The great American Composer Aaron Copland once said,

“To stop the flow of music would be like stopping the flow of time itself; incredible and inconceivable.”

It does seem that music is the one thing in life that remains constant amid the world of trends and phases that come and go. It enhances our minds, imaginations and emotions and is universally engraved in our culture.

However, it seems that some people today surprisingly enjoy listening to music, but have never attended a live performance, live show, or concert. As you can imagine from my board name, I am an avid concert-goer and music fan. For me, the one and only thing better than music itself, is the beauty of experiencing music live, especially when it was a Clay Aiken concert.

Loads of music fans feel an uncontrollable sense of happiness, thrill and excitement seeing their favorite artist perform live.  It is like a dream come true!!  If you have attended a live music show or concert anytime in your life, you will surely agree that such events are the experience of a lifetime that will stay with you forever.

Once the stage is set, the spotlights are turned on and the artist takes his place, the fans begin to absorb and take in every second of the performance, swaying with the music and singing along with their Idol!!

Besides being fun, concerts first and foremost have been proven to benefit your health. This may sound ludicrous to some people, but it’s true.

Music therapy is a widely used technique that enhances well being, reduces stress and distracts a person from unpleasant symptoms, sicknesses or disorders, according to the Southern Medical Journal. The Journal says:

“It has been proven that music exerts direct physiologic effects through the autonomic nervous system.”

Basically, this means it effectively reduces anxiety and enhances a sense of comfort and relaxation in medical, surgical, intensive care or mentally ill patients, from young kids to grown adults.

According to a recent study done by the American Music Therapy Association, music can also help improve an individual’s standard of living, by managing stress, enhancing memory and improving communication.

Summer is here, and summer by far is one of the best seasons to see a live show.  So I urge you;  please treat yourself this summer with the priceless gift of live music.  Music generally has greater immediacy and emotional effects when it is a live recording or live performance.

So, what are you waiting for?  You only live once. Check out the 10 Best Outdoor Music Venues in the U.S. and attend a summer concert.  The only place listed by Fodor’s that I have attended is the Hollywood Bowl.  It is an amazing place to attend a concert.  I hope I can visit some other outdoor venues …soon!

Happy Summer to All of You!!