Local bands deserve our support.
Going to see live music is one of the most enjoyable things a person can do, and local bands present the perfect opportunity to do this.
While going to see a more famous group is exciting, there’s something special about seeing local bands.
By going to their shows and cheering them on, you are a part of their story. If the band were to become more successful, you would be able to say, “I was there before they became famous.” You get to be a part of something bigger.
In addition to this, the cost of seeing local bands is much less than the cost of going to see a more famous band. On average, it’s around $10 to go see a show, and usually, you get to see three or more local bands perform.
Since arriving at SVSU, I have taken every opportunity available to go see local bands, and each time I’ve been amazed by the talent.
Saginaw is filled with incredible bands. Some of the bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing are: Lochaven, a rock n’ roll group; Loud Thoughts, an alternative/indie rock group; We, the Infamous, a hard rock blues band.
I hope to see many more.
It is common for a band to be out in the audience with you before or after their performance. This gives you the opportunity to talk to the band members and get to know them.
I’ve gotten to speak with members from the bands on more than one occasion, and every single interaction has been positive.
When you speak to the band members, it’s making them more real to you. No longer are they just someone performing onstage, but a real person who you can hold a conversation with.
This is another way that local bands offer you something other performances don’t.
Another great part of the band members being out in the audience is getting to see the camaraderie they share with the other bands performing.
My favorite part of going to see a local band is hearing their original songs, because when you get to hear the original, it’s like they’re allowing you into their lives and you get to hear their story.
Some of the local bands do covers of famous songs, yet they still manage to make them their own. You get to hear the song but in their style, and with their own personal touches.
It’s the fans who are keeping these local bands going. The bands get their funding through the cover fee at the door, as well as through the merchandise they sell. This means having people attend their shows is invaluable.
By going out and supporting local bands, you are also supporting the local businesses, and this is just an added bonus.
Going out to the shows also gives you a chance to meet new people and form friendships. You could meet your next best friend at one of the band’s performances or even just meet someone to go to more concerts with.
Not only can you discover new people, but you can also discover new bands.
You’re exposed to styles of music you may have never considered listening to before, and that’s what truly makes the experience of going to see a local band stand out.
Local bands are also a part of what makes the place we live in so special. There’s no other town with bands exactly like the ones we have.
To go out and see a local band perform doesn’t take much, and there’s normally some type of concert going on each weekend nearby, which gives you an excuse to have a fun night out with friends.
The bands truly appreciate the support they receive from their audiences and usually repeat throughout their shows how thankful they are for their fans.
These bands are putting so much of their lives into their work, it’s only fair we give something back to them.
Opinion from Shelby Mott, Vanguard Reporter
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