Enjoy The Summer Concert Season

     I read on Facebook recently, that someone was miffed because people behind them at a Jimmy Buffett show kept telling them to sit down. The good folks behind them wanted an unobstructed view of the show, and were put out that the person who posted the comments wanted to dance and jump around to the music.

     My immediate thought was “different strokes for different folks”. But that's not a solution to this recurring issue. How many times have you been comfortably seated at a concert when the person, usually a couple, and often an entire group that came together, decide that they want to stand for the entire show. Not only is the stage blocked, but so are the “big screens”. You sit there and listen to the music, feeling closed in by the wall of humanity before you, only able to hear the music coming from the stage.

     Let's explore the situation from both points of view. Yours is that you want to sit and enjoy the $150.00 seats you bought to “see” Jimmy Buffett. Theirs is that they came to “have fun and enjoy the show”. You both paid the same to rent the seats. You're both hearing the same tunes, but you have different ideas of how to enjoy the event. You righteously believe you have a right to remain seated and get the full effect. They, equally righteously believe that they have a right to stand in front of whomever they wish to enjoy the show their way.

     The truth is, nobody's wrong. Everyone should have the right to enjoy it the way they want. In reality, it just doesn't work that way. Since everyone's idea of enjoyment is different, there is no pleasing every person in the house.

     Jimmy Buffett has been on the road since the early 70's, so he has a lot of older fans. However, his material is always evolving, and his subject matter, which is the laid-back “Margaritaville” lifestyle, is sought by younger generations too. I go to see Buffett and I see people from 8 to 80, all grooving to the music and having a ball. It's going to be that way as long as he is out touring, and he is not the only entertainer to be experiencing the same phenomenon right at this moment. 

     There are a number of 70's and 80's acts still touring and filling the houses. I'm sure many in their audiences experience the same issues. Of course not so much if you're Kenny G, or Michael Franks. Excellent shows, but not a standing up and jumping around crowd.

     So what's my answer? My bright idea is for the performer's people to meet with the various venues and evaluate the potential, or in the case of Buffett, proven make-up of the audience. Every arena and stadium has the ability to divide off seating and seating areas. At each show, the venue and performers could cooperate to create a section for people who want, or need, to remain seated.

     I would hope that the seat prices would remain the same as the regular seats, and have a clear view of the stage and at least one big screen. This would be possible in every venue where I've ever seen a Buffett show. Of course, once seated in that area, you'd be asked to leave if you refused to remain seated.

     It may seem simplistic, but has it ever been tried? I don't know. Maybe there are insurmountable flaws in my theory. I think someone has to give it a shot to see how it works out.

     I have to say, that if you go to see Jimmy Buffett, you should be aware that most of the audience will be on their feet for most of the show. It's that type of event. Tolerance is the key to having a pleasant concert experience. If you find yourself seated behind standees, you may try asking them once if they could sit down now and then so you could see. If they refuse, try to make the best of it, and try for better seats next time.

     If you are a stander, please be aware that there are people behind you just as invested in the performer and their seat, as you are. They may like to have an occasional glimpse of the show, and you could sit down now to then to let them see some of it. It's a matter of tolerance and understanding. Before you yell “Sit Down!”, or tell the person who asked you to sit down, “Shut Up!” remember that they are simply enjoying the show their own way.  Maybe because it's the only way they can enjoy it.

     One last thought. If you're looking for the biggest guy at the concert, just text me. I'll point him out to you. He'll be standing right in front of my seat. 

     See you at the show.