As a born and raised Ohio girl, I usually go to all of my summer concerts at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati. In the past few years, I have realized I need more freedom in the parking lot, the AstroTurf lawn really isn't my style, and the huge pillars surrounding the pavilion are distracting!

My sister and I decided to try out a new venue last year in Indiana, and boy was it worth it! Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana is where summer concert goers (especially in the Cincinnati area) need to go! I know, I know, Riverbend seems more logical since it may be close to your home, but the drive is UNDER 2 HOURS from Cincinnatiand totally worth it!

One thing about Klipsch Music Center that my sister and I really love is the freedom while tailgating. The parking lot at Klipsch is a much better experience than our past shows at Riverbend. My brother, sister, and I were tailgating before a Dave Matthews Band show at Riverbend once and a security golf cart rolled up to our car and told us to stop drinking. Needless to say, we were annoyed. After visiting Klipsch for the first time, we were shocked. The parking lots are packed full of people tailgating 2-3 hours before the show is set to start, there is a campsite nearby for people to camp out, and security was friendly and inviting. The tailgating scene at Klipsch is a blast and this year we were parked next to some really nice people, which is always a plus!

For Dave Matthews Band lovers in the Cincinnati area or nearby, you absolutely have to make the trip to Noblesville. Dave plays two nights at Klipsch, and the set lists are amazing. I have been to DMB at Klipsch for two years in a row and made a weekend out of it each time. Seeing the Friday AND Saturday night shows allow for much more songs to be heard and he loves playing there. Not like I am best buds with Dave or anything, but after seeing him in Cincinnati in the past and then in Indiana, I can tell he enjoys Indy much more. I've been going to DMB concerts since I was 13 years old, and the most enjoyable shows I have been to are at Klipsch.

Another positive aspect of Klipsch, for me personally, is the real grass lawn. When Riverbend switched to turf, I was unhappy! It just doesn't feel right to be sitting, standing, and dancing on fake grass! The fresh grass and cool dirt beneath my feet is much more natural and less hot. The turf gets really warm and quite frankly, scratchy! The view from the lawn at Klipsch is also much better than the view at Riverbend. It's always a battle at Riverbend to dodge the giant reddish colored support beams while you're in the lawn. Every show I have gone to at Riverbend, I wind up getting angry trying to find a spot where I can see the stage, and where the support beams aren't obstructing any of my view. On the other hand, at Klipsch, the support beams are more narrow and pillar like. The beams are easier to see around and pretty much any spot on the lawn is a good spot. My sister and I sat near the top of the lawn one night and could see really well, and another night we went in early and got a spot closer to the pavilion, but still on the lawn and could see wonderfully. If you're going to a concert to actually see the stage and the artist performing, make the short drive to Indy!

I know I have talked about Dave Matthews band a lot, and I apologize, but there are obviously tons of other awesome artists playing at Klipsch this summer! I encourage you all to grab some friends and head to Indy for a fun filled evening of music and festivities! If you prefer to stick with good old Riverbend, FINE! But I highly encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and make the quick trip to Noblesville for a new experience!

Some summer concerts left to attend at Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana include:

July 9- Fall Out Boy and Paramore

July 13- Zac Brown Band 

July 24- Lady Antebellum

August 2- Keith Urban

August 3- OneRepublic and The Script

August 7- Under the Influence of Music Tour: Wiz Khalifa, Jeezy & More 

August 9- Drake vs. Lil Wayne

August 16- Miranda Lambert with Thomas Rhett

August 23- Kings of Leon

For more information on shows at Klipsch Music Center, visit www.livenation.com and type in Noblesville, IN in the "New Location" search bar!

* photos from www.klipschmusiccenter.org and www.images.klipsch.com *