The Miami Marine Stadium grounds came to life Sunday night as the Zac Brown Band, three-time Grammy winners, took the stage at the Country Bay Music Festival, drawing thousands of devoted fans who sang along to every lyric.
For 46-year-old frontman Zac Brown, the thrill of performing remains as strong as ever. “I never get used to looking out at the crowd and thinking, ‘Wow, this is our job,’” he shared, expressing gratitude for the fans who are, as he put it, the band’s “lifeblood”—the reason they aren’t “just playing in the garage somewhere.”
The night turned emotional when Brown dedicated a song to his late friend Jimmy Buffett, who last performed at the stadium in the late ’80s. Reflecting on Buffett’s legacy, Brown remarked, “Jimmy’s impact on music and the world was immense, and he’s dearly missed,” noting their tribute song, “Pirates and Parrots,” released last year in Buffett’s honor.
Brown’s dedication to authentic songwriting remains central to his work. “I’m always chasing a song that expresses something I believe in or have gone through in a way that resonates with others,” he said, underscoring his deep connection with fans—especially during performances of the beloved hit “Chicken Fried,” a crowd-favorite singalong.
For Brown, the bond between food, music, and community is profound. Growing up with a family of talented cooks, he carried this connection into the band’s meet-and-greets, which for six years resembled wedding receptions, hosting 150 guests for shared meals and conversation. “There’s something special about breaking bread with people,” Brown explained, highlighting how music and food together foster community.
With the Miami skyline as a breathtaking backdrop, the Zac Brown Band’s performance reminded fans why they remain one of country music’s most cherished acts, blending musical talent with genuine hospitality to bring people together.
