Blog Archives

A Look Back On Luke Combs’ First NYC Show (Jan. 2017)…

September 7, 2018/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

In honor of Luke Combs’ tour announcement earlier today, we are sharing our recap of his very first New York City show back in January 2017 at Mercury Lounge.

In this review we mention an unreleased song that we were most impressed with, “When It Rains It Pours”… that song was sent to radio about six months after this write-up and later went on to become Luke’s second #1 Song, almost a year after this was written!

We also mentioned a ‘crowd-favorite’, “She Got The Best of Me”, Luke’s present single which is currently sitting in the Top 20! Luke was also named as one of our 2017 Artists to Watch along rising stars like Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, and Brett Young.

We’re so proud to support artists like this and watch them conquer the country music world. We ended Combs’ review with – “He’s sure to be a headlining act in the future!” – Well the time has come. Luke announced this morning his first headlining arena tour which hits NYC on February 28 at The Manhattan Center! Tickets & more info available here.

Check Out the full January 2017 Review Below:

Luke Combs Takes NYC By Storm…

January 24, 2017/in Blog by Stephanie Wagner

Emerging country star, Luke Combs, brought not only a little rain, but a lot of southern heat to our big city last week. Combs declared the show his first NYC performance, however a high school vocal group career shouldn’t go unnoticed as a young Combs was once chosen to perform a solo in the world-renowned Carnegie Hall! Nonetheless, we couldn’t be more grateful to have experienced Luke Combs this time around – as he is sure to take off in the country music scene.

The 26-year-old musician started the night off with one of his original songs, “Can I Get An Outlaw.” Fans were instantly buzzed off of the bands upbeat vibe and completely captivated by Luke’s incredible vocal skills.

An ironic addition to the rainy weather we had that evening, Luke then blew us away with his unreleased song “When It Rains It Pours,” which puts a new twist on a classic break up and we just can’t get it out of our heads. He sure knows how to put the good in good-bye!

Luke went on to treat us to some of his best material including crowd favorites, “Honky Tonk Highway” and “She Got The Best of Me.”

After flawlessly covering tunes by John Mellencamp, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, Combs enlightened us on a more aggressive hobby of his; Drinking Whiskey. Something perhaps we can all relate to… If there were any doubting fans left in the room, Luke sure won them over with his version of Chris Stapleton’s, “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Ending the show with his breakthrough single, “Hurricane,” Combs left every person in that room hooked, leaving the crowd chanting, “One More Song!” as he left the stage. A few minutes later, Combs returned for an encore with, “Out There.”

We’re proud to have named Luke as one of our 2017 Artists to Watch. You can look forward to new music coming soon, but in the meantime, grab his album here and let us know what you think! If you have the opportunity to see this guy some time soon, do not miss it! He’s sure to be a headlining act in the future!

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There you have it! A full circle review. We love having pieces like this to look back on. Especially with rising acts. It’s so cool to see how far they have come and we love being able to champion them on this journey.

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New Music Friday – The Playlist

September 7, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

This week the ladies are taking over our New Country Music Spotify Playlist with new EP’s from two of our Swag Spotlights: Jillian Jacqueline and Abby Anderson as well a debut EP from the ladies from our Swag Session from last month Runaway June. Also check out new songs from Ben Danaher, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Ruston Kelly, Kelsey Lamb, and Caroline Glaser.

Give us a follow and listen below:

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NYCS First Impression: Ben Danaher ‘Still Feel Lucky’

September 7, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Erica Zisman

The sentiment “music is healing” is personified in country singer, Ben Danaher’s 11 track debut album Still Feel Lucky. Despite the pain and trauma Danaher and his family have endured, which includes losing his father to a battle with cancer only two years after his brother was murdered, he coped with the anguish through music.

After the tragedies, the singer-songwriter moved to Nashville from Texas to begin his healing. The influence his father and brother had on his album is proven through his songs, especially “My Father’s Blood” and “A Little While.” In “My Father’s Blood,” he talks about the impact his late father has had on his life, sharing his appreciation for his father’s legacy and own songwriting ability. Danaher sings “It’s all because I got my father’s blood”.

Both the title track “Still Feel Lucky” and “A Little While” share with the listener the phases of grief, but more importantly the hope and belief for a better tomorrow, despite facing adversity. These songs, encompass Danaher’s main message, as he stated on his Twitter, ” “Still Feel Lucky” was the last song I wrote on this album. It was a huge turning point for me not only creatively, but personally. I hope this song will help everyone find a way to turn their sorrow into joy.”

