Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground Unveils New Expansion

Zac Brown Band on Country Music News Blog

Sitting atop a knoll of rolling pastureland, Camp Southern Ground’s Peterson Dining Hall has been described as “an open-armed gesture of welcome to those arriving at camp”. Offering breathtaking views of the campus’s dense greenery, the completion of the Dining Hall marks a major milestone for Camp Southern Ground. With its opening, we can offer a transformational experience not just to our campers, but anyone looking for a unique venue in a beautiful, natural setting. A Note From Zac Brown As a former camp counselor, I know how a positive camp experience can transform a child’s life. My dream is that children of all abilities will have an opportunity to experience the magic of the outdoors. Thank you for helping us create an amazing place for kids to learn and grow. – See more at: http://www.campsouthernground.org/#sthash.F0cFz6c0.dpuf THE VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE A two-story, state-of-the-art design, Zac Brown’s vision for the Peterson Dining Hall was brought to life by world renowned architectural firm Perkins + Will, along with the construction teams at DPR and Structor Group. This one-of-a-kind, 100-year build features materials sourced locally, including a natural zinc exoskeleton with a terraced boulder waterfall feature, as well as an interior ceiling made with sustainably harvested sapele mahogany donated by Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars. Acting as the interior focal point is a 26-foot-high brick fireplace flanked on either side by large windows – allowing for an overabundance of natural light to flood the room. FAMILY-STYLE DINING For our campers, the dining hall offers an additional space to connect with new friends, as they dine family-style on nutritious and gluten-free meals prepared using the produce harvested from our organic garden.  The food will be served from the lower level kitchen utilizing ultra-modern dumbwaiters. The dining hall is an extension of our Programs of Purpose: Nutrition, in which our campers will experience a meal created from start to finish – understand where their food is coming from, as well as the nutritional value behind it – all while dining in an unparalleled space. COOKING UP NEW IDEAS The dining hall will also serve as Camp Southern Ground’s culinary headquarters. Our talented chefs will work in the hi-tech kitchen to grow the camp menu to reflect our gluten-free nutrition plan for entrées, side dishes, and baked goods as well. When camp officially opens, the dining hall will be able to serve up to 300 campers plus 150 counselors, staff and volunteers. PLAYING HOST In 2016, the Peterson Dining Hall hosted two major events at the new venue: The 2016 Cattle Barons Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society and the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group. American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons Ball The American Cancer Society proudly hosted the very first event in the Peterson Dining Hall on the campus of Camp Southern Ground. On November 5th, more than 360 guests and 40 volunteers donned their favorite western attire to dance the night away at the Cattle Baron’s Ball.  Guests enjoyed live music, dancing, bidding Continue reading Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground Unveils New Expansion

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award

Zac Brown Band on Country Music News Blog

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award; Peter Smyth To Receive Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award To be presented Feb. 22 during CRS 2017 (Nashville, Tenn. – Jan 5, 2016) – The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Zac Brown as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award and former Chairman and CEO of Greater Media, Peter Smyth, as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award, to be presented during Country Radio Seminar 2017; following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:00 p.m. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. Past recipients of the annual award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others. Zac Brown is a strong supporter of multiple philanthropic causes including his own Camp Southern Ground which was inspired by his experiences as a camp counselor. The program at the Georgia-based state-of-the-art facility is an inclusive camp that combines children with neuro-developmental disorders with mainstream children. Its mission is to provide extraordinary experiences for these children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world. Additional organizations that Brown is committed to include GRAMMYS on The Hill, GRAMMY U, MusiCares, Robin Hood Foundation and The USO. Three-time GRAMMY winner and multi-platinum artist Zac Brown, of Zac Brown Band, is one of music’s most heralded acts. The latest platinum-certified album ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ (Southern Ground Artists/John Varvatos Records/Big Machine Label Group/Republic Records) marks the band’s fourth consecutive No.1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Zac Brown Band has earned a historic series of fifteen No.1 hit radio singles and is only the second band to top both the country and active rock formats. The Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the Country Radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to their community. This award is named in honor of CRB Board member Tom Rivers, who died in 2004 at age 38 of bronchial asthma. Rivers, known for his work at WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN, Chicago, was highly regarded for his public service. An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member of the Home Base Program of Boston, which provides clinical care, education, research and support services for military veterans and their families throughout New England. Smyth is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and is a Continue reading Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award

ZAC BROWN BAND’S JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS AND ATL POPS TO PLAY BENEFIT CONCERT FOR ENDURING HEARTS ON STAGEIT

