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bruno mars performing at the 2026 grammys
bruno mars performing at the 2026 grammys
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CU Boulder | Culture > Entertainment

The Mourning Of My Most Recent Concert Bender

Aleesha Frostenson Student Contributor, University of Colorado - Boulder
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

My bank account might regret my concert obsession, but I definitely don’t. 

I have always been someone who loves concerts; the first concert that I went to was such an unbelievable experience that ever since, I have been hooked. My first concert was July 22nd, 2022, when my family surprised me with Lumineers tickets for my birthday. At this concert, we were literally in the highest seats in Coors Field, but nonetheless it was still the Lumineers, so I was beyond excited. While my mom, sister, and I went to the bathroom before the show started, my dad called us, saying to stay where we were because he had a surprise. Someone was passing out free pit wristbands as the pit was not expected to be full enough. I was not only getting to see one of my favorite bands, but I then got to go from being the furthest away from the stage to the closest I could have been. This concert holds a near and dear place in my heart; it was my first concert, I got to go with my family, and I was so close to the stage the entire time. It was truly an unforgettable night. It did spark a love for concerts that I will forever have now. 

Just in the past five months, I have been to five concerts. Although my bank account shows it, I have truly had such a fun time, and now that my preplanned concerts have ended for the year, I am mourning my experiences. 

The first of the five was Alex Warren at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This was my first concert at Red Rocks, and it was such an unforgettable night. One of my friends and I went, and that venue is one of the prettiest places you will ever go. The way the music sounds is also something that is so unique, as it echoes through the rocks. It was a great way to start off this concert bender.

 

The second was Noah Kahan, who was at Coors Field. This concert, my friend somehow got us tickets super last minute, but somehow in the lower section of the stadium. This concert was actually so good. The opener, Gigi Perez, was incredible, and Noah Kahan gave us two surprise songs as well, “Paul Revere” and “Everywhere Everything”. Hearing those two songs was everything I needed at that concert; it added so much to the setlist, and ending the show with Stick Season was everything I needed and more. This concert was for sure one that will stay high up on my top favorite concerts list. 

I then saw Tame Impala at Ball Arena, and Dominic Fike was the opener. This concert was so unbelievable because of the theatrics that went into his performance. I not only got to see him play some of his amazing songs; I got to witness one of the craziest laser shows, and I also got to watch him make a song on the set. This was a concert where my ticket was only $50, but after going to the show, I easily would have paid triple that amount. 

Bruno Mars was at the Air Force Academy Falcon Stadium giving the Lumineers a run for their money as my favorite concert. Bruno hasn’t toured since 2018, so when the presale happened, I knew I needed to go to this concert, as there was a high chance that he would never perform again. At this concert, however, I was not on the floor; honestly, I wasn’t even close to the floor. But the nostalgia, the stage performance, and the vibes of the concert are something that I will genuinely never forget. Bruno perfected a setlist, ensuring all of the classic hits were played, and his opener, DJ Pee Wee (Anderson Paak), was iconic and kept the vibes going. Another huge benefit to this concert was that there was not much time between DJ Pee Wee and when Bruno Mars started his set. This concert will now forever be one of my favorites, and I am beyond lucky to get to say that I saw Bruno Mars. 

My last concert was Malcom Todd, who performed at Mission Ballroom. I went to night two of this concert, which for a Monday was a bit stressful for my workload. But this concert was actually everything I needed it to be and more. Malcolm had such an impeccable stage performance that was comedic and really showed his personality. He played every song that I needed to hear that night, and honestly, my only complaint was that his set was kind of short. I easily could have listened to his whole set twice that night. This concert, though, was such a good way to end my preplanned concert bender. 

Concerts can be expensive, inconvenient, and a lot to preplan for, but they are something that I truly have never been to a concert no matter who, and wish I hadn’t gone. Where there have been people I get upset I didn’t do more to go try and see them in person. Hearing live music is a sensation that truly nothing can replace: it’s unique, full of surprises, and full of good vibes. I am beyond lucky to get to experience the concerts that I have, and I truly have no regrets about any of my decisions to go to this many concerts. If anything, I am kind of sad I don’t have one I am looking forward to anymore. If not, take this as a sign to go see some of your favorite artists, spend a little more than you would have wanted to if it means you get a night you will truly never forget. 

Aleesha Frostenson

CU Boulder '28

Aleesha Frostenson is a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she is majoring in finance on the personal financial planning track and minoring in leadership studies. She is passionate about understanding financial systems and how financial decisions impact everyday lives. During her time at CU Boulder, she hopes to expand her education in personal finance, as she aims to explore the positive impact that personal finance can have.

As well as being a full-time student, she currently holds two part-time positions that have helped her become a well-rounded individual. She works for the CU Boulder Testing Center, she support students and staff by maintaining an organized, efficient, and respectful testing environment. As well, she works for a local family-owned popcorn store within her hometown. She has been able to strengthen her customer service skills, adaptability, and communication skills, contributing to a small business that values community.

Balancing multiple roles has taught her the importance of time management, accountability, and organization. These are qualities she brings to every project and team that she is a part of.

Outside of school and work, she loves to read, bake, and explore creative hobbies like arts and crafts. She enjoys environments where she can collaborate, learn, and contribute. Which is why she is very excited about the opportunity to be a part of this club.