Outdoor Concert Fun in the Summer Time
Summertime
brings out the music in people. Not only does the music in passing cars get louder,
so does the demand for outdoor concerts!
Why
sit in an indoor arena when the sun is shining and the breeze is blowing?
Being
outside and listening to music is different because the music becomes part of
the air instead of bouncing off the walls. Some outdoor arenas have a grassy lawn
area where you can bring a blanket or a chair so you are free to kick back, relax
and enjoy. You may even be able to catch the music of the warm up bands from the
parking lot while you're having a tailgate party with your friends.
Concerts
in the rain can be fun, but...
One
of the disadvantages to outdoor concerts is rain. Some of the best concerts are
rain soaked remember the pictures of mud soaked fans at one of the most
famous outdoor concerts ... Woodstock! For most music lovers, though, a few drops
here and there might actually be refreshing but any more than that and it just
puts a damper on the whole experience. Some stick it out and bring umbrellas or
ponchos. If the forecast really calls for bad storms or if a storm kicks up during
the concert, the show may even be canceled and hopefully rescheduled.
Enjoy
the sun
The
sun is great at outdoor concerts. If you're going to be rocking under the midday
sun, make sure to wear sunscreen. With the music making the time go fast, it is
easy to forget about how long you've been out in the sun. A bit of protection
is always a good idea. Another way to stay cool is with a big, floppy hat or at
least a baseball cap! That way you can be stylin' and still avoid those nasty
UV rays.
If it
is an evening concert you might only be in the sun for an hour or two so that
isn't too bad. Afternoon concerts, however, mean being in the heat of the day
for 3 or 4 hours. One memory you don't want to bring home with you is a sunburn.
Stay hydrated.
Singing, dancing,
jumping up and down, and clapping all burn calories. As with any other form of
exertion, it is vital to replenish your body with water if you're out in the sun
for any length of time. Here's a news flash - alcohol is not going to help. A
cold beer may feel refreshing on a hot day, but it just makes your body dehydrate.
Iced tea, sweet tea and iced coffee all do the same thing. The best thing to keep
your body fresh so you can keep dancing to the live music beat or relaxing
to the classics, is a fortified water. Next best is plain water or fruit juices...
Little
kids love concerts too
These
tips are especially important for children. Hopefully, they don't normally drink
beer or alcohol, but the colas and iced drinks are favorites with young kids.
Little bodies tend to get dehydrated even quicker than older kids or adults. Especially
if you'll be attending popular concert series at summer amusement
parks or beaches,
remember to pack bottles or sippy cups of water or juice.
While
you're packing be sure to add extra diapers for the little ones and, depending
on your kids' ages, also bring a change of clothing, a short book or two for intermission,
and baggies of healthy, juicy snacks - pieces of cut up fruit are perfect!
Be safe and have fun
Always
make sure to arrive early for free concerts because available spaces are sure
to go quickly. Take as little cash as possible with you and keep a close eye on
your belongings. That will stop any thief or predator who wants to spoil your
party. It's a good idea not to accept drinks from strangers at rock concerts.
Some people think it's cool to lace their non-alcoholic drinks with drugs to get
a buzz for the concert and share their drinks with unsuspecting fans at
the concert. There are always first aid stations taking care of scared teens and
even younger kids who had no idea what they were drinking. You want to enjoy the
music, not get sick!
Local
and Worldwide - Summer is outdoor concert time
There
are concerts held outdoors in practically every city and every town. All types
of music from classical to hard rock and hip hop can be enjoyed by all for the
cost of an admission ticket and, sometimes, for free! Below are just a few links
to some local summer happenings near your city or town...
| Chiff.com
Summer Concert Listings Guides |
| Worldwide |
|
International
Summer Concerts and Festivals 2008 - Complete listings for major worldwide
classical music concerts & operas with venues, conductors and performance
schedules, related resources. Time
Out Worldwide - Summer Concerts and Festivals 2008 - Complete listings
for major worldwide cities includes festivals, music concerts & events with
venues, performance schedules, related resources.
|
| USA |
| Boston radio
92.9 Concerts |
Lowell,
Massachusetts Lowell
Summer Music Series |
|
New
York City GMA
Summer Concert Series, Bryant Park Seaside
Summer Concerts, Brooklyn NY Summerstage
Concerts, Central Park NY |
Virginia
Beach, Norfolk Hampton
Roads Visitor - Summer Concerts |
| Miami,
Ft. Lauderdale South
Florida's summer concert calendar |
Chicago Chicago
Summer Guide - Outdoor Concerts Time
Out Chicago Summer Guide Concerts |
| Los
Angeles Los
Angeles Concerts |
Salt
Lake City Salt
Lake City Twilight Concert Series |
| Seattle Chateau
Ste. Michelle Summer Concert Series |
Washington,
DC National
Park Service Summer Concerts |
also
see in Summer -> Kids
Rainy Day Activity Ideas