How Do You Prioritize Concert Going/new Music Now That You're a Mom?

Updated on May 16, 2011
N.K. asks from Oakland, CA
10 answers

I spent so much of my pre-parenthood days in concert venues that one of the hardest changes for me when I became a mom was figuring out how to stay tuned in to the music scene (and not just Raffi and the Wiggles.) Now that my kids are older (10 and 13) I've got more freedom to hit the shows - where I feel like a creepy codger. Curious to know how other moms reconcile that musical passion and the changing priorities of age!

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So What Happened?

Loved all your responses to my question, thank you! Now I don't feel so strange for sleeping in my "What Would Joan Jett Do" tshirt and balancing the cost/benefit of new shoes for the kids vs. new concert tix for Mama.

I'm convinced there's a community of women who aren't quite ready to hang up the concert going shoes yet...I'm starting to do a series of concert reviews on my blog specifically aimed at moms which will answer the question: "Worth hiring the sitter?" Here's the first one in case you'd like to check it out- Chris Robinson from the Black Crowes with his new band, the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

http://nancydaviskho.blogspot.com/2011/05/concert-crone-r...

Would love some feedback from you concert going moms if you're so inclined..and either way thanks again for making me feel less alone...
N.

More Answers

M.J.

answers from Dover on

My kids are 10 & almost 12, I go to as many concerts as I can possibly find the time & the money for all year long. I don't give a damn what anyone else there thinks about me, I'm there for the music & to dance & sing & feel alive & happy & young!! I took my daughter to her first concert last year, but we went mild & met my mom & sister at the American Idol on Tour show where my sister managed to win us all backstage passes so we got to meet all of the Idols, take pictures & get autographs. I'm hoping to instill my love of live music to my kids as well!

3 moms found this helpful

E.B.

answers from Seattle on

We still get to about 6 concerts a year. And I go to our Summer music festival that is on Labor day weekend. I have to make sometime to do the stuff that keeps me feeling like a kid. Although I do not go into the mosh pits anymore. I dont need to break my face for fun anymore!!

2 moms found this helpful
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T.G.

answers from Pueblo on

I love concerts... I dont think music has an age limit. Music is timeless. I love Hip-Hop, R&B, Country, Oldies, 70's, 80's I mean everything. Ive been to everything from Reo-Speedwagon/Styx to Eminem. Dont feel old... I feel blessed to witness great talent. And I will bring my kids along someday to experience it the way I have. Music doesnt discriminate, it is a feeling. In fact I am taking my 15yr old to her 1st concert in June. We are going to have a blast!! No worries Momma...Enjoy and Happy Listening!!

2 moms found this helpful

A.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

There is no age limit when it comes to musical preference. I've been an avid concert-goer since I was 13. I have been to over 300 concerts and I have every ticket stub. I love the variety of ages, I learned ALOT from the "older folks" when I was younger. I have never been to a concert (except those in venues w/an age limit) that didn't have people from birth on up. Granted, I don't party as much when I go, but I still dance my a** off!

2 moms found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

I just go.

Especially for outdoor venues, I'll often bring my son. In the beginning it was gunrange ear protection, now just drummer's earplugs. I don't take him to a *ton* of concerts, maybe 6 or 7 a year tops. For local stuff/shows, unless I know the band, he stays home... since there are very few all ages venues in our area. We've gone as often as once a week for local stuff.

Maybe because I've always brought my son along whenever possible, just going by myself is easy.

2 moms found this helpful

B.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi Mama
A passion for music has no age limit!!
I too used to go to alot of concerts pre children.Also hubby is a huge music fan. We play alot of music in our house and go to family type music gigs.
Now we only get to a proper concert once every two yrs approx as our son is still very young and we prefer to stay at home.
We will get to more concerts as the years pass. I would love to see Black Eyed Peas in concert so we will make the effort if they play here.
Don't worry,see yourself as the cool,music lover that can still rock instead of the creepy codger LOL!
B.

2 moms found this helpful
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D.R.

answers from New York on

sigh.... i used to go to everything. i live on long island, we have so many awesome concert venues nearby. i miss it. guess what, i just saw bon jovi!! i won seats at a fundraiser. sooooo glad i went, i had a great time. i think im gonna try to go more. and i looooove the black crowes

2 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

We do a lot of music festivals with the kids and 2 or 3 sitter nights a month for shows in towm we want to see. We definitely budget for it! Most shows have plenty of our early 40s demographic there, but it doesn't matter to me. We saw Girl Talk in January and it was fantastic! We and our friends were by far the oldest folks there. So funny-this guy who was about 19 came up behind me and started grinding on me and wrapping himself around me at one point. I thought it was my husband and I don't know what he thought, but we were both a bit shocked when I turned around and looked at him! He definitely had a look on his face tjat said, "OMG -you could be my mom!"

2 moms found this helpful

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

I wouldn't like anything where all the patrons were young, so I wouldn't be a codger. I MAY hit the Soundgarden tour and plenty of 40 somethings will be there for sure. I'm right in the zone still where I don't go much anymore because my kids are small, but I'm an older mom so I have LOTS of concerts behind me. I'm kind of OK with that since I got my fill and don't really miss it....I mean I may not even care if I see Soundgarden or not and I LOVED them and it's a huge reunion with Mastadon and some other good openers...and i'm like...meh.

1 mom found this helpful

M.L.

answers from Houston on

I just went to my first show in 10 years... ahhh it felt great as i was also a major concert goer1 Fortunately, the age group of the audience ranged from a very few preteens to late 20's early 30's so I felt fine. I think it depends on the venue and of course the music if you are going to be seen as an old geezer or not.

As for planning, we definitely budget for everything, so that plays the largest role.

1 mom found this helpful
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