Concerts + Crowds = Chaos

I've been going to concerts for as long as I can remember. I'd also estimate that at least 50% to 75% of those concerts over the past half century have been general admission seating.

For those who may not know what general admission seating is, it's where everyone pays the same price for a ticket to a concert, regardless of whether they're in the front or back of the concert venue.

I remember in the late 70's large venues held concerts that featured "festival seating".  In other words, it was general admission, with everyone scrambling for a seat when the doors opened.

There were often injuries that resulted from this; and in 1979, at a Cincinnati, Ohio Who concert, eleven people were killed in a stampede for seats.

Despite this tragedy, to me at least, it always seemed once the rush for seats was over, the crowds at any given concert were fairly decent and friendly.

Then again, maybe it was the types of concerts I went to back then.

I was more into oldies, pop and country rock at the time.  Probably the most "hard core" rock act I'd seen by then was when Aerosmith opened for Three Dog Night in 1974.

By the 1980's, there were some rock acts that were known for having rough crowds at their shows.  Most of those artists and bands though actually catered to that type of audience, so it was almost expected that things would get crazy at concerts.  In fact, I went to college with a guy at the time that spent his weekends at various local hangouts.  If he didn't have at least one bruise or cut by the time he was back in class Monday, he considered it a bad weekend for fun!

By the 1990's, my concert going was at it's peak.  There was always some artist or band, new or old, that I just had to see. 

This is when I circled back to listening to country music more, while still enjoying the other music I'd grown up with.  It's also the time I started noticing a shift in how concert crowds were behaving.

The rough, rowdy crowds that had once seemed confined to the punk scene, had started spilling over into the more mainstream rock and pop world.

A perfect example was when Weird Al Yankovic performed at the Clark County Fair, in Ridgefield, Washington.

The shows were free then, with fair admission.  My son, Josh, was approximately 6 years old at the time, and a huge fan of Weird Al.

I took him to the afternoon show, and got him right up to the stage; unfortunately, we didn't stay for the show.

Before the concert even began, several audience members began throwing things, ripping up stuffed animals, and generally caused a riot.  It actually got dangerous enough that we left.


Despite this incident though, most of my concert going was uneventful, as far as the behavior of the crowds was concerned.

Fast forward to about the past 5 years or so; around the time country music really started to be more pop/rock oriented.  With this new trend, it seemed country concert goers were also picking up the habits of rock audiences from years past.

At first I didn't really notice it where I live in the Pacific Northwest.  Yes, there were always those few in the crowd who would get drunk and rowdy, but were still considered harmless.

My first real glimpse of a rough country music concert crowd was in Fargo, North Dakota.  I would never have expected a concert featuring Julie Roberts, Chris Young and Emerson Drive to draw the type of crowd I encountered.  These people made the crowd at Weird Al look tame!  Poor Julie Roberts was just trying to get through her set, when someone in the middle of the crowd threw a gallon size drink container at her, almost hitting her in the face. 

The same crowd pushed, shoved and elbowed people in front of them, trying to make it to the front of the stage.  At one point, during Emerson Drive's set, security actually had to stop the show, until order was restored.

At the time, I just chalked the crowd's behavior up to being a "North Dakota" thing, (for lack of a better phrase).  Though there had been an incident or two at country concerts in my home territory, they were nothing like in North Dakota.  Then came the year the Bull, (KUPL at the time), reintroduced Countryfest.

  

Unlike the Countryfests of the past, this one was held in the "Ro-Zone" during Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon.  The show was general admission, and like usual, concert goers began lining up in the morning for the afternoon/evening show. 

The difference with that crowd was, trouble started brewing before the gates were even open.  There were those farther back in the line who felt it wasn't fair that they weren't in line first.  Several were plotting how they could rush the ones in the front, to get past them and gain a better vantage point; and they very loudly let this fact be known to anyone within earshot.

Meanwhile, there were others who, despite a no smoking rule, lit up while in line, complained about others not liking it, and any number of things they felt should be different so they would be happy. Then the gates opened and the real  "fun" began.

I'm not opposed to people drinking; if it makes their concert going experience better, so be it.  However, when these peoples' behavior impairs the enjoyment of those around them, it's a problem.  Long story short on this incident; all chaos broke lose, and there were some really mean, nasty, rude people there, who didn't care about anything other than that *they* had a good time. 

Even after that incident though, I still felt like country concert goers were the best of any other genre; until recently.  More and more frequently I find myself not having as good a time as I used to at concerts.  It isn't due to the shows not being good;  90% of the time it's because of an unruly, rude crowd.

