BETHEL — Twenty-six percent of all Americans share a common plan of attending music festivals or concerts during the summer months. This percentage seems to apply to even our small town here in Bethel.
Many teens in this area have anywhere from one to five concerts planned for this summer. This includes artists ranging from The Smashing Pumpkins (rock) to Luke Combs (country) to Taylor Swift (pop). Although many discuss taking only a short drive to see music at the Gem Theater here in Bethel, many also take a longer journey to venues in places like Portland, Gilford, Bangor and even Boston to see their favorite artists live.
Lindsy Stephenson, a senior at Telstar High School, has seen five concerts this summer with artists that vary from indie to folk. She states, “I love being able to dance around with other people who like the same stuff.” Lindsy has traveled all the way to Boston to feel this connection with like-minded people.
Similar to Lindsy’s response Isla De Cato, an upcoming 8th grader at Telstar Middle School, adds, “What I find most enjoyable about live music is you can dance and have fun and you are surrounded by so many different people.” Not only is similarity appealing but experiencing a contrast in people is as well.
In addition to a concert’s unique atmosphere, “I enjoy the energy that the artist brings,” says upcoming sophomore Jonathan Marshall.
Live music is an experience that can be shared with friends, family, and significant others. Explained by 10th grade student Evan Parsons, “I enjoy seeing music with people who share the same love for music I have.”
Even in rural Maine, concerts continue to be a summer staple for many; traveling across states to be surrounded by other music loving fans and high energy performers.
If you’re looking for live performances to attend through the upcoming months visit The Gem Theater to see: Yasmin Williams on Sept. 17, Mali Obomsawin Xtet on Oct. 1, The Ultimate Johnny Cash on Oct. 28, or Leslie Mendelsohn on Nov. 18. For more information and tickets go to thegemtheater.com.
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