Fans can watch the acoustic video for “Still Feel Lucky” here.

One of the more radio-friendly tracks on the record is the first song, “Hell or Highwater”, co-written with rising country star, Maren Morris. With its killer bass guitar instrumentals, soulful vibes, and story-telling lyrics, Danaher delivers everything we could want in a country music jam, while still staying true to his story. The singer gives us a taste of the song in a live acoustic performance below.

You can catch Danaher next Wednesday, September 19th at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. Grab your tickets here and take a listen to the full album below.

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NYCS First Impression: Runaway June Debut EP

September 7, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Nicole Bochinis

The rising trio Runaway June, which includes the beautiful and talented ladies Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer, have given fans exactly what they have been waiting for. Today they dropped their self-titled EP and it can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available. The group has been working on this project for two years with well-known producer Dann Huff. In a press release about the EP, Jennifer said that Dann Huff has changed their lives, while Hannah said it best with “The EP is a really fun and diverse look into our sound as a band. It incorporates the fun of the live show, but also shows some soft moments that fans can relate to.”

The EP consists of 5 songs, “Buy My Own Drinks”, “I Am Too”, “Got Me Where I Want You”, “Wild West” and their own spunky version of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”. The trio gave fans a taste of their EP last month when they released “Buy My Own Drinks” which was written by the ladies themselves alongside songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear. Fans love that single and will love the rest of the songs on the EP.

The collection of songs feature their spectacular harmonies on lyrics that touch on heartbreak, finding the perfect love and being badass, empowering women. This being their debut release on Wheelhouse Records, the project proves that the chicks of Runaway June are primed for stardom.

Last month Runaway June joined us for a Swag Session where they performed “Wild West” and “Buy My Own Drinks.” They talked to us about their exciting plans for next year. They will be joining Maddie and Tae on Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour. You will not want to miss the trio when the tour hits NYC next year, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can also watch the full Swag Session below.

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Granger Smith Releases Hilarious “If You’re City, If You’re Country” Book

September 6, 2018/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

Earl Dibbles Jr. is the alter-ego of country singer Granger Smith, who has racked up a social media following of over 1 million fans. Between drinking beer out of a boot on stage, to waving a flag around like a true country hick, Earl’s followers can’t get enough of his take on country life. In his new illustrated book “If You’re City, If You’re Country”, Earl walks through 50 different scenarios, comparing and contrasting how city folks and country folks do things very differently. Earl addresses many topics such as fast food, huntin’, fishin’, shootin’ the breeze, how to browse the web, and politics. Earl’s hilarious take on the country versus city debate will have longtime country fans and new converts in for quite the laugh.

Smith explained the process, “This book has been several years in the making and I couldn’t be more excited to finally put the idea into fruition. Writing these jokes as a creative outlet has been the product of so many late night after show laughs with the band. Earl in his entire existence has been a walking caricature and finally seeing him in all his glory come to life in illustrations seems so natural. Ultimately, I hope it makes people smile,” he added, “and the thought of that makes me happy.”

Smith is still on tour until the end of the year! Between finishing festival season and the rest of his tour, you have plenty of time to get out and catch both Granger and Earl Dibbles Jr. out on the road. You can check here to see if they are coming to a town near you. You can also pick up a copy of Earl Dibbles Jr.’s new book right here to be guaranteed some great laughs.

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Sugarland Lyrics To Use for Instagram Captions

September 6, 2018/in Blog, Instagram Captions /by Nicole Piering

Photo: Shervin Lainez for Big Machine Records

You may not have realized it, but Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland, have penned a ton of lyrics that are perfect for your next Instagram caption. Looking at their catalog of songs, there are lyrics for every moment and every emotion, ranging from falling in love to having your heart broken, and from settling to looking for something more.

Here are some of our favorite Instagram-able Sugarland lyrics:

1. “I ain’t settling for just getting by, I’ve had enough so-so for the rest of my life.” – Settlin’

2. “Some believe in destiny, and some believe in fate, I believe that happiness is something we create.” – Something More

3. “The whole world could change in a minute, Just one kiss could stop it spinning, We could think it through, But I don’t want to, if you don’t want to” – Want To

4. “‘Cause we were born for better days, We’ll find a way, yeah, we’re gonna be bigger, Don’t give up, you’re more than enough, Believe me, love, yeah, you’re gonna be bigger” – Bigger

5. “Why don’t you stay? I’m down on my knees, I’m so tired of bein’ lonely, Don’t I give you what you need?” – Stay

