On Wednesday we went to see Pearl Jam at the Cruzan Amphetheatre in West Palm. It was awesome, but as usual, I over-did it to the point of not being able to remember much of the actual music. We went via chartered bus so we didn’t have to worry about driving. I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to go to a concert an hour drive away! Get about 30 people involved and it is dirt cheap.
We had beers while we were waiting to load up, beers on the bus and of course, beers at the concert, then more beers back in town before going home. All that equals an entire day for this 32 year old to recover.
We had tickets on the lawn. I love the lawn in West Palm because I hate being tied down to an assigned seat. Of course, the pit is always preferable but not all of the artists even offer it, and most times I can’t afford it. One of the things about lawn seats is that I always feel sorry for the folks who get there real early and lay out a blanket. In theory, it seems like a smart thing to do, however, it almost always ends in disaster.
Here is how it goes. They get there early, lay out their blanket in a good spot. Call or text all their friends letting them know where they are parked. Take turns with their friends all afternoon “guarding” the spot. Everyone is cordial with one another and polite. Then, the concert starts. All the people that spent the afternoon hanging out by the beer vendors and the late arrivals start filling up the place. Things start out ok, people politely walk around the blankets and try not to stand in front of their view. Then, as the sun sets and the headliner takes the stage, all bets are off. The die-hards who were trying everything they knew how to do from giving dirty looks to asking politely, have given up on their “seat” are now standing. The smart ones pick up their blanket, the concert rookies try to stand in front or on top of their blanket.
So, really, there is no point. Might as well do what I usually do. Arrive just as the opening band is hitting the stage, politely work your way in to a reasonably good spot and enjoy. Or, splurge on the good seats. No use trying to swim upstream.
