Paige's 25th Birthday: Agust D & Jackson Wang's Concerts - Rosemont & Chicago, Illinois

By: Georgina Antwi-Boasiako 

June 20, 2023 

It's been a while, like a month, since my last post on Lizzo concert. I hope you're enjoying what I've written thus far. If you have any feedback, ideas, or comments for me, please contact me through any of my social media channels or by email. I am very open to any ideas you may have and am always willing to assist in any manner. Okay, let's get this post started before it turns into a personal journal. 

As many of you have noticed, the name Paige has appeared several times in my posts. Let me tell you a few things about this incredible human being who I get to wake up to every day knowing that she is in my life and will always be there for me. Paige, for lack of a better description, is my soulmate. She was one of the few persons that assisted me in acclimating to this country and making it feel like a second home to me. She has been my bestfriend since 2008 and continues to be a part of my life. There are so many things she has done for me for which I will be eternally thankful. 

So, when we eventually chose to return to Columbus, Ohio, we had to celebrate her 25th birthday in grand style. We had planned to fly to Florida, but when Agust D, aka Suga from BTS, announced a tour that coincided with the dates we had chosen, it was a no-brainer. We were also quite fortunate to obtain tickets to Jackson Wang's concert for the following day. I won't go into the struggle and stress we went through to get Agust D's tickets in order to keep this post short.

Where do I even begin with this concert! Agust D, Suga, and Yoongi (Same person btw) exceeded my expectations. I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the concert, as evidenced by the videos I shot. The concert was fantastic, and the song arrangements were superb. We arrived at the venue at 6/7 p.m., or about an hour and a half before the event, in order to find parking, snap pictures, and find our seats. I feel like I've said this about every concert I've been to lately, but I had a great time. Because Agust D is a member of my favorite group, BTS, I wasn't surprised by how wonderful the concert was. It was everything and then more. Agust D definitely outdid himself on his debut solo tour. I know how exhausting and difficult it is for performers to go on tour, and doing it solo for the first time is significant. Thank you for giving us one last chance to see you on tour before we all come back together in 2025. A memory I will never forget. 

Day 3: May 4 Paige Day

May 4, 2023; the day she turned 25 of age. We began the day with a brunch date at Wake N Bacon, a beautiful restaurant inside with a mirror where you can snap a complimentary picture and get on-the-spot prints. The food was likewise delicious, and the service was excellent. 

We continued on to our second location, the Art Institute of Chicago, after enjoying our meal, taking some pictures, and relaxing a little. I know it doesn't sound like me, but that's what the birthday lady requested, so we obliged. Surprisingly, I enjoyed myself, owing primarily to the incredible quality of some of the artwork on display. It was also a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, especially after such a big meal. If you ever find yourself in Chicago, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Art Institute! We also went for a walk in Lincoln Park to admire Lake Michigan, which is one of the world's largest and deepest freshwater lakes, and reflect on what we saw at Agust D concert. That concert still had an impact on me. 

If you ask me, JACKSON WANG's concert seemed more like I was hanging out with my pals at the biggest party of our lives. It was a wonderful, gorgeous, and enjoyable concert. It astounded me that he couldn't recognize how brilliant and significant he is as an artist. I'm not a die-hard fan, but I appreciate his music, and I have no regrets about seeing him in concert for the first time. The concert's pace was well planned. I realize you might not see this, but if you do, Jackson, know that you are an incredible artist. There are many people that adore and respect you as an artist and a human being. Thank you for introducing the world to your talent, stories, guidance, and yourself. 

Day 4: May 5

The final day was the ideal date. It genuinely was. We ate breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Garfield Park Conservatory. That area was adorable and soothing. Following that, we went to a pretty beautiful boutique in downtown Chicago that offered ice cream mochi and mycha, Beard Papa's, for our afternoon dessert cause why not. The Navy Pier was, of course, our final stop for the day. If I recall properly, this was my second visit since seventh grade. We had some ice cream, took some pictures, rode the ferry wheel, and bought some gifts for ourselves, my brothers, and my parents while we were there. We walked to Chinatown for dinner and ordered noodles at Slurp Slurp Noodles. Even though I ordered a small dish, there was still a lot of food, but I finished it all. In addition, we had to walk about 20 minutes back to the car, so I had to conserve energy for that. That was how we ended our lovely day and trip. It's ironic that we began the journey with normal American fast food and ended with some healthy, excellent Asian food. 

Closing thoughts

It was fun to celebrate my best friend's birthday with her as adults. We are both planners, so planning the trip was a challenge, but it was well worth it. It was a rewarding journey that will live on in my memory for a long time. As I've grown, and I'm still a child if my parents ever ask, I've learned how vital it is to make time for those who loves you for you. Those are the folks you should spend your time with and cherish. What I mean is, make time for those who are always there for you, even when it inconveniences them. Those are the ones you should never let go.