6. “But if you can look in my eyes, And tell me we’ll be alright, If you promise never to leave You just might make me believe” – Just Might Make Me Believe

7. “You really blew this, babe, We ain’t getting through this one, babe, This is the last time I’ll ever call you, babe” – Babe

8. “Ain’t no rhyme or reason, No complicated meaning, Ain’t no need to over-think it, Let go laughing” – It Happens

9. “Oh, whoa, everybody’s dreaming big, Oh, whoa, but everybody’s just getting by, That’s how it goes in everyday America, A little town and a great big life” – Everyday America

10. “Dear Mom and Dad, Please send money, I’m so broke that it ain’t funny.” – Baby Girl

11. “She’s your mother, you love her, there won’t be another place like her again that you call home” – Mother

12. “Lean it on back, watch the sun go down, watch it come back around.” – Lean It On Back

13. “Don’t be afraid to change, our love is still the same, still the same, still the same.” – Still The Same

14. “You’re not a bird in a cage, you were born to fly away, the world’s a bigger place than all the fear you face.” – Bird In A Cage

15. “I’m on a roll, babe, watch me go, babe, I’m solid gold, babe.” – On A Roll

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Jillian Jacqueline’s Aching “If I Were You” Video

September 6, 2018/in Blog /by Molly Holmberg

Jillian Jacqueline, Big Loud Records latest rising star, is bringing her honest track “If I Were You”, featuring Keith Urban, to life today with a brand new music video. The single details the emotional conflict following a breakup and the attempt to move on. Jacqueline is continuing to take the music scene by storm with her effortlessly raw vocals and new-school, no-holds-barred storytelling.

“Hate how he’s still got me / Blame it on bad timing / You shouldn’t come so close / When you’re looking at me like that,” sings Jacqueline and Urban in harmony. Directed by Patrick Tracy, the clip features Jacqueline looking effortlessly chic in a room of retro furniture, restlessly pacing in front of a signature lightning bolt. The added film-type filter on the video gives it that extra vibey look.

Spotlighting the track and “up-and-coming Jacqueline holding her own in the presence of a chart-topping superstar,” Rolling Stone named “If I Were You” one of the “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week.” Buzz continues to build around the heartbreak tune and Jacqueline, who was not only named NYCountry Swag’s 18 Artists to Watch in 2018 back in January but was also one of our first Swag Spotlights.

Surpassing one million overall streams, “If I Were You” is the first look at Jacqueline’s forthcoming EP SIDE B. The follow-up to 2017’s SIDE A will also feature the just-released song “Sad Girls” and four additional new tracks. Taking her career to the next level with SIDE B, Jacqueline is already on the map as a Billboard Chartbreaker, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and “18 for 2018”, and Vevo’s first-ever Country Discover Artist to Watch. She is also being deemed one of the genre’s most promising new talents by Pandora, Amazon Music, Rolling Stone, AXS, Sounds Like Nashville, Whiskey Riff and more.

Jacqueline hits the road as a special guest on Kip Moore’s AFTER THE SUNBURN TOUR beginning September 28 in Birmingham, AL. You can get tickets here on her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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NYCountry Swag x Clayton Anderson: The Hero Collection

September 5, 2018/in Blog /by Stephanie Wagner

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

10% of each sale from this collection is donated to different organizations and charities affiliated with our heroes nationwide. Since our launch, we have raised funds for several organizations like The FDNY Captain Timothy Stackpole Foundation, ANSWER THE CALL – New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund, Building Homes For Heroes, Wounded Warrior Project and Police Unity Tour.

This month we’ve teamed up with country artist, Clayton Anderson to raise money and awareness for her choice Organization of the Month: Indiana State Police Alliance.

The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) was established in 1974 as an association of Indiana State Troopers with a focus toward promoting better law enforcement to the citizens of Indiana and gaining state-wide support for Indiana Troopers.

Since their humble beginning in 1974, the Alliance’s scope has broadened significantly. Today they have expanded its responsibilities to include increased member benefits such as legal assistance, legislative lobbying, funeral support and survivor benefits, college scholarships, and numerous community support activities throughout the state.

The Indiana State Police Alliance works directly with the Indiana State Police Department, the governor’s office and members of the state legislature on issues of state-wide law enforcement and public safety. Additionally, the Indiana State Police Alliance is the only association of Indiana state police officers recognized by the National Troopers Coalition. Ever growing and always looking for ways to meet the needs of members and the citizens of the great Hoosier State, the Indiana State Police Alliance has further incorporated Alliance Security, offering off-duty employment opportunities for troopers, and Cops For Kids.

