How to Go to a Concert

‘Ya know how they say that you never forget how to ride a bike?  I never forget how to go to a concert.  My muscle memory takes over. 

Of course, my muscles flexed a little differently when I attended concerts as a teenager and young adult.  The cigarette smoke, the standing forever, the long day festivals... no problem.   

Now, I’d rather miss the opening band and be home by 10 p.m. - neither of which ever happens.
 
But, when the music starts, I remember just about everything.  I remember how music feels.  I remember why I cannot help but dance (bounce, sway, whatever).  I remember that music is one of the very few reasons I believe a god might exist.  I remember a lot about who I am and who I want to be, and I feel just about as authentic as I ever do.  Well, except that I have a little inner dialogue fighting over whether or not I should use the earplugs I brought.  I prefer to wear earplugs because (as I’ve aged) I’m not super comfortable with my hearing being dulled for a period following a concert.  But, I’m concerned other people (cooler people) around me will think of me as lame because I like protecting my hearing. 

As someone who struggles to be present, concerts focus me.  And, no, it’s not just because Jack White recently required that I lock away my phone to experience his music.  Although, I bet it didn’t hurt. 

What does hurt these days is my body.  I don’t recall what song Jack White was performing, but somewhere in the middle of the concert, I noticed that my knee was pitching while I danced, my toes hurt from pressing into my shoes because of standing on an incline, and my upper back hurt from clapping so much.  I barely even dared to try screaming lest my throat start hurting.  And, in the middle of all of that, I smiled a very big smile. 

​I wish aging didn’t often bring pain, but I smiled because I’m still here (like, on Earth and at concerts).  And, even as Jack White ponders entering heaven alive, I know I won’t be doing that.  So, for now, I’ll plaster as wide a smile as I possibly can across my face while dancing with my pain.  And, even though I’m much more selective about concerts I attend, the gratitude I have for the feelings and focus music gives me is immeasurable.  ​