Is anyone here still into live concerts these days?

Most recent concert was Toto at the Uptown Theatre in Kansas City. They were awesome. 

A few years back, I went to a concert with two of my boys. I wasn't real familiar with either band, but they kicked ass.  Shinedown and Papa Roach. 

A few years before that, Collective Soul. 

In the 80’s it was about five nights a week, the 90’s down to three (both while living in L.A.). In the 2000’s once or twice a week, these days once or twice a month. But I wouldn't call them concerts, all being in small clubs, which I much prefer. And besides, that's where the artists I want to see perform. That, and small theaters (Iris DeMent appears at The Aladdin Theater when in Portland, about as big a venue as I care for).

I still love live music but who I go the see and hear and where has changed over the years. Going to stadiums to hear multiple acts is still fun with a group of people. Tailgating before and after and the shared experience is fun as long as I’m willing to pay the ridiculously high prices. I’m glad I saw so many acts over the years that I don’t have to overpay to see legacy acts that are over the hill just to see them once before they go to rock and roll heaven. Hearing local acts or up and coming acts at smaller local venues is great for just me and my wife. For legacy acts we have enjoyed cover bands in small theaters as a reasonable price.

I live west of Boston and I attend shows at Bull Run in Shirley fairly regularly. Fantastic acts, no seat is bad, good food and drink and wonderful, friendly, musically knowledgeable clientele. I don't do large venues but will hit.some mid-size ones occasionally for a good act. I find the cost/crowds/ hassle of large venues just suck any fun out of it for me. I've seen Richard Thompson, Iris Dement, Albert Lee, Bill Kirchen, Savoy Brown, Aaron Neville, Johnny Winter, Slambovian Circus of Dreams and other greats in this small venue. Others can fill up stadiums to see Fleetwood Mac, Stones Billy Joel, etc.

Here in Cloverdale CA Friday Nights, a series of summer concerts starting in May and ending in September, waah.  The downtown is closed off, local vendors beer and wine.  Free as it is sponsored by local business.  Excellent SF Bay Area bands you dance 5 feet from.  Bring a cooler and chair, just be aware some people sit in the same place for years ;)  Nothing beats live music!