), and it was absolutely amazing. I wholeheartedly believe that music festivals are one of the very few places where thousands and thousands of people are all gathered together to simply be happy and enjoy a common interest. After attending eight concerts and three festivals in the past two months, here's what I've discovered.
It’s important to spend your money on memories and experiences, not material items.
One thing I learned this summer is that no matter who is performing or where the concert is, a music festival or concert is bound to be an amazing time. The opportunity to listen to live music is unforgettable, whether in rain or shine, and even if you don’t know every word of the lyrics. Dancing, singing, laughing, taking selfies in a pair of heart sunglasses, and jamming out to the bass are all worth way more than buying a new phone or game. When you invest your time and money into events with friends and family, you’ll make memories that will last longer than any warranty for a product you could buy.
A music festival is the largest no-judgment zone I've ever experienced.
Lollapalooza was home to one of the most diverse crowds I’ve ever seen. From the girls rocking their flash tats and flower crowns, to the men in white suits with blue ties, to the man doing yoga by the port-a-potties, to the group of twelve guys in flashing hats and t-shirts; all types of people were gathered to enjoy the festival. We saw ladies hula-hooping while waiting for Charlie XCX, a man was offering to paint astronomical designs on people’s arms and legs outside of Perry’s stage, and a group who brought their own hammocks to relax in between shows (this, of course, was apart from “Hammock World” which Lollapalooza created for the paloozers). Shower singers and vocal soloists unite to jam out to their favorite tunes. One could spin around and dance wildly throughout the park, and they could do so freely without weird looks or judgment. Everyone is there to have a good time and rock out; there’s no need for bad vibes at a music festival.
You don’t have to know who the artist is to have a blast at a concert.
Dance around to the beat and maybe catch on to the chorus, but just enjoy living in the moment and hearing new music. Who knows, maybe you’ll love the performer and listen to their music before they become very mainstream; how very hipster of you…
Rain or shine, you’re bound to have a great time.
Rain at an outdoor music festival is the perfect excuse to dance and sing and kiss in the rain. Lightning is the only tricky problem at an outdoor concert, and even then, all hope is not lost. Once, I was at a music festival that had everyone evacuate the park because of thunder and lightning, and during that hour rain delay, I ate the best tomato basil soup I’ve ever had. And if the skies are clear, then you’re set. Just stay hydrated.
Big crowds = more friends.
I truly believe in the good of all people. Music festivals give you the opportunity to meet so many people who love to dance and sing to the same artists as you, so you already have a great icebreaker when trying to make friends with those around you. One thing I learned at my first Ke$ha concert (and yes, I’ve attended more than one) is that it is in your very best interest to become friends with the crowd standing around you at a concert. There’s no point in upsetting the people you’re going to be standing with for the next few hours, and you could meet some very interesting characters.
So I finished my summer of concerting at Lollapalooza, and after skipping around with a lollipop all weekend, (idk, I think I’m punny, I guess), I’ve decided that I’ve never been in a place as jam packed with happy, carefree people before in my life. Even at the beach, you run into the stressed out families, or sun burned and cranky teens, or the crowd is fighting for the best spot by the sea. Lolla, and most music festivals I’ve been too, channel a much more relaxed vibe; and though it is a crazy scene, you’re surrounded by great music and interesting people, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.
