Concerts

other forms of entertainment:
• Concert
• Lecture
• Magic
• Sports
• Mass media
• Revue
• Television
• Radio
• Storytelling

concerts:
A concert is a live performance, usually of music, before an audience. The music may be performed by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band. Informal names for a concert include "show" and "gig". Concerts are held in a wide variety of settings or venues, including pubs, nightclubs, houses, barns, dedicated concert halls, entertainment centres, large multipurpose buildings, and even sports stadia. A concert held in a very large venue is sometimes called an arena concert. Regardless of the venue, musicians usually perform on a stage. Before the dominance of recorded music, concerts would be the only opportunity one would generally have to hear musicians play.
While the principal reason for a concert is the opportunity for the musicians to perform in front of an audience, even the most purely artistic of endeavors will see gains. Concerts provide the musicians exposure to the public. An attendee will probably see the musicians perform again if the concert was worthwhile. Recording artists usually go on tours to promote record sales and introduce their fans to new musical compositions. Some musicians and musical groups are known for consistently touring and holding concerts, others rarely so.
The duration of concerts vary significantly. For major concerts, it could generally take more than six hours, including support bands.
Revenue

While admission to many concerts is free, it is common practice to charge money for admission to concerts by selling admission tickets. Revenue from ticket sales traditionally goes to the performing artists, producers, and organisers. In the case of benefit concerts, a portion of profits will often go towards charity.
Revenue is also often raised through advertising, be it in free local concerts for local sponsorships, or through sponsorships from multinational corporations during major tours (e.g. 2009's "Vans' Warped Tour Presented by AT&T".) Concessions and merchandise are also often sold at concerts; often by the venue in the case of the former, and by the performing band or artist in the case of the latter.
The highest grossing concert tour of all time was the The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang Tour which earned approximately $558 million in between 2005 and 2007. The highest earning tour by a solo artist is the Sticky & Sweet Tour by pop artist Madonna, which earned $408 million in 2008 and 2009.