I went to my very first concert when I was 13.

It was Hanson’s first tour that came to Lakewood Amphitheater (now Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheater).

Some of you may laugh at this fact, but that concert was the beginning of my involvement with music that led to so many memorable experiences in my life.

Since then, I’ve seen classic artists such as Van Halen and Peter Frampton to the bands of today such as Third Eye Blind and Incubus.

I’ve sat by members of Aerosmith and Cheap Trick at a The Darkness concert at the Tabernacle.

And, I’ve seen Hanson a few more times. I even drove 14 hours in May with my friends to see the band in its hometown of Tulsa, Okla.

This is the kind of passion I have for music I love.

Seeing a concert – either in the front row or the back of the venue – lets me experience my favorite music.

I can rock out to my favorite songs in Atlanta or New York City, but Athens is the most convenient city for me at the moment.

However, even though I lived less than an hour away from Athens my entire life, I never saw a show in the Classic City until after I started school at the University.

I had no idea what this city had to offer, even during my freshman year since I lived at home.

I always went to Atlanta to see shows. But now I know it doesn’t compare.

I always knew so many musicians were made popular through the Athens music scene. R.E.M. and B-52′s are classic examples of internationally known artists.

But when I moved to Athens, I found out more of what this tune-filled town had to offer.

Best of all, I found groups playing around town that could have the chance of fame. Modern Skirts and Bain Mattox are just a couple of names that one day could be linked to Athens.

Over the last few years, Tasty World and 40 Watt Club have become some of my favorite hangouts, and checking concert calendars is a part of my daily routine.

I could see a concert every night of the week if I wanted. My grades would surely suffer, but it’s nice to know I have the option.

I can even hang out at Georgia Theatre with my friends and members of my favorite bands until 4 a.m.

It’s sad for me to hear that some locals have never experienced a night out on the town that includes dinner and a show at a place as big as Georgia Theatre or as small as DT’s Down Under.

Everybody needs to experience that at least once.

- Michelle Floyd is Out & About Editor at The Red & Black