Microsoft has been using free concerts as a promotional tool
and it’s pretty cool. Usually you can’t get anything for free, but in this case…you
can. Not only is it free, but you actually make money from this. I kept asking
myself, “What’s the catch?” But to my pleasant disbelief, there was none. I was
fortunate enough to catch one of these minimally advertised free concerts last
Saturday. In fact, hardly any notice was given at all. It just so happens,
Weezer, one of my favorite bands, was the attraction to promote the grand opening
of a Microsoft store in Washington D.C. The short notice and small turnout was
the best part of the experience. Thanks to Microsoft, this was the best concert
I have ever been to. The concert was held at the Warner Theater in D.C., which
gave it a more intimate feeling. Somehow, unbeknownst to me, I ended up first
row center.
I still can’t wrap my head around how Microsoft was able to
pull such an awesome event together. The free concert included: Free tickets
for one plus a guest, Free parking in the garage located conveniently across the
street from the theater, free food, freebies (t-shirts, drawstring backpacks, light
up yo-yo’s and pens, chap stick, and bottled water), and prizes! As mentioned
earlier, not only was the concert free, but I was able to make money. Prizes
were raffled along with a Twitter giveaway.
I actually won the Jawbone JAMBOX wireless speakers they were giving
away, which is at least a $180.00 value. Microsoft also gave out, X-BOX and
Connects, Alien Ware computers, and 4 guitars autographed by Weezer.
I’ve seen Weezer in concert twice before, but this was by
far, the best set list I have seen them perform (Pinkerton). Because it was in a
small intimate theater setting, it felt like an exclusive private concert, and
the cause for my awesome first row-center seating! I was so close I was
drumming on the stage! So close, Rivers Cuomo’s handed my boyfriend his guitar
pic!
After the concert, if you had a red wrist band, you were able
to meet Weezer at the free meet and greet at the newly opened Microsoft store.
Microsoft also hooked us up with a free autographed Weezer photo and the chance
to take a photo with Weezer, which got instantly posted on Microsoft’s event
website.
Now, I know I’m not supposed to fall prey to advertising and
promotional tactics, but I have to give it up for Microsoft for throwing an
awesome event without expecting a thing in return. Not once did I have to open
my wallet or fill out an annoying survey. Hey, it worked for me. This isn’t the
first free concert event Microsoft has organized. Maroon Five is amongst the performers
that Microsoft was able to organize a free concert with. So… be sure to keep
your eyes peeled for hidden event advertisements because most likely Microsoft will
do this in another city.