Now through the end of September, 10% of all sales from our Hero Collection will be donated to The Indiana State Police Alliance. You can shop the collection here. Thank You in advance for your support. We hope that with your help, we can continue to pay it forward to our heroes.

Click Here to Purchase Yours Now

Thank You for your support! – Team NYCS

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Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs…So Far

September 5, 2018/in Blog /by Nicole Piering

With Carrie Underwood’s new album, Cry Pretty, being released on September 14, there are sure to be twelve new classic tracks to bless our ears. Yet, while we wait for what’s to come, it’s only fitting to take a look back at her incredible catalog of hits over the past thirteen years.

While pretty much every Underwood song is perfect in its own right, her hits span the gamut of emotions from love and longing to betrayal and revenge to religion and spirituality. It was nearly impossible to choose a list of favorites, but here are ten of Underwood’s best songs, so far.

10. “Dirty Laundry”

“Dirty Laundry” makes this list for its catchy hook and incredibly clever lyrics, with Underwood telling her cheating man that “all the Ajax in the world ain’t gonna clean your dirty laundry.” The track was written by Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, and Hillary Lindsey and appeared on Underwood’s Storyteller album.

9. “Temporary Home”

While “Temporary Home” may not have been one of Underwood’s biggest hits, it’s easily one of her most poignant. As the second single from her 2009 album, Play On, “Temporary Home” touched on the singer’s spiritual side. She co-wrote the track with Zac Maloy and Luke Laird, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

8. “Jesus, Take the Wheel”

In many ways, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is the song the started it all for Underwood, as the first single off her debut album, Some Hearts. Written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, the song was Underwood’s first step in establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in country music. The song also cemented her position as a Grammy darling, taking home the trophy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.

7. “Blown Away”

“Blown Away” served as the second single off of Underwood’s album of the same name, setting a darker tone for the era. The song tells the story of an abusive father passed out on the couch during a tornado, while his daughter hides in a shelter, praying for him and the home to be “blown away.” It was written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear.

6. “Last Name”

“Last Name” tells the story of “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” with Underwood taking on the tongue-in-cheek role of a woman whose raucous night ended with her married to a man whose last name she doesn’t know. Written by Hillary Lindsey and Luke Laird, the Carnival Ride single showed Underwood’s lighter side and earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

5. “Two Black Cadillacs”

“Two Black Cadillacs” hearkens back to the old days of country music’s story songs, and it’s a masterful track in the vein of classics like “Goodbye Earl” or “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” The song was the fourth single from the Blown Away album, continuing the darker trend started by the title track. It was co-written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Kear.

4. “Just a Dream”

Underwood’s “Just a Dream” is the type of song (and video) that tests for working tear ducts, telling the story of a young military widow. It was released as a single from Carnival Ride and written by Gordie Sampson, Steve McEwan, and Hillary Lindsey.

3. “Wasted”

While “Wasted” may have been the sixth and final single released from Underwood’s debut album, Some Hearts, it’s one of her best. Written by Hillary Lindsey, Marv Green, and Troy Verges, “Wasted” is certainly a simpler song by Underwood standards, but a perfect snapshot of everything great about country music in the first decade of the 2000’s. It’s fluff, but not too fluffy; it’s country, but not too country; it’s pop without being too poppy. Lyrically and musically, “Wasted” remains all kinds of delightful.

2. “Before He Cheats”

While Underwood has had a ton of massive hits, one could argue that “Before He Cheats” is her most iconic release thus far. On the revenge anthem, which became her largest selling single to date, Underwood takes a Lousiville slugger to both headlights and slashes all four of her man’s tires, promising that she’ll never be cheated on again. The 2007 single was written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, and can be heard in karaoke joints and cover bars across Nashville to this day.

1. “Something in the Water”

There’s just something magical about “Something in the Water, ” earning it the top spot. The track, which was released as a single from Underwood’s Greatest Hits: Decade #1, was co-written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Brett James. It doesn’t sugarcoat its spirituality and the “Amazing Grace” background choir into the ending is truly chill-inducing. Grammy voters agreed, with “Something in the Water” nabbing a coveted award for Best Country Solo Performance.

How does our list of our Top Carrie Underwood Songs match up to yours? Check back here in a next week to read our First Impression of her highly anticipated next album, Cry Pretty.

