A magical night
Relieved for weeks in her mind
Embracing the experience
Never to forget
A meet and greet behind the arena door
**
Back when I was a teenager, a friend and I got the rush of a lifetime meeting some of our idols before a concert. I will never forget how much I was shaking and how much I felt on cloud nine afterwards. Of course the most memorable show was the one in the front row… but that story is for another time.
Now I have heard of at least a half dozen groups who do “meet and greets” for a price. You get to have your picture taken, maybe ask a question and then you’re out the door and they get ready for the show. I have seen price tags starting at $150 on up (beyond the ticket price)… it all depends on the group and how popular they are. I know the costs of touring have really gone up and musicians were hurt when covid hit without being able to do what made them the most money – tour. I would really like to see these events more attainable to the everyday person though, those who have to scrape together ticket money just to see the show. I just don’t know how to make that happen. Meeting someone like that can really be a moment to last forever in your mind.
A concert by a favorite act can always make me smile. But there are some memories that will never leave me (like the band member walking barefoot through the bar looking for his shoes after one show). An arena was a favorite place of mine in my past… I guess at 56 I am too old to holler and scream at a concert? Ah, hell no! Bring on the bands!
*****
Written for Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (FOWC) – arena
Leigha Robbins 