Growing up on Long Island means nothing other than summers spend in the Mezzanine section of Jones Beach concert arena. Saving babysitting money and parts of paychecks became hair when the summer was approaching. Jones Beach concerts tickets average about $50 but the nights I've spent watching the sun go down and the strobe lights come on are priceless.

I remember thirty to forty of my graduating class buying tickets to the Kesha and Pitbull concert in tenth grade. I remember seeing Wiz in tenth and eleventh grade with large groups. Wiz's concert my senior year was the night before prom but that didn't stop me and my best friend from screaming lyrics from the top rows. I've seen so many shows from the familiar comfort of the Mezzanine sections.

Jones Beach concerts have become a huge part of my summers. The day the performers list and dates are released is like a mini Christmas. Everyone is chatting about what they're going to buy tickets for in addition to how excited they are for the end of summer Jimmy Buffett concert. Margaritaville is Jones Beache's perfect way to end the warm months on LI.

However, it isn't just the music that makes the Jones Beach experience worth it. It's the people. Besides the friends you show up with, its the friends you make. A perk of having an outdoor arena is the pre show. Walking around the parking lot and tailgating before the gates opened was such a fun part of the night. Making friends from other counties on the island or even just from the town next to your own makes the night something special.

Summer 16 is approaching and I know you'll be able to find me at more than a few concerts. Here's to the concert venue I always want to be at and the songs I'll scream along to in my section.