Loud talking ruins outdoor concert

Those who live in the burbs are blessed by the extensive array of outdoor concerts and community fests offered during the summer. These mostly free events are held in nice venues and feature highly-talented musical performers — small groups, big bands and everything in between. The folks I know attend these events to hear the music. Whether it is jazz, old-time rock ’n’ roll, hard rock, show tunes, or country, there are lots performances and fans for each genre.

Imagine then how disconcerting it is for the music lovers to find that a large number of folks come to the concerts for other reasons: They are there to sit among the music lovers and just jabber endlessly with friends who are similarly uninterested in the music. The music lovers call those people “the talkers.” The talkers have zero awareness about how their incessant babbling during performances ruins the experience for others. Incredibly, the talkers invariably raise their voices so that they can be heard above the music. The talkers are a nuisance in all circumstances, but they are especially so when soft tempo tunes and solos are offered. Avoiding the talkers is a difficult challenge.

I’ve observed a lot of talkers, and I’m sorry to report that the greatest proportion of them is women. The talkers drone on endlessly, through tune after tune in a 90-minute concert.

One wonders about the talkers’ upbringing. Were they never introduced to the concept of civility and respect for the rights of others? The rudeness of these people is beyond comprehension; and, they are hostile if one suggests that they take their talk elsewhere. My plea to the talkers? Keep your mouths shut or stay home!

Charles F. Falk

Schaumburg