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NYCountry Swag’s Favorite Concerts of Summer 2018

September 5, 2018/in Blog, Team Picks /by Team Country Swag

Christina Bosch: The Fest Featuring Brown and Gray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Russell Dickerson, and Dustin Lynch

This summer as Managing Editor for New York Country Swag we attended at least one show a week, sometimes two or three. Narrowing my favorite concerts to one was a hard decision but as a big fan of rising artists, I think one of the greatest experiences we had was attending The Fest out on Long Island. The lineup featured Brown and Gray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Russell Dickerson and Dustin Lynch. Over the past year, we have seen each of these artists perform separately whether it was a Live Swag Session like we did here with Brown and Gray or Mitchell Tenpenny or catching Dustin Lynch at Playstation Theatre or Russell Dickerson at his sold-out NJ show.

Seeing them all on one stage was truly incredible, their unique talents and the different vibe each bring to the country music genre made for the perfect night of music. Between Brown and Gray’s summer hit “Top Down” to Dickerson’s venue-wide sing-a-long to his latest single “Blue Tacoma” the audience was loving these rising artists and the smash hits they are releasing.

Stephanie Wagner: Mitchell Tenpenny at Mercury Lounge

As Christina mentioned, we had the incredible opportunity to see so many amazing shows this summer. One of my favorite things to do with this company is to support rising artists which is what makes Mitchell Tenpenny’s Mercury Lounge show my favorite show of the summer.

We first worked with Mitchell back in December when we did a Live Swag Session in the heart of Times Square. This was before he had a song on the radio and before his record deal with Riser House/ Sony Nashville. I had been a fan of his since the first time I heard his music, so I was excited to work with him that day. To see how hard he has worked and watch his debut single hit the Top 20, makes me so proud of the artist and person he is. Tenpenny sold out his Mercury Lounge show two weeks before the date, which is a huge accomplishment for a new artist on a NYC play. There was a special sense of magic in the room that night catching Tenpenny’s performance while the packed house sang back every word to his hour long set. You only get to experience your ‘firsts’ once, so being in the room to experience Tenpenny’s first sold out headlining NYC show is a memory I will treasure.

Crystal Fenton: Trip Around the Sun Tour Kenny Chesney

Seeing Kenny Chesney live has LONG been on my bucket list, so naturally, the Trip Around the Sun tour was my absolute favorite concert of summer 2018. Plus, with Old Dominion & Thomas Rhett as openers, even a multi-hour rain delay at MetLife stadium couldn’t damper (see what I did there?!) the vibe of No Shoes Nation. The show was amazing from start to finish. What a perfect & appropriate way to close out the summer while kicking off September, my birthday month where I’ll take another trip around the sun myself; My first Kenny show definitely won’t be the last! For a full recap and more photos of the Metlife Stadium show, click here.

Photo by Matthew Paskert

Molly Holmberg: Jake Owen, Chris Janson, and Jordan Davis

Jake Owen has always been the barefoot blue jean icon in country music and when he takes the stage, he embraces that. During his “Life’s What You Make It” tour this summer he came out barefoot every night and ready for a party. Playing hits like “Good Company”, “Beachin’”, and even a mash-up between Eight Second Ride / Mountain Music / Tennessee River / Dixieland Delight, he puts on a show.

With opening acts Chris Janson and Jordan Davis, the night gets started with a kick. By the time Owen steps foot on stage, the fans have been on their feet the past two hours and are ready for more. The 37-year-old’s big smile with a loose and carefree attitude brings so much life and energy to the stage. He comes to not only entertain but to have a good time with the fans. He is engaging, charismatic, and an overall nice guy. His concert puts you in a feel-good mood by the end of the night. So if you are looking for a great concert, Jake Owen’s is definitely worth every penny.

Owen is putting out music that is real country. And real country is the reason Jake Owen’s future keeps looking promising. Check out his latest party song single “Down To The Honkytonk” here.

Nicole Piering: The Bandwagon Tour Featuring Tenille Townes, Little Big Town, and Miranda Lambert

When it comes to summer in New York, Jones Beach is undoubtedly the best place to see a concert. While I attended quite a few this year, my favorite show of the summer was definitely Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert’s “The Bandwagon Tour.” For one, it was great to see these two superstar acts play at Jones Beach, but even better, the set they did together was electric. While both Lambert and LBT played their own shows, they also combined forces into an epic super-group for a 40-minute set that included some of their biggest hits and some incredible covers. “Boondocks” is always one of my favorite songs to hear live, and their joint covers of “Goodbye Earl,” “Say My Name,” and “Let’s Go Crazy” were all phenomenal. I’d love to see other acts join forces and make shows like this more popular in the future. The full recap of The Bandwagon’s Jones Beach tour stop here.

