I was lucky to be grow up in a city that had great venues and frequent concerts. I was also lucky to have parents that were really into music and brought me along to see amazing artists and concerts all the time. Of the concerts that I have been to, a few of them have stood out as great performances. I think that there are a few key components that make a concert amazing: The interaction between the artist and the audience, the artist’s excitement to be at the venue, and the general hype-ness of the environment. Since I have a great deal of concerts under my belt, I want to share with you a few of the bands that I loved seeing live and would probably go see again. Since concerts can be expensive, and it’s easier to attend when the tickets are cheap, I’ve including upcoming concert dates and prices as much as I can! In no particular order, here are some of the best concerts I've ever seen:
1. AWOLNATION
This performance stuck out to me because the lead singer, Aaron Bruno, was just having so much fun running around and dancing. He took full advantage of the stage, something that not all artists have mastered. The performance I went to was in a large stadium and one of the largest places he had ever played, so he was also very emotional. The atmosphere was just plain wonderful!
http://awolnationmusic.com/tour/
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $25 and up)
Tour: Currently on tour with Fall Out Boy and Pvris
2. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
I’ve seen this band twice so far and both times I’ve just had so much fun because A) There is always a rainbow tarp thing B) He almost always joins the crowd, and C) Giant balloons full of confetti blow up and are amazing.
http://www.andrewmcmahon.com/tour/
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $25 and up)
Tour: On tour starting April 10, 2016
3. The Avett Brothers
These guys come through my hometown on an almost annual basis and I can’t count how many times I’ve seen them. They are some of the only country/bluegrass music I listen to and it’s mainly because their sound is so unique and you can tell that they are really great people.
http://www.theavettbrothers.com/tour/
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $25 and up)
Tour: Currently on tour
4. Robert DeLong
Ok, Robert Delong is utterly unique. He uses game controllers and all these different items to create a beat unlike any you've ever heard. Watching him is almost as cool as listening to him and although I’ve only seen him once, I would definitely attend another concert or festival he played.
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $10 and up)
Tour: On tour starting April 2, 2016
5. Phish
I saw these guys with my dad and didn’t get any pictures but they are pretty much a bunch of dads who are just having so much fun. It was really great to see them live, their experience is evident when they jump on trampolines while playing songs.
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $45 and up)
Tour: On tour starting June 22, 2016
6. Panic! At the Disco
Panic! At the Disco was amazing. In quick summation, Brendon Urie backflips and changes instruments at least five times, there are tons of sparkles and glitter, and both Dallon and Kenny run around dancing the whole time (and their height difference is comical).
http://www.panicatthedisco.com/tour
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $20 and up)
Tour: On tour with Weezer and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness starting April 14, 2016
7. Fall Out Boy
The set up of their stage was so elaborate and wonderful and allowed them to interact with the different areas of the audience easily. I also thought it was really cool that Pete Wentz gave inspirational advice in between sets (thanks Pete). They also had fireworks and fire pits all over the stage.
Tickets: Dependent on location (Range: $30 and up)
Tour: Currently on tour with AWOLNATION and Pvris
8. Jack Johnson
I saw Jack Johnson after years of listening to his music, and I have to say I was not disappointed. He met with fans before the show and was wearing bracelets that fans had made or given him. Seeing him live was amazing and one of my dream performances!
http://jackjohnsonmusic.com/tour
Tickets: No listing available (TBA)
Tour: On tour starting September 18, 2016
9. Big Data
These guys were great, they brought a great energy to the festival I saw them at. They also brought a guest artist and they worked really well together and the entire performance had such a great energy that is perfect for a festival.
http://bigdata.fm/tour
Tickets: TBA
Tour: Not Currently on tour/ Future Tours TBA
10. Dirty Heads
These guys had great hair, dance moves, and songs. I love going to a festival or concert and finding out that I know more of the songs than I thought I did. They played a great set!
http://www.dirtyheads.com/tour
Tickets: Dependent on location (Festival tickets range)
Tour: Currently on tour (Only playing festivals)
I know that all music taste is unique, but I just wanted to share a few of the great concerts and festival that I have experienced. I wish you all well in your concert and festival choices!
