Summer in New England is short so we try to cram in as much as we can. Outdoor music, for example. There are a lot of concerts here. One of my nearby summer music venues offers “music in the round” – a small venue, great to be close to the performers.

 I went there a week ago to see one of my favorite bands. I’ve seen them in concert sometimes once, sometimes twice, a year during the last few of years. I love their music.  They’ve created a half-dozen albums. They play a wide variety of instrumental and vocal styles. They present choreographed, energetic shows every time. Upbeat. Lots of toe-tapping.

However, after this particular show, I thought, “you know, that was a great show and… the set list, stories,  and choreography were 80% the same as  the other shows they’ve presented in the last year or so. Maybe I’ll skip ‘next time’ they’re in town and go the time after that.”

A little doubt creeping in.

Sure, it’s good to hear the “favorite” songs and signature tunes time and again.  But if they show up with more-or-less the same set list and jokes every time, even steadfast fans begin to wander a bit, thinking about spending money sampling other bands rather than repeat purchasing from the one we still adore.