Champions of Smaller Talents and Cozy Soundscapes

Article Title: Julia Kane's Love for Small Concerts at Hole-in-the-Wall Venues

In the vibrant campus life of the College of the Holy Cross, Julia Kane '27 stands out as a dedicated student with a passion for music. As the Crusader of the Week for 2027, Kane, hailing from Wilmington, MA, is majoring in Political Science and International Studies. But it's her love for music that truly sets her apart.

Kane, who is involved in various campus activities including WCHC Radio 88.1, The Spire's Opinions editor, SPEECH Peer Educator, CAB Music Board Co-Chair, and even a part-time employee at Starbucks and Admissions Greeter, finds joy in attending concerts of small artists at intimate venues.

"I love the energy and the intimacy of smaller concerts," Kane shares. "Venues like the Paradise Rock Club and Royale in Boston, with capacities around 1,000, offer a close-knit concert setting that I truly cherish."

Smaller venues often come with additional perks. Parking is usually free, saving fans additional unwanted costs. Arriving 30 minutes prior to the doors opening at a venue like the Paradise Rock Club, Kane was able to secure a spot close to the band, against the barricade.

The Spring Concert this semester will feature the Plain White T's, a rock band known for hits like "Hey There Delilah." Kane, who announced the performance, did not mention any other artists or concerts related to her preferences.

While Kane finds large concerts like those of Taylor Swift and The Weekend enjoyable, she acknowledges their drawbacks such as high ticket prices, long queues, and nightmarish driving conditions after the concert. In contrast, she typically pays between $20-$40 for small concerts.

Kane encourages her friends and family to discover new bands and singers that are not yet super popular. "If a lesser-known artist I discover blows up in the future, I can say I was there since even their smallest performances," she says. "It's also easier to get a setlist or even a picture with a lesser-known artist."

According to Live Music Trade Publication Pollstar, ticket prices for concerts in 2024 are expected to be 34.3% higher than they were in 2019. However, this prediction does not seem to deter Kane from her love for small, intimate concerts.

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