Concerts: Have Fun, Stay Safe

Even though the summer concert series are winding down, there's still things the smart music lover will want to consider before, during and after attending one of these events. These suggestions are meant to enhance your enjoyment while keeping you and your friends safe.

Before The Concert

Have a good, hearty meal before heading out to the concert. You don't know when you'll get to "eat right" again and you'll need the energy. The place that's holding the event may have all kinds of food but then again they may only have snacks. Hydration is just as important as good nutrition. Make sure you drink plenty of water before during and after the event.

Bring a sweater, sweatshirt or coat. Even on a hot day, if the concert is held outside, the temperature can drop substantially during the day and especially after sunset. Being cold and uncomfortable will put a damper on the fun. And, speaking of damp, be sure to bring a sheet of plastic, a poncho or even garbage bags are ok. If it rains, you'll want to keep dry and have something dry to sit on.

Ok, so there's no rain in the forecast, should be good to go right? Wrong!... Even on a cloudy day the sun can do an number on your skin. Anyone who's had a sunburn is in no hurry to get another. I know we all want that healthy, bronzed look. Well you're in luck, today's sunblock manufactures have got you covered by including pigment in the lotions. Oh and whether it rains, shines or somewhere in between, it's a good idea to where a hat. There may be birds attending the event!

Bring your cellphone, but pre-arrange a meeting area at the concert in case you get separated. Cellphones are great but don't rely on them. Common sense and preparedness are better!

Another good idea is to keep your driver's license or some form of picture id and contact information on your person. If something happens and for some reason you're at a loss for words, your ID can speak for you. If you're a Diabetic, have Asthma, Alergies or some other medical condition, be sure to where a medic alert bracelet if you have one and if you don't, let your friends know about your condition. Again, in case of an emergency, you may not be able to communicate with medical personel giving you aid, and this bracelet or the knowledge you impart on a friend could save your life.

Plan on doing a lot of walking. Depending on the parking situation, you may have to walk a mile or more to attend the concert after parking. You don't want to arrive in pain and you may be standing for long periods; wear comfortable shoes. Women: don't wear anything with a high heel...Guys: don't try to break-in that new pair of boo women's jackets online ts.

During The Concert

Everybody thinks the best seats are up front and while they do provide a great view, that's where the crowd is most dense. I'm not saying don't get those seats, but be aware of the potential for danger. Chances are, aside from your friends, you won't know most of the people there and sometimes even good people make bad choices.

I do not understand the lure of the mosh pit! Thank God my generation missed that. People purposely inflicting harm on others in the name of fun? One word - STUPID - 'nuff said.

It goes without saying but don't go anywhere alone - both guys and girls - restrooms, snackbar, anywhere. Take someone along. I know it's not the macho thing to do guys but macho isn't going to help much if you get into trouble.

Drugs and alcohol: It's my opinion that it's a personal choice but if you choose to do it, be prepared to deal with the potential consequences. Disorietation, nausea, blurred or double vision are some of the possible effects of abusing drugs and alcohol, but they're not the worst. You could die. The best answer if someone asks? No, thanks. Period. You may not know the person offering and you most definitely don't know what they're offering no matter what they say.

After The Concert

Stay with the group you came with. Meeting new people is one of the great things about concerts but it's not the best environment to "hook up" with them. Take names and numbers, follow up later, after the excitement of the day's events have subsided. If you still think it's a good idea to stay in touch the next day or the next week, then go ahead and call.

Don't Be Part Of History

There have been some terrible tragedies at concerts, due in part to poor decisions on the part of the attendees and or poor crowd management by security for the event. The Who concert back in December of 1979, where 11 fans were crushed to death. The Perl Jam concert in Denmark back in June of 2000 - hundreds of fans rushed the stage crushing 9 fans, smothering them to death. And more recently in Rhode Island when a pyrotechnics display went horribly wrong and 100 people lost their lives in the blaze. There are many others that could have been avoided with a little forethought and better planning.

The Who concert tragedy prompted a report by a special Cincinnati citizen task force. In it they outline recommendations intended to prevent disasters like these from happening. Google "concert tragedies" to view story and to find a link to the report.

I would like you to consider these suggestions as a way for you to have fun and be able to talk about it later. Be smart and think them and even come up with some of your own. Your safety is your responsibility. The people who you care about and who care about you would like you to consider them.