Concert Connections

A group of people gathered together for the same reason…a concert. The one thing they all have in common is a connection to the group, ensemble, or artist they are all there to experience. If you have ever been to any live show or concert, you have experienced that feeling of connection and belonging. The experience unites us, if only for the length of the show.

There are many health and wellness benefits of attending a live show. Ethan Kross discusses the magic of gathering for shows in his book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It. Kross explains that when we attend a live concert, we experience collective connectedness. He explains that concerts are beneficial for introverts and extroverts to experience a sense of connection. We attend separately but share a unique experience together. We crave and thrive on human connection, yet it is not always easy to attain, especially if you are shy or an introvert. I found this fascinating. Live shows deepen my sense of belonging and connection. It is easy to talk to strangers. The conversation generally flows without effort. Which band are you here to see? How many shows have you seen? What is your favorite song? The list goes on.

Beyond easy interaction with strangers, concerts are an incredible way for me and my husband to connect. I feel closer to him when we are at a show together. We do not share a lot of the same hobbies. He loves amateur radio (ham radio), astronomy, watching television, and off-roading. I enjoy dancing, reading, walking, and meditation. We do not have many overlapping interests. Concerts, movies, and camping are interests we share. Live music is at the top of our list for date nights. It increases our emotional connection to each other. We also get a break from the worry and responsibilities that are part of our daily life. A concert is a mini-vacation and reenergizing self-care.

Live events have been scarce over the past few years. There were opportunities to stream shows, but the energy just isn’t comparable. There is an energy that is present when we gather in person. The shared energy between the musicians and the audience is hard to describe. It is a magical experience. Sharing a concert experience together is beneficial to my relationship with my husband. It grounds us in the present. We are not thinking about the trash that needs to go out, work, bills, maintenance at home, dishes in the sink, or caring for Emily. We are immersed in the moment and our surroundings.

There are many compelling benefits to going to live music concerts. Here is a list of just a few:

1. Reduces stress
2. Boosts your mood
3. Foster a feeling of togetherness 
4. Improve your general sense of well-being
5. Pain relief
6. Meeting new people
7. Connects us more deeply with humanity
8. Dancing and singing are great exercises for the body and mind

As I was reading some of the benefits of music, it confirmed what I already knew. Attending a live concert reduces your stress because you get an opportunity to step out of the daily grind. We become immersed in the experience which releases our mind from worrying about things outside of the moment. We are present. It increases our joy, allows us to rest and recharge, and we are not focusing on things that may be creating stress in our lives. Concerts are the ultimate escape for our minds, body, and soul.