Concerts

So one thing that most people know about me is that I am a HUGE music lover. Maybe a bit obsessive some may say? Oh well, I don't mind. I have so many favorite bands, and my favorite thing in the whole world is go to concerts. The year I turn 18 is the year I will start going to Coachella, for sure.

This week was an AMAZING week for concerts. I attended two unbelievable concerts, Mumford & Sons and Imagine Dragons. And because concerts are still on my mind, I thought I would do a recap of all the concerts I've been to, planning on going to (LIKE I HAVE THE TICKETS), and then my concert "guidelines".

Let's start from the very beginning...

September 24, 2006: The Cheetah Girls
Now, should I really count this as my first concert? Yes. As embarrassing as it may be, I was a kid once. And I loved the Cheetah Girls. I went with my mom and my sister, and to be completely honest I don't remember a thing.

June 10, 2012: One Direction
After a quite large hiatus, my concert attending ways were back. And maybe this should be embarrassing as well, but no. I will admit, I like One Direction. And since I think I have great music taste, this little quirk is perfectly acceptable. I mean, just take a look at Harry Styles and tell me he isn't the most attractive male you've seen in a while.
I went to this concert with my sister, and we arrived 8 hours early. Yes, EIGHT HOURS. Any chance to get a glance at the five boys before the show was enough motivation to stand outside in the Arizona sun for over 45 minutes. I was close to passing out, and the girl next to me really did. But it was fun, it was memorable.
Our seats were, not the best, but we were there, and that's what counts. And I had an amazing time.

February 8, 2013: Imagine Dragons
This concert was something new to me. It was at the Marquee, which is general admission. And there were no teeny-bopper fan girls at this concert. Which I liked. Just a bunch of people there for the music. My sister and I made it to the front row, all the way to the left. So our view of the stage was a bit obstructed, but we were there. Front row. And it was pretty fantastic. I touched Dan Reynolds hand, and met Atlas Genius (the opening band) after the show.

February 13, 2013: Ed Sheeran
If I could have, I would have gotten here eight hours early. It was general admission, and I would have loved to be closer to the stage. But other things came up, and I got there about an hour early. I still got on the floor, but pretty far back. It was hard to see anything, given my short stature. But I could hear the music, and still had a fantastic time.

June 3, 2013: Imagine Dragons
Yes, I saw them again. Why not? They were seriously amazing. This was the first concert I went to with somebody other than just my sister. My friend Jordan came along, and it was seriously fantastic. They were just as good as I remembered them. This second Phoenix date was the biggest show they have played, and they were in awe. Dan even started crying! The effects were spectacular, and it was actually really nice to see the whole stage (we were row 18).

June 5, 2013: Mumford & Sons:
Hands down, best concert I have been to. My sister and I had pit tickets, and we were determined to be front row. After some setbacks, we eventually made it into the theater. We ended up second row, but right in the middle. I had the time of my life. The music is even better live, and I was just totally having fun, not a care in the world.

UPCOMING CONCERTS!

July 6, 2013: One Direction
Fangirl Dara, back again. My sister and I will be attending the 1D show in Hershey, Pensylvania while on vacation. We are also staying in the same hotel as them (there's only one hotel to choose from!) so hopefully we'll meet them!

November 2, 2013: TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
Yes, this needed to be in all caps. TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB. My all time favorite band. Ever. Going to a TDCC concert is on my bucketlist. I'm traveling to LA to see this show (PLUS!!!!). So yes, you can say that I'm beyond excited for this one.

And now, for my concert guidelines:

1) Dress comfortable. I can't stress this enough. People judge you if you look like you're trying too hard. And now, I'm not saying show up straight out of bed, look cute, but practical. And make sure you wear close toed shoes, you don't want any injuries.
2) Don't bring a purse. If you really need to bring something, a small cross-body will suffice. But honestly, what do you really need? Your phone (keep in your hands or pockets) and money (also goes in your pocket.).
3) Do take pictures, but not too many. You want to remember the concert, but taking tons of photos and videos takes away from your experience. Do you really want to watch the whole show through your screen, or do you want to actually watch the show and take it all in?
4) Don't show up 30 minutes before the show and expect to get front row. Its not going to happen. If you want front row, you have to wait.
5) Don't worry too much about how you are moving. Move to the music. If you are constantly worrying about how you are dancing, you aren't going to have fun. But don't just stand there! Have fun and dance!
6) Bring an extra hair tie. You are going to get hot. And your hair is going to be a mess. I always end up putting my hair up, its just how it goes.

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