Ahh… concert day. Concert day can mean so many things to so many different people. For most, it’s a day you look forward to months in advance. The excitement can begin the moment the tour is announced. Getting tickets for the show can be a very stressful task, especially if it’s a high demand event. Once your payment has been processed, it feels as though you won a competition. You plan out your outfit, your makeup, and maybe even the spot you’ll be eating at before the show. Oh, and getting almost no sleep prior to the big day? That’s not unusual at all.
By the way, that was me yesterday. Last night I got to see Dua Lipa on her summer leg of her Self-Titled tour. I had purchased a vip ticket for myself back in February during the general sale. It was $123, but I added ticket insurance for an extra $8 incase something came up with work that I couldn’t get out of. It felt like such a long road until June, but my excitement was building as months passed.
PERFECTING THE LOOK
It was a little difficult finding something to wear, because I had a very specific idea for an outfit. On top of that, I don’t feel comfortable wearing crop tops, anything with an extremely open back, or maxi dresses (and there’s not a thing anyone on this planet can say or do to make me feel otherwise). I do LOVE bodysuits though, and after going to tons of stores/malls and getting discouraged because I couldn’t find anything that I wanted for this show that actually fit, I copped this cute leaf print bodysuit, heart shaped sunglasses, and necklace set at Charlotte Russe! I also wore some old high waisted shorts from H&M, my Diplo California beanie, a black athletic sweater that I found in my coat closet, and some Adidas.
THE VIP EXPERIENCE
Doors to the public were supposed to open at 7pm, and I was supposed to check in at 5:30. People did start checking in before 5:30, but overall there were a very small number of vips. When we checked in, we got this badge, keychain, and signed poster.
Then around 6, we all got walked inside the venue. Clairo was soundchecking as we walked down the stairs.
We were asked to put away our phones for the Q&A session and meet and greet, which is totally understandable. Gotta keep it exclusive, right? We were walked into a little area (like a room with canvas walls, not exactly a tent though) and Dua came in with Pixie, her photographer. I got to ask her about her upcoming single with Diplo and Mark Ronson.
After the Q&A, we all walked back outside to start the line for the meet and greet. I was shocked because everyone had more than enough time to talk to Dua individually during their meet and greets – and this isn’t something I’m used to! Usually when I go to meet and greets, I can expect to say hi as I walk up to the artist, have the picture taken, and then it’s on to the next person.
When it was my turn, I ran up to Dua and hugged her. I told her that I was so happy that she was working with my favorite producers (like Diplo) and how I love him and for our picture I wanted to recreate a picture they did together in Chicago. Right away she knew what I was talking about!
Dua was so humble and polite. We love a queen, right?
IT’S SHOWTIME!
After the meet and greet, we were all walked up to buy merch before the doors opened.
Then we all got walked back down to the pit section. At the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, the “pit” section has seats that can’t be removed, but the front row seats aren’t right up against the stage. This leaves an area for people to create a true pit! This was also a general admission seating show, meaning that tickets were sold based on levels. There was pit, terrace (the level directly above the pit level), garden, and standing row tickets for the very top. I took a seat in the front row, then walked up to the barricade. Many people also got out of their seats.
Clairo took the stage at 8pm and played for about 25-30 minutes. Dua came on a little after 9, and started with “Blow Your Mind”. How appropriate, because she did indeed blow my mind!
Dua put on such an epic show. There was tons of dancing, but there were also some more intimate moments where the energy came down a few notches… only to be turned right back up! I had such a great night, and I’m very thankful to have had such a wonderful experience.
