BOSTON, MA | In a full display of skillful musicianship and uplifting songs, the three-time GRAMMY Award winning Zac Brown Band elevated America’s most beloved ballpark a few feet off the ground Saturday, August 19.
Recent inductees to the Fenway Music Hall of Fame (joining only Paul McCartney and Billy Joel), ZBB continues to set the record for sellouts—this being number 14. Fans were given the show of a lifetime as the Zac Brown Band played all their hits and included a few surprises as well.
Taking centerfield at sunset, the band was surrounded by an impressive lighting display, large screens which combined live footage and graphics, and an illuminated antler chandelier. Except for the percussionists, all musicians shared the stage equally—being presented as a unified front. Time in the spotlight was also shared as fans got to see each member highlighted during a musical montage in the encore which combined hits “Chattahoochie,” “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and “Friends in Low Places,” among others.
Fiddle player Jimmy De Martini wowed the audience with his talent and enthusiasm. Coy Bowles kept the energy high on electric guitar and Hammond organ. Multi-instrumentalist Caroline Jones hopped from one instrument to the other—including a rhinestone studded blue guitar—and brought smooth and warm vocals to the mix. After a rhythmically engaging percussion and drum solo, Zac Brown excitedly jumped back on the mic to introduce Daniel de los Reyes on percussion and Chris Fryar on drums and shouted, “This is the greatest band behind me, ladies and gentlemen!”
If being incredibly skilled musicians wasn’t enough—the band possesses some rock star level kindness as well. One dollar from each ticket to the show will benefit Camp Southern Ground, a 501c3 non-profit camp in Fayetteville, Georgia, which is funded entirely through charitable service.
“As a former camp counselor and camper, I know how a positive camp experience can transform a child’s life,” Brown has said. “My dream is that children of all abilities will have an opportunity to grow and learn from each other, while experiencing the magic of the outdoors. Camp Southern Ground will be a haven for children of family members serving in the military, as well as be a respite for our active and veteran service members. Through our partnerships we’ll be able to welcome military families to our camps year-round. Thank you for supporting our efforts and for helping us create an amazing place that is much more than the typical camp experience.”
That level of excitement was shared continually throughout the night as it was apparent this Fenway stop on tour holds a special place in their hearts. During “Sweet Annie,” lead singer Zac Brown was lost in a special moment of gratitude that he shared with the crowd and almost missed his next vocal cue on the mic.
Playing hit after hit, ZBB kept the crowd feeling like they were listening to a jukebox on a Saturday night. A heavyweight of a set including smashes “Knee Deep,” “Same Boat,” “Jump Right In,” “Toes,” and “Homegrown,” seemingly catered to each fan’s personal favorite. The band also played multiple covers from a white-knuckle version of Clapton’s “Layla,” to a moody rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” which transitioned seamlessly into a euphoric version of U2’s “With or Without You.” It would also be a serious oversight not to mention how Brown played electric guitar and soloed during a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”
Kids were seen rocking out on their father’s shoulders, waving lightsabers during “Where the Boat Leaves From.” Women in cowboy hats and boots with beers in each hand were dancing arm in arm in pure bliss. Fans of all ages attended this show, and there was no drop off in joy whether this was their first or 14th ZBB show at Fenway Park. Robin Williams of Stratford, CN. made the trip with her husband and two daughters. “It’s a magical experience for the whole family,” said Williams. “Our two girls are able to experience their first concert dancing in the isles and having a great time.”
