Small Venues Or Big Festivals? What's The Ultimate Live Music Experience?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends,
Live music is always special, but where you see it can totally change the experience.
Some people love the energy of small venues, where you can see the band up close. Others prefer the excitement of a big festival - crowds everywhere, lots of stages, and that amazing feeling of being part of something huge.
I’ve been to just about every kind of show, and each one has its own cool vibe. Here’s what each type of venue brings to the table.
Intimate Club Shows - Up Close And Personal
Small clubs are where you really connect with the band. You’re just a few feet away, and you can feel every guitar riff and every beat of the drum. It’s raw, real, and right in your face!
There aren’t any fancy lights or big screens - just the band and the music. You can grab a drink and get right back into the crowd without losing sight of the stage. If you love being close enough to almost touch the band, then club shows are your thing.
I've seen some of the best concerts at my local clubs and even played guitar at a few of them. Over the years, I've met artists like Albert Collins, Larry Coryell, and Tommy Emmanuel, who circulated through the crowd after their shows and autographed my programs. Moments like these are unforgettable!
Concert Halls And Theaters - The Sweet Spot
Concert halls and theaters are a mix of great sound and comfort. You get fantastic audio quality, and you can either sit back in a comfy chair or stand up without feeling crowded.
These venues are great if you really want to listen to the music. Everything sounds crisp and clear, and you get to enjoy the show without worrying about getting jostled around. If you like a laid-back, high-quality experience, concert halls are the way to go.
This is my favorite type of venue because I can always find a seat that’s far enough back to listen comfortably but still have a clear view of what's happening onstage. It’s all about that perfect balance!
Arena And Stadium Shows - Go Big Or Go Home
Arena and stadium shows are all about going big. The lights, the huge screens, the fireworks - everything is turned up to eleven. The sound hits you hard, and you’re surrounded by thousands of people all singing along!
It’s a massive experience. The energy of the crowd is like nothing else, and the production value is off the charts. If you love the big, loud, and over-the-top experience, arena and stadium shows are where it’s at.
I saw the Rolling Stones in the late 1970s at a large outdoor stadium in Italy. The sound wasn't the best, but I had a fabulous time driving from Florence to Naples with my friends. The journey and the excitement made it all worthwhile!
Large Outdoor Festivals - Open Air Vibes
Outdoor festivals are about more than just the music - they’re an adventure. You’ve got multiple stages, tons of bands, and a huge crowd that’s there to have a great time. You’re not just watching a show; you’re part of an event.
Festivals give you so much variety. You can chill out in the morning, rock out in the afternoon, and dance under the stars at night. It’s chaotic, but in a good way. If you want a whole day (or weekend) of music, friends, and fun, festivals are the place to be!
I missed the original Woodstock Festival back in 1969 due to a death in the family. Losing my grandfather was tough, but I also missed getting to see Jimi Hendrix close the festival and play his timeless rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It’s one of those "what if" moments I’ll always think about.
Let Me Know What You Think!
What's your most memorable concert experience? Was it about the band, the music, the venue, the fun, or maybe all of it?
Which Type of Live Music Experience Do You Prefer?
- Intimate Club Shows
- Concert Halls/Theaters
- Arena/Stadium Shows
- Large Outdoor Festivals
- Other
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~ 75% Human-written content.
Recent Comments
28
I love them all Frank!! I have been to Glastonbury and Reading Music Festivals a few times where I saw some of the greatest bands in the world on the stage!!
Also, backroom little bars where you can actually rub hands with those who are playing!!
But... the one which always sticks in my memory was seeing the Stereophonics play live in a small venue back in the mid 90's before they made it big... great days my friend... great days!!
Rock On!!
👍🍻🎸😎
Hi Nick
Yeah, the musical memories we create are priceless! 👍
When I lived in Chicago, there was this dodgy little bar on the South Side where I used to go to see some of the best blues players around, like Albert Collins, Albert King, and Johnny Winter!
I always went with a group of other guys for safety's sake. Lol 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
They certainly are Frank and they are indeed some fantastic blues players!!
Safety would be paramount for me as well hanging around in those neighbourhood's!!!
Are you familiar with the Stereophonics???
Great band!!
Rock On!!
👍🍻😎🎸
Hi Nick
Didn't they do "Word Gets Around,?" which was a great album! 😎
Enjoy tonight's movie & sleep well! 😴
Frank 🤘🎸
They did indeed Frank and it's a fantastic Album!
