You get what you give...

So, I admit it.  At first I didn't like the Zac Brown Band at all.  I thought Chicken Fried was an irritating little ditty that would amount to nothing more than a one hit wonder.  The second release from their debut album Whatever it Is - ehhh...it was a good song but still didn't have me hooked. Ok, so then they had another hit with Toes in the Water.  Jimmy Buffett wannabe I scoffed.  Finally, somewhere between Highway 20 Ride and Free,  I was interested.    It was soon after that I finally went to my first ZBB concert.  And from that point on, I was in love - L O V E!  I've never been a country girl, but ZBB hit all the right notes with a mix of traditional country, rock, trop-rock, bluegrass, etc.  I also realized that these guys were more than a one hit wonder and were here to stay. A week later I went to my second ZBB show at Merlefest.

A couple of weeks ago, Jay and I made the trek to see ZBB for a third time.  We had originally planned to  head down to Athens, GA for the weekend to see Blackberry Smoke but as it would happen the stars alined and ZBB announced a show the night before the BBS show.  Well.....since we were headed in that general direction, we decided to make a weekend of it - a musical journey if you will....

We arrived a few hours before the doors opened as we had general admission tickets as we wanted a spot close to the stage ( you should all know the drill by now). And close to the stage we got!  First I want to give my kudos to the best security officer I have ever met at a show - Ronn Moss.  He introduced himself right off and stated he wanted everyone to have a good time.  I'm sure these guys have to deal with a lot of crap and could be real douches if they wanted to be.  But Ronn really wanted us to have a blast.  We just felt bad that he couldn't turn around and watch the show.  But we realized the importance of him keeping his eye on the crowd when he leapt forward to help a lady that passed out! Thanks Ronn for making our concert experience a great one.

So back to the show - Nic Cowan opened.  Jay rightly dubbed Nic as ZB's eye candy for the Southern Ground label. But he is more than easy on the eyes - he is a talented musician in his own right.  A singer songwriter, he is a little country and little funky.  Cowan's songs are fun, quirky and a little tongue and cheek.  Hardheaded is the title track from his album and is written from the male perspective of someone not ready to settle down.  However, it's easily relatable to females as well.  I strongly suggest catching Nic the next time he hits your town.

So next up was Trombone Shorty.  I knew nothing, nada, zero, about Trombone Shorty.  I even put my camera away saying to Jay that I wasn't going to take any pictures.  That lasted about 0.01 seconds as soon as Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue took the stage.  I can't even begin to accurately describe the amazing talent displayed in this performance.  Simply put -  this was one of the best and surprising shows I have seen in years.  Trombone Shorty and his band of musicians are a vibrant concoction of rock, jazz, blues, funk all in one incredible package.  They are an explosion of energy on stage.  Go...Go...RUN to see them.

So after two opening acts, we were in the right mood for ZBB. Out of no where an ogre appears- yes an ogre as in Shrek except not at nice.  This big asswipe, breaking all the unwritten rules of general admission pushed his way up front.  The crowd around us was pissed.  One girl cried - well that was kind of funny -but this dude, Big Bird as he proclaimed his name to be, wasn't budging. So for the record, when in general admission area, be respectful and follow the unwritten rules.  And remember, you get what you give.....Otherwise, you might find yourself highlighted in someone's blog.

Big Bird or Big Poopyhead?             

ZBB took the stage as an unstoppable force.  Zac Brown Band are more than bearded wannabes- they are the real deal.  Each member of the band are incredible musicians in their own right.  More importantly, Zac gives them each the opportunity to shine during various songs.  If you haven't seen this band perform Devil Went Down to Georgia - you are truly missing one of the greatest demonstrations of musical talent that I have ever seen.  The band offers up a no holds barred, high energy rendition of this classic song.  Seemingly they take flight during this song.  Speaking of taking flight -  I wonder how they came up with the idea of sending Clay up a zipline and across the audience.  Was this an alcohol induced lost bet on his part?

Clay Takes Flight

One last though on ZBB - their songs are believable.  Their songs are thoughtful.  Their songs evoke feelings (especially if you are southern born and bred) of a time long since passed.  No Hurry offers us the idea of leading a slower pace of life and to stop worrying about the things we can't change.  Toes, Knee Deep and Where the Boat Leaves From,  all paint us a picture of a laid back island lifestyle even if that lifestyle leads us just around a kiddie pool in our back yard.  The last musician to accomplish this style of escapism music is Jimmy Buffett. And it seems ZB has taken notes on his buddy JB, as he is already marketing himself in a way that Buffett was only able to accomplish years into is career.  Perhaps the tiki torch has been passed.  Even ZBB's fans are beginning to mimic the tailgating escapades that Buffett fans have been doing for years. Let it Go - my favorite song, well, this songs suggests that there are some things in life that are out of our control.  There are something best forgotten, and then again sometimes life is better taken to chance

 Looking back now on my life I can't say I regret it

And all the places that I ended up not the way Ma woulda had it

But you only get once chance at life to leave your mark upon it

And when a pony he comes riding by you better set your sweet ass on it

So while ZBB may not be a crossover band, the fans have crossed over to them - namely this one.  And ZBB known for their eat and greets before the show (the band cooks and eats with their fans) have served up a heaping helping of southern fried music with a twist.