Photo Courtesy of Flickr
Story by Tayhlor Stephenson / Staff Writer
Country music fans, summer is practically here, and although that means The Country Column will be taking a brief summer break, it also means one thing: concert season is upon us. In its honor, here are ten concerts you should totally try to catch in the coming days and months of sweet, sweet summertime!
Girls of Nashville
When: May 3
Where: 3rd and Lindsley
Why you should attend: Because it’s ladies night and the feeling’s just right with performers like Caitlyn Smith, Lucie Silvas and Nikita Karmen. For $15, the night is yours to own.
Luke Bryan
When: May 5-6
Where: Bridgestone Arena
Why you should attend: As if Bryan isn’t more than enough reason to dust off those boots and head to a country concert, adding Brett Eldredge and Adam Craig to the lineup automatically bumps the show from tempting to irresistible. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to see one of country music’s leading men shake it for the birds and bees?
Lee Brice
When: May 17
Where: 3rd and Lindsley
Why you should attend: Brice is arguably one of the most raw artists out there. His heartfelt lyrics are second to none, and he deserves all the credit for his work. Don’t let this one pass you by.
Little Big Town
When: May 19-20 & July 28-29
Where: Ryman Auditorium
Why you should attend: Here’s a fun fact for you: Rolling Stones named Little Big Town one of the top acts to see live. So, what are you waiting for? If you can’t catch their May shows, you’re in luck because they’re coming back at the end of July.
RaeLynn
When: May 24
Where: Mercy Lounge
Why you should attend: RaeLynn just released her debut album in March, so how cool would it be to see her very first headlining show right here in Music City? This sassy fashionista has the right set of lungs for your concert needs.
Eric Church
When: May 26-27
Where: Bridgestone Arena
Why you should attend: If you often find yourself wanting more of that good ol’ feel-it-in-your-soul country music, Church is your go-to guy. And, if you see him on his “Holdin’ My Own” tour, you’re in for a one-man show because Church has opted out of an opener this go-around.
Darius Rucker and Friends
When: June 5
Where: Ryman Auditorium
Why you should attend: What’s better than going to a country music concert? Easy: going to a country music concert that benefits St. Jude Children’s Hospital. If you buy a ticket to this show, that’s just what you’ll be doing. It’s a good time full of guest artists, and it’s for a cause — a win-win situation.
Nash Country Kickoff
When: June 6
Where: Cannery Ballroom
Why you should attend: This year’s headliners are Brothers Osborne and Runaway June. Enough said. But really, Nash Country’s kickoff is the perfect excuse to get CMA Fest started a little earlier than scheduled.
CMA Fest
When: June 8-11
Where: Downtown Nashville
Why you should attend: CMA Fest is the best way to see all your favorites in the same time and place. As usual, Nissan Stadium will host the big-name artists, such as Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean. If you’re not willing to fork over the big bucks, there are still plenty of options that assure you loads of free fun. Hit up the smaller stages to see some pretty great aspiring artists.
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
When: August 4-5
Where: Bridgestone Arena
Why you should attend: You won’t want to miss this show. For the first time in 20 years, McGraw and Hill will perform an entire set together in Music City as a part of their ongoing “Soul2Soul World Tour.” This one’s for all you 90s-music-loving folks.
Thanks for reciprocating that country-music-lovin’ support throughout the country column’s ten-article run.
To contact Lifestyles Editor Marissa Gaston email lifestyles@mtsusidelines.com.
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