concerts

How To

With the pandemic and the election and everything else that 2020 has thrown at us so far, it’s important to remain positive and hopeful. Even though the future is the biggest mystery of all right now, we can still daydream about what we’re going to do when we can be in gatherings of more than 5 people without masks on. One thing I’ve been daydreaming of these past few days is concerts! So, as we prepare for future adventures, here’s a guide to enjoy your first concert fresh out of the pandemic…

Set aside the entire day to have fun!

Although most concerts take place in the middle of the week and most people have work or school commitments, try to see if you can take some time off in the afternoon to prepare for your concert! It’s nice to not have a tight-schedule, and that way you can spend your time getting ready and excited.

Wear something fun!

Part of that prep time should be picking your outfit for the night! Even if you don’t like getting “dressed up,” make sure you wear something you’re comfortable and happy in. I personally enjoy wearing a variety of outfits – ranging from a nice top with sparkly shoes to a unicorn onesie and my old Converse. Artists love looking out into the crowd to see the fans embracing the night with themed costumes and/or coordinated outfits!

Make something!

In a big venue, I would suggest making your own poster with some play on words of your favorite song. In a smaller theatre, you can do the same thing but make it smaller, along the lines of an 8×11 piece of paper. Again, artists love looking out into the crowd to see people really appreciating them and their work, and they want to get to know all of their fans! Even making a sign that says it’s your first show is something that will make the artist so happy to see. Just be mindful of the people around you, so don’t hold it up during the whole show.

Travel lightly, but pack the essentials!

When you’re dancing the night away, you’re not going to want to worry about holding your bag. So, either rock the stylish fanny-pack or keep things in your coat pocket!

In your fanny-pack or pocket, you’ll need a few things. No matter how good your cell’s battery life is, bring an extra charger/power bank. The last thing you want is to be separated from your friends in downtown Denver with a dead phone, so just bring the charger! Also remember your wallet, and preferably bring cash. After having a fantastic night, you’ll probably want a t-shirt or poster to commemorate it all, and some merch booths only take cash.

The most essential item you should have on you seems obvious, but forgetting it happens. You’ll need your ticket! Whether that’s a screenshot of the QR code you received in an email, or a printed copy, your night is going to be cut short if you forget this key element.

Remember to put down the phone!

Yes, you’ll want to take pictures when the artist goes to the side of the stage closest to you. But just remember that those are just pictures, and you’re there for the memories! I usually record one song and take a few pictures, and then simply enjoy the rest of the night.

Now that you’ve learned the basics, you are ready for your first concert post-COVID! So, make sure to wear a mask and maintain social distancing so that this can happen in the near future!

Listicle

I am a concert aficionado – I live and breathe for the rush of going to a concert. The feeling when the house lights drop in the amphitheater and then whole crowd goes crazy and the artist takes the stage and you know you’re about to have the best 2-ish hours of your life… Yeah, that’s the good stuff.

I know now with COVID pretty much anything has been cancelled or postponed, concerts included. But that doesn’t have to stop us from getting excited about future events and daydreaming about seeing our favorite artists again! So, in preparation for that glorious future, I have compiled a list of my 4 favorite small music theaters in Denver. These venues hold a plethora of potential – from hosting EDM artists, to small indie bands, to heavy metal, to trendy pop stars – it’s very probable that someone you’re familiar with has been to one of these concert halls.

1 – Ogden Theatre (935 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218)

Located 15-20 minutes away from the University of Denver campus on East Colfax, sits the small but quaint theatre known as the Ogden. You find parking at either a street meter or a paid lot, and then go stand in line to enter the building. Once you’re inside and past the lobby, it’s a free-for-all to get a good spot for the show. The floor is tiered, getting a little more narrow as you get closer to the stage.

For wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, there is the top tier in the back that offers a great view and safety from the masses. If you want to sit, you can request a chair and sit in the ADA section, or up the stairs there’s balconies that have seating available.

A picture of singer Rachel Platten posing with her left arm up to show she is strong, there are purple lights behind her and a crowd in front of her
Rachel Platten at the Ogden Theatre, from March 25th 2016

2 – Paramount Theatre (1621 Glenarm Pl, Denver, CO 80202)

Sitting pretty, tucked away in the midst of the 16th Street Mall, is our next feature: the Paramount Theatre. With a maximum capacity of 1,870 people, this venue is great for all artists big and small. It offers an intimate and personal vibe, while accommodating everyone.

The wheelchair and limited mobility seating exists, but isn’t amazing. The area that is specifically reserved for ADA is the very back row, which isn’t that great of a view, especially when all the fans stand up and dance. I personally try to get front row seats, because they are removable, and then I obviously have a great view!

Singer Alessia Cara on stage with her left arm extended towards the audience to touch their hands, there is blue lighting behind her
Alessia Cara at the Paramount Theatre, on October 10th 2016

3 – Fillmore Auditorium (1510 N Clarkson St, Denver, CO 80218)

The Fillmore just screams music vibes from the moment you arrive. You spot the big bright sign advertising the night’s show, there’s music already playing (no matter how early you start to stand in line), and once inside it just feels so authentic. The kind of authenticity that the Hard Rock Cafes strive for, but will never reach compared to the Fillmore.

Like the Ogden, the Fillmore’s seating is at a first-come-first-serve basis. It is just one big pit, with side areas for the ADA and for those who prefer to sit. Once the concert starts, the whole building starts to thump along with the bass. But the acoustics are insane, it’s one of the best things I’ve heard.

Band 5 Seconds of Summer on stage, the audience takes up most of the picture, the band is lit by white and blue lights
5 Seconds of Summer at The Fillmore Auditorium, on September 30th 2018

4 – Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre (18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465)

This list wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention Red Rocks at least once. Now, technically, this is not in Denver, but from the University of Denver, it’s only about a 30-minute drive. And it’s worth it, I promise.

Located literally inside the stones, the 70 rows of steps and seats face the stage. People say the artists get the best view of the audience and the magnificent landscape, but I always think I have the best view. The front row is not even 3 yards away from the stage, and the stage is a step taller than the ground level.

Wheelchair users and people with mobility issues get the best out of this deal, as the ADA section includes the first few rows or the 70th row at top. So, when I say I’ve got the best seat in the house, I usually mean it, as I am typically front-and-center singing my heart out.

Singer Halsey is posing on stage, her dancer is behind her also posing
Halsey at Red Rocks, on July 31st 2018

A lot of people right now are bummed about sporting events being cancelled and limited in capacity due to social distancing, but at least they still get to enjoy it somehow. With concerts being postponed until further notice, all I can do is stay “in-touch” with my favorites via social media where I am one of millions. At least when I go to concerts, I can tell myself they saw me and that they know of my existence. But until everything sorts itself out, I am an ant in their big world.

So, if you’re someone who isn’t so sure about this whole “mask thing,” please do it anyways. If not for the benefit and health of you and your community, do it for concerts. And until then, I will be listening to my playlists at full blast, daydreaming about the future.