Bucket List: Be in the Pit at a Concert

House of Blues Concert: James Blunt

{panoramic picture of the concert during one of James Blunt's first songs}

I am a big concert go-er; I grab tickets and go see my favorite artists regularly. However, I have always had a seat. And while I appreciate the merit of being able to sit down in a designated area, the pit, the area of people standing and dancing and shoving to the front to maybe, just maybe, touch the artist's hand, has been where, to me, the true action happens. 

 I went to House of Blues this past summer so I knew that not only does the venue have a pit, but there is enough space and security that the pit would be a good time. So, when I saw that a favorite artist - whose target audience was 40-year-old women - was coming to the House of Blues, I knew that that would be my opportunity to test out the pit.

The opening band, Oh Honey, was solid. They are a new band from Brooklyn, NY who have very recently risen in fame due to their hit song, Be Okay, being featured on an episode of Glee. The lead singer talked a lot in between songs, and had a very nasally voice, so it did not flow very well. However, their band members played really well otherwise. 

I have always loved James Blunt. I know all of the words to all of his songs (... no exaggeration), and his laid-back, British vibes have always complemented his slow, falsetto songs. His set list at the concert included songs from all four of his albums and he made sure to sing the well-known songs for the rookies in the audience. He was a very good performer: he engaged the audience just enough to show his appreciation for coming out to see him, yet, spent almost all of his two-hour block just singing, which I enjoyed. James Blunt did crowd-surf at one point, which made my pit experience 100% worth-while. One of my friend who was actively trying to high-five James Blunt throughout the concert was able to help pass him along through the crowd. He and his band members wore astronaut uniforms, reflecting his most recent album's title, Moon Landing, which was cute. The House of Blues's disco ball started spinning during James Blunt's closing number, 1973, culminating the experience perfectly.

Overall, my pit experience exceeded all my expectations. Everyone who was standing with me and my friends really cared about James Blunt and his music. We all got invested in his music together, all focusing on James Blunt. I love those moments of utter belonging, and that's what this pit emoted. 

EW