I think my first concert was to go hear the National Symphony Orchestra play at Wolf Trap Farm Park back in the early 1970's. It was a school field trip and the orchestra was great.
I love seeing Orchestras! Every time I go to the Opera I find that I am watching the Orchestra just as much as I am watching those performing on stage. Last time I went one of the members was fighting the flu, and the intermission went a little longer then it should have because of it. He came back and finished despite being incredibly ill.
One of the redeeming topics of our talk together was him living in San Francisco. I remember telling him I'd love to check it out one day, and he told me that if I do to ever visit San Francisco to do so in the spring time because its the most beautiful time of year there, and less touristy. 8 years after him telling me this, I'm finally flying down there in 2 weeks with my girlfriend for our 3 year anniversary
So thank you Aesop Rock for making my first concert so memorable, and for being such a nice person to a loving fan. I've since seen a lot better shows performance wise - but nothing will ever touch my heart like that moment.
It all makes sense now, and I understand now why you're so excited for San Fran! I wonder if you'll run in to him while you're there. I wonder if he'd remember you.
My first real concert was The Guess Who around 70 or 71. I was on the road, don't remember the city, great show but LOUD. The second one was when we were booked in Honolulu for almost a year and Santana was playing the Crater in Diamond Head. Also a great show but man, even LOUDER. Both times my ears were almost hurting and nobody had to tell me that was not a good thing. I never went to an actual big rock concert again because of that although we were one of the opening acts for ELP and that was certainly loud too.
Loud seems to be a common comment! I suppose your first concert would seem quite loud, as it's unlikely you've heard anything that loud before to compare it. I remember my first concert feeling super loud too.
There were prior concerts for me, I'm sure, but the first I really remember was going to see Doc Severinsen and then going backstage with my parents. I was about 6 yrs old and lit up like a candle. There's a picture of me on Doc's lap somewhere around here. Haven't seen it in a while though. But I remember it clear as day.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
My parents knew many country music singers and musicians so we went to many country music concerts as I was growing up. Many times the acts would visit our house while in town, my parents played many of the same clubs and concert venues so going to a concert wasn't that unusual.
One I remember included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, The Carter Sisters and Mother Maybelle, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marty Robbins, Hank Williams Junior and Stringbean.
I remember Jerry Lee Lewis because he was really rough on a piano and piano bench.
Stringbean was also notable because of his stage attire. I've included a photo below. He was a remarkable banjo player and comedian. Unfortunately him and his wife were murdered in 1973 during a break-in and robbery at his home.
I seem to recall that Stringbean didn't trust banks so he kept his sizable earnings from Hee Haw in his home. That made him a great target for home invasion and, ultimately, the murder of he and his wife. Very sad indeed.
I saw Hank Snow; Marty Robins; Charle Pride and many other Country stars while in the Army and stationed in Germany. We certainly had top-rated entertainment.
As much as I like Marty, he took clowning a bit too far. While Hank Snow was performing, Marty stood in front of him making silly childish faces. Hank was a very serious performer and nearly came to blows with Marty.
Well.... the first concert ...I hate to refer to it as such..... it was at the NJ State Fair back in the 60's and we had gone to the fair (1967 or 68 most likely) .....and it just happened that a group was playing and we went in to see the show. The group was... The Cowsills. Indian Lake, The rain in the park and other things, and of course.... HAIR. 100% lip synced because these were kids and it sounded just like the record. They are still touring..... but much better than the early days.
So... fast forward a few years..... Now we're talking about actually buying a ticket to go see a band.
The show was in Philly at the Spectrum. BLACK SABBATH. Now that's a show. Ozzy before all the drugs. And their first album was freshly out..... A band called Wild Turkey was the opening act. They were touting having the bass player from Jethro Tull. They never made it in the biz beyond being the opening act on that tour. I have their album. $3 to see the show.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/17/1804:01 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
The last concert I went to was Weird Al. What a great show that was!
