Whether you are a fan of country music or not, I am sure you are familiar with the stigma associated with typical country concert patrons: crowds on crowds of scantily crowd adolescents in cowboy boots and plaid who come in trucks smuggling a flask. It is not easy to miss this demographic of concert goers as they are all most likely sporting the same Brandy Melville crop tops and jean shorts, yet showing their individuality through their plaid shirts. The main issue with the sea of teenagers that seem to inhibit every country concert in the summer is that the majority of the patrons do not attend these concerts for the love of the music, but merely to get drunk and hookup with each other. While some find their claim to fame through having their public displays of affection documented for the world to see through social media outlets such as Sloppy Shoreline, most will merely regret their alcohol fueled actions. Basically, country concerts are reduced to an expensive hookup fest for hormonal high schoolers.

While there is nothing wrong with going to a concert to have fun with friends, going to country concerts with the sole intention of finding someone to suck face with seems a little off to me. I do not understand what compels someone to dish out the $35 (at least) and go through the hassle of ordering a Lyft, spending 2 hours watching a Youtube make up tutorial to get that perfect highlight/contour situation, and dishing out that dough only to ignore the sole reason for being there (to watch the performance). If you can believe it, concerts aren't only about taking Snapchats and selfies to post on Instagram #thesebootsweremadeforanxxprofilter. Perhaps I am missing something and this behavior makes total and complete sense to others, but I do feel that this stigma associated with country concerts is the reason that this genre of music gets such a bad name.

I will admit that, in the past, I have scrutinized country music because the vast majority of the songs are centered around a man, his truck, his beer, his girl, and his girl's "Daisy Duke" jean shorts. While this is still true, country music is so much more than just that. It is music that is easy to listen to and has the potential to raise spirits when your having a bad day. This is why I am saddened by the poor reputation that country music has garnered due to the nature (and people that come to) its concerts.

Next time you attend a country concert, pay attention to the fellow concert goers. Sure, you'll see the standard players who pull up in their unnecessarily large trucks sporting button downs with the American flag on it and a belt buckle so extravagant you are left wondering what its purpose truly is. You may also see the swarm of high school girls who all came "accidentally matching" in their floral rompers. However, I urge you to pay attention to another section of patrons: those who are often forgotten. Those who show up to these concerts with blankets and picnic baskets in tow. They may purchase a few beers, but it is clear that these individuals came for one reason: to see a performer they enjoy live. These people are country fans through and through and I hope to see more of them next time I attend a country concert in an open amphitheater. Thus, I call for an end for this "country concert culture" for it is merely soiling the reputation of a genre that really deserves more credit. The sole purpose of your evening does not need to include meticulous documentation to make your followers jealous of how fun and social you are. Put your phone away. Watch the performer and the musicians on stage who have rehearsed for hours to bring you great music.

So, next time you and your squad go to a country concert, put away the flask. Instead of hooking up with that stranger with a cowboy hat, do something crazy and watch the performer. Chances are you may even enjoy yourself more (and see cool stuff like this).