Since this concert was my very first concert ever, I honestly had nothing to base it off of. However, in my opinion, it was the best first concert a person could experience. Being there felt so personal and I absolutely loved how engaging the group was with the audience. It inspired me to try something new and face my fears; something I never expected I would do as even going to the concert in the first place was something planned on a whim. 

It all started when my mother called me in from my room to ask me a random question of whether I had or had not heard of a group called “Verivery.” At the time I didn’t know how much this question would impact me and lead me to such an incredible experience so I nonchalantly answered “No,” while being intrigued by this group that caught mother’s attention. 

I remember how both my mother and father were sitting at the edge of their bed, crowded in front of a phone, watching one of the group’s music videos. I also remember really liking the song on my first listen; it was something unique that stood out and made me wonder a little more about them. After watching a few music videos with my parents, my mother then asked me if I’d want to go to their concert which was happening later that day at 7 pm. I said yes for fun and started trying to find something to wear.

It was an experience, preparing to go to a concert that you just heard about the same day it occurred. Additionally, it was interesting trying to find out more about this group, who I just found on that same day, all before the concert started.

I was first drawn to him when I heard him rap in their song, “G.B.T.B” as his flow was intriguing and unique. Since I did not have a lot of time to prepare, I started a charcoal drawing of him in the car on my way to the concert. It was a bit rough, especially since I was drawing while in a moving vehicle, however I was incredibly proud of the results. 

After reaching the venue, “The Plaza Live,” I joined the line of the many fans who gathered to see the group. While there, one of the people in line started handing out what I now know as, “freebies.” Before attending this concert, I only knew about people bringing signs for the artists, I never knew they also gave out gifts to their fellow concert goers.

With my large charcoal drawing in one hand and my new freebie in the other, I stepped through the now open theater doors and walked into the venue. Inside the venue lobby was a beautiful classic set up, reminiscent of theaters of the past. The staff members were very kind, one of them recognized me as the little girl who photographed the president at the time, Barack Obama! The buzz of the fans around me made the space come alive. I could not help but become excited too as it hit me that I was going to be able to watch an artist express their love for their craft onstage to their audience below. 

Next thing I knew, the lights dimmed and the room was filled with the sound of screams and a trap beat. Then, each member took their place on stage and started dancing, perfectly in sync with each other.

Although I spent most moments in the concert yelling and waving my lightstick to the beat, while watching I was able to truly appreciate the group’s artistry; they were incredibly serious about their craft and put on an impeccable show. As someone who did not know them before seeing them, I think this was the best introduction. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone looked like they were having so much fun, and I had a new amazing experience to add to the memories of my youth.

After screaming with everyone and belting out every lyric I was able to catch on to, it was time for the concert to end. During all of this, I tried desperately to get the members to notice the drawing I made of them however my work seemed futile… until the absolute end when the members talked to the audience for the last time.

Soon the members waved goodbye and the crowd started filtering outside the venue. While letting the the adrenaline of attending my first ever concert course through my body, I sat in my car and reminisced about the wonderful experience I had (I did this only after asking one of the staff members if they could take a photo of me holding my drawing up so the members can keep it).

In my mind though, I only had one thought; I wanted the next time I go back to that theater, the theater that holds the memory of my first concert ever, to be a time when I am able to hold my Canon EOS 80D camera and photograph the artists who grace that stage. While I dreamed this dream in the back seat of my ride home, the amazing concert I experienced just moments before continuyed to filter through my head until I feel asleep, peacefully excited for my next musical adventure.