TITLETOWN (NBC 26) — Danielle Hood traveled nearly 174,000 miles and 2,400 hours across the country to watch her favorite artist perform live on stage.
It all began over a decade ago in her car in Ohio. Her mom gave her a call telling her to turn on the radio because an artist that sounded like he was from Rascal Flatts had a song on.
Hood enjoyed the song, but was reluctant to go to a concert. Hood's mom convinced her to attend the CMA Music Festival in Nashville.
Thus began Hood's journey to attend every Hunter Hayes concert she could attend.
She's seen the country star from California to Maine, at large festivals and more personal settings. All adding up to her 300th Hayes concert in Titletown on Saturday evening.
For Hood, the enthusiasm for Hayes extends beyond just the music. She credits Hayes for saving her life.
"My favorite song right now is rescue because it helped save my life in a way. I was going through a really dark time and that song popped on my playlist right at the right time," said Hood.
Hood also said the music helped bring her out of her shell. Going to these concerts brought her into a community of country music fans.
She's formed a group of Hunter Hayes friends that travel with her and attend concerts.
As part of the celebration Hood made a special banner, t-shirts, shoes, and other memorabilia.
Despite going to 300 shows, Hood said that each of Hayes' shows include something unique to look for which always makes for added excitement.
While the journey has already led to many meetings with the country star and thousands of miles traveled, Hood and her friends aren't stopping any time soon.