 I really feel that there's a direct correlation between country concert goers now, and the turn towards pop/rock that country music has taken.   The way I see it,  with the change in country music, it's attracting listeners who used to listen to other genres; genres where crowds can be a bit rougher at live performances.

At first I thought maybe it's just because I'm getting older; maybe I'm becoming less tolerant.  I really can't compare how I'm feeling with most of my fellow concert goers, since we're all pretty much in the same age bracket, give or take a few years.

My age is also what held me back from writing this post sooner.  I didn't want someone reading it, and thinking exactly that; that it's just the rambling complaints of an old lady. 

I emailed Jake Byron from 98.7 The Bull with my concerns, telling him how I felt, and what I wanted to say.

While Jake said that there will always be those who will see my post as one from a cranky old lady, my feelings, and those of my fellow older concert buddies are valid.  He then validated my feelings more by letting me know that *he* feels the same way I and my friends do. 

Jake is only in his 30's, (the average age of current country music listeners), and doesn't like the rough trend that's entering the country genre. That was good enough for me; it was time to write my blog post, which you've just read.

 It's not that I don't understand wanting to have fun; I totally get that.  I also understand that an artist feeds off the vibe of the crowd.  The more worked up the crowd, the more energized the performer.  I just wish it could be both ways.  I know it's possible, it's been done before.

KUPL Countryfest 2012

 (Today's word will be in red, and bold.)


Years ago KUPL began yearly listener appreciation concerts for those who tuned in to KUPL daily.  Over time the name of the program was changed to "Countryfest", and was held in locations such as Portland Meadows, and St. Helens, Oregon.

For a few years though, there's been no Countryfest; until now.  On Sunday, June 3, 2012, KUPL Countryfest took over the RoZone during Rose Festival in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Attendees began lining up as early as 8:30 am  for the afternoon/evening concert.  Gates were set to open at 3:30 pm that day, with two stages, one for local and one for national acts.   A few benches were set up to one side of the main stage, with some low bleachers on the sides as well. Those with blankets and chairs had a section by the local stage to set up their spot; for the most part though, it was standing room only for concert goers.
 
While the local acts were entertaining the crowd, KUPL also had several things going on from the main stage, between national acts.  The "Simon in the Morning" team had their "Simon Says" finals, with one winner enjoying time backstage with an artist.  TicTak was shooting t-shirts into the crowd with a t-shirt launcher; there were two people associated with the Oregon Jamboree that also tossed out t-shirts and three day passes to the audience throughout the day.

At one point, between national acts, TicTak brought a girl onstage that has been in the hospital , fighting for her life for the past few months. From her wheelchair, Alex determined which directions t-shirts should be thrown into the audience.  She had also been backstage earlier to meet Chris Cagle, and was part of a video that was being filmed that day.

 With all the activity going on between the stages, there was more going on backstage as well.  Some  KUPL listeners who won concert tickets also got a meet and greet with the artist of their choice.  A lucky few even had meet and greets with all of the artists.

Lola Montgomery had come up with the idea to have anyone who wore a red sundress to the concert be in a group photo with Kip Moore, in honor of a line from Moore's #1 hit, "Somethin' 'Bout A Truck".  Several women showed up in various styles and shades of red sundresses, and at the designated time, went backstage for the group photo.

Though there was a lot happening on the main stage, the music was still the focal point of the day.

The Ponderosa Stage was set up for local musicians, Britnee Kellogg; Kurt Van Meter; Lock, Stock & Barrel; and The Concrete Cowboys.  The local music started when the gates opened and went until 5 pm, when the first national act, newcomers Miss Willie Brown, took the Financial One main stage.

The duo,  (Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley), did a short, though very energetic set, including their current single, "You're All That Matters To Me"; which KUPL has been playing.  They were the perfect opening act on the main stage to get the party started.  From Miss Willie Brown, it was back to the local stage for more of the local bands. 

Casey James, from "American Idol" was the next performer to hit the main stage.

James did songs from his self-titled debut CD, including his current single, "Let's Don't Call It A Night".  Though in past performances he's leaned more towards the blues, Casey's music that evening kept more in line with the country theme.  It was also nice to be able to hear Casey's  wonderful voice so clearly; there are times when the music drowns him out, but not this night.

More local entertainment, then it was time for Jon Pardi to take the main stage.  Pardi was probably the least known of the line up that day; though by the end of his set, he'd gained more fans.

Even without the cowboy hat, Pardi easily represented more traditional country, while still having a fresh, new sound. He joked around with the audience between songs, telling different stories about the songs and the like.  Of course, his set wouldn't have been complete had he not done his current single, "Missin' You Crazy"; another tune that's been getting airplay on KUPL's overnight show.