Nicole Sellati: CMA Fest

This year I was lucky enough to attend the music event of the summer, CMA Fest! This was easily my favorite week of the year! The week was jam-packed with amazing artists, going from concert to concert with no stopping. Some highlights for me were going inside to the fan fair as well as attend the fan parties of Michael Ray and Luke Bryan. These were the events I was looking forward to the most while in Nashville, getting to see the artists up close and personal in an intimate setting. Luke Bryan’s fan club party was in celebration of 10 years of the Nut House where he got to play an acoustic set, performing songs he hasn’t in years. CMA Fest as a whole was amazing but if I had to choose my favorite night at Nissan Stadium I would say Sunday was hands down the best. The last night had all my favorite artists starting with Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, and closing the night was Luke Bryan. It was a night I never wanted to end and thanks to Luke Bryan he made it last a little longer. He was just getting warmed up and ended up playing for over an hour closing out the best concert of my summer. CMA Fest was as perfect as I imagined and I can’t wait to be back next year!

Shanna Vitaliano: Ashley McBryde at Taste of Country Music Festival

My favorite concert of the summer was seeing Ashley McBryde at Taste of Country Music Festival in Hunter Mountain, NY on June 9th. Ashley has an infectious personality onstage. She is down to earth, extremely humble, and her stage presence along with her sense of humor had every festival goer’s attention. Her incredible songwriting ability shined through during “The Jacket” and powerful voice captivated all during “American Scandal.” It was my first time seeing her live after being a fan of her album Girl Goin’ Nowhere and I look forward to seeing her again. Her next show in the NYC area will be December 5th at Gramercy Theatre, grab your tickets here.

Danielle Tornatore: Sam Hunt and Kane Brown in Atlantic City

I attended almost twenty concerts this summer but my favorite had to be Sam Hunt and Kane Brown at Atlantic City BeachFest on July 1st. There are so many reasons why this was my favorite show, one being, I got to road trip there and back with two of my best friends. It’s about two and a half hours each way from us so we were able to make some great memories together. Between jamming out to some great music, sharing stories and just making each other laugh, it was overall a great trip. The day this show got announced, we knew we had to go. We’ve seen Sam Hunt together multiple times, but we had yet to see Kane Brown and he is one of our favorites. We missed Kane when he played at Irving Plaza in New York City in 2016 so we knew this was our perfect opportunity. It was literally 100 degrees out that day and the show was on the actual beach, toes in the sand and all, and despite the heatwave, both guys put on an incredible show which made me admire them even more. Myself, along with the rest of the crowd, were sweating. So much. But the two of them somehow made everyone forget about the weather and just get lost in the music. In the middle of Kane’s set, most of the sound equipment went out from the intense heat but he kept the show going and that is one of the many reasons why I am a huge fan of his. Sam was jumping all around the stage, as usual, during his entire set and maintained his high energy the whole time. It honestly was a day I will never forget and another memory I’ve gained with my best friends.

Erica Zisman: CMAFest (Lee Brice at HGTV Lodge)

Public service announcement: Go to Country Music Association Fest (CMA Fest) in Nashville, Tennessee at least once. Although there are a ton of wonderful concerts held in New York, especially those good ole’ country shows at Jones Beach Amphitheater on Long Island, CMA Fest is a once (or more if you’re lucky) in a lifetime experience for any country music lover. The four-day festival combines some of the biggest names in country music, such as Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett, with new artists and up and coming artists, like Dylan Scott and Morgan Wallen, into a musical extravaganza. The event is packed with free shows all day long, free shows at night, and the ticketed Nissan Stadium line up.

I was able to experience CMA Fest for the second time this summer. One of my favorite free venues is the HGTV Lodge, which is an intimate venue that gets you up close and personal with an artist, while the singer performs acoustically. I was able to see Lee Brice perform, for the first time in June. Hearing some of his hits: “Drinking Class”, “Love Like Crazy”, and his most recent single, “Rumor”, live and stripped down, was one of my favorite concert moments of the summer. Brice was extremely charming, poised, and humble; despite, his major success and even opened the doors to extra fans, who were unable to get into the lodge, due to it being over capacity. Being able to relate to Brice’s songs, but also, Brice as a human being was a really special moment for me and my friends. It was a “concert” I will never forget.

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