Aa was their second one, "Performance and Cocktails"!!
Well worth a listen if you're not familiar with it!!
Rock On!
👍🍻🎸😎
The album really Rocks, Nick! 🤘🤘
I had it blasting in my music room earlier this afternoon.
They remind me of a Lo-Fi version of the Ramones combined with U2, Lol. 😎
Stacy really liked "Is Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today!"
Frank 🎸
Great to hear Frank! It certainly takes me back to the 'better days' of my youth!!
Rock On With Stacy!!!
🤣😎🎸🍻👍🍾🎉
Hi Frank
I have been to every size show you can imagine over the years.
Now that I'm maturing (Haha), I enjoy the smaller venues a little more, although I did see Bob Segar play his last concert in Michigan at Pine Knob, an outdoor venue a few years ago and it was a fantastic show!
As you mentioned, they all have their pros and cons to them.
Just get out and check out some live music!!
And ... Keep Rockin!! 🎸😎🤘
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
Yeah, all venues have their pro, cons, and practical points.
Bands like the Stones need to be in large arenas or stadiums to accommodate the size of their fan base. They have become very good at dealing with lighting, video, and sound at that scale over the years, to make it a great experience.
My wife and I favor the smaller venues at this point since it's typically less of a hassle. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank. It all depends. I like the festival vibe because of the large crowds and multiple bands. I’m from New Orleans so we have festivals all year round. One of the most famous ones is the Jazz and Heritage Festival. Jazz, Blues, Pop, Rock, Zydeco, etc.
For a single band, I like the intimacy of a small club nowadays. Going to big arenas is not as fun as it used to be, for me anyways.
Love the images!
Hi Steve
You live in one of the best places in the world for musical diversity and fabulous players! 👍
My wife & I go to a small club that has awesome Latin and Cuban bands! Nothing like great food, a few drinks, and some live music. 😎
Frank 🎸
Small venues for me, Frank.
I've discovered quite a few independent coffee houses, or Mom and Pops bookstores and coffee houses who would have open mic night.
Borders started to do this too before they filed bankruptcy and went out of business. But they were the rare corporate exception.
Maybe the best locations would be located near a small town college campuses, since they want to draw the young customers in.
I was a math tutor in college, so I spent many Saturday nights hanging out in these venues, tutoring, and then staying later to hear some new local artist.
And you could always chat it up with the musician/singer/ band members afterwards. Very approachable and intimate setting.
Appreciate the post, Frank!🤘🎸
Isaiah 🙂
Yeah, very true, Isaiah! Read my response to Brad.
In college, I was in a band that played on weekends in rowdy, smoke-filled beach clubs, where people were packed in shoulder to shoulder, drinking beer.
We mainly played Top -40 radio hits and light rock, which is what the students wanted to hear. They typically requested tunes by artists like Elton John and Aerosmith.
It was a lot of fun, but thank God for ear protection, or I would be deaf by now! Lol 😂
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
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Frank,
As a near-deaf Baby Boomer from many a concert, I can say that it depends...
Outdoors - I saw the Rolling Stones Tatoo You Tour in Sundevil Stadium, Phoenix. It was a seven-hour experience, in December 1981. They had a couple of other bands open for them. George Thorogood and a local band that didn't last long booed off the stage. All in all over 12 hours of music.
Indoors - It was New Orleans' First All Day Rock N Roll in the Superdome, in June 1979. A day of Nazareth, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Van Halen, Boston, and Blue Oyster Cult. Imagine working the next day?
Both were tremendous concerts. They were all about the festivities, the crowd, and the music.
Then I had the honor of seeing Kansas up close and personal, twice. They played the very small theatre on Hellenikon AB Greece for the USO tour. Autographs, introductions, and a walk down memory lane. 300 people attended, and I was one of 25 to go backstage.
The smallest was the Cumbia Kings in a Baltimore nightclub before they were famous, joining my wife and I, and our daughter for drinks at our table in between sets.
Any place where you are among friends and family, and have great music, is a treat.
Music brings the world together unless you were Sniff N The Tears opening for Kansas in Tucson, AZ! Booed off the stage... Or Joe Ely in Tempe...
MrDon
All wonderful musical experiences, Donald!
I saw the Stones "Steel Wheels" tour in Lo Stadio Di San Paulo, back in the late 1970s, with about 70,000 people in attendance. I drove from Florence to Naples with a group of Italian friends.
Live music rules! Lol 😆
Frank 🤘🎸