Live Music

I can’t sing to save my life, my instrument playing ability is nonexistent, and some would call my dancing “embarrassing”. However, none of that matters to me. Last year, I made it my mission to go to as many live music events as possible. In fact, the whole reason I had a summer job was so I would be able to buy concert tickets. To me, there is no greater feeling than listening to my favorite music, surrounded by my favorite people.

In a time where we are so stuck in our phones, music offers an escape. In fact, there is a direct correlation between music and happiness. Johns Hopkins Medical Center says that music “reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improves sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.” Not only is listening to music good for us, but also allows connection. Concerts create a sense of community by seeing that other people have similar interests to you. It makes it easier to start a conversation with friends. Concerts can bring a feeling of complete joy and emotion. In November of 2024, I was able to see Charles Wesley Godwin, my absolute favorite singer. Standing next to my mom, hearing him sing “Family Ties” I couldn’t help but feel a sense of great happiness that I don’t often have. According to Pfizer, your body releases dopamine after hearing just the first few notes of your favorite song. That feeling is amplified when you can experience it in person. 

I’m not saying that people should go buy a bunch of concert tickets in order to feel happy. There are many things that contribute to one's happiness, but for me, live music is a key factor. Free, live music is easily accessible in Richmond. We're so lucky in Richmond to have the Richmond Folk Festival, a free music event every year. Places like Maymont Park tend to host a lot of inexpensive outdoor concerts during the summer. These events can be great to go with your friends or family to create a closer bond.

Richmond might not have the same access to music as Key West or Nashville, but we are so lucky to have accessible live music in our area. We should not take these events for granted. If we let these opportunities to experience live music pass, we are also letting opportunities to feel joy pass.