By Dyan Jaime
This year I had the opportunity of seeing seven different concerts:
- Tyler, the Creator
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA
- Lady Gaga
- Laufey
- Chappell Roan
- Tate McRae
- Sabrina Carpenter
I got to see three new artists this year, and the other four were artists I saw for the first time. Tyler, the Creator was very memorable; I saw him for the first time with my boyfriend, which was a fantastic experience. His segment of playing his old album was my favorite, as I got to hear some of my favorite songs live for the first time. He’s a great performer, and seeing him dance around and interact with the crowd was so refreshing. Overall, Tyler was a great start to my concer season. Kendrick Lamar and SZA were a great duo to get to see. Kendrick Lamar was excellent, and seeing him perform in a larger stadium was also rewarding. The last time I saw Kendrick Lamar was at his Big Steppers Tour, which was held at the Crypto Arena. I have never been a fan of the audio at Sofi Stadium, as it echoes really badly, making it hard to hear the artist. SZA was terrific, and her overall stage presence was fabulous; she engaged with the crowd well, and it was great hearing her live.
Lady Gaga was my favorite concert of the year overall. It took place during the summer, which added to the experience. Seeing her perform her newest songs, as well as some classics, was a lot of fun, and her set design was exceptional. Laufey delivered another excellent performance, with her jazz club set being the highlight. She also brought out Katseye to perform with her, which was definitely a highlight. Chappell Roan’s festival-like concert was super fun, and it was my first time experiencing something like it, which made it memorable for me. I loved getting to dance and sing along with her, and the people I met were a lot of fun, too. Tate McRae was excellent; her stage presence was phenomenal. The way she danced on stage, as well as her transitions between songs, kept me engaged with her concert. Sabarina Carpenter was the best way to end the year. I got to see her perform for the second time in a row, even getting to be on the same date. Getting the opportunity to hear some songs from her new album was a lot of fun and a fantastic experience, even if I did have to drive in the rain.
Overall, my concert experience this year was a lot of fun, and I’m excited for next year’s concert lineup. I’m forever grateful to get to go to this many concerts every year, and I’m more thankful for the people I get to see these artists with.