I am from Nashville, otherwise known as "Music City USA". Nashville is known for country music legends like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and George Strait; new up and coming country music artists like Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, and Kelsea Ballerini.
However, just because you think country when you think Nashville doesn't mean we don't love other types of music. Justin Timberlake and Aretha Franklin come from Memphis, Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus are from Franklin, and you can't be rollin' down the Cumberland River without Tina Turner.
I've grown up going to many concerts and of the ones I have been to (or heard about from friends), a few stand out among the rest. Amazing concerts need to have three things: an interaction between the artist and the audience, some sort of connection between the artist and the venue, and the general excitement and "hype" environment on concert day.
Here are some of my favorite artists to see live and a link to their website so you can check out upcoming tour dates:
1. Justin Timberlake
Okay, speaking from personal experience (and after seeing the 20/20 concert twice) I can say this is one of the best concerts I have ever been to. JT and the Tennessee Kids are some of the most entertaining, musically inclined people I have ever watched on stage. If you want to see JT dance to Sexyback and hear 50,000+ sing "Mirrors", than this concert is for you.
Tour Dates: https://justintimberlake.com/events
2. Beyoncé
Queen B doesn't mess around. Her concert is more than just music and dancing, but a full "flawless" performance. All kinds of people go to her concerts, little girls, teenagers, boys, girls, college kids, you name it you'll see it there. I haven't personally been to a Beyoncé concert, but my friends RAVE about her.
Tour Dates: http://www.beyonce.com/tour/
3. Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton has to be one of the greatest voices in country music. You know how sometimes you go to a concert, the artist comes out, and sounds nothing like they do on the radio? Not Blake. He sounds identical to the radio. He interacts with the crowd, sings all of your favorite songs, and always knows how to have a good time. My family has seen him, without me unfortunately, but the next time his tour comes around I will be there for sure.
Tour Dates: http://www.blakeshelton.com/tour
4. Taylor Swift
Some people may say Taylor is overrated, but I am 21 years old and still LOVE her and would go to her concert in a heartbeat. I have been to her Speak Now tour, Fearless tour, and Red tour and have never been disappointed. Her concerts are not just music, but more of a theatrical "broadway" type performance. There are outfit changes, dramatic videos, set changes, fireworks, smoke, dancers, drums, and she always has the best special guests.
Tour Dates: https://taylorswift.com/events
5. Miley Cyrus
Whether you saw her as Hannah Montana or as Miley herself in her "Bangerz" tour, Miley's concerts always make a statement. If you love girls with space buns on their heads and dancing teddy bears, Bangerz was definitely the concert to go to. I have yet to attend a Miley concert, but with her new comeback (yes she is making a comeback) and I cannot wait to see what she does next. I'll bring 1,000 rainbow balloons with me when she sings "Malibu", don't worry.
Tour Dates: https://www.mileycyrus.com
6. Garth Brooks
Garth Brooks. Country music icon, country music legend. Garth came to Nashville, TN after a flood shook Middle Tennessee and performed 9 benefit concerts for "flood relief". My family and I sat in row 3 for this concert, stood the ENTIRE time, and never stopped singing. A Garth Brooks concert is like singing karaoke with 50,000+ fans. He doesn't have to sing one word because the crowd knows them all, that's what makes him a true legend.
Tour Dates: http://garthbrooks.com/#tour
7. Florida Georgia Line
I haven't seen FGL once, or twice, or even three times. I have seen Florida Georgia Line live more times than I can count, between their own concerts and other performances such as CMA Fest. Their songs are popular, they connect on a deeper level to most fans, and they add their own new twist on "country" music. Their concert is a party, if you do it the right way.
Tour Dates: http://floridageorgialine.com/tour-dates/
8. Bruce Springsteen
You can't be "Born In The USA" without Bruce Springsteen. His iconic voice and songs can be recognized anywhere. Some people have said that his concerts make you feel like the best version of yourself. His fans are some of the most dedicated fans across the nation, or more importantly the planet. I have not personally seen him live, but I heard it is an experience you can't miss out on.
Tour Dates: http://brucespringsteen.net/shows
9. Queen
Can anybody find me, somebody to love? Everyone loves Queen. The band is getting older now, but thankfully Adam Lambert, who found his fame on American Idol, is now touring with the band. Queen's songs are iconic, they are used in movies, for "hype-up" songs, and more. I can only imagine the atmosphere of these concerts. Again, I have not attended a Queen concert, let alone a rock concert, BUT it is definitely on my bucket list.
Tour Dates: http://www.queenonline.com
10. Ed Sheeran
If you don't know, Ed Sheeran is a one man show. He doesn't have a guitarist, drummer, a bass player, or any "band" members for that matter. He has truly innovated and renovated what it means to be a musician. He is his OWN guitarist, bass player, drummer, and whatever else he uses in his songs. At first, you may think one person on a stage is awkward, but after seeing him live your mind will be blown.
Tour Dates: http://www.edsheeran.com/tour
11. Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is the Beyoncé of country music. If you have ever tried to sing Carrie Underwood at the top of your lungs in a car, I'm sure you understand that her voice can go to notes/pitches that are not humanly possible. The best part, she makes it look easy. I have been lucky enough to see her at CMA Fest in Nashville, but have never actually been to a "Carrie Underwood" concert, but I am hoping to go to one soon.
Tour Dates: http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com
12. Jason Derulo
Jason Derulo's songs are catchy, probably so catchy that they will get stuck in your head all day long. He hits notes that I cannot even attempt to sing, has some of the best dance moves, and I'm sure his concert would be worth every penny. I have never seen him in concert and am waiting on the day he goes on a tour that actually comes to Nashville.
Tour Dates: http://www.jasonderulo.com/tour
If you've never seen any of these artists, or have never been to a concert, check out the links above, since these are really some of the best people to see in concert. They are some of my favorite artists I have seen, wish to see, or have heard of that are the best performers, singers, and artists out there.
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