survival strategy part two

taking it on the road

now that we've all mastered the art of packing for a road trip or diner visit, let's try the advanced course.  packing for a show or concert (or even a rave if you must).  in theory this would be the same, right?  nope.  there are some key factors that separate shows from the everyday.

1. security:  most bouncers are hesitant to let anyone in with a bag.  even the ladies.  in order to save yourself the hike back to the car, security will probably want to look through your things.  every venue has a different list of no-no's.  many times i've had to throw things away because they weren't allowed in the venue.

2. the space factor:  if you know me at all, you know that i tend to spend a lot of time in either the pit or at the bar (depending on the show).  when i go to the electric factory in philadelphia, there's usually a minimum of about 900 kids in the building.  even though it's not full capacity, that's still a whole lotta people.  not the day to carry a big backpack.  definitely a moment when smaller is better.  and, having a smaller bag makes it easier to hold onto (harder to steal, harder to get detached from you in the pit).

3. necessity:  this is not a situation in which you'll want to bring things to do.  all the space in your bag that's taken up by an embroidery project could be holding the essentials like a small first aid kit (a must, especially to those with fresh ink or other mods), an extra pack of smokes, or a new shirt (in case of sweat, tear, spill, etc.).

bag specifications--there are five major factors in choosing a bag to take with me:

• secure strap(s):  i prefer a messenger bag to a backpack, but on either one, make sure your strap(s) will make it through the event.  the day before a show, i'll either pin or stitch the straps down just to reinforce them.  in terms of functionality, anything that allows you to have both hands free is perfect.  

• size:  this is probably the most important thing to consider.  your bag needs to be small enough to not impose on anyone else's personal space, but still big enough to hold all the concertgoer's essentials.  think about how pissed off you get when you're out somewhere and you keep running into/getting hit by/tripping over someone else's giant bag (even if it's usually mine); do you really want to be that guy?

• fashion:  i don't care who you are.  you know you care about this.  if you're planning to wear an orange shirt and grey pants, your best bet would be to carry a grey or orange bag.  not green.  if you're wearing all black, then go wild.  carry something yellow for all i care.  please remember boys and girls, that one day i may look upon you.  now, you don't want me to scold you because that's no fun.  and think of how much better you look when you take that extra little minute to match.

• space:  this really should go without saying...  i don't care how much you want to show off your little bag shaped like a coffin/pawprint/guitar/whatever.  if it won't hold more than your keys and a lighter, it's not really going to be too useful.  do you really want to carry everything in your pockets, because there's no point in reading any further if you do.  trust me, i am very much a fashion whore.  but, i know when to draw the line.

• safety:  it's cute, not too big, can hold everything you need, and it matches your outfit.  great.  but, how easily can someone break into it without your knowing?  most of my messenger bags i carry have those horrible plastic buckle/straps  in addition to ties, snaps, velcro, and/or zippers.  granted, the well-trained pickpocket can pull it off, but i won't make it easy.  velcro makes noise, but if you're at a concert that won't be near loud enough.  make sure the straps can be tightened enough for the bag to be close to your body.  i don't care how lame it looks, the point is for you to feel if someone tries to break in.  if you're really that oblivious, have someone else watch the bag, or better yet, leave it in the car.

i'll spare you the years of trial-and-error i went through finding a system that works. but, before you read any further, make sure to remember that you are not me (and vice-versa): not everything i carry will be of use to you. example: if you don't wear contacts, use the extra space that would be taken up with eye drops and lens case to pack something you'll probably need.
 

what to bring and why--a list of contents from shows i've gone to recently:

• food:  this is probably just the hypoglycemia talking.  i tend to carry gum or candy around with me wherever i go.  at a concert/party/show, there's inevitably going to be at least one person who's looking for gum.  now, it won't be you.
• cigarettes:  only if you're a smoker.  i tend to carry a second pack in my bag in case i run out or lose the first pack somewhere.  that, and if you're smart, you can just keep one or two in the first pack so whenever anyone asks you you can tell them that you don't have one to spare.
• wallet:  as a female, i have the advantage of just carrying cash in my bra (that way, i'm pretty much aware of someone stealing from me).  if it's too hot, or just gets to be a pain in the ass, i'll carry my i.d. and a couple dollars on me, and keep my wallet in my bag.  i always make a point to conceal it as much as possible by wrapping it in a tee-shirt or putting in with my makeup.  anything to make it stand out as little as possible.
• clothes:  this is going to sound really strange, but i tend to carry a few essentials with me.  depending on the weather, i'll carry a spare shirt and a pair of underwear (if you were me at some of my more recent shows, you'd understand this)--the shirt is self-explanatory, the underwear i carry with me because on more than one occasion i've left a show and gone to a house/hotel with a pool/hot tub.  i learned real quick how much fun it isn't to then drive three hours to get home in wet underwear.  in the winter i tend to not worry about it as much as the option isn't as available and enticing when it's only 35� outside.  if it won't fit in your bag (or it makes you nervous), leave it in the car.
• cosmetics:  the bare minimum.  used to be a lip pencil, a compact, and a mascara.  now it's more like a black pencil or shadow and a chapstick.  if there's space, i'll carry a shadow brush.  if not, a q-tip will do.  i also carry a few tissues for the same reason.
• pen and paper:  you never know who you'll meet.  i tend to carry business cards with me as well, but i always have a pen and paper for getting the digits at the end of the night.  *note:  if you can hide it, a sharpie will be your best friend.  bands are always looking for one to do set lists, and with a sharpie you can sign anything!  i warn you though, most venues will not let you bring one in.  be as the frog in the pond, young one...*
• the rock star emergency kit:  the smallest way you can find to package essential items.  aftercare for new mods, band-aids (i try to carry plain ones and ones for kids), neosporin, baby orajel (if you've ever bitten your tongue, you understand), alcohol wipes, contact lens case and spare lens, saline solution (this stuff is like duck tape--you can use it for anything), baby shampoo (i tend to carry this in one of the trial-size bottles because not only can i wash my hair and clothes, i can use it to take off makeup and clean a minor injury but be careful the bottle doesn't leak or break), etc.  the actual contents vary from person to person, but everyone with a bag or purse knows what i'm talking about.
• cell phone & black book/PDA (personal digital assistant):  this way, people feel really special when you add their number.  that, and if you get stuck you have all your phone numbers with you.  if you have one of the better PDA's, you can send e-mail from the device (this comes in handy when you are lost).  a little note on the cell phone--turn it off or lock the keys when you're in the venue.  you probably won't hear it, but you always want to bring it in case of an emergency or to call someone who couldn't make it.

death threats and love letters

my deadjournal:  the thing you've been reading in the meantime...
this month's topic...

       being one of those horrible vegetarian people

       managing to eat at just about anyone's house (or restaurant for that matter)

people, places, and things that i adore
makeup tips that would make Martha Stewart cry like a little bitch

       and things you'll need to maintain your rock-and-roll lifestyle
my future husbands (and wives)
a little somethings for all the single folks...

       the perils of internet dating (coming soon)

all about me

       am i pretty on the inside?

my better half, my partner in crime
the survival series--living out of your bookbag

       part one:  getting through the day

       part two:  surviving at a show (you are here)

       part three:  minding the monsters

back to where you started