There are a lot of perks to being a Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember, but perhaps the most fun is the opportunity to attend Rapid Rewards Access Events. These intimate events offer our Cardmembers up-close-and-personal experiences with some of today’s chart-topping artists.

One such Access Event featured rock band O.A.R., who performed a stripped-down acoustic set for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers in the group’s home turf, Maryland. The Mt. Washington Mill Dye House set the stage perfectly: a 19th-century cotton mill with a rustic feel that reflected O.A.R.’s rugged, authentic sound. The guests enjoyed a private dinner, drinks, and concert with the band, kicked off by some of the group’s most popular songs, ‘Shattered (Turn the Car Around)’ and ‘Love and Memories.’

“I just don’t know how you’d get this experience without being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember,” one guest said after the show while waiting to get his picture with the band. “I’ve never been that close at a concert in my life.”

For some, the evening was special for a different reason. One couple was celebrating: a husband surprised his wife with a night she called their ‘best anniversary yet.’ “I’ve seen O.A.R. 10 times, but this is the first time I’ve ever gotten to meet them,” she explained. “Marc Roberge wished me a happy anniversary!”

Cardmembers in Phoenix enjoyed an evening with Matt Nathanson, who entertained the crowd in between performances of his hits, like ‘Come On Get Higher’ and ‘Headphones’ at The Croft, an industrial space in downtown. In attendance, that night were longtime fans, couples celebrating anniversaries, and Cardmembers who have attended several Access Events throughout the years.

In Southwest’s hometown of Dallas, Drake White and Sara Evans performed for a small group of Cardmembers at The Filter Building at White Rock Lake. As Southwest planes flew over the event, attendees got to experience Drake’s improvisational skills, as he performed a song on-the-spot that was themed to Southwest. Sara Evans closed out the night as she performed songs from her latest album, Marquee Sign.

Cardmembers used their points to treat themselves along with their guests to an acoustic performance by multi-Platinum selling, five-time GRAMMY© nominee Hunter Hayes. Guest enjoyed the intimate evening with Hunter in Austin, Texas at a restored historic barn built in the 1940s that was a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern elegance. Hunter serenaded guests through an unforgettable music journey performing favorites such as “I Want Crazy” and “Wanted,” followed by new material like his latest single “One Shot.”

Singer-Songwriter, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness shared an exclusive evening with Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and their guests at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida. Guests enjoyed fun libations and bites prior to being escorted to the main stage of The Walt Disney Theater. Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner under the spotlight on the stage as McMahon performed favorites spanning his career such as "Cecilia and the Satellite," "The Mixed Tape," “Fire Escape," "So Close," and his latest single "Ohio."

Rapid Rewards Access Events are opportunities available exclusively to Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. The events are kept small and intimate, so spots are limited. Enrolling is easy and these events, like the private dinner and concerts, require 5,000 points to attend. To learn more about Rapid Rewards Access Events visit Southwest.com/RRAE.