Zac Brown Band Brings the Heat to Bangor Maine!

An Unforgettable Night of Music and Magic: Zac Brown Band and Gaelic Storm Bring the Heat to Bangor

Under a starlit Maine sky, the Zac Brown Band transformed Bangor’s Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion into a jubilant celebration of music, camaraderie, and Southern-inspired soul. As spring slowly crawls to an end, it delivered more  cold and rain-but the chill  felt like a distant memory as fans of all ages gathered for a show that would leave them buzzing for days. 

From the moment Zac Brown and his virtuosic eight-piece ensemble took the stage, the energy was electric. Opening with their chart-topping anthem "Homegrown,” the band immediately had the crowd singing along, swaying, and reveling in the joy of live music. What followed was a masterclass in musicianship—an exhilarating mix of country, rock, blues, and even reggae, showcasing why the Zac Brown Band stands as one of the most genre-defying acts in modern music. 

A Setlist Packed With Surprises and Fan Favorites

Known for their dynamic live shows, the band didn’t disappoint. Highlights included: 

- A scorching cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” seamlessly blended with “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”—showcasing fiddler Jimmy De Martini’s jaw-dropping skills. 

- A sprawling, 18-minute jam of “Who Knows,” where Zac Brown traded fiery guitar solos with 'Clay Cook,  proving their rock-and-roll chops. 

- Their 2015 hit "Beautiful Drug” (from Jekyll + Hyde), with its pulsing electronic influences, proving the band’s willingness to push boundaries. 

The Zac Brown Band: More Than Just a Country Act

Though often categorized under country, the Zac Brown Band’s sound is a melting pot of influences—Southern rock, folk, blues, and even a touch of jam-band improvisation. Their lineup is stacked with world-class talent: 

- John Driskell Hopkins (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist) brings soulful harmonies and bass lines so deep they rattle the pavilion. 

- Daniel de los Reyes on percussion adds a fiery Latin edge—honed from his work with artists like Sting and Ricky Martin. 

- Chris Fryar’s thunderous drumming keeps the groove locked in, no matter how far the band strays into jam territory. 

Beyond the music, Zac Brown took a heartfelt moment to share the mission of Camp Southern Ground, his nonprofit dedicated to empowering children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodevelopmental delays, and military families. The organization, founded in 2011, now serves thousands of kids annually—a testament to Brown’s commitment to giving back. 

Gaelic Storm: Celtic Fireworks and Unbridled Joy

While Zac Brown Band headlined, Gaelic Storm—the Irish-American powerhouse—brought their own brand of raucous, foot-stomping energy to Bangor. Bursting onto the scene after their show-stealing performance in Titanic(1997), the band has since released 14 studio albums and become a mainstay at festivals worldwide. 

Their set was  a whirlwind of fiddles, bagpipes, and infectious pub-ready anthems, including fan favorites like “Johnny Jump Up” and “Scalliwag.” Frontman Patrick Murphy kept the crowd laughing—and dancing—with his quick wit and boundless energy. Gaelic Storm’s ability to blend traditional Celtic sounds with modern folk-rock makes them a must-see live act, especially for fans of The Pogues or Flogging Molly.  Lucky for us, they will be heading back to Maine this summer at Boothbay Harbor.

The Waterfront Pavilion: Bangor’s Premier Music Destination

The venue itself played a starring role, with its open-air design, stunning riverfront backdrop, and impeccable acoustics making it one of New England’s best live music spots. Earlier in the day, local Maine bands—**Chris Ross and the North, The Jimmy Lehoux Band, and North of Nashville—warmed up the crowd with homegrown flair, proving that the Pine Tree State’s music scene is alive and thriving. 

"What’s Next in Bangor’s Concert Series?"

The "Machias Savings Bank Concert Series** is just heating up! Upcoming shows include: 

June 18:Train and The Fray—expect singalong anthems like “Drops of Jupiter” and “How to Save a Life.”

June 20: Fall Out Boy and Hoodie Allen—a high-octane night of 8-punk and hip-hop. 

For tickets and more, visit waterfront concerts at

https://www.waterfrontconcerts.com —because after a night like this, you won’t want to miss the next unforgettable show. 

Final Notes: Why Live Music Still Reigns Supreme

In an age of streaming and digital isolation, nights like this remind us why live music is irreplaceable. From Zac Brown Band’s genre-blurring brilliance to Gaelic Storm’s raucous Celtic revelry, the Bangor crowd witnessed something  unforgettable and magical—a shared experience that only music can create. 

If you missed it?

Don’t make the same mistake twice. These are the shows people talk about for years.🎶🔥