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CONCERT TO BE STREAMED LIVE, NATIONALLY ON STAGEIT – EVENT TO BENEFIT ENDURING HEARTS ATLANTA, GA — On Sunday, December 18 at 5 p.m., singer/songwriter John Driskell Hopkins (of Zac Brown Band) and members of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra — Atlanta Pops Ensemble — will perform a StageIt holiday concert at The Vista Room to benefit the non-profit Enduring Hearts. Enduring Hearts raises critical funding for pediatric heart transplants so the hearts children receive operate as efficiently and effectively as possible without needing a second heart transplant. It’s a cause near and dear to Hopkins. Tickets for the December 18 event are $50 and include a three-course meal and the concert — a live auction will also take place with prizes courtesy of Hoffman & Associates, LLC. In addition, 10 percent of proceeds from all merchandise sales will also be donated to Enduring Hearts. Viewers on StageIt will also be able to bid on the live auction and, for a $25 donation, will be entered in a raffle to win one of 5 sets of a John Driskell Hopkins autographed CD (Hopkins and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra’s In the Spirit: A Celebration of the Holidays) and songbook (The Moose & the Golden Spike). Live Charity Auction Prizes: Two tickets and a suite at Phillips Arena with limo service to/from event — may be used for a Hawks game or live concert (based on availability)Two-nights of accommodations for two at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS “This is a unique organization that is directly impacting the lives of kids (and their families) who have had to undergo heart transplants,” said Hopkins. “I believe music transcends all things, so to be able to partner with such an inspiring organization in its fundraising efforts through music is both an honor and privilege for me.” “John was kind enough to play at golf tournament earlier this year, and, more recently, he lent his many talents to create a songbook with Always Saturday, a group of artists who create songs and stories for worthy causes,” said Enduring Hearts Executive Director Ankur Chatterjee. “We are truly blessed to have the love and support of a big-hearted, creative artist like John.” The songbook, entitled The Moose & the Golden Spike, is an illustrated storybook with downloadable, themed songs featuring Hopkins, the Zac Brown Band singer-songwriter, as a storyteller. The goal of the project is to fill the hearts of 500 heart transplant kids across the country with songbook gift packs. The books will be for sale at the concert and online at Friends Fill Hearts. “Music has the power to heal,” said Atlanta Pops Orchestra Guest Conductor Tom Gibson. “John has been a great partner to us, so we can’t think of a better way to thank him than to be a part of supporting this great fundraiser for kids in need. We hope music fans from all over Georgia will come out to not only enjoy a great holiday concert, but to also support Continue reading ZAC BROWN BAND’S JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS AND ATL POPS TO PLAY BENEFIT CONCERT FOR ENDURING HEARTS ON STAGEIT

The Mainstream Has Fallen for Country and I Am The Mainstream

Blog Rodeo March 2013: How the Mainstream Realized Country Music Sells and Why I Fell In Love with It. I moved away from my home state of Texas almost 15 years ago, and moved on to good ole Memphis, TN, arguably one of the most important cities in the U.S. as far as music is concerned (hello, mo-town, Elvis and the blues…). That being said, I have been exposed to whole lot of different music, at a whole lot of different phases in my life and I am better off for it. Interestingly, despite my state of origin, it wasn’t until I arrived on the scene in Northwest Arkansas that my true love for country music began to blossom. Yes, I knew who the big players were, and when in Memphis I listened to our local country station Kix 106 on a regular basis. Still, I knew about 1% of what I know now, which is considerably more. I’m telling you all this because I feel my back story places me in particularly interesting perspective when answering the March Country Music Blog Rodeo topic; “Why is the mainstream media loving so much on country music these days?” Country Music Sells. I’ve studied communications and the media for a few years now, and the easy answer to this question is far less romantic that most folks might want to admit. When surveying the media landscape as it exists today, it is impossible to deny that country music is everywhere. ABC plays host to the CMA Awards and the CMA Country Christmas annually, and debuted their prime time soapy drama, Nashville and Reba’s new sitcom Malibu Country in the fall. NBC has experienced major success with reality competition series, The Voice in large part due to Blake Shelton‘s ability to draw a crowd and create a buzz. FOX continually churns out the next big country star via American Idol while CBS continues to air the ACM Awards every year. Meanwhile, country artists are getting cameos on shows like Hart of Dixie and The Bachelor, and more and more, for better or worse, country stars pop up in the mainstream gossip rags, and also on the covers of more legitimate news sources, like InStyle. Everyone is looking to get a piece of the country pie, and it’s for one simple reason, country music sells. Country Sells Because of the Fans Marketers, network execs and anyone who is paying even the smallest bit of attention have realized that country music offers a fan base that is loyal and willing to spend their hard earned dollars on their favorite artists. This conclusion is in no way a major revelation, and not really the point I want to make. What interests me is not that savvy business people have finally figured out country is a niche they can target but that this niche even exists and that it’s so strong. Plainly put, I’m interested in that fact that country fans are so loyal. As I said Continue reading The Mainstream Has Fallen for Country and I Am The Mainstream

