Today is the first official day of summer. It’s the day when that big bright ball in the sky shines on us the longest and gives us the most time get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

Summertime means freedom, it means dropping the top on that convertible and letting the wind blow through your hair. Summertime means escape, it means cashing in those vacations days, setting your sights on a shady beach on your St. Somewhere and letting your worries melt away like the ice in your rum punch. Summertime means two bare feet on the dashboard, young love in an old Ford, cheap shades and tattoo and a Yoo-hoo bottle rollin’ on the floorboard.

That last one sound familiar? I’d be disappointed if it didn’t.

Kenny Chesney’s “Summertime” continues to be a summer anthem. It’s about being free, being alive and enjoying life. Something we seek during these hot days of summer.

Kenny Chesney Summertime Video

The other months just don’t quite have what Summer has. Spring is close because the days are getting warmer and new beginnings are in the air. But Springs likes to throw curve balls at you by giving you a nice day in the 60′s or even 70′s, then a day later will dump 6 inches of snow on your head. Thanks Spring.

Fall is Fall. You might think it’s nice because it gives you a reprieve from the Summer heat and the tree leaves turn pretty colors. But if you’re anything like me you don’t want that reprieve, you want those warm days to last forever. Plus Fall is just the stepping stone to the worst of them all…Winter

I’m not even going to get into Winter. It’s the worst. Grey skies for 5 months, freezing temperatures, ice covered windshields…no thanks. You don’t see anyone writing happy sing-along songs about Winter do you? No. I despise Winter so much I moved 1500 miles away from it, to the land of the endless summer. South Florida I love you.

I hope all you Castaways have a great Summer. Tonight raise a cold one to cruising around with the rag top down and two tanned feet firmly placed on that dashboard.

(Photo from NoShoesRadio.com)

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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Energy. Pure Energy.

If you could hook jumper cables up to Kenny Chesney, you could probably light a small town. Honestly, I don’t know how he does it. More on Kenny’s performance later, let’s start out at the beginning.

The Goin’ Coastal shenanigans started Friday, we screamed north via I-75 to Tampa. Needed to get there in time for the No Shoes Radio live broadcast that was happening at Hooters. A traffic jam south of Sarasota tried unsuccessfully to prevent  us from reaching the fun, however it did succeed in making me lose my mind. I have places to be and corona to drink, move your ass cars!

Tambo and Jon hosting NSR

We arrived at Hooters around 4ish with a game plan; Eat, Drink and be Merry. Mission accomplished. My group, Erin, my buddy JR and myself, met up with Carl from Conch Republic Bikinis and his friends, then fellow Castaways, Jack and Cynthia joined our table. It’s always more fun with additional trouble makers right?

Jon Anthony and Tambo were doing their thing on NSR. The house was packed and everyone was amped up by the good music, sexy Hooters girls and the huge Goin’ Coastal Corona bus sitting out side. I bet that bus has seen its fair share of shenanigans. Ticket please.

Chesney Goin Coastal Bus

Later that night that party moved to the Green Iguana just down the street. The Iguana is a huge bar and grill tiki hut that on this night became the concert venue for Mishka. If you don’t know who Mishka is just read this and listen to some No Shoes Radio. His smooth reggae hypnotized the crowd for the rest of the night.

Mishka at the Green Iguana in Tampa

It was a great day and we hadn’t even hit the main course yet. My head hit the pillow that night with visions of  rum filled tailgate parties and great music to kick off the summer with. This Castaway was ready to Go Coastal.

Saturday: Concert Day

We met our group and headed into the south parking lot just after 10am. Yes, 10 in the morning. I believe the first acts of the concert started at 4:30. That makes for a long day of fun in the sun. One needs to pace thy self to be deemed fit for concert survival. Everyone in our group was in good shape come show time, although the large Patron shot as we were packing up didn’t help. Who cares…it’s time to kick off summer time, just roll with it!

Tailgating with the Castaways

Our tailgate area was impressive by any standard. We had an official beer pong table complete with tournament bracket, Chesney inspired corn hole boards, 7 foot pirate cutout that that you put your head into for photos, and two tents decorated with Castaway, Chesney and Conch Republic Bikini banners. Then of course the coolers were full of Corona, Carib, Painkillers, Jager, Dark & Stormies and the aforementioned Patron. You know, just your average tailgating necessities. I call these fun primers.

Yes I am a Pirate

Bean Bag Toss Boards

Goin' Coastal Tailgating Fun.

We got into Raymond James Stadium a little after the Zac Brown Band went on stage. I love these guys, amazing vocals, some island inspired songs, what’s not to like.

We called the sand bar home for the next 4 or 5 hour and commandeered a great spot on the left side just steps from the extended stage. Here are a few videos and photos .

Zac Brown Band

Zac Playing Devil Went Down To Georgia

Kenny Chesney

Like I said, I don’t know how he does it. The man just doesn’t stop when he’s on stage. Kenny is the definition of entertainer. He kicked things off by flying in on cables and letting “Live a Little” send us fans into a frenzy.

Chesney – Live a Little

Kenny Chesney

Chensey – Young

Kenny Chesney

The night ended with Kenny and Zac playing together to form one big band. They sang Zac Brown Band’s “Knee Deep”, one of my favorites, and a few others. They ended the night rocking out to a Tom Petty cover.

Kenny and Zac

Chesney, Zac Brown – Knee Deep

I don’t have a set list for you. I was to much in the moment to write anything down.

If you would like to see the rest of the concert photos click here: Goin’ Coastal Concert Photos

If you don’t have tickets to see this year’s Goin’ Coastal tour, you’re missing out. Beg, plead and borrow, do what you have to do to get your hands on tickets. You’ll be sorry if you don’t. Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band and the Goin’ Coastal tour, coming to light up a city near you. Just be careful where you attach the jumper cables.

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Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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