First Concert

FIRST CONCERT
by Lori Manning




Amanda Johnson watched the rock band on stage, mesmerized by the wailing guitar, pounding drums and booming base guitar. She never believed she’d be here today, listening to her favorite music, dancing, and soaking up the warm sun on this gorgeous day.

The River Pavilion was perfect for concerts. Wide open spaces with grassy cushions surrounded a sunken bowl. The bandstand perched over the north end seating 5000 people. The river sat behind the bandstand providing a cool breeze. Amanda was in heaven but, getting here had been no easy task.

Her parents were very strict. She had begged them to let her come to see the Falling Earth Band. All her friends were going. She just had to be there. Anyone who was anyone as a senior at Ridge River High School, had to be at this show. Amanda knew when to fight for her freedom of choice and this time she fought.

Finally, after three weeks of constant pleading and debate, her father agreed. Amanda was ecstatic. She called her friends to give them the good news. To say she was shocked to learn her father was also going is an understatement.

“What? Why Dad? Why do you have to go?” How was she going to explain this to everyone?

“Amanda, if you think I am going to let you alone in a crowd of over 5,000 people, you are sadly mistaken.” Period, end of story. She knew it was fruitless to try changing his mind. Just being here today would have to satisfy her. Sure, she felt embarrassed at first but, it didn’t matter after awhile. She let the music carry her away leaving her father to fend for himself. Maybe if she didn't pay attention to him he'd leave her alone.

Tom Johnson was starving. The music pounded through his head. He was working on a major head ache. Between the hot sun, hunger and the noise, he was having trouble standing. Amanda had insisted on being right down front. He had no choice but to follow her.

She tried to keep him away. “Dad, you can stay in the shady area, I’ll be fine” she’d said. But, Tom would not hear it. He was here to be sure his daughter was safe. My God, it was his only child! What would he ever do without her? Didn’t she understand he was only trying to protect her?

Now, Tom wished he had stayed in the shade. He leaned close to his daughter, his shoulders slumped, looking dismal and worn out. “Hey Manda, do you want something to eat?” She couldn’t hear him so he yelled, loudly. Just then, the music stopped. Heads turned sharply toward him. He put a hand over his eyes embarrassed.

Amanda smiled, knowing how her father felt. This is my opportunity for a few minutes by myself, she thought. “No thanks Dad. Why don’t you go? I’ll be right here, please don’t worry.” She knew if she insisted he go, he’d stay with her. All she wanted was fifteen minutes without a watchdog.

Tom was torn. Good lord, he thought, I have to escape this noise. “Are you sure honey?” he asked sheepishly. Amanda appeared lost in the music. He smiled and patted her shoulder. Funny, he thought, I remember how my first concert felt. I should think about my memories more often. Maybe being a father wouldn’t seem so difficult.

Walking slowly through the churning teenage throng, Tom was careful not to be trampled. He knew his daughter was trustworthy. But, he was only trying to protect her. His own father had forbidden him going at all. Tom snickered to himself. Hah, I guess sneaking to the show wasn’t the best idea but, I had to go. His brows shot up. Maybe my daughter was thinking of sneaking here! He suddenly connected the dots. Wow, he thought, I suppose this is how my dad felt. Maybe he cared more than I thought he did.

“Hey Mister, do you have a cigarette on ya?” Tom stared at the lanky young boy in front of him.

“Does your father know you smoke son?”

The boy cringed. “What’s the big deal?” Rolling his eyes in a typically disgusted manner the boy walked away.

Tom watched him go thinking, it looks like he hasn’t eaten in days. Does anyone care enough to follow him to a concert?

Tom was baffled by his own feelings. Somewhere, a long time ago, he was that boy. Hungry for freedom, experience, and above all, fun! What difference did it make back then? Not a bit. In fact, he thought, smiling, it might have made me the person I am today.

He reached the long concession line. Tom stood 15 minutes in the hot sun. “Can I have 2 hotdogs and 2 small cokes?” He was frustrated and wanted to keep it simple. God only knows if these kids can handle more than hotdogs anyway, he thought.

The boy expertly wrapped the food and returned promptly. “Anything else sir?” Smiling brightly, the quick response surprised Tom. Here I go again, he thought, why did I judge this kid that way?

“No thanks son I…..” Tom glanced to his left, noticing cigarette boy standing alone. Impulsively he said, “Can I get one more of each?”

“No problem” said the concession attendant. He returned in a flash with another hotdog and soda.

Tom walked toward the young boy. This might have been him when he was that age. Man, oh man, I have got to lighten up. Smiling, he handed him the hotdog and soda and walked away. Tom felt really good.

Music vibrated through the speakers at an immeasurable decibel. Amanda loved the whole thing. Her eyes never left the stage. It seemed only minutes ago her father had left to get food and now he was tugging her sleeve. “Gosh Dad, I thought you were getting something for lunch?”

Tom held out her hotdog. “Here you go honey. How’s the show?” As if he had to ask. He could see she was into the music. His memory was very clear now. He’d been there and she deserved it too.

“Listen Mandy, I’m going to sit in the back OK?” He watched the smile grow on his girl’s face. I guess I’m doing the right thing after all.

“Thanks Dad!” Amanda reached up to kiss his cheek. He’s not so bad, she thought. In fact, I didn’t really mind him here,…well,….mostly. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” She couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.

Tom smiled. “No honey, I don’t mind. It’s a favor to me anyway. My feet are killing me!” he lied.

Amanda feigned concern. “Are you ok?” She knew he was faking but played along. Why not? she thought. I get to stay here and he gets to sit down. Feels like a win-win!

The two laughed, embraced and parted ways, comfortable in their knowing of each other. Tom groaned. My feet do hurt, he thought, I hope she thinks I was faking. I suppose this moment is her rite of passage. Yeah, that feels right to me.

The back of the stadium never felt so good.