I thought I would write about something light and fun. I have not attended many concerts in my life but there is a small list. For the most part, I feel tickets are way too expensive. Unless you have money to throw way, over $100.00 plus fees is way too much. I have spend some money on Broadway shows that have come to Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan. I have seen in recent years with my children and friends The Lion King (in Chicago), Wicked, Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Jersey Boys, and this spring Riverdance. The types of shows I usually attend are through my daughter’s college and at least half are performances she is in as a classical saxophonist. These shows are free or no more than $20.00 – less than a movie and popcorn (I do love movies though).

I have a small list of concerts. I will put them in order as best I can (a couple I have seen twice):

1. Three Dog Night x 2
2. Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show (opened for Three Dog Night)
3. Jethro Tull
4. John Denver
5. Billy Joel
6. Harry Chapin
7. Air Supply
8. Cher x 2
9. Cindy Lauper (opened for Cher the first time)
10. Allan Jackson
11. Big & Rich
12. Drake Bell
13. Bon Jovi (ticket pictured above)
14. Michael Buble

Three Dog Night was my first concert. I went when I was 12 years old with my best friend. Her grandparents dropped us off and picked us up at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo. and Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show was their opening act. I remember Dr. Hook because behavior with the guitar was inappropriate and I said to my friend, “I don’t think we should be seeing this.” She was in agreement. Three Dog Night put on a fine show. Any 12 year old or younger could safely watch. The second time was many years later when my son was around 7 at the Allegan County Fair. I wanted his first concert to be the same as mine since they were so close.

Jethro Tull appeared in Chicago when I was in high school I think. I was visiting my cousin in Chicago and she had an extra ticket. I did not know who they were, but she loved them. They played one song I believe called Thick as a Brick. My cousin was very happy. I on the other hand couldn’t wait for it to be over. I never told her I hated it and thanked her for taking me.

In college, I attended four concerts. Air Supply was at the Allegan County Fair when the Grandstand was free. John Denver was at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo and a friend had an extra ticket. Recordings did his voice a great injustice. He had the most beautiful and crystal clear voice I have ever heard. He continued while his band rested. He and his guitar filled that stadium. It was amazing. Harry Chapin came to Miller Auditorium at West Michigan University in Kalamazoo when I attended there. Good show. He kissed all the women at the end who came up to him for an autograph. I went.

Cher was for my husband. She has been my competition. I like her too though. She puts on an amazing show. Cindy Lauper was her opening act at the first concert. Her show was great too. We almost made Cher a third time. However, she had to cancel do to illness.

The next three were for my children. Allan Jackson and Big & Rich were two of my son’s favorites. They came to the Allegan County Fair  a few years apart. I took my son to them. Big & Rich was a birthday gift so one of his friends came too. My daughter loved Drake Bell. He came to the Allegan County Fair one time. I took my daughter and her best friend to see him.

Bon Jovi – my favorite group came to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids in 2001. I made my husband take me. He was not thrilled. We were in the nosebleed section. Now John Denver had that beautiful voice, but Jon Bon Jovi’s voice and songs get me right in the heart. Can’t explain it – just does. The concert was great. Nothing like hearing the voice and songs you love live. I don’t like their logo that well. Not into things that stab and dripping blood. That aside – there are a lot of beautiful songs out there these days but non move me like Bon Jovi. The songs are stories and concrete in their images. I am sorry Richie has left. Yet, you have to do what is best for you and your family. There are things more important than fame, a song, a poem , or any creative gifts that separate us from what is real.

Michael Buble – the most recent concert attended. I went with my daughter and her college roommate. He too performed a the Van Andel Arena. Great show – he interacted with the audience.

So – there is my list.