Live music’s return will be therapeutic — while fans rejoice

Like a kid in a candy store, music lovers rejoice, as the live music scene opens up from a terrible hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stages at venues, big and small, will once again be hosting all types of musical genres and personal favourites. Cue the “Pure Imagination” song from the classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” film. Theatres, arenas, outdoor festivals, bars and the like have been dark for far too long. You can almost feel the energy in the air, already. This summer, will be like no other, as southern Albertans return to the fine art of concert going. It will be electrifying.

Live music is indeed therapeutic, life changing, inspirational — and a fun time had by all. Memories are made, friendships are born and new music is introduced to the masses, while hit songs are sung loudly by loyal fans. It’s quite the scene, and has been missed by many. Not only have fans been awaiting the arrival of lockdowns and restrictions being lifted, musicians and crews have been chomping at the bit to get back out on the road to deliver their creative juices to the world.

Amplifiers will be turned up to the max, speakers will be pounding, crowds will be surfing (or will follow social distancing rules, for the time being) and bright lights will be illuminating the singers, the guitarists, the drummers, the bassists and the rest of the musicians on stage. Music will fill the air and good times will surely prevail. It’s inevitable. Southern Albertans have been anticipating this moment to share with their fellow concert-goers for what has seemed like an eternity. So, let the good times roll.

This summer, the summer of 2021, could just be the “Ultimate Summer of Music.” Move over Woodstock. Across the globe, music festivals are returning, festivals are happening, celebrations are being had and musicians are getting back to what they do best — entertain. Live music is a beloved and cherished rite of passage — not to be taken lightly. It’s been great, artists have been creative, innovative and adaptive with offering virtual concerts, cover sessions, etc. — but there’s nothing like seeing your favourite artist live and in-person.

A person remembers their very first concert. It’s a unique experience for each and every person at a live show. Live music can move mountains, it has transformation properties, it can make someone happy, sad, euphoric and addicted to the sweet sounds of a live music gathering. Collectively, a crowd at a live show become friends, if even for a short period of time. Fans will leave a live show with a sense of belonging, oneness and perhaps with a slight ringing in the ear.

This editorial originated in the Sunny South News.