You know who they are. These are the people who sit in the very front rows or tables at a venue. They're up. They're dancing. They're yelling. They're showing their appreciation to the hard-working group of musicians onstage. If you're one of them, then you're familiar with who your other front row compadres are because you see each other all the time at your local venues. If you're really hard core, you see each other at venues in other parts of the country or other parts of the world.

It takes a special type of person to be a front row fan. One must have strong vocal abilities (for screaming and adulating, not for singing), one must have rhythm (it's always nice when you can clap on beat), and, if space permits, you must be willing to shake it if the song and spirit moves you. Being in the front row is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If you cannot fulfill your duties, then please take a seat in the back of the venue or the lawn.

A live performance is a form of communication. It is a give and take between musician and musician, and between musician and audience. Attending a smooth jazz concert should be an interactive experience between the musician and the audience. The more they give to you, the more you give back to them. Ideally, it's a symbiotic relationship.

I have a friend whom I met a few years ago at a concert. I always know that it's a good show when she starts sweating. If she's not drenched by the end of the performance then the musicians haven't done their job. She's a front row person. I have another friend whom I attend many concerts with. At one show, we were so enthusiastic that the people beside us wanted to know if we were married to any of the musicians. We're front row people. (My guess is that their spouse's would probably not be as animated as we were that night.)

Front row people cannot be blamed for their enthusiastic behavior. If blame is to be placed, I drop it squarely in the laps of the extremely talented musicians we love to see perform. CDs are a good way to enjoy your favorite musicians, but there is nothing in the world quite like a live performance. If you think that a live show is just a group of musicians playing song after song from the set list, well then, you know where your seats are.

Front row people will arrive at a general admission venue hours before the doors open just to secure a good seat. At one venue, about four hours before show time, we saw one of the musicians who had just finished his sound check. He wanted to know what time it was, when show time was, and why we were there so early. Why? Because we are front row people, that's why.

When you attend your next concert, look around at the people in the front rows. Then, strive for greatness yourself. Assume the mantle of responsibility of being a front row person. You'll have a much more rewarding concert experience, you'll make new friends, and you'll be accepted into an elite society; the few, the proud, the front row.

- Mary Bentley