Summer Concerts: A Family Affair
by Suzanne Johnson
Last summer when Lisa Thompson shopped for a birthday present for her soon-to-be 16 year old son Eric, she didn't head to the sports or electronics department. Lisa bought four tickets to the AC/DC concert in Tacoma, and took Eric to celebrate his birthday in rockin' style.
Just a few decades ago a band like AC/DC would have divided the generations. Rock music pitted Sinatra-loving parents against Woodstock-bound teens, and set a whole cultural shift into motion. The rebellious teens who cut their teeth on the hair bands of the 70s are now parents themselves, and the music once considered the Highway to Hell is not only mainstream, it is decidedly cross-generational.
ROCK MUSIC: CULTURAL DIVIDE OR CULTURAL BRIDGE?
A recent study by the Pew Research Center (pewsocialtrends.org) sheds light on musical taste and the generational divide. Pew's pre-Woodstock survey in 1966 showed an enormous division between the music preferred by parents and their kids, but the times, they are a-changin': the 2009 study revealed that now all ages — 16 through 60 — list rock music as most preferred, with icons such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson in their top ten lists.
In other words, the Thompsons are just one example of a sea change in family dynamics. Parents and kids share favorite bands. Live music concerts have morphed from the cultural divide that was Woodstock to a cultural connecting point that parents and kids can experience together.
More than just creating fond family memories, exposure to live music can be a real influence. Local performers Linda and Mark Quon made concert-going a regular happening with their now-teenage children. "Seeing live music has had a big impact on the kids and Owen especially," said Linda. These days her son Owen's band, "We are Brontosaurus," performs regularly at fund-raisers and all-ages events in Bend.
FROM ROCK-A-BYE BABY TO ROCK-N-ROLL TODDLER
The concert experience is no longer limited to big kids — plenty of families take little ones as well. Bend mom Jennifer Meyer brings her three children "to all sorts of concerts, whenever we can, wherever we can. They dance, they sing, they get stuck on a certain song, and sing it for months." Jennifer has had a life-long passion for music as a way to communicate emotion, especially for kids. "Sometimes as a child it's hard to find words to express how you feel, and that's why music is so important at a young age," she explained.
Jennifer's packing list for concerts-with-kids includes: earplugs, water and kid-friendly snacks, a pre-determined budget for on-site purchases, and extra blankets and warm layers for outdoor concerts. She previews the music and lyrics with her kids so they are familiar with the songs before the concerts.
Tabatha Simmonds' packing list goes a bit further. When she and husband Marshal decided to bring their kids to a two day Phish concert in the Gorge, they packed up an entire RV. The ability to sleep better, make healthy food, and use a clean bathroom was key to enjoying the concerts at night, said Tabatha. "We sat on the hill across from the stage, out of the crowd. Two year old Lily danced, and four year old Aidan still talks about the glow sticks flying around like fireworks."
The Simmonds also used the concert as a teachable moment. Kids are bound to see examples of smoking, drinking, or vulgar behavior at some concerts, and it's best to be prepared to explain why that behavior is unsafe and not funny. For the most part, Tabatha stated, "it was just really entertaining people-watching."
Tips for stress-free concerts with kids:
- Be sure kids know what to do in case they get lost (establish a meeting spot, know parents' phone numbers to call, or get help from another mom with kids).
- Be sure your child is able to wait in line for the restroom facilities at the concert, and don't let him or her go alone.
- And finally, be willing to call it a night early if needed — don't let cranky toddlers ruin the evening for other concert-goers.
As long hot days ease into clear starry nights, outdoor concerts are the way to go this summer — and the choices are bountiful, with prices to fit every budget (including FREE).
Munch and Music — Thursdays in Drake Park from 5:30 to 8:30pm. July 8-August 12. No entrance fee, but the inflatable kids' bouncers and slides can get spendy. BYO blanket to stake out some territory and picnic if you wish; food venders available. More information at www.c3events.com/events/Munch-and-Music/.
St. Charles Free Summer Sundays — Sundays at 2:30pm at the Les Schwab amphitheater, June 13-August 15. The wide open lawn begs kids to run and dance, the lineup is full of lively talent, and there's no better way to wind down the weekend. More information at www.theoldmill.com/live-events.
Rhythm on the Range Concert Series — Free music every Wednesday in July from 6:30 to 8:00pm at the Sunriver Resort on the Meadows Golf Course. Food, wine, and craft beer available. More information at www.sunriver-resort.com/sunriver-resorts-concerts.php.
Old St. Francis School, Father Luke's Room — Wednesdays at 7pm; free. This year-round series is indoors, but worth mentioning as the musicians are guaranteed to broaden your family's musical horizons. More information at www.mcmenamins.com/421-old-st-francis-school-home.
Bend Summer Festival — Downtown Bend, July 10th and 11th. The festival has free admission and features jazz, blues, and rock bands — plus a variety of street performers. More information at www.c3events.com/events/Bend-Summer-Festival.
Concerts at the Les Schwab Amphitheater — This season's lineup ranges from Michael Franti to Willy Nelson. Tickets for a family can add up, but as a special occasion it's hard to beat. Keep in mind no strollers, drinks or food allowed; the two-and-under crowd is free. More information at www.theoldmill.com/live-events.
Deschutes County Fair — Wednesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 1 with a concert each evening at 7:00. Look for a perpetual favorite of pint-size rockers — Weird Al Yankovic! More information at expo.deschutes.org/index.php/fair_expo/.
For a mini-vacation or just overnight, consider one of these outdoor venues within a day's drive of Central Oregon:
The Oregon Zoo in Portland. As the animals turn in, the bands tune up! The lineup has a wide geographical range, from Newfoundland to West Africa, and styles ranging from old-school punk (the B-52's) to southern rock. oregonzoo.org
The Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene. The lineup includes more hiphop and rap artists, such as Damian Marley and Kid Cudi, along with classic rockers like Jackson Brown and Ringo Starr. Keep wiggly kids happy with general seating on the outer grassy berm. thecuthbert.com
The Britt Festival in Jacksonville. Combine this venue with a Shakespearian play in nearby Ashland for a well rounded weekend of culture! The Britt seems to catch every performer coming through the state, creating a huge and varied calendar of talent. brittfest.org
The Gorge Amphitheater in Central Washington draws big-name bands and big crowds as well. The perfect spot to introduce your kids to Tom Petty, Nickelback, or perennial Gorge favorite Dave Matthews. gorgeconcerts.com
The Oregon Jamboree in Sweet Home, from August 1-3. If your family leans toward country, do plan on getting tickets. Enjoy beautiful camping and the chance to take in Keith Urban, Sugarland, and a host of other talent. oregonjamboree.com
|
|
