The benefit concert last night in Lane Stadium provided a snapshot of what type of music mecca the Roanoke and New River Valley could be as over 50,000 people piled into Lane Stadium to hear an assortment of artists most notably the Dave Matthews Band who jammed for over 2.5 hours. Most of the attendees were college students and young adults not only from Virginia Tech, but from many other colleges from around the state.

If these 60,000 + college students within a 50-mile radius of Roanoke (excluding Lynchburg students) could come together once a year in Lane Stadium for a concert, perhaps more musical acts would come to the region throughout the year. Perceptions would change about "things to do" in the region, and perhaps, more of these young people will find a way to stick around after college.

As was commented last night, the spirit of this region is addicting as people draw closer to one another in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Of course, many will leave when their college days are up, but more than a few will stay. This concert and hopefully more like it in the future will make folks realize this region has more to offer than initially perceived.