The Firsts

My first ever concert, I must have been about 8 years old. I don’t know if it was planned or if we just happened to be there, but it was The Beach Boys at what is now known as California’s Great America. For a kid at a young age who already knew all their hits, it was a great first concert!

Main Entry at California’s Great America

Located in Santa Clara, CA, Great America was a theme park very popular for many decades. Much to my heart break it will actually be closing, probably by about 2030, possibly sooner. As a kid I was lucky enough to have season passes to Great America as my grandparents lived about 15 min away and it was a fantastic way to keep a kid occupied and get all their energy out. As a part of the park, they had an amphitheater. On this day I was at the park with all my family; my birth parents, my older ½ brother, my grandparents, and my aunt and uncle, about 8 people in total.

By the early 60’s, The Beach Boys already had a major hit called “Surfin” with many more hits in the years to follow. Being a California band, with music that focused around the surf culture, there was a lot to love about The Beach Boys. Some of my favorite hits include; Surfin’ USA, I Get Around, Surfer Girl, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, Kokomo, California Girls, and even Help Me Rhonda.

I remember standing on chairs to see the stage, I doubt I was even 4 feet tall at that age. There were a lot of people and the energy was California chill party vibes. There were beach balls being bounced around in the crowd. It was such a fun time.

For years to come I saw many concerts but most were at the county fair. My first area concert was a last minute invite from my dad to go see Shania Twain at what was then the HP Pavilion in San Jose CA. My memory is a little fuzzy but according to Google, it was about 2003. I would have sworn to you it was more like 2007 - 2009, I guess I’ll chock it up to my millennial memory. I remember a few things from that night a lot clearer. First, the energy being in a an arena that can hold over 15,000 people is a away difference experience compared to the smaller venues I had been to prior that maybe only held 3,000+. The view is also a lot different lol. Second, her wardrobe. Shania was known for her amazing since of style and the influence it had over country music. However, that night, she spent 90% of the time in a San Jose Sharks Jersey (the local MHL team). I mean I love the sharks, but it a little disappointing not to get the change to see her all dressed up in at least one of her amazing costumes.

It’s now 2026 and even 23 years later, I still look back fondly on the memories of spending time with my dad and his friends while watching her perform. Shania was and still is an amazing artist and I would love the chance to get to see her again.