I believe the real start to summer is when the first country concert takes place. It's when committed fans get their beloved Mega Ticket in the mail and anxiously await weekends filled with tailgates and live music to pass the months until it's time to go back to school.

1. Country music is the sound of summer

Country music is perfect for summer. Summer is a time to be free and have no worries, and whether you're heading to the beach or just driving with the windows down, country music is perfect for setting the scene.

2. Everyone (for the most part) is drunk and happy

Look around at a country concert, and 99% of the people around you are going to be dancing around to the music, beer in hand, happy as can be. Since most people start tailgating (and drinking) when the parking lots open, usually about two hours prior to the show, you can bet that almost everyone is going to be pretty drunk by the time the main performer comes on around 9. Country music fans are firm believers in loud music and ice cold beer.

3. Most concerts are outside

The majority of the venues that host country concerts are outdoors. This is perfect for setting the mood for the music on a warm summer night. During the summer, country concert tailgates take the place of football tailgates which will resume in the fall, and who doesn't love a good tailgate?

4. Hot country singers... need I say more?

Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley... I'm still waiting for Adam Levine to step onto the country scene, but until then, there are already plenty of good ole southern boys to go around.