Zac Brown Band Sings National Anthem at 2013 BCS Championship Game

Zac Brown Band Sings National Anthem Today at 2013 BCS National Championship Game in Miami, FL! Zac Brown Band is headed to warmer weather today as they’re set to perform the national anthem at the 2013 BCS Championship Football Game in Miami, FL. Alabama will be playing against Notre Dame in the big game today, January 7th. Four members of my favorite country group, Zac Brown, Clay Cook, Jimmy De Martini and John Driskell Hopkins, will be singing the anthem before the game kicks off. I’m sure that they will provide a lovely start to the game before the football players start kicking each other around. Next up for ZBB, the band will be playing shows at various dates and locations over the next couple months before jumping on for select dates with Kenny Chesney and his 2013 No Shoes Nation Tour. Find details below.

Inspirational Country Music Songs: Zac Brown Band Day That I Die

Inspirational Country Music Songs: Zac Brown Band’s Day That I Die. One of the things that I love most about country music is that there is a story in every song, and those stories are steeped in someone’s hopes, dreams, and life experiences. Since country music is so rooted in real living, it seems to me that country songs tend to be inspirational…maybe purposefully but also maybe even accidentally. Either way, there’s probably a lesson that can be learned. One such song that has stuck with me the past couple months is Zac Brown Band‘s “Day That I Die” from their 2012 release, “Uncaged“. This song is about living life to the fullest, making sure that you aim for your dreams and reach your goals. It’s about not taking your time on this earth for granted and making sure that you absolute make most of it, giving back and leaving a legacy. In light of the tragedies we’ve experienced as a nation as of late, Hurricane Sandy ripping apart the Eastern seaboard, the shooting in Oregon and the senseless slaying of children and school faculty in Newtown, CT this past Friday, these individual communities as well as as our country in a larger sense, are in need of comfort and inspiration. So, the lyrics to Zac Brown Band’s “Day That I Die” hold special resonance with me now because as the song insinuates as individuals we have to be the positive, we have to bring the good in the world, we have to make our time here count. In the face of such tragedy, it is simple and easy to point fingers, but if we take a moment to think about what we can do, what steps we can take to help our communities and those around us who need help, we could go a long way to being the “good” our world so desperately needs. To hear more about this inspirational song, and it’s roots…get behind the scenes with the folks that made it come alive. Behind the Scenes: Zac Brown Band’s “Day That I Die”.

Grammy Awards 2013 Country Nominations

Complete List of Country, Bluegrass, Americana and Folk Grammy Nominations for 2013. Last night the recording industry through a shindig to announce the nominees for the 2013 Grammy Awards. Below you’ll find the complete list of country, bluegrass, american and folk nominations! Be sure to tell us what you think about those being who earned noms. The awards show will air live on CBS on February 10th at 8/7c. In the meantime, the album featuring the music of all the nominees will be available on January 22nd. 55th Grammy Nominations: Best Country Solo Performance “Home“: Dierks Bentley “Springsteen“: Eric Church “Cost Of Livin’“:Ronnie Dunn “Wanted“: Hunter Hayes “Over“: Blake Shelton “Blown Away“: Carrie Underwood Best Country Duo/Group Performance “Even If It Breaks Your Heart“: Eli Young Band “Pontoon“: Little Big Town “Safe & Sound“: Taylor Swift & The Civil Wars “On The Outskirts Of Town“: The Time Jumpers “I Just Come Here For The Music“: Don Williams Featuring Alison Krauss Best Country Song “Blown Away”:Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood) “Cost Of Livin’”: Phillip Coleman & Ronnie Dunn, songwriters (Ronnie Dunn) “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”: Will Hoge & Eric Paslay, songwriters (Eli Young Band) “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore”: Jay Knowles & Adam Wright, songwriters (Alan Jackson) “Springsteen”: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde & Ryan Tyndell, songwriters (Eric Church) Best Country Album Uncaged: Zac Brown Band Hunter Hayes: Hunter Hayes Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran: Jamey Johnson Four The Record: Miranda Lambert The Time Jumpers: The Time Jumpers Best Americana Album The Carpenter: The Avett Brothers From The Ground Up: John Fullbright The Lumineers: The Lumineers Babel: Mumford & Sons Slipstream: Bonnie Raitt Best Bluegrass Album The Gospel Side Of: Dailey & Vincent Life Finds A Way: The Grascals Beat The Devil And Carry A Rail: Noam Pikelny Scratch Gravel Road: Special Consensus Nobody Knows You: Steep Canyon Rangers Best Folk Album Leaving Eden: Carolina Chocolate Drops Election Special: Ry Cooder Hambone’s Meditations: Luther Dickinson The Goat Rodeo Sessions: Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile This One’s For Him: A Tribute To Guy Clark: (Various Artists) Shawn Camp & Tamara Saviano (producers) Noteworthy: Taylor Swift got a nod in the multi-genre Record of the Year category for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together“ To see the complete list of nominations head to the official page.

