Most of us want to get the most for our money. Especially in these economic times, stretching the dollar or getting a little something extra for your money feels great. Yet the other night I was reminded of one instance where I really do not want to get an extra surprise for my money.

I was over the moon (heavy on the Moo for those of you who will catch on in a moment) with the opportunity to see Idina Menzel in concert the other night. I fell in love with her as a performer and actress the first time I saw Wicked on Broadway with the original cast. I managed this feat not once but twice and it was worth every penny and ever hour spent watching the dust in the lobby of the Gershwin while standing on the cancellation line. I don’t think my heart ever beat faster than when we scored 10th row center orchestra seats to see it a second time. I sprinted up the long steps to the theater in time for curtain and yet another glimpse of Idina as the green girl. What a moment.

Yet I was reminded the other night when an unannounced opening act took the stage before Idina’s performance how much I am not a fan of opening acts. Yes I know, don’t beat me up working musicians I do in fact love you just at the right time. I love music, love aspiring and established musicians, and totally understand the power of collaboration, exposure, and a chance to get in front of a full audience of someone else’s fan base. Yet I would estimate that I’ve been going to concerts for 27 or so years and I can count on one hand the number of times I have actually been wow-ed by the opener. That is a pretty paltry percentage. If you must know the four winning opening acts were Jason Mraz when he opened for Alanis, Michelle Malone when she opened for the Indigo Girls in the early 90’s, Pete Droge when he opened for Melissa Etheridge also in the early 90’s and some comedian who was drop dead funny when he opened for Gloria Estefan during her Coming Out of the Dark Tour.

Mostly though, I often find the opener “just ok” to boring and find myself getting even more tired before the headliner I came to see takes the stage. Perhaps I would be more welcoming to opening acts if we could just start the concert an hour earlier. I’m a morning person and usually in bed quite early so it is already a stretch to work up the moxy to be excited for the actual concert. Making me wait an extra hour between opener and the long stage changeover doesn’t help.

Of course not everyone shares my disappointed with openers. A quick read through “My Top 5 Life Changing Opening Acts” shares a different view. And, frankly I am grateful for having discovered the few I did, I just wish I didn’t have to listen to so many yawners in the process.

Of course regardless of what concert you go to and whether you love or loathe opening acts this article on “The Thinking Man’s Take on Concert Crowds” is a great read for anyone who has been annoyed by certain folks in a crowd. Don’t be one of THOSE people.

I doubt opening acts are going anywhere and it certainly won’t stop me from going to concerts to see artists I truly love. I will also continue to go to small listening spaces, open mics, and other venues to support up and coming musicians. After all Idina’s 120 minute performance knocked the windows out of the place. And this apparently while she was feeling under the weather. Her voice is the stuff of legends and when you dig into her solo work she is a tremendously gifted writer. Fans like me can only hope we see lots of this side along with a return to the right role on Broadway.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Paula Gregorowicz, owner of The Paula G. Company, offers life coaching for lesbians to help you gain the clarity, confidence, and courage you need to have success on your own terms. Get the free eCourse “The 5 Steps to Turn Your Fear Into Freedom” at her website www.thepaulagcompany.com.