The concert experience is one of the most highly anticipated experiences for a teenager. There’s nothing better than listening to your favorite artists perform live, surrounded by other humans who are also there for one common reason: to have a good time. Cypress Ranch students shared the different ways they prepare for, travel to and experience a concert.
Gracie Abrams
Junior Gabriella Hodgson attended the Gracie Abrams concert with her friends Marianna and Kelsey. To prepare for the concert, Gabriella shopped about a month in advance to find her perfect concert outfit. While doing her hair and putting on her makeup, she listened to the concert setlist. The transportation to the show went quite smoothly for Gabriella and her friends. Marianna drove the three of them to the show, allowing for further quality time to be shared between the girls.
Once at the show, they listened to the opener, Role Model. “I didn’t really know his music, but he was really good,” Hodgson said.
Leading up to Gracie coming on stage, the lights dimmed, building suspense. When she finally arrived, Hodgson said she was extremely excited. The concert started with Track 1, “Felt Good About You” on Gracie’s newest album, “The Secret of Us.”
Hodgson’s favorite song played was “Free Now” because it is her favorite song of Gracie’s, and she had been anticipating hearing it live since it was released.
“I would totally recommend seeing Gracie Abrams in concert,” she said. “It was such an unforgettable experience.”
Clairo
Sophomore Mikayla Alarcon saw indie artist Clairo live in concert recently. When she was preparing for the show, she had no idea what to wear. In order to give herself ideas, she scrolled TikTok and Pinterest. This was successful because it led her to a cute outfit that she actually ended up wearing. The concert was at the White Oak Music Hall. According to Mikayla, the venue is super nice and spacious.
The venue is outdoors and features a nice hill to sit on. “The environment was super vibey,” Alarcon said.
Transportation-wise, there wasn’t much traffic on the way to the show. However, finding parking was ridiculously hard, she said. Eventually, she ended up having to pay $60 just for a parking spot in a random lot.
When inside the venue, Mikayla enjoyed listening to the opener, Alice Phoebe Lou. “I enjoyed her music. If you like indie/alt, I’d recommend you listen,” she said.
When Clairo came onstage, she felt unreal. She’d been listening to her music for years, and to think she was actually listening to her live was a dream come true.
Her favorite song performed was “Bags.” “It’s just a really iconic song we always put emphasis on from her discography,” Alarcon said. “So finally, to hear it live, was almost mind altering.”
Mikayla recommends seeing Clairo because “she is so talented not only as a singer, but a performer too.” Clairo was very genuine and always made sure that the audience was doing okay before continuing the show.
These experiences as a teenager can shape the way you react to social situations. If you go out and listen to live music with thousands of people with someone in common with you, you will be able to have a wonderful new experience.
