The packed crowd screams in Northerly Island as the spotlight settles on singer Conan Gray, sophomore Maggie Dempsey’s favorite musician. Given how important music is to Dempsey, she values experiences like these because concerts are a way for her to express herself and her interests.

Dempsey explained that concerts are important to her, and seeing her favorite artist brings her joy and even more admiration for the musician.

“I really like concerts because you can appreciate your favorite artists [by seeing] them live,” Dempsey said. “Music is a really big part of my life, and to share that with other people is the best experience.”

The element of community is also a driving factor for English Teacher Hillary Kane’s love for concerts. She explained music connects people and even if someone does not like a certain type of music, there is a shared appreciation for the art.

“[Music is a] great unifier between people,” Kane said. “If someone likes music, the type of music doesn’t matter. “[Even though I prefer] one genre or type of music, the appreciation is still there across the board.”

Kane also appreciates how music can introduce her to more people, who she wouldn’t have met without their common interest in music.

“One of the things I loved is that every band and each type of music brings forth a particular group of people. I always found that super interesting.” Kane said.

However, for English Teacher Scott Glass, the lack of space at many concerts is a drawback to attending them. Glass mentioned that crowds at concerts make him feel overwhelmed, and cause him to lose the sense of affinity with the artist.

“I have very little interest in going to any big festivals,” Glass said. “[I do not like] watching from a distance [when] the people performing are [like] tiny specks. That [sense of] intimacy is gone.”

Glass said he prefers small venues because the sound is enhanced for the audience, which ultimately leads to a deeper connection with the artist performing.

“I like the intimacy of a small venue,” Glass said. “I can have more of a connection to the artists themselves when I’m seeing them in a smaller space, where I can actually see the looks on their faces, see them sweat, and there’s a vibrancy there.” Glass said.

He emphasizes how being a part of a fan base helps him feel a sense of belonging within a community.

I [have been going to concerts] for years [and] when you are in that kind of a community, there’s an energy that you can get from it, not just the fact that it’s live, but it gives me this sense of belonging [within the] community.”

Additionally, concerts can connect people from different backgrounds, Kane explained. For Kane, music provides a sense of belonging that connects a group of like-minded individuals despite their differences.

“I can go see a concert, [and if] the audience is younger or older than me, it doesn’t matter.” Kane said. “Once the appreciation for the band is there, you’re united. That’s what I love about [concert culture].”