Who Would’ve Ever Thought I’d Be at a Country Concert? Oh Wait… I’m a Country Girl, So Why Not!

If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be two-stepping in a crowd full of cowboy hats and denim-on-denim, screaming lyrics at the top of my lungs, I probably would’ve laughed. But here I am, fresh off one of the best concert experiences of my life, thanks to none other than Shaboozey.

Yes, Shaboozey, the American singer and rapper who flawlessly blends country, Americana and hip-hop like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I’ve been vibing to his music for a minute, but seeing him live? Whole different level of energy.

And let me tell you, I did not come to play.

The moment I saw those tickets in my inbox, I knew it was the perfect excuse to unleash my inner cowgirl. I pulled out my cowgirl boots, denim shorts so short they practically saluted freedom, and ….because it was only right, I finally pulled out my Beyoncé Act II: Cowboy Carter T-shirt. If you know, you know. When the Queen gives us a country album, it becomes a lifestyle.

Before the music even started, I kicked the night off with a smooth sip of Red Hazel spiced whiskey because what’s a country concert without a little liquid yeehaw?

After entering the venue, I indulged in everything FREE!!! FREE liquor samples, swag bags and more. I also went over to the merch section and purchased a shirt with Shaboozey’s face covering the front.

Then the lights went low. The bass dropped. And Shaboozey hit the stage like a thunderstorm in July.

He performed all the hits the crowd went wild for “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” we hollered through “Let It Burn,” and when he dipped into the more soulful tracks, I could feel the whole room swaying like wheat in the wind. The vibes were unmatched and the energy was amazingly incredible ….a perfect mix of Southern grit, Black joy and genre-blending freedom.

And here’s what I loved most: it felt like a safe space for every kind of country girl.

Whether you grew up on red clay roads or city sidewalks or whether your boots are designer or from Tractor Supply there was no gatekeeping, no pretending, no “you don’t belong here.” Shaboozey’s music reminds us that country isn’t just one sound or one look. It’s a spirit. It’s storytelling. It’s surviving and still knowing how to smile.

So this post is for my country girls with a little soul, a little sass, and a whole lot of flavor.

The ones who love trap beats and steel guitars. Who listen to Megan in the morning and Dolly at night. Who aren’t interested in fitting into boxes because we’re too busy line-dancing out of them.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s space for you in country music let this be your sign.

There is. And we’re claiming it in rhinestones, denim, boots and rhythm.

Thank you, Shaboozey, for turning a concert into a movement. And to Beyoncé, for making country couture a global requirement.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got boots to clean and tickets to search for because this won’t be my last rodeo.