My Epic Summer at Bethel Woods, 2022

Bethel Woods has wrapped up the main concerts for the season. Though the Event Gallery still has a few more shows for the rest of the year, The Pavilion Amphitheater is done for the year. The Pavilion sits 5,000 under the covered seating and another 11,000 on the lawn.

Bethel Woods 2022

I was lucky and got to see the final Pavilion show of the season: Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie and The Blowfish. Funny enough, we were also doing our Throwback Block Party Weekend at the same time, and threw back to some old Hootie. It was a good "pregame" for the show.

Bethel Woods is one of my favorite concert venues. The first time I went was 8 years ago for Jimmy Buffett. This year was his first time back since, and you know I sure that, as well.

The Intimacy and History of Bethel Woods

Bethel Woods, first of all, is so iconic. Being a huge music nerd, you can feel the energy and the history every time you're there.

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Secondly, the atmosphere is the best out of any venue I've been to. I've been to Madison Square Garden to see Green Day, and I'd still say Bethel Woods has the best atmosphere. When you're under The Pavilion, it feels so intimate and larger than life at the same time. I remember my first time under The Pavilion. It was for Goo Goo Dolls, and a huge thunderstorm came through. John Rzeznik called for everyone on the lawn to squeeze under the roof. They finished the show with everyone squeezed together as the rain and lightning came down around us.

This year, I saw Josh Groban in box seats, and it was terrific. My dad never wants to see a concert any other way now.

Party on the Bethel Woods Lawn

When you're on the lawn; however, it feels like a party. It's so easy to mingle with those around you, dance, and have a great time. It's a lot of fun to hit the beach balls that fly around, and groove with your group and those around you. The concert is elevated by the mood the crowd brings from the lawn. It's electrifying!

Dad: My No. 1 Concert Buddy

One thing that has been a constant for me at each Bethel Woods is my Dad. My dad has been with me to each show this year, just like he has been to majority of the concerts I have ever been to. He is my music buddy. He is my biggest influence when it comes to what I listen to. This year, we saw Jimmy Buffett, Josh Groban, Foreigner and Don Felder, and Darius Rucker at Bethel Woods. My dad introduced me to each of those artists somehow, and it's incredible to experience them with him.

Even in my 20s, my dad is my favorite person to go to a concert with. I know he will always have a good time, and he will appreciate the music, whether he knows the artist or not. We typically "pregame" for the concert by listening to as much of the artist we are about to see as we can on the drive, and then we will listen to our favorites on the way back.

Dad goes into each concert with the best intentions, an open mind, and great enthusiasm. Whether it's just Dad and I, or it's us with a group, I know it's going to be a good time with him by my side. Besides, I get all my corny dad-dancing from him. One of the perks of working here is that we can get access to concert tickets. After years of Dad always shelling out for the concerts, it's awesome to finally treat him these days.