For those of you that know me, you know I am not a morning person. Only when training for a long race, or feeling guilty from a previous night’s indulgences can get me up before 7am. What most people don’t know, is that I am an avid country fan, and an even bigger Luke Bryan fan.

Growing up in Upstate, New York, country music reigned. We’re talking country music as a lifestyle, not just a type of music. Although I am an ecclectic music fan, everytime I re-enter the New York State border when coming home nostalgia kicks in and I turn the radio directly over to our hometown station 98.1 The Hawk.

The General Admissions line into Ramsey Playfield (photo credit:Ashley Massis)

When I heard country was coming to New York City, and that it would be Luke Bryan, I set my alarm up for the early AM. Waking up begrudgingly at 5:15am, I dressed into my work clothes and went to Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Scoring a VIP ticket, I was thankful to have the first few rows available, as the general admission line was easily 300+ people deep by the time I got there at 6am. Armed with a Starbucks in hand, I stood with the other VIPers as we listened to various sound checks, smiled at the cameras during set times, and chatted amongst ourselves.

Sound Check at the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series (photo credit: Ashley Massis)

By 7:30am, the show was ready to hit the road. As Luke Bryan hit the stage, women screamed, men held insecurely to their women, and the band started off with “I Don’t Want This Night to End”. As the chorus approached he flashed his mega watt smile and all the women in the crowd swooned. At that moment, waking up almost 2 hours before the usual was 100% worth it.

Luke Bryan performing “Country Girl” (photo credit: Ashley Massis)

Besides the good looks, mega watt smile, and country drawl, Luke Bryan is a performer. When his microphone was turned off due to technical issues, he danced around, winked at the crowd, and engaged in light conversation with the first few rows.

For those who haven’t been to a Good Morning America Summer Concert Series Performance, I highly recommend. Although you don’t get to hear most of the songs whole due to the magic of TV, you get a true behind the scenes look at the performer and the TV show. The Summer Concert Series holds performances every Friday until August 31.

Yes, he pointed at me. Yes, I swooned (photo credit: Ashley Massis)