Growing up in the city of Philadelphia you are constantly exposed to many different things. One thing that Philly is noted for is its music -- we have it all. Like any place in this world you can flip through the radio stations and find about four that play pop, two that play hip-hop, some that play alt/classic rock and one that plays good old country songs. Being that Philadelphia is a city, the number of people that listen to country music is shocking, but because of that country concerts have become some of my favorite concerts to attend.
1. Three words: summer, summer, summer
Country concerts are strategically placed in my opinion. There are a few scattered throughout the fall/winter but the bulk of the country concert season is between June and August, and it's great. You spend the day soaking up the sun with your friends and dancing around to some good music.
2. The tailgate
One of the best parts about concerts in the summer is the tailgate before hand. Spending the afternoon with your close friends in the sunshine getting ready to spend the night listening to good music is the best. You arrive with your group of friends to meet with your other group of friend's enjoying the atmosphere, music blasting through speakers, taking pictures and dancing on the beds of trucks.
3. The music
A common misconception about country songs is that they are all sad and whiny about break ups and things of that nature. In reality there are more songs about trucks, cold beer and good times with friends than there are about love and the person you love leaving you. Country artists, unlike many other artists, are not auto tuned so when you hear them live you're actually blown away by how strong and pure their singing voices are.
4. The memories
Some of the best memories I have from my 19 years of living come from the days I've spent at summer concerts with my closest friends. From Luke Bryan to Florida Georgia Line I'll think about the times I've spent dancing around jamming out to songs like "Country Girl, (shake it for me)" and "That's How We Do it Round Here." The times we've spent standing in the sweltering heat in a parking lot getting ready to go in, no matter how hot, are the best times.
5. The venue
Because the concerts are primarily in the summer, the event venues are outside (which is awesome!). Country concerts also have their own festival equivalents of Firefly and Coachella where you spend three days listening to up and coming and already established artists. The outdoor venues are perfect because who wants to dance around to great songs crowded into a stuffy one room building? I know I don't.
All in all, if you're looking for something fun to do this summer and you don't have a biased taste in music check out summer country concerts at the BB&T Pavilion (formally known as SBC). I promise you won't be disappointed!
