Am I crazy or what?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2003
Am I crazy or what?
7
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 9:43am

Well, Tanner is going to a concert tonight. In another town. In a BAR. Wow.

He asked permission recently to go see a group of bands that he LOVES. They are playing in a town 30 miles from us in a big bar 'type' venue. They allow minors in the doors, and I called them yesterday---ever the nervous mom, and the man was VERY reassuring. He said that more than half of their customers are minors---they are cheaper than the huge concerts, and the minors are more apt to have listened to the music offered from the internet, and so forth. He said that due to the huge number of minors, they run a super tight ship, and have had VERY few incidents with high schoolers. He said more often than not any ruckus is caused by the college kids (a large university is in this town). He said they take great pride in their rules and strict codes because of the number of minors that frequent their business. He said if there was lots of 'bad' stuff, then they'd lose a huge number of customers.

Whew. That made me feel better. The boy he's going with is a really nice kid, and their parents are driving them there and my DH is picking them up at 10 sharp---no later--even if it isn't quite over.

It is still one of those milestone type things..........sure he's only 30 min away, which for some of you in large cities is a piece of cake, but still---one of those parental control things that is lost.......

I hope he has fun---he wants to attend another huge event this summer with the same kid at the same venue....so we'll see how TONIGHT goes first.

Shels

Ok, I'm editing this to say that it really isn't a BAR, BAR......it serves alcohol---but yet is a venue simliar to a theatre.......so a club/stage/bar? I don't know. I re-read my post and could SEE the shocked, dazed looks in everyones eyes about the 'bar'(haha). So it is an establishment that does serve alcohol to those of age, and also provides entertainment for all audiences.

Shels




Edited 2/15/2006 11:56 am ET by shels2003
Avatar for momtb4
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 12:48pm
not shocked or dazed here. We have places like that were the bands play, alcohol is served, minors are allowed. My DH and son went to a concert in a place like that very recently. I planned to go, but panicked at the last minute over some undone things. In hind sight, I'm positive I'd have had a horrid time and still should have gone!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2003
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 12:57pm

Well, they are going sans parents, with a brother of some girl that is 20 also in attendence. The parent of the other boy and I nixed the idea of them riding with the 20 yr old....we don't know him or their parents, so the boys will meet up with their female friend, and her brother, attend the concert and the boys will leave w/ us.

I'm excited for him--the boy he's going with is a really good kid. If he were wanting to attend with some of his other friends, I may have put an immediate halt to it.......but I think this will be fine.

I just can't believe I'm allowing my 15 yr old go to a 'bar' (sort of). This place was around when I was in high school---I always wanted to go there, but alas apparently wasn't 'cool' enough........so it still is a place of 'mystery' to me.........

Shels

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Registered: 02-14-2000
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 2:39pm
You aren't crazy but probably braver than me.
Pam
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Registered: 11-13-2004
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 2:42pm
Shels, I'd be very comfortable with this.
The bar NEEDS to run a tight ship.
If a minor was served, or even obtained alcohol on their premises, that would be the true definition of hell on earth for the bar owners.
Hope he has a great time.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2003
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 3:01pm

Agreed, daddioe, especially in a huge college town......so I would imagine ALL establishments in that community run a tight ship............He's really excited, and was quite pleasant and compliant last night (sigh, wish it were like that all the time) so he knows what he's up against being allowed to go to this.

Wow, Pam.....Ive seen and heard mudvane, and They are crazy sounding and looking..........I'm sure the kids like the music, but they are SCARY......yes these are also metal type bands, but the mom of his friend said they have a Christian base...not sure what that means, and couldn't find reference to it on their websites, but I think these bands are far tamer..........but there are 4 or 5 of them........so busy night for the club.....

Shels

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 02-15-2006 - 5:42pm

Shels, they'll be fine! I would be completely comfortable with this. We have a club of that sort about 20 minutes from here, and they have security guards in the parking lot, and no one is allowed to "loiter"--either by standing around outside, or by sitting in any cars. My DS doesn't go very often, but my DD went a lot when she was in high school--all without incident.

Also, you have the added security of knowing that parents are driving to and from. I agree, I wouldn't let them go with the 20 yr. old.--sorry. If the other boys' parents get there and don't like the looks, I'm sure they'll say no deal.

Breathe--in and out slowly. Let us know how it works out.

Laura

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2003
Thu, 02-16-2006 - 7:50am

It went just fine. Unfortunately, he's back to his usual grumpy self. I take the good days (night before last and yesterday) with me all the time, knowing that they will become more frequent the older he gets...........sigh.

I was snug in bed when they got home (sort of), and according to DH, the boys reeked of smoke, so his clothes and new t-shirts went right into the washing machine.......major struggle this morning to get him up to get them dry (if he wants to wear the new t-shirts, that is).

I REALLY enjoyed meeting his friends' parents. They seemed so nice, and outgoing, and really good folks. So, I felt pretty confident.

They were picked up at 10 sharp (it is a school night) and no arguments there..........Tanner said it was all he'd hoped, so it was a success all around.

Shels