One, sound. It probably goes with out saying that the sound a band makes is important. The bands I listen to often, know how to write their own music and lyrics, have a knowledge of music theory, and can play their instruments and sing. Usually, I am drawn to bands that have unique instruments and multiple lead singers.
Two, stage presence. When I am at a concert entertainment is important. Anyone, can get on stage, play some music, and I can sit their and watch you play. However, I like to jump or wiggle, sing along, watch the band move around, and listen to stage banter.
Three, I like the handmade product. T-shirt and poster artwork made by a friend on the band is BIG part of going to a concert. Some of the best concerts I have been to, have buttons, stickers, flipbooks, or bags. Four, the venue. I am really picky when it comes to the type of venue. My preference is an intimate, sitting room venue with small speakers.
It really is the unique garage bands playing in small venue with outrageous and kinky stage performers, that have beautiful sound both vocal and instrumental that get my attention and money.
Recently, I started following this band from Chicago. The lead singer, Craig Benzine, is YouTube celebrity, WheezyWaiter. About a year ago, I subscribed to his YouTube channel and started watching every video. I learned about Driftless Pony Club through his YouTube videos. The first DPC concert I attended was in Chicago at my favorite concert hall Schubas. Schubas is a small tavern with a restaurant, Harmony Grill, and a very intimate concert hall. Every time I have been at Schubas the food has been great, the drinks even better, and the bands surprising. Even the bands I thought I liked somehow beat my expectations.
What I like most about DPC's lead guitar and lead vocal, Craig Benzine, is that he is a YouTube celebrity, but he doesn't make that the main focus of the band. He definitely uses his popularity to keep his fans informed and this inevitably draws a crowd of Beardlovers (WheezyWaiter's YouTube audience's name), but it doesn't take away from the band's performance. Admittedly, I have attended these concerts to get a look at WheezyWaiter and possibly the opportunity to talk with him, get a picture, and an autograph. However, when I am listening to DPC's album Buckminster or watching them perform, I find myself jumping and wiggling, singing along, and enjoying great entertainment!
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