“Beyond The Sandbar”

From Finland To Family

Anne has been listening to Kenny´s music since 1997. Kenny´s songs and melodies have something that she just can’t seem to explain. Putting it into words is just so hard for her. You see, Anne is from Helsinki, Finland. Two years ago, she started thinking that she had saved enough money to be able to afford to fly to the United States from Finland and actually see Kenny´s live concert. Making a dream a reality.

Over the years she had joined some Facebook groups and at first, she would only read and watch videos from other fans and what they would write about the live Kenny concert experience. Slowly she began to ask if anyone would be willing to help her navigate the process to come to her first concert. 2019 would be her first visit to the United States, and she was coming alone. Living in a small European country she was a bit scared. So many amazing people from the pages began to reach out with advice and offered to help. Three awesome fans Greg, Tony and Rob, began to answer so many of her questions. Then another fan, Janet offered to take Anne under her wing and show her the ropes at a concert once she got here. Anne was planning on attending the show in Tallahassee and another member who lives there, Anji offered to help with the local logistics.

When it became closer to travel time, she stared to feel that she couldn’t do it… She was getting cold feet. She was so scared. Greg and Rob insisted that she should come and not to be afraid. They reassured her that she was in good hands and that Janet would take good care of her. Everyone told her how the No Shoes Nation always takes care of other members and there was nothing to worry about. Flight day came and she had a 19-hour trip ahead of her. Once she arrived at her hotel her first message was from Rob checking in to make sure she had made it safely. Janet came and picked her up and helped her get her concert ticket. Total strangers became instant family. When concert day came, she was so nervous. She knew she was going to meet so many people and had to speak English as best as she could. But, knowing she was going to see Kenny Chesney live in concert pushed her forward.  Janet and her friend Alesa, took Anne around the parking lot showing her how the No Shoes Nation tailgates. She was amazed at how everyone was so friendly and welcoming.  No Shoes Radio even came looking for her so they could interview her for the broadcast from the tailgate. They had been told by other fans to find “the girl from Finland”. Many of her friends from the Facebook pages as well as in Finland heard her interview and were so happy for her. No Shoes Radio even upgraded her to the Sandbar.

Janet brought her to meet us at the tailgate and we loved her story and we were so proud of  how all-encompassing and welcoming the No Shoes Nation was. Connie was blessed to be able to stand right next to Anne in the Sandbar for that Tallahassee show. It was a sight I will never forget. The pure joy on her face will always be a memory of how Kenny’s music reaches people all over the world. When it came time for Anne to leave, she told us she was so sad thinking that all the wonderful friendships she had made might end since the concert and her trip to the United States was over. Well, Anne checked in with us just recently and that is far from the case. Here is where those wonderful No Shoes Nation members are today in Anne’s life in Finland. Janet has become her best friend and they chat or make video calls every week. Greg, Tony and Rob are her great friends and she chats almost every week with at least one of them.  She still stays in touch with Alesa and Anji too. These members are what it really is all about to Live the No Shoes Nation Lifestyle.

Anne’s message:

 “I have many new friends today and I can´t wait to see everyone again. Without these people I would have never had the courage to come to the United States and have an awesome week with Kenny Chesney´s NO SHOES NATION. I urge anyone who is afraid to go to a concert alone to ask for help. There are awesome people who will help you. If someone says to me that music doesn´t bring people together I can prove that they are wrong. I can say that I’m a proud NO SHOES NATION member and we take care others always. I hope this story helps someone. Hope we see concerts in 2021 and we will have awesome time.”

We are so proud of the No Shoes Nation! Miss You Anne,

Connie and Michelle