Amy Shark doo doo doo doo

There’s no denying that gifting experiences instead of stuff is trending right now but the philosophy behind the notion has long since been studied with interesting results. Dr Thomas Gilovich, psychology professor at Cornell University conducted a 20-year study into the benefits of experiences over material goods and it proves to be an interesting read. Experiences can introduce you to a whole new world, offering perspective, life lessons, gratitude and lasting memories. Experiences also build social relationships, create sense of connectedness and can define your purpose and passion. The initial buzz of purchasing material items quickly fades and can add to the feeling of stuffocation that comes from a home filled with junk and clutter. Our playroom is filled already with toys seldom played with so there’s no need to add to it more stuff.

Two things Ad and I want to instill in our children is a sense of adventure and a love of music.  More on the adventure stuff to come but recently we took an opportunity to give the gift of experience and sharing a proud parenting moment, took Aubrey to her first concert.

Aubrey has developed quite varied musical tastes for one of such young age and has her own playlist which includes Macklemore, The Wombats, Robyn and Meg Mac however Amy Shark has been a consistent favourite (and the favourites of a 5yo can be fickle) of hers since we first discovered Amy’s EP Night Thinker a few years back. Every car trip heard requests from the back seat for Amy Shark songs, afternoons after school involved dance sessions in the lounge room accompanied by an Amy Shark soundtrack and Aubrey’s favourite doll was even named Amy Shark. Amy had definitely become a household name in the Keen home. Don’t get me wrong, we still have our fair share of The Wiggles Greatest Hits and Baby Shark (insert ear worm) We had started thinking of taking her to see a concert but any we saw advertised where either in another state or at 18+ venues. The moon and stars finally aligned however and Amy Shark announced her Aussie tour which included Brisbane Riverstage and as it happened tickets went on sale the very date of Aub’s birthday. We had one very excited girl when we explained that instead of toys or clothes this year, her 5yo birthday present was going to be something different, something longer lasting, an amazing memory to hold forever of her very first concert.

The only downfall of presenting concert ticket as a present to a 5yo four months in advance is that it’s a looooong wait for the event but the night quickly rolled around; well for Ad and I at least.  Aubrey on the other hand was not as patient.  To help build on the anticipation and excitement we printed a calendar for Aubs to cross each day off, counting down to the big night.  We also discussed often how awesome it was going to be and how hearing and seeing your favourite artist live was so different to hearing them on an iPod.  Ad & I reminisced our firsts, mine being The Eagles at age 14 and Ad diving straight into the live music deep end with Big Day Out in 2004. 

Before we knew where we were the night of the concert rolled around. We opted to stay at Royal on the Park purely for location, seeing as we’d be walking with Miss Lazy Legs, we needed somewhere close.  The hotel is perfectly located across the street from the botanical gardens, only a 800m stroll to Riverstage and reasonably priced.  One of favourite pastimes is finding new places to eat, which can be challenging when dining with pint sized fussy eaters who would happily eat chicken nuggets and chips for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so we compromised with a happy meal lunch in the mall and Italian for dinner at Verve Cafe . Our meal was amazing and the menu left us no other option but to return next time we’re in the city.  The staff were awesome at accommodating little Miss Fussy Pants and the atmosphere was great too.  Located in the basement of the historic Metro Arts building the Verve Café is in close proximity to the Botanical Gardens and an easy walk down Edward street saw us at the northern entrance of the gardens.

The concert itself was fantastic! Amy Shark put on an outstanding show and Aubrey spent 2 hours on her Dad’s shoulders singing her little guts out. We had no idea that she knew so many of her lyrics and I spent most the concert watching the Aubrey Show! Aubrey can be sensitive to loud noise so we took ear muffs (gifted when Aub’s was born from Shan’s best mate and live music companion, Jen) but apart from a few heavy songs from the supporting act, Everything Everything (which were bloody great too) she didn’t really need them but I am happy we took them along though as it could have easily gone the other way.

Our pros and cons list –

Cons:

• Riverstage is outdoors so depending on the time of year can be cold or raining.  Having said this though I have been to over a dozen concerts there now over the years and have lucked out with perfect weather every time.  Also, you can easily mitigate with a good jacket and a plastic poncho in your pocket in case of emergency.
• There is no designated seating only a grassy hill so when the show starts everyone stands.  No biggy for Ad and I being 6 ft and 5’9” respectively but not that great for kids.  Ad needed a chiro appt after a spine crushing 2 hours of Aubs on his shoulders (but would do it again for his girl!)

Pros:

• Riverstage is outdoors! So, there is plenty of room to dance.  And with no seat allocations you are free to be in the mosh pit or on the edge of the crowd whatever you are comfortable with. The venue is also All Ages so you do have the option to take your family and the freedom to position yourself away from the bar and smoker’s area.
• The venue is also so easy to get to.  Located in the CBD and only a short stroll over from South Bank, accommodation/parking and pre show dinner (or post show drinks) are so easy to find.

All in all, we all had an amazing night to remember and I think our plan of planting the music seed has worked as Aubrey is now talking about her next concert.  Maybe, Florence and the Machine with Mum and Jen or possibly Vera Blue.  Either way the pressure is on Mum and Dad to deliver the goods next year’s Birthday!