From Online Queues to Front Row: My Ongoing Passion for Live Music

Over the past couple years, I've spent much of my money on concerts. 

I've attended multiple concerts in the U.S. and abroad, as well as a three-day music festival. I went to a few concerts in middle and high school, my passion for live music didn't fully start until college. My first month, I drove to Columbus to see one of my favorite artists, Briston Maroney. That show started a chain reaction. Whenever an artist I liked came to a nearby city, I'd find someone to go with and buy tickets immediately. Whether the concert was hours away or on a school night, I usually found a way to attend. 

So far, I've seen more than 25 artists, some multiple times. My favorite performances include Briston Maroney, Inhaler, Del Water Gap and, Hozier. I've seen Briston Maroney twice — the first time freshman year and, the second time sophomore year. 

Last fall, Del Water Gap announced a European Tour for the upcoming spring, with a stop in Manchester, England, where I was going to be studying abroad. On a whim, I bought a ticket, even though I knew I may have to go alone. The day of the show, two friends I met while abroad bought last minute tickets and came with me. It was an intimate, entertaining show, made even more special by the fact that I experienced it during my time abroad. 

Another one of my favorite concerts was Inhaler, a band from Dublin, Ireland, who was playing in Detroit, Michigan, on a school night my sophomore year. This did not stop me. My friend and I drove the two hours to Detroit, stood in line for an hour and, waited another two hours for the opener and Inhaler to take the stage. We didn't get back to Ada until 1 a.m., but it was worth it. Also, the opening band turned out to be very good so, we later bought tickets to one of their shows a few months later.  

One of my most recent and unforgettable shows was Hozier. My friends and I had bought the tickets last November, so we'd been waiting for months. It was at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus and, we had pit tickets. On the day of the concert, we got up at 4:45 a.m. to get our spot in line and ended up in the first and second rows  —  the closest I've ever been at that large of a venue. It was an incredible experience and one of my favorite concerts to date. 

Last summer, I also attended a three-day festival where I saw over 10 artists play. I spent all weekend hopping from stage to stage, eating greasy festival food and, enjoying great music. It was amazing. 

My love for live music is not going anywhere, with potential plans to attend more concerts this fall to see some of my favorite artists in person. This passion has also influenced my decision to pursue a career in entertainment and music marketing. I hope to to combine my love for live events with my marketing knowledge to create an exciting and fulfilling career after I graduate!