Attending live performances is a great hobby for some, and for many of my friends, it is a favorite thing to do.

A self-professed “deadhead,” this friend loves the Grateful Dead and talks about the number of times he’s been to their concerts over a span of thirty years, having traveled all over the U.S. to see them in various venues. 

I have another friend who sees Aerosmith every time they tour. She and a friend have made yearly trips to Las Vegas to see them while in residency at the MGM. They love them so much that they also attend concerts of the Aerosmith tribute band, Draw the Line every chance they get.

Still, a co-worker professes a preference for concert-going over traveling.

Though my preference is traveling over concert-going, I’ve been known to drive great distances to see the band, MercyMe. But one of my all time favorite experiences is attending P!nk concerts - a music and Cirque du Soleil performance in one! 

There are four of us who share a love of P!nk. We attended her Funhouse tour at the TD Garden in Boston together. And so when P!nk announced that she would play at Fenway Park this year, our group chat lit up. We were all in - even purchasing matching t-shirts to wear for the event.

While they are fun to attend, concerts have a huge impact on the economy as well. According to an article on CBS news, current Taylor Swift concerts are boosting the economy and helping to fuel the tourism industry. The Federal Reserve committee contends that for the cities in which she tours, hotels are grossing millions in revenue. An influx of Beyoncé fans for two May shows in Stockholm, Sweden, also made an economic impact there. Hotel prices skyrocketed and inflation was bumped up 0.2% that month, according to Danske Bank Chief Economist Michael Grahn.

Live performances encompass more than musical concerts. The theater is a great place to see live shows, and many will go to New York City regularly to take in the latest Broadway show. Others love to go to magic or comedy shows. Any act, play, dance, song, or other activity performed by live actors in person can be considered a live performance. 

But why is it that people love going to live performances, and are they worth it? Turns out, it’s a really healthy activity.

• Concerts create a bonding experience, bringing together people of different backgrounds where everyone surrounding you is there for the same purpose - to share the magic of a live performance. This sense of community creates connection and wellbeing.

• It is a special experience for friends or family members who attend together.

• A vast amount of positive energy fills a venue during a performance, putting everyone in a good mood, which improves mental outlook and longevity.

• Attending a live performance leads to reduced cortisol and lowered biological stress, according to a study by researchers from Imperial College London published in February in the Journal of Public Health. 

• If you are up out of your seat, swaying or dancing to the music, you’re getting exercise - not to mention walking from your car to the venue.

And you thought going to a concert was just plain fun. It’s true that the tickets can be expensive, but the next time you’re debating whether to spend the money, remember all of the health benefits. 

For the four of us who just attended the P!nk concert at Fenway, it was definitely worth it.

Here’s a link to a video I compiled of a few of the special moments in the performance. And if you’re interested, here’s her latest CD, Trustfall, that can be purchased at Amazon.

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