Checking Off 'The List'

Going to concerts is one of my favorite things to do. I went to my first concert at age 12 and have been happily shelling out whatever money I have (and sometimes money I don't) to listen to my favorite artists perform my favorite songs in packed rooms and sprawling arenas, screaming along at the top of my longs with other fans doing just the same.

In the more than 20 years I've been attending concerts, I've been lucky to be in the same room as so many of the people who've impacted my life in big ways and small: U2, Madonna, Elvis Costello, John Mayer, Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Stray Cats, Rollins Band, Alanis Morissette, The Black Crowes, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, INXS, No Doubt, Depeche Mode, Aerosmith, Green Day, Weezer, BB King, Anne and Nancy Wilson, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Guns 'n Roses, Crosby Stills & Nash, Carole King. Of these, there are definitely artists I will see again and again, whenever and wherever I can.

My list is by no means complete. There are so many legendary live acts I haven't had the pleasure of being in the same room with. As this summer's concert tours are announced, I know there are acts like Madonna and The Brian Setzer Orchestra that I'm itching to see again, but I hope to fit in a few new acts this year, so I'm crafting a list that thus far includes: Bruce Springsteen (touring this spring with The E Street Band), Pearl Jam, Aretha Franklin, Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney.

If I cross any of these off, I'll let you know.