Not exactly the norm. When I tell people that I love country music, they ask where I’m from and then look stunned when they find out I’m a Yankee. But yes, it’s true. On top of that, ironically, a few of my best friends from growing up all separately somehow found their way to loving country music as well. When we realized that we now all had this shared interest, four of us decided to make our way to Nashville this past weekend for the 40th Annual CMA Music Festival.
Confession #2: I adore outdoor summer concerts.
There is just something so great about sitting outside on a warm night, with friends, a beer in hand and listening to fantastic music. Lawn seats, real seats, picnic blanket; wherever you may be, its always a great way to spend your time. The CMA fest was no exception as it was four full days and nights of outdoor summer concerts in Nashville; Disney World for country music fans. I got to see some of my favorites; Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, The Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban. I also got to discover new favorites like Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Easton Corbin, Randy Rogers Band, James Wesley, and Jason Michael Carroll. There was live music everywhere. If it got too hot outside during the day at one of the four stages set up by the festival, we’d just pop into an air conditioned bar and got to listen to some more music inside. (My itunes bill will be extensive for the next month or so as I gather all of the great new stuff I heard.) I also must mention how great the people were there. Everyone was there to have a good time, there to party, there to enjoy the music; and by extension everyone had a fantastic time. Can’t tell you how much fun it was to be in a stadium full of people all singing along to their favorite music.
Beer is great. Hot summer day, country music playing in the background and a beer in hand. Nothing better. Or wait, add some barbecue to that, and it just got better. That’s what we had in Nashville. Along with the music, beer and barbecue was also everywhere. There was one day that we went to lunch at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant. None of us were super hungry, but we figured we should probably eat lunch as the day was getting on. The minute we stepped through the door, the scent of barbecue that infused the whole place wafted over us and we were immediately starving. Pulled pork was had by all; accompanied by local beer in mason jars. I’d found out about the local Nashville brewery, Yazoo, from some friends of mine who’d been to there before. They sold it everywhere around town, so on Saturday we went to the brewery to check out the tap room and take a tour. Really good beer. Really wish they distributed further than Tennessee and Kentucky. (Fantastic that they had a taco food truck parked outside for afterward) Guess it will just be something I can look forward to the next time I go back to Nashville, though I did take a growler home to remember the experience.
Confession #4: I love my friends.
We could have been anywhere, at a big event like the CMA fest or just sitting around drinking a beer or having coffee, and still have a fantastic time. Lucky for us we got to be in Nashville, but honestly I feel so lucky to have such incredible friends. We’ve already talked about going back again next year because of how much fun we had, and I really hope that we get to. I will, without a doubt, have my cowboy hat, boots and very best “Yeehaw!” ready and waiting for this time next year.
It sounds like so much fun! I really want to go next year. Friends, BBQ, Country music, beer and summer? It seriously does not get better. I love the way you put the pictures up too.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun! You should definitely come out if you get a chance! The more the merrier the bigger the party ;) (Thanks about the photos as well!)
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