There’s a fascinating trend among 21st-century parents that captures my attention: the phenomenon of taking children to concerts featuring bands they loved before parenthood. This family concert-going movement is part of a broader cultural shift where parents refuse to give up their love for live music simply because they can’t find a babysitter. Similar to family-friendly dining spots and movie theaters hosting Baby Nights, this trend encourages parents to include their kids in the fun. It takes a certain level of optimism reminiscent of ’70s punk rock fans: “If I just close my eyes and pretend really hard, maybe I’ll forget that I have to change a diaper between songs.”
When I shared this trend with my friend Sarah, a spirited grandmother in her sixties, she exclaimed, “Goodness. Just one more forced bonding experience we could all do without.” However, I wholeheartedly support parents wanting a night out, turning the experience of concert-going into a mysterious and special event for their young ones. Along with milestones like getting a driver’s license or enjoying legal drinks, attending a concert could serve as a rite of passage, a moment to say, “You’re not there yet, but if you finish your vegetables and ace that spelling test, someday you will be.”
There’s merit to the ambient music appreciation approach, where parents play their favorite tracks at home, allowing children to soak it in naturally, without pressure. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard musicians mention how their parents influenced their musical tastes with artists like Johnny Cash. Just like good nutrition, good music is all about availability; ultimately, it’s up to the child to engage with it.
On the flip side, if you try to tightly tether your own musical preferences to your child, there’s a risk they might rebel against it. If your taste in music is particularly refined, your child, during those teenage years of self-discovery, might rebel by diving into the world of pop sensations like Ke$ha instead of appreciating the classics.
When my daughter Ava was in 5th grade, a band she loved, The Lumineers, was set to perform at a famous venue downtown. Ava eagerly asked to join me, and I agreed partly because I often caught her humming their songs while doing homework. Plus, I thought it would be a fun memory to create together, and let’s be honest, having a young concert buddy sometimes draws a little more attention from the performers.
On an unexpectedly warm spring evening, we journeyed across the bridge to the venue, excited about standing in line for general admission. Ava, who was just under 5 feet tall, was apprehensive about the crowd. I reassured her that most fans were in their 40s and wore comfy shoes, making for a gentle concert atmosphere. As we approached the venue, Ava was greeted with smiles and friendly nods from fellow fans, solidifying my promise of a friendly crowd.
During the concert, we struck up conversations with those nearby while waiting for the opening act. A couple of teachers from Ava’s school were delighted to see her and invited her to the front row for a better view. Shortly after she settled in, a security guard approached me, asking if Ava would like to sit down for the show. He promptly brought over a folding chair and placed it right by the stage. As the lights dimmed and the band began to play, Ava tucked in her earplugs and happily perched herself just feet away from the performance.
Midway through the show, as the crowd’s energy filled the air, the same security guard reached for a water bottle from the stage and handed it to Ava. Even amidst the music, the lead guitarist paused to share a smile and a wink with her, making her night even more special.
As the concert drew to a close, our friendly guard invited us to stay a bit longer and returned with a rolled-up concert poster for Ava. “We’re not supposed to give these away!” he said over the music. Just as we were about to leave, a gentleman with a backstage pass approached us and handed Ava a keepsake pass. “Here you go, kid,” he said, beaming.
The risk of sharing your own musical taste with your kids is ever-present, but so are the rewards. One day, you might find your child embracing those very tunes you introduced them to, turning your dreams into their reality.
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In summary, the trend of parents taking their children to concerts is about creating shared experiences and fostering a love for music. While there are risks in trying to instill your preferences in your children, the potential for beautiful memories and connections is worth it.
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