Hey, yinz and happy Friday!

Today’s post is a little different as its part of Eventbrite’s summer series:  getting people to squash FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and to get in the habit of GOMO (Going Out More Often).  For those of you who don’t know me, I suffer from FOMO quite often.  I mean, have you seen how many concerts I’ve been to?  Once I see a lineup or tour announced, I start to stress out about who the surprise performers are going to be and that if I think it’s going to be someone epic, how I have to be there.  The FOMO is real!

How does one treat FOMO?  The cure is simple – get into the habit of GOMO!  That’s what I’ve been doing, and it’s working really well for me.  The FOMO has decreased.

What do I have lined up, you ask?  Well for starters, I’m attending two concerts this weekend – one being tonight!

THIS SUMMER’S (AND FALL’S) GOMO GO-TO’S

• BET Experience Concert, 6/24:  Usher, Bryson Tiller, Kehlani, & MADEINTYO
• BET Experience Concert, 6/25:  Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Fetty Wap, Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla $ign, & A$AP Ferg
• Summer Sixteen Tour, 9/7:  Drake and Future
• Formation World Tour, 9/14:  Beyonce
• Saint Pablo Tour, 10/25:  Kanye West

I am SO dang excited to go to those concerts you have no idea.  And depending on what other concerts pop up this summer, I’ll do my  best to attend those as well because you know I can’t be missing out – and neither should you!

Now having attended more concerts than I can count, I’ve learned a thing or two about concert-going etiquette, and I’d love to share these tips with yinz.  See below :).

DO’S – 

• Regarding attire, stick to sneaks, jean shorts or leggings, a flannel wrapped around your waist (it’s trendy & in case you get cold), and a cute shirt.  If wearing something high-waisted, pair that with a crop top, and you’re good to go.

• What to bring in your purse?  Definitely some gloss, perfume, a portable phone charger/case (major), and some cash.  Simple tings.  I don’t think I have to cover what the dudes need to bring – they always have it easy in this regard!
• When you arrive at the concert, get your beverage immediately.  That way you can get settled in your seat and not be ‘that person’ when the opening act is about to start and you need a drank… very rude.  Enjoy the first act, take a bathroom break, buy another bev, and you’re good to go!
• For those concerts that aren’t at a major venue like Staples Center but provide a more intimate vibe… get to the front, and hold your ground!  Don’t let those fakes say ‘my friend is up here – I need get to the front.’  Bish, I’ve been up here and no one has been looking for you.  Then kindly smile and continue dancing.

• While you should be paying full attention to the live act, I think it’s also important and beneficial to be active on social during a concert.  1) It shows your support for the artist and perhaps radio station putting on the event.  2) You’ll more than likely get new followers and meet cool people who share your same interests.  3) Your posts could go viral.  How dope though.  Be active on that for real.

DON’TS – 

• Don’t wear heels, ladies.  I used to do that.  Like would actually go out and buy a new outfit.  Well that was just dumb because it’s not like Drake is going to see me from the nosebleeds.
• Don’t get so drunk beforehand that you don’t remember what songs were performed, who came out as a surprise guest, where you parked your car (although you definitely shouldn’t be driving if you plan on drinking), or your whole night in general.
• Don’t be that obnoxious person in the crowd/in your seat causing a scene.  Yes, I’ve had my moments when Drake makes a surprise appearance, but don’t be out of control.  That’s annoying.
• Don’t leave early!  A big mistake I’ve noticed is people leave during what they think is the artist’s last song so they can beat traffic.  Listen, you paid a decent amount of money for your ticket, stay the whole show!  And not even that, why would you want to miss seeing a favorite artist of yours perform all the way through?  Isn’t that why you went in the first place?  And more times than not, the artist will “finish,” but then will come back out for an encore.  Worth the wait!
• Don’t be late!  With traffic, parking, waiting in line to get a pre-concert beer, making your way to your seat and who knows what else, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue.  I actually like getting there before the opening acts start because there’s typically a dope DJ, so you can just vibe out for a bit with your squad before the main event.

I hope the above tips help you and my upcoming list of concerts motivates you to get out more, especially this summer!  Life’s too short to sit around and Netflix and chill your days away.

Now you can take it one step further and actually be the one to start the GOMO effect.  Create an event in your city with the help of Eventbrite’s ticket selling platform.  So whether you go to an event or bring the event to you, I hope yinz take a dose of going out more so you don’t catch a case of FOMO.

Happy Friday, yinz!