Next up on the national stage, (after another set on the local stage), was former Trick Pony member, Heidi Newfield.

Like Miss Willie Brown, Newfield's performance was very high energy, with Heidi all over the stage the entire time.  She was very polished and professional, yet, real and down to earth at the same time.  Her voice was also as beautiful as it's always been.

Newfield did  songs from her upcoming CD, including her new single, "Why'd You Have To Be That Good".  In addition she did some songs from her Trick Pony days, as well as a cover of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues".  Following the Cash cover, Heidi launched into her first hit as a solo artist, "Johnny & June".

For a day filled with great music and performances, Heidi Newfield was probably the one who stood out the most with her set.

With the routine of local artists and activities in place, the next national musician was Kip Moore.

It was clear from the audience reaction, that Moore was the one the majority had come to see that day; at least the female attendees.

Moore didn't disappoint either.  He performed several songs, with his smooth style and voice, including his first single, "Mary Was the Marrying Kind", and his current #1 hit, "Somethin'  'Bout A Truck".  Moore did a great job during his somewhat laid back set, singing and interacting with the crowd.

More local music, then it was time for Darryl Worley to perform.

Worley was definitely even more laid back that Kip Moore before him.  He was so relaxed, singing his previous hits; telling about them and his life.  For as big as the crowd was that night, Worley made it feel like an intimate setting of friends sitting around listening to good music; there was enough energy though that no one was bored.  One of the highlights of Worley's set was when he did, "Have You Forgotten".  He changed the lyrics slightly towards the end of the tune, referencing that Osama Bin Laden is dead now.

Before the evening's headliner was to come onstage, the entire KUPL air staff was brought onstage and introduced to the audience.  Each had been introduced at some point in the day; this was just a moment to see everyone together at the same time onstage.

Then it was time for the final act of the night, headliner, Chris Cagle.

Cagle came onstage, performing many of his past hits, as well as new music he's recorded; including his latest, "Got My Country On".  His set was a great balance of energy and more settled down music.  Cagle also interacted with the audience quite a bit, sometimes being very emotional about what he was telling them.

At one point Cagle asked for Alex, (the girl he'd met earlier backstage), to come onstage with him.  TicTak came out instead, explaining that Alex had left to return to the hospital.  Cagle quickly asked if Alex was okay, and was assured yes, she had been tired and needed to return.  There was a definite look of relief when he heard this.

Over all, KUPL's Countryfest was a huge success.  Yes, as always there were a few bumps here and there; a few attendees who got a bit out of line; and the usual things that can happen at an event this size.  For the most part though, it was a fantastic day, and it's good to see Countryfest is back.  Can't wait to see what KUPL has in store for next year!

CONCERTS ON THE RIVERFRONT

This year KUPL will be sponsoring two concerts as part of the Rose Festival.  On May 29^th Justin Moore, (along with Christian Kane and Walker Hayes), will take the stage; and June 11^th will be Craig Morgan.  Both will be on the riverfront in what’s being billed as the “RoZone”.

This got me to thinking about an idea I’ve had for quite awhile now.  About not just having concerts on the riverfront, but actually having them on the water.  It’s not something that hasn’t already been done.  Alan Jackson for one has held concerts on the water before.  My idea is along the same lines, just on the Willamette River instead of somewhere in the south.

I’ve always thought the Morrison Bridge would be a cool place to have a concert.  On one side the bridge pillars have these big areas that extend out from them, (see photo below); that always remind me of a stage. 

                                     

I think it would be cool to have bands on each one, and have people be able to gather around the bridge in their boats.  For those without water transportation, they could line up along either side of the waterfront to hear the music.

Another idea would be to have people enter contests, (through radio stations, TV stations, etc.), where they could win a chance to actually be on the “stage” part of the Morrison bridge while the performance is going on.  Maybe tie that in with a sponsor, like La-Z-Boy for instance.  They could provide the seating for the event, and the winners would get to keep the chairs.  Or there could just be regular seating, like folding chairs, for those sitting on the stage.

My reasoning for using both areas of the bridge is simple:  Start with a singer, band, etc., on one area; when they’re done, the show can switch instantly to the other area, with no interruption of the music.  While the second act is performing, if there’s to be a third, the first area could be readied.  The entertainment would keep switching between the two areas until the concert was over.

Another cool thing about the Morrison Bridge is that it can be lit up at night.  All the more reason it reminds me of a stage. 

I’m guessing since the bridge can have different colors for lighting, it could be used to light the stage area for a night time show also.

Over all, I don’t know if any of this is really possible.  As I said though, I’ve always thought it was a cool idea, so I decided to share that idea here.