Tanai Cannon, Campus Carrier Assistant Entertainment Editor

Summer allows students the freedom they do not have during a typical school year.  There is a yearning for spending those three months creating experiences that will forever last as amazing stories to tell family and friends.  With this freedom, many students have turned to concerts, a classic summer pastime where they create lasting memories.

Many Berry students attended various concerts this summer that differed in style, setting, and genre.

Photos contributed by Julia Gomez and Samantha Estes Top and Bottom: Zac Brown Band Center left to center right: OneRepublic, Zedd

Senior Amanda Petersen went local and had a night to remember when she went to go see the Velcro Pygmies at the Brewhouse on Broad Street.

“I’ve always been interested in 80’s rock since my dad likes it, I just wanted to get a live feeling of 80s music,” she said.

Petersen described the Velcro Pygmies wearing ridiculously thick eyeliner, wild and crazy wigs along with the essential go-go boots. She said the band was very fun to see, but the crowd was just as entertaining.

“The turnout was packed, the stage was set up larger than normal and there was lots of sweat and even lollypop and bra throwing,” Petersen said.

Peterson experienced a fun and very interesting look into 80s pop culture.

Freshman Michael Green attended a Jason Aldean concert in early May.

“He is more than just a country artist, he is definitely a talented performer who connects with fans and works hard to put on a great show,” Green said.  

He described the atmosphere as laid back and care free, noting that the crowd was, “Well behaved and appreciative of the music, nothing too wild or crazy.”

 Green really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere but explained that going with his girlfriend and her friends was really what made the concert worth the money and connecting with other fans made it priceless.

“Definitely go to a concert with friends and go early to tailgate together, it sets up the night right,” he said.

 Freshman Samantha Estes had plenty to share: she responded with artists such as Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, One Republic, Jason Alden and lastly Lady Antebellum. She is looking forward to attending two more in September. However Estes stated that seeing the Zac Brown Band stood out most.

Estes said “my family gets together to see the Zac Brown Band every year, it’s a family tradition.”

She described the band’s concert as having a unique variety of music that could entertain anyone whether they liked country or not.

“They always include different instruments to create a unique sound…it is country but also rock with an edge,” Estes said.

 She said how her favorite song they covered by The Fray had the entire arena going crazy with a beautiful mellow intro from a violin.

She described the finale as the best part of the entire experience.

“The band came out on stage in all black with skeletons printed on the front of their suits, then they played without guitar picks which was really unusual and different,” Estes said.

Estes said the reason she chose the Zac Brown Band as her absolute favorite band from this summer and why she went was “I really enjoy live music and the adrenaline, it is great to be able to sing at the top of your lungs and no one cares because everyone is excited and just having fun!”

So maybe the key to having the best concert experience is not holding back and not being afraid to be that crazy obsessed fan with your friends or family.

“Get into it, dress up, listen to the music beforehand, and wear crazy clothes…really get to know who you’re seeing, Peterson said.

Estes stresses the importance of going with a great group, “Go with friends, even if the show isn’t as great as you thought you will still have an amazing time…and be sure to bring water,” she said.

Summer may be coming to a close, and students must say hello to textbooks, exams and sweaters once more. However take note of these tips and you may just find yourself talking about your amazing concert experience next summer.