Being Near the Stage in a Small Venue
2024 is shaping up to be a year of unforgettable live music experiences, especially in intimate, smaller venues where the magic of performance truly comes to life. While large arenas and festivals are still exciting, nothing beats the raw energy and connection in a space where the audience is just a few feet away from the artist. These venues create a unique atmosphere where the power of music can be felt in every note, every word, and every beat.
As you know - I love to be as close to the front of the stage as possible – mosh pit lol. Me and my friends have it down to an art - we can weave our way up to the front with no problem.
Artists in small venues can experiment and connect with their audiences on a personal level. Whether it's a local indie band pouring their heart into a new track or a globally recognized act stripping back their sound to its purest form, these performances offer an authenticity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. 2024 had plenty of these moments, as up-and-coming musicians and established icons alike.
In these settings, the energy is palpable. The audience becomes part of the performance, singing along, clapping, or simply feeling the shared experience of live music. It's in these small spaces that the true power of music is often felt most deeply — where it transcends sound and becomes a shared language, a form of connection that brings people together, regardless of background or circumstance.
This year is no exception – to date I had the opportunity to see 116 artists (and counting). Some in small venues, some in arenas and many at festivals. Festivals are great as you often get to see 15-25 artists over a few days.
Barnside Harvest Festival
3 new festivals this year - Barnside, Coast City Country and Farewell, each with their own vibe and energy. Small venues and outside is the place to see music. Some of my favourite small venues are The Pearl, The Biltmore, Vogue, Commodore, Guilt and Co. and Orpheum.
In 2024 also had the opportunity to stay at the Riot Hotel and see Chris Stapleton at the Hollywood Bowl – which has been on my bucket list. What a venue !! Ironically also saw Chris Stapleton with Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson with a friend and my daughters in Seattle.
Some highlights this year - Ryan Bingham, Whiskey Meyers (both on my 24 for 24 list), Sarah Mclachlan (Canadian Icon), Tyler Childers, Glorious Sons (wettest show with the ultimate frontman), Red Clay Strays, Dierks Bentley, Larry Fleet, and so many more…
Some new artists - that I am now a big fan of: Wednesday, Pokey Lafarge, Nicotine Dolls, and Henry Wagons to name a few.
2025 seems to be another year of some incredible music and anticipated performances – Looking forward to Devil Makes Three, Wood Brothers, Alison Moyet, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Stereophonics, Sum41, Nathaniel Rateliff, Jellyroll, Ryan Adams along with some repeats Red Clay Strays, Colin James and Noah Kahan.
Do you have a favourite venue?
Is there an artist you would like to see live?
What was your favourite concert in 2024?
What brings you joy?
🎵 Songs of the Week 🎵
Some highlighted artists saw live this year!
Pokey LaFarge - So Long Chicago
Wednesday - Quarry
Tyler Childers - Nose On The Grindstone
The Glorious Sons - S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)
💿 Being’s Blog Playlist 💿