I've seen Weird Al in concert, also. He puts on a fabulous show; of course it helps that I love parody songs. He really nails it both in the studio and live.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
I've never been a fan of concerts though I've been to a few... but I was fortunate to grow up in Fort Worth & so I had the pleasant opportunity to see a lot of great musicians up close at venues like the Cellar & Panther Hall... great memories.
Right now, the only concerts I go to are symphony orchestras.
I'll go to jazz clubs, or to venues my friends are playing at, but huge arenas just don't thrill me anymore. Been there, done that, usually lousy acoustics, and I've played them, they are more fun on stage that off for me.
But a symphony by one of my favorite composers with a real orchestra is an experience that cannot be duplicated in front of a CD player to me.
Plus I like that most of the audience is there to intently listen, not party down or get wild to the point where it interferes with the nuances of the music.
Plus here in Florida, the great traveling symphony orchestras (Czech Philharmonic, Moscow, etc.) usually play on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday leaving halls open on weekends for more profitable pop shows. I gig on the weekends, so even if someone comes to town that I would really like to see, I'm probably on my own gig.
Right now, the only concerts I go to are symphony orchestras.
I'll go to jazz clubs, or to venues my friends are playing at, but huge arenas just don't thrill me anymore. Been there, done that, usually lousy acoustics, and I've played them, they are more fun on stage that off for me.
But a symphony by one of my favorite composers with a real orchestra is an experience that cannot be duplicated in front of a CD player to me.
Plus I like that most of the audience is there to intently listen, not party down or get wild to the point where it interferes with the nuances of the music.
Plus here in Florida, the great traveling symphony orchestras (Czech Philharmonic, Moscow, etc.) usually play on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday leaving halls open on weekends for more profitable pop shows. I gig on the weekends, so even if someone comes to town that I would really like to see, I'm probably on my own gig.
Notes
Notes, the Florida orchestra did an arrangment of Pan in A minot with the Tampa Bay Steel Orchestra years ago. I want to get the video so I can show it to you. Also if you ever come to Saint Pete, check the Palladium. It's is run by Saint Petersburg College but you get really great local artist and sometimes some well known names. Soince you like jazz, listen to Nate Najar. He playes great and has travled all over the world.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021 DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard, music producer/engineer
I'm not the typical musician to listen to music or go to concerts but the first concert I went to was a kids band called Trout fishing in America. I had a ton of their songs on CD back in the 90s and I liked them, granted I was a lot younger. The first real concert I attended was a Weird Al concert. It was fun and there was clear evidence of really nerdy people. Now a days, I mostly gig, listen to local bands and volunteer for a local venue.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021 DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard, music producer/engineer
There were prior concerts for me, I'm sure, but the first I really remember was going to see Doc Severinsen and then going backstage with my parents. I was about 6 yrs old and lit up like a candle. There's a picture of me on Doc's lap somewhere around here. Haven't seen it in a while though. But I remember it clear as day.
That sounds like quite the story! I am sure you had fun!
My parents knew many country music singers and musicians so we went to many country music concerts as I was growing up. Many times the acts would visit our house while in town, my parents played many of the same clubs and concert venues so going to a concert wasn't that unusual.
They came to your house? That's insane! I'm a little jealous.
The last concert I went to was Weird Al. What a great show that was! They sounded like exactly like they did on their records.
Weird Al is such a character! He was in a show a couple years back called Galavant as a special guest. It's a netflix show that kind of makes fun of the fantasy genre in the format of a musical. It's really entertaining! But I bet seeing him live would have been super fascinating.
I've never been a fan of concerts though I've been to a few... but I was fortunate to grow up in Fort Worth & so I had the pleasant opportunity to see a lot of great musicians up close at venues like the Cellar & Panther Hall... great memories.
Are you not a big of concerts because they are too noisy, or do you just prefer more intimate venues? I'm a fan of the latter personally.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean