OC HIGH: STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS : While Bands Play On : This is not your father’s event. All-day concerts like Lollapalooza offer lots more than music.

Generations have been defined by the music they listen to--and by the concerts they attend.

There was Woodstock in the ‘60s--and now Woodstock in the ‘90s. In between were a host of scenes--punk, heavy-metal, hip-hop, to name a few--and lots of concerts in auditoriums and stadiums.

Today’s concert scene is growing and changing, most notably from one-band evenings to all-day events filled with music and everything else under the sun.

Here’s a crash course in concert-going, which may come in handy if you plan to attend Lollapalooza this Sunday and Monday at Cal State Dominguez Hills, or any other major festival inspired by the alternative music extravaganza.

The music--which can range from Smashing Pumpkins to George Clinton to the Japanese group Shonen Knife--is only the start.

Be prepared for all manner of leafleting: Politics swings from women’s rights to gun control to homophobia. Food options can vary from Greek to African to Australian. And there are “smart drinks” designed to stimulate and nourish the brain and nervous system.

You can pierce your body, or, if you’re old enough (18), get a tattoo. You can experience a virtual reality ride, cool off in a rain room or rest in a shade tent. You can have your uncensored say at a poetry slam or learn about animal rights or AIDS research. You can play with computers at the Electric Carnival, join in the live talk show “Oprahpalooza” or shop at the record store. You can participate in discussions with the feminist majority or try the computer dating service. You can check out acoustic performances in the gazebo or talk with the talent backstage by computer.

If you get tired of all that, you can usually listen to any one of a dozen or more bands on main and secondary stages.

These festivals are a way to escape from parents, work or school. They’re a place to meet people and have a blast.

Knowing what to bring can make the concert experience even better. Sun block is a necessity, especially at an all-day concert. Sunglasses and a multipurpose sitting towel are also handy.

Deciding what to wear may take more thought. You could go for the past-souvenir-T-shirt-and-sandal look. Or the flannel and Doc Marten’s look. Or the bikini top and cutoffs. Or jean shorts and no shirt. Or the baggy-pant skater look. Or, break away from all the established looks and create your own cool fashion statement. Whatever your look, a hat that shades you face is a worthwhile accessory.

Arrive with time to make parking and fighting your way through the crowd easier. Give yourself time to enjoy the music groups as well as the shopping, the information bonanza and other available. The people-watching alone will be too good to rush.

Crowds line up hours before the music is scheduled to begin, so take Frisbees, hackey sacks, squirt guns or cards to play with in the parking lot.

You will also need to drink plenty of water. The heat mixed with dancing and large crowds can result in heat stroke--which will probably mean going home. Lollapalooza supplies free water, so drink up. But avoid restroom breaks during a break in the music or you will encounter monstrous lines.

Take plenty of cash for food and souvenirs. You might want a temporary tattoo, T-shirt or exotic necklace.

If you choose to brave the mosh pit, take bandages and tissues for bloody noses. Watch out for those heavy boots, and be prepared to get sweaty. You might want to avoid moshing near security guards; newcomers to the pit might want to avoid the center, where moshing is usually its fiercest. Also, be careful not to lose your wallet or car keys in the commotion; it could make the full day a little too long.

Take a backpack to cart around everything. You might consider throwing in a sweat shirt in case the evening gets chilly. If you want to take a camera to record your experience, a disposable one is convenient. It is lightweight, and a lot less-expensive loss if by some chance it doesn’t come home with you.

Remember you are not just listening to music, you are defining a generation. Today’s music festivals are meant to be a total experience. A little advance planning will greatly enhance that experience and prevent disappointment.

Anticipation is a part of the pleasure of any experience. When the big event finally arrives, enjoy it. The experience is what you make it. You might end up with memories to last a lifetime, or at least enough anecdotes to enliven the first days back at school!

* TICKET INFORMATION

Some tickets at $27.50 per day are still available for Lollapalooza on Sunday and Monday at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Los Angeles. Gates open at noon, musical program begins at 2.