6.4.3. Sports Bar and Grill will be immersed in the culture of country music tonight as a collaboration between the Sigma Nu fraternity and the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority kicks off “Bluegrass Beachin,” a philanthropy benefit concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“Bluegrass Beachin,” a concert sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, WKU Parent Advisory Council and Simply Mulch, is hosted to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“It will be a great thing for the whole community,” Sigma Nu junior Michael Gonzales from Franklin, Tennessee, said. “Everyone can have a great time while benefiting a great cause.”

This year marks the first annual “Bluegrass Beachin” concert, an event AOPi President Lauren Gerkins of Bowling Green said is the first of its kind.

“This is something Western hasn’t had before,” Gerkins said, “something that anyone Greek hasn’t done before, either.”

The concert will feature a performance by Nashville country musician John King with an opening performance by up and coming country musician Peyton Chase McDaniel.

King has opened for other country artists, such as Rascal Flatts and Florida Georgia Line, and travels to different schools performing concerts.

“There will be really great energy and a fun entertainer,” Gonzales said. “[King] is a newer country vibe … frat boy country is what it’s called.”

Tickets are sold presale and at the door to all members of the Bowling Green community.

“We’re excited to bring an event to Bowling Green that is open to not only Western but to anyone,” Gonzales said.

Owensboro junior and Sigma Nu member Austin Smith said the event was made inclusive in hopes of strengthening bonds among members of the university and Bowling Green communities.

“This is something that can bring WKU and Bowling Green community together to raise money for a great cause,” Smith said.

Guest are encouraged to wear their best Hawaiian shirts to take part in the beach-themed concert. The event will be hosted outside on sandlike terrain, and free leis will be provided.

“Everyone associates country music with that beach feel,” Gerkins said.

Gonzales said the two Greek chapters plan to collaborate to host the event every year.

“We want it to get bigger each year,” Gonzales said. “We want to grow the event and get a bigger location and expand to gain more of the community interest.”