Concert-going is, in my opinion, the most important factor in a listener's experience. The bright lights, the buzzing energy, the deafening sound, the $9 beer - they're all pieces that complete your like or dislike for a band.

However, there's a component of the live show that people frequently overlook: the opening act. Okay kids, story time.

As I've mentioned before, one of the first concerts I attended was No Doubt in 1997. I couldn't wait to see my biggest crush, Gwen Stefani, live onstage. I couldn't care less about the opening acts. I wanted to see the band I bought tickets for.

As a consequence of having this event planned by my father, we showed up at the concert about 20 minutes before anyone took the stage. Even he hadn't heard of the opening acts, but by-golly, if we paid good money for our tickets, we were going to see every ounce of entertainment we deserve.

The Vandals took the stage, and being that the show was 13 years ago, I don't even remember seeing them. It was what happened when they finished that blew me away: Cake walked up like a gaggle of truckers from Sacramento.

I was drawn in. Sure, once they played "The Distance" I realized that I had heard them before, but they put on an amazing live show. Their music was completely original and their onstage presence was incredibly interactive and entertaining.

I went out and bought Fashion Nugget that week. Since then, I've purchased every album (some on collector's-edition vinyl) and seen them live twice more. Cake is one of my favorite bands these days, all because my dad made me go to a concert earlier than I would have gone on my own.

The opening act has a history of being overlooked. We've all regarded opening acts as an opportunity to find our seats, great bathroom break time, or a chance to make a beer run. Maybe it's time we open our minds and -- in the words of my father -- get our money's worth.

Music I've found with this method:

• Silversun Pickups
• Eisley
• Incubus
• Cartel
• The Honorary Title