Teens crowd the sidewalks leading up to the venue, anxiously waiting to be let inside for the concert. With only a few minutes left until the doors open, the level of excitement is high, and everybody is ready to rush inside to find the perfect spot. For some people this is a special occasion, but for others, it’s an amazing yet regular experience.

There’s a core group of students at Linganore who make attending concerts a priority.

Junior Megan Hamlet has seen great bands live such as Of Mice & Men, You Me At Six, and Pierce The Veil, but her favorite concert was All Time Low. “I’ve been to 13 concerts total. I go to one at least once every three months,” says Hamlet. “They’re fun and I feel more at home than anywhere else.”

Tyler Graham, senior, hasn’t been to quite as many concerts as Hamlet, but he’s just as passionate for live music. “I’ve been to probably five or six by now,” Graham says. “I always get into new kinds of music, and [concerts are] always fun to go to.” Some of Graham’s favorite shows include Chvrches and Weezer.

Concerts aren’t only incredible experiences for the fans, but for the bands performing them as well. Alvarez Kings, a band of four that originated from South Yorkshire, has played approximately 500 shows and has enjoyed every one of them.

“It’s great when friends are in the audience singing our lyrics at the top of their voices. And it’s cool to see a couple in each other’s arms. We want people to feel connected through our music and the fans showing this at our shows makes it all worthwhile,” the band says in an interview with The Lance.

Different concerts provide for different atmospheres. The fans at the concerts that Hamlet has attended are “happy, friendly, and just overall a lot of fun.” But the fans that attend aren’t the only factors that affect a concert: the venue has a big impact on the intimacy of the show, as well.

“I prefer smaller venues, because they’re a lot more personal,” Hamlet says. “It’s a lot easier to meet the band members that way.” Hamlet has met many band members at past concerts such as Vic Fuentes of Pierce The Veil and Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low.

If your goal is to meet the band afterwards, then Alvarez Kings suggest stopping by the merchandise tent/table. “It works best for photos and signing. We try and take time to interact with fans as much as possible,” the band says.

Hamlet and Graham recommend turning to the Internet to stay updated with the latest tours. Hamlet sticks to the social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook, while Graham usually checks with Bandsintown, DC101, or searches Google.

Concerts are more than just fun nights out; they’re memories that will stay with a fan for a long time. Whether fans meet a band member, meet new friends, or even just discover new music, it’s an experience that one definitely doesn’t want to miss out on.

Alvarez Kings says, “We always say to get [to the show] from the start. Who knows? The first support [opening] band on could become your new favourite band.”