My original intention was to write this blog entry about the difference between all ages and 21+ concerts.

You see, I turned 21 early in the semester, and because I don't drink, I was unable to really take advantage of this coming of age for a while. Last week was my first opportunity: a 21+ Matt Pond PA concert at Lulu's Nightspot, 129 1/2 Pugh Street. This was a good show. Then, on Monday night, there was a Thermals concert at the same venue. This one was an all ages show, but it, too, was good.

There were few differences between these shows (for me, at least), other than the fact that I got carded at the former.

And, sadly, these shows were not unlike most of the other shows I've attended in State College: underattended.

I don't know the exact numbers, but suffice it to say there was a small crowd in front of the stage, and that was it. About 100 people, give or take.

If you're reading this blog, you probably read the Collegian, and you probably saw my previews of both shows. So you knew about them, which means either you like the bands and went to the shows, like the bands and had a legit excuse not to go, or dislike the bands and just didn't go.

But I can't imagine there are only 100 people or so in State College that like the Thermals.

Maybe the show was underpromoted (probable). Maybe a lot of people have tests or papers due the day after (I had a 15 page short story and a 5 page paper, not to mention a Roustabout! preview and this very blog entry). And maybe I just don't understand the music scene here and maybe there really aren't that many people who would want to see this show.

The first problem is fixable, but it's incumbent on the promoters to fix. The second problem is fixable, but it's incumbent on the students to get their crap done early (or late, if they prefer). The last problem, which is also the most likely one, is fixable inasmuch as things can get better, but it's not going to happen overnight. I don't know what it will take for State College to have a music scene, but I know we're not there yet.

We've had good shows this semester. Some really good ones, actually. But when good artists come to town, not enough people go to see them. I'm tired of harping on this subject, blog after blog. I promise, next week, I'll have something a little fresher.