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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > June > 09 > Entry
Zac Brown - From the Road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The last time the Atlanta Music Scene blog got a Dispatch From The Road, it was back in December, when SONiA and disappear fear were about to perform at Eddie’s Attic. Well, Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band (top photo) was kind of enough to oblige us with our occasional effort to have traveling Atlanta-area acts shoot us posts as they tour. Here’s what burgeoning country-rocker Brown (second photo) sent us just before his date with ZZ Top at Chastain Park Amphitheatre this past weekend: (Did you go? And if so, got a grade/review for us? Oh - and HERE’S OUR GALLERY from the show as well) Zac Brown - Life on the Road: Nashville, TN - Enterprise, AL - Atlanta, GA! After four of the busiest days ever for the Zac Brown Band at CMA fest in Nashville, TN, we are headed to the Bamajam Festival in South Alabama where we will share the stage with some world-renowned players. Unfortunately, we won’t be sticking around to see all the great music Bamajam has to offer - because we are going home - for all of 22 hours. While we miss being at home, we love playing music to new folks every day and every night. The crazy thing is that shows are only 1 - 2 hrs of the whole day so there is a lot of down time to spend with your brothers from other mothers. Here are a few tips from Zac Brown Band on how to survive being on the road when you’re not pickin and grinning on stage or on the bus: First, is peanut butter. We love peanut butter - so many different kinds, so many different ways to eat it. Second, we love air conditioning. With 12 dudes and 2 dogs, you learn to appreciate the comfort of cold air at all times. Which leads us to the third tour essential: Because of all the cold air and close quarters, you will also want to stock up on Emergen - C or Airborne. Both of which can be purchased on your timely Wal Mart stops. Best not to purchase these items at truck stops as they are double the price. Good things to purchase at truck stops are water, ice, batteries, “I heart (insert city here) stickers, tiger heads, black metal suitcases and of course cheap sunglasses. So we are coming back to Atlanta for those blissful 22 hours where we play at Chastain with ZZ Top tomorrow. We played with these guys in Birmingham last week and it was definitely a highlight of our career. We’ll also be doing more shows with Willie Nelson later this summer and Alan Jackson! So until we get home again, we would like to give a shout out to all our friends, families and folks who take care of us in the great city of Atlanta - the AJC, Kicks 101.5, Atkins Park, Tin Roof, Northside and of course the Dixie Tavern! We will be home for a minute in August to wreak havoc on your fine establishments. Thanks for your support! And listen for our first single “Chicken Fried” on Kicks 101.5. Peace, Love and Chicken Grease - Zac Brown Band 
Comments
By Jim H.
June 9, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Didn’t see them at Chastain and I haven’t seen them in a while…… but I have seen the Zac Brown band several times at his former restaurant/bar down here at Lake Oconee where I live. They are a local legend and are an incredible band. If y’all have a chance to see them, do it. If you like good, smokin’ Country Rock you will not be disappointed. Zac’s acoustic guitar playing is jaw-dropping. I don’t know if Zac and his band will ever hit it big in mainstream Nashville country….I kind of doubt it, as that is a tightly controlled environment and I don’t know if he falls into one of their preconceived niches. But hopefully they will see rising success in the alt-country and possibly rock world. Artists that straddle the lines between country/rock/blues/folk and don’t fit into any defined musical genre (examples: John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton, Steve Earle, etc.) always have a tougher time getting much radio airplay….which is a shame because they are the ones that have the true talent.
By Dixie Lady
June 9, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
YEAH Zac! I love those guys. We used to be regulars at Dixie Tavern to go see them. I’m kind of bummed they are going big time - since the $5 cover charge to see them will probably skyrocket. BUT THEY DESERVE IT! They are some awesome singers/performers and Zac sure can write some lyrics! Check out Itunes for some of his songs - FREE is my personal favorite. But I do LOVE me some CHICKEN FRIED! (And Sic’ Em on A Chicken!)
By Brandon
June 9, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I have several ZBB tunes on my iPod. Great music. For those who don’t know, you can sample (30sec) their songs on iTunes to get a feel.
By Jen
June 9, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Been following the group for a while and can’t get enough! They are so fun to watch. Take a listen to “Toes” when you get a chance. Can’t wait for Thursday night(June 12th), I am roadtripping to Augusta with a friend to see them!
By broome
June 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I HAVE SEEN THEM ONCE BEFORE, BUT THIS TIME AT CHASTAIN; THEY WERE AWESOME. I AM A MUSICIAN MYSELF AND SATURDAYS PERFORMANCE WAS NOT ONLY TIGHT BUT WAS IN MY OPINION BETTER THAN Z.Z. TOP. GOOD JOB ZAC…
By Junkyard Man
June 9, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
Zac, We are all very proud of you and the band. I’ll always remember umm papa mou mou in the back of the van, and your Ernest P. Worrell impressions. Good Luck.
By linda
September 22, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
My husband and I were really taken with this band when we first saw them on CMT. So much so that we bought tickets to see the band at Freebrd in Jax Beach. Concert time was listed as 8pm. When we got there we found out that Zac was’t to appear until 11pm. We live in St augustine which is quite a drive for us and the young ticket man said ” it’s not that far” and also no refund. #1 I will never go to Freebird again and I feel like I missed a great opportunity to see these guys play. My husband and I are in our 60s so they do appeal to a wide variety of people and I wish them all the best and I am sure they would be disappointed that fans are turned away.