Zac Brown Band at DTE

There was plenty of music to go around as the musicians played for themselves and for each other. The swarm of spectators listened to the music as it electrified the starlit night. Whether in the grass of the lawn or in pavilion seats, with bobbing heads and moving hands they danced to the rhythm of Zach Brown Band's magical beat.

Kid Rock surprised the crowd at the DTE Energy Music Theatre when he strolled on stage Wednesday evening to roaring cheers. Rock, a Detroit native, and Zac Brown, Georgian native, then preformed a version of Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See."

Rock has been a strong supporter of ZZB since he heard their "Southern Comfort" album. In addition, Rock made a cameo in the band's music video "Toes," which is currently nominated for the CMT Music Awards' "Video of the Year."

The nearly four-hour-long set included ZBB's version of "Devil Went Down to Georgia" and "I'm Working On A Building." This gospel song was given a bluegrass feel with the help of opening acts Casey Dreissen and the Wood Brothers. Casey Dreissen is a bluegrass fiddler and singer, and the Brothers, Chris and Oliver Wood, played bass and guitar respectively.

Patriotism was prevalent throughout the performance as Brown requested that the audience participate in "Lyrics for Letters." Participants in the "Lyrics for Letters" program write a letter to a soldier and take it to a RAM dealer. In exchange, the author of each letter receives a free CD featuring ZBB.

ZBB has also participated in an overseas tour held in April where they traveled to Iraq to play for American troops. The experience "was the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life," said Coy Bowles, the guitarist and organ player for ZBB.

Although it seems the Zac Brown Band has just begun, they first formed in Atlanta, Ga. in 2002 and have released 2 albums prior to their now certified platinum album "The Foundation."

However, it wasn't until 2009 that the group won their first Grammy for "Best New Artist," was awarded the "Top New Vocal Group" at the Academy of Country Music Awards and won the "USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year" award at the CMT Music Awards for "Chicken Fried."

The event concluded with old favorites meeting new sounds as fans were given a sense of what the new album, "You Get What You Give," will bring, including songs that feature Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett. The new album, which is set to come out Sept. 21, can be preordered on their website.