It is not often when someone’s reaction is the best part of your day.
Gab, a 10-year-old from Columbus, had never been to a concert. She dreamed of the day where she would get to hear her favorite artists perform live in front of her, and so when she was handed tickets to a Post Malone and Jelly Roll concert for Christmas, she was beyond excited.
The day of the concert started with matching Post Malone t-shirts and bagels. We rushed through crowds of people to get into the line at the entrance of Citizens Bank Park. After we got our wristbands and merchandise we rushed down the steps onto the floor of the concert. As the sun began to set, the clock ticked closer to the start of the show.
Just as the music began for the opening artist, Jelly Roll, tears began to flow down the cheeks of Gab — overwhelmed with the experience. In return I couldn’t help but shed a tear. I have never seen someone so happy.
As if the moment wasn’t perfect enough, a double rainbow formed over the stadium. This rainbow was a bridge between the people at this concert. Young, old, country listeners and rap lovers were all united as one community.
The community formed at concerts is unique because it is one of the very few places where people from all backgrounds join together, and I am so grateful that Gab got to experience this community.
Concerts are my happy place and seeing the joy of live music fill her heart is a memory I will cherish for years to come.
Have a Bright Spot to share? Send it to Managing Editor Julia Lerner (lernerj@denison.edu). Tell us about the moment that made you smile in under 200 words, and try to include a photograph. We’ll add it to our growing list of Bright Spots on TheReportingProject.org!