Every year, you pony up for the Mega Ticket for the big country shows at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.
Sure, there are some big names coming through and they put on some good shows. But 2018 could also be the year you hear some other elements of country music that likely won't be playing the amphitheatre.
Why not make the new year the one where you seek out some new bands and new venues around St. Louis?
Not every country concert worth seeing is at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre or the Scottrade Center. Don't get me wrong - there are some great shows there. But you won't come across Hayes Carll there, or The Band of Heathens, or Margo Price - all acts who play smaller venues like the Old Rock House or Off Broadway or the Ready Room. (And yes, Price did play the amphitheatre last year with Chris Stapleton but still, you get the point.)
Some of these acts aren't "mainstream" country - call it alternative, Americana or red dirt - it's all good rootsy music.
And you can get started right away - Lee Ann Womack plays Old Rock House on Jan. 19, while Jason Boland and the Stragglers are at Off Broadway on Jan. 20.
There are also some bands you may not know playing the Hot Country Nights at Ballpark Village - the Josh Abbott Band opens for Gary Allan on Feb. 16.
Once the summer amphitheatre concert comes out, it's likely to include the staples: Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line. But go ahead and check out Brandy Clark and Clare Bowen when they open for Sugarland at the Chaifetz on June 30.
Remember the Turnpike Troubadours' show a year ago at the Pageant
I'm not opposed to the big acts - a quick look at Billboard and iTunes top spots proves to me that I've seen most of the "hot" acts like Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Maren Morris, Blake Shelton - multiple times. But there's so much good music out there that isn't hitting the top of those charts, and once people discover it, they're hooked. I've turned on plenty of country fans to acts like the Turnpike Troubadours, American Aquarium, Boland and more.