| Even though the summer concert series are | | | | while they do provide a great view, that's where |
| winding down, there's still things the smart music | | | | the crowd is most dense. I'm not saying don't get |
| lover will want to consider before, during and | | | | those seats, but be aware of the potential for |
| after attending one of these events. These | | | | danger. Chances are, aside from your friends, you |
| suggestions are meant to enhance your | | | | won't know most of the people there and |
| enjoyment while keeping you and your friends | | | | sometimes even good people make bad choices. |
| safe. | | | | I do not understand the lure of the mosh pit! |
| Before The Concert | | | | Thank God my generation missed that. People |
| Have a good, hearty meal before heading out to | | | | purposely inflicting harm on others in the name of |
| the concert. You don't know when you'll get to | | | | fun? One word - STUPID - 'nuff said. |
| "eat right" again and you'll need the energy. The | | | | It goes without saying but don't go anywhere |
| place that's holding the event may have all kinds | | | | alone - both guys and girls - restrooms, snackbar, |
| of food but then again they may only have | | | | anywhere. Take someone along. I know it's not |
| snacks. Hydration is just as important as good | | | | the macho thing to do guys but macho isn't going |
| nutrition. Make sure you drink plenty of water | | | | to help much if you get into trouble. |
| before during and after the event. | | | | Drugs and alcohol: It's my opinion that it's a |
| Bring a sweater, sweatshirt or coat. Even on a | | | | personal choice but if you choose to do it, be |
| hot day, if the concert is held outside, the | | | | prepared to deal with the potential consequences. |
| temperature can drop substantially during the day | | | | Disorietation, nausea, blurred or double vision are |
| and especially after sunset. Being cold and | | | | some of the possible effects of abusing drugs |
| uncomfortable will put a damper on the fun. And, | | | | and alcohol, but they're not the worst. You could |
| speaking of damp, be sure to bring a sheet of | | | | die. The best answer if someone asks? No, |
| plastic, a poncho or even garbage bags are ok. If | | | | thanks. Period. You may not know the person |
| it rains, you'll want to keep dry and have | | | | offering and you most definitely don't know what |
| something dry to sit on. | | | | they're offering no matter what they say. |
| Ok, so there's no rain in the forecast, should be | | | | After The Concert |
| good to go right? Wrong!... Even on a cloudy day | | | | Stay with the group you came with. Meeting new |
| the sun can do an number on your skin. Anyone | | | | people is one of the great things about concerts |
| who's had a sunburn is in no hurry to get another. | | | | but it's not the best environment to "hook up" |
| I know we all want that healthy, bronzed look. | | | | with them. Take names and numbers, follow up |
| Well you're in luck, today's sunblock manufactures | | | | later, after the excitement of the day's events |
| have got you covered by including pigment in the | | | | have subsided. If you still think it's a good idea to |
| lotions. Oh and whether it rains, shines or | | | | stay in touch the next day or the next week, |
| somewhere in between, it's a good idea to where | | | | then go ahead and call. |
| a hat. There may be birds attending the event! | | | | Don't Be Part Of History |
| Bring your cellphone, but pre-arrange a meeting | | | | There have been some terrible tragedies at |
| area at the concert in case you get separated. | | | | concerts, due in part to poor decisions on the part |
| Cellphones are great but don't rely on them. | | | | of the attendees and or poor crowd management |
| Common sense and preparedness are better! | | | | by security for the event. The Who concert back |
| Another good idea is to keep your driver's license | | | | in December of 1979, where 11 fans were |
| or some form of picture id and contact | | | | crushed to death. The Perl Jam concert in |
| information on your person. If something happens | | | | Denmark back in June of 2000 - hundreds of fans |
| and for some reason you're at a loss for words, | | | | rushed the stage crushing 9 fans, smothering |
| your ID can speak for you. If you're a Diabetic, | | | | them to death. And more recently in Rhode Island |
| have Asthma, Alergies or some other medical | | | | when a pyrotechnics display went horribly wrong |
| condition, be sure to where a medic alert bracelet | | | | and 100 people lost their lives in the blaze. There |
| if you have one and if you don't, let your friends | | | | are many others that could have been avoided |
| know about your condition. Again, in case of an | | | | with a little forethought and better planning. |
| emergency, you may not be able to | | | | The Who concert tragedy prompted a report by |
| communicate with medical personel giving you aid, | | | | a special Cincinnati citizen task force. In it they |
| and this bracelet or the knowledge you impart on | | | | outline recommendations intended to prevent |
| a friend could save your life. | | | | disasters like these from happening. Google |
| Plan on doing a lot of walking. Depending on the | | | | "concert tragedies" to view story and to find a |
| parking situation, you may have to walk a mile or | | | | link to the report. |
| more to attend the concert after parking. You | | | | I would like you to consider these suggestions as |
| don't want to arrive in pain and you may be | | | | a way for you to have fun and be able to talk |
| standing for long periods; wear comfortable shoes. | | | | about it later. Be smart and think them and even |
| Women: don't wear anything with a high | | | | come up with some of your own. Your safety is |
| heel...Guys: don't try to break-in that new pair of | | | | your responsibility. The people who you care |
| boots. | | | | about and who care about you would like you to |
| During The Concert | | | | consider them. |
| Everybody thinks the best seats are up front and | | | | |