Musical gamble
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Concert season is approaching and many of us are going to be faced with some very hard decisions in the near future. Pitchfork or Lollapalooza? SXSW or Coachella? These are just an example of some of the harsh choices I’m left with this year. It should also be noted that single headline concerts pose a bigger threat because of awkward show dates and availability.
Fortunately, I’ve thought up a things to consider before you get that deep feeling of regret that comes with missing the show you know you should have went to in the first place.
Time Element – The difference between a timeless act and a flavor of the week soon to be has-been is usually obvious to the ears. However, knowing which to see depends in their…”expiration date,” sort to speak. Bands break up and not everybody has the resilience of Keith Richards, so the time element when it comes to what show you choose is crucial. If you think this is your favorite aging act’s last go round, spend the extra money, make the trip, do whatever you need to do in order to catch it. The story of making the trip is much more interesting than that of missing it.
Supporting acts – This aspect of concerts is often overlooked, the opening acts are just as important as the headliners when it comes to atmosphere and getting your money’s worth. If you’re going for an opening act, give the headliner a listen. Leaving early for an unknown headliner only to realize you would have loved them is devastating. Know who’s playing the show. A quick YouTube search should do the trick. If not, dig deeper, you might find something that fits your “discerning” taste.
Stage presence – A good studio album doesn’t always mean a good live show. Once again, do your homework. Some music just doesn’t translate well in a live setting, especially one person acts. Ask around. Look up a couple show reviews or a live performance. You have the resources, use them. Nothing ruins a good album more than seeing it performed horribly live.
Venue – Venue is just as important as the three above elements and can make or break a show. Small venues work well with certain acts. However, the promoters for these shows usually oversell for the size of the venue. Make sure you consider this before you end up like me, snuggling up the sweaty guy who saw fit to take his shirt off in the crowded confines of Pontiac’s Pike Room (true story, worst show ever).
Crowd – Just because you like an artist doesn’t mean you’ll like the other people that enjoy the same artist. Understand the fan base of the act you want to see before going to a show. Nothing makes you reconsider your music taste like being surrounded by screaming teenage girls for three hours.
nsmith@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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