Behind The Goodbye In Her Eyes Wardrobe

Get The Story On Where The Ideas For This Video, The Actors & The Wardrobe Came From. Many Zac Brown Band fans have been asking about the actors and the wardrobe in their latest music video, “Goodbye In Her Eyes.” Never letting a fan down, they gave answers! Wayne Isham directed the video and came up the circus idea. The wardrobe was all on Shelly Brown, Zac’s wife! With everyone’s busy schedule, the video had to come together in less than a week. In the video was Jaime Murray, as the main girl, the band and some real circus performers. Shelly was in charge of Jaime’s and the bands looks. She did her research and sewed together outfits herself (she did this after their four daughters went to bed each night)! Most of Jaime’s looks were custom and the things that weren’t came from Shelly’s closet! Below are some pictures of Jaime’s outfits and Shelly Brown’s commentary. “This was definitely the most intricate to make with all of the embellishment and feathers. I was inspired from all of the vintage circus photos we came across.“ “The red velvet cupcake dress. This one was so much fun and looked so beautiful on Jaime when she walked and danced. It was inspired by the old school tutus that had so much volume and were so colorful. I loved the way the train moved in the circus performance scene.“ “My favorite. This one was so perfect and actually inspired the colors for the painted “circus” sign that you see in the beginning and end of the video. It was a striped corset with a quilted velvet bustle skirt. Hat by Rag and Bone, necklace by Mania Mania. This to me was perfect for her “off-duty” attire. It was sexy on her but very gypsy at the same time.“ *Photo Credit: Jolie Loren* Watch the official music video for “Goodbye In Her Eyes” below.

Camp Southern Ground Says It’s Thank You Wednesday

Camp Southern Ground Benefits From Giving Tuesday. For Camp Southern Ground, today is Thank You Wednesday. A grand total of $7,612 was donated for the camp from the efforts of people contributing during Giving Tuesday. “We simply cannot express our immense gratitude for the absolute outpouring of support you all showed on Giving Tuesday…You also raised a massive amount of awareness about this cause. Please accept our most heartfelt thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do to help support Camp Southern Ground.” -CSG Camp Southern Ground was founded by Zac Brown and created to “operate a camp to allow children to overcome academic, social and emotional difficulties so they may reach their full potential by providing them with the opportunity and tools necessary to achieve excellence in all facets of their lives.” For more information CLICK HERE.

Zac Brown Band and Camp Southern Ground Participate in Giving Tuesday

Join Zac Brown Band, Camp Southern Ground and Giving Tuesday to Support A Great Cause! Its no secret that we’re HUGE Zac Brown Band fans around here at CMNB headquarters, and one reason why we love them so much is because of Camp Southern Ground. Founded by band leader, Zac Brown, the camp strives to create a place for “kids with different backgrounds and diverse abilities, giving them an opportunity to learn and grow through customized programs provided in a positive, healthy and organic environment“. Sounds awesome, right? Well, guess what…YOU can help support it! Details are below, and you can find even more info on the Camp Southern Ground website! Today (November 27th), is “Giving Tuesday“, a campaign aimed at encouraging people to give in anyway they can to important causes that they believe in! About Giving Tuesday. We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. This year help create #GivingTuesday™, the giving season’s opening day. On Tuesday November 27, 2012 charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. It’s a simple idea. Find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity. And together we’ll create ways to give more, give better and give smarter. How to Support Camp Southern Ground. TEXT Text CSG to 50555 to donate $10 right from your phone. CHOOSE your own contribution Decide your own amount and donate. START Your Own Fundraiser. Really want to get involved? Set your own plan in motion! Be sure to spread the word by following and using #GivingTuesday!