Let’s Normalize Matinee Concerts [OPINION]

While I really love live music and attending concerts, a weeknight show can be a big ask with my work schedule starting early the next morning. That's why I propose normalizing matinee concerts.

I am not proposing every show be a matinee, but rather the shows that are intended for mainly an older audience. Heck, bands could even do "doubleheaders" if they have the energy. Shows could start at 1-2 p.m. and wrap up around five, then they could do it all again at 7.

Alternately, how about just moving the start up to 5 or 6 instead of 7:30-8?

ZZ Top was slated to play at The Ledge in Waite Park on Thursday, but there was rain in the forecast for that night, which led me to jokingly ask a co-worker if there was any chance they could move the concert to earlier in the day, like a sports team might do with a dire forecast on tap.

That idea, which began in jest, turned on a lightbulb in my brain: why don't we do matinee concerts? The majority of the Twins baseball season is played under the lights in the evening, but there are several games throughout the year where they play during the afternoon.

These tend to be the games I attend in person because of my work schedule and my kids' bedtimes. It's nice to have the option to go to a big event without having to be out until midnight.

When you get a legendary, still rocking, but older band like ZZ Top in town I have to believe there are enough early risers and old folks like myself who would love to see a show that starts at 4-5 p.m. as opposed to 8 or even 9 for a headliner.