Zac Brown Tribute Band To Make NY Debut In Farmingdale: Tickets

FARMINGDALE, NY — "Zac N Fried," a Zac Brown tribute band, is set to make its New York debut at 317 Main Street, a restaurant and venue in Farmingdale.

The band is led by Randall John, who has also led another band, "The Zoo," for nearly 30 years.

“I love Zac Brown," John, 50, told Patch. "I’ve always liked Zac Brown. People say I kinda sound like him.”

The band is set to hit 317 Main Street from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. April 29. Tickets to "Zac N Fried" in Farmingdale can be purchased here. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door.

The band held its first live performance on March 4, but it only played 10 or 11 songs. The 317 performance is earmarked to be two hours long and the band's first full show.

John says he fielded multiple phone calls from people asking if he was interested in starting a Zac Brown tribute band. The "Zac Brown Band" is an American country music band based in Atlanta.

John said he wanted to try something different, as he has been playing with "The Zoo" for close to three decades.

"It’s not like I’m tired of ‘The Zoo’ because I love ‘The Zoo,’" he said. "‘The Zoo’ is my baby; it will always be my baby. But it’s like Christmas singing songs you’ve never done before live in front of people."

"Zac Brown Band" boasts seven people, so John set out to find six others to join his tribute band. When looking for musicians, he judges all candidates in three categories: stage, van and talent.

"Talent speaks for itself; how good are you at your instrument? Are you amazing?" John explained. "Stage is how you look on stage. Do you look good? Are you engaging? Are people drawn to you? Are you energetic, jumping around? Or are you a stick figure? Van is how do you get along in a van on a 12-hour drive or 3-hour drive."

He eventually assembled his roster of musicians:

• James Zap - Acoustic/Banjo/Vocals.
• Jason Joyal - Keyboard/Vocals.
• Robin Sarica - Violin.
• Anthony Edley aka Shredly - Lead guitar/Vocals.
• Matt Spence - Drums.
• Hector Ares - Bass/Vocals.
• Randall John - Lead Vocal/Acoustic.

The band still needed its name.

John, who said he is a "little bit overweight," wanted to call the band "Fat Zac," but he was talked out of it. He then started looking at Zac Brown tribute bands from San Diego and Las Vegas and found they were all named after his songs.

The "Zac Brown Band"'s most famous song, John said, is "Chicken Fried." He thought of something that would include the word "fried."

"I had the word ‘Zac,’ and I was like, ‘maybe ‘Zac N’ Fried,’” John said. "My wife overheard me say that, and she’s like, 'That’s awesome! That’s the name right there, ‘Zac N’ Fried!’’ I wrote it to everybody, and they were like, ‘Dude, that’s awesome! Love it, love it. ‘Zac N’ Fried!’ Awesome, perfect!’”

John, who grew up in Bellmore before moving to Newtown, Connecticut, is familiar with Long Island.

"The Zoo" has performed at The Nutty Irishman over the past 15 to 20 years. Joe Fortuna, a restaurateur, owns both The Nutty Irishman and 317 Main Street.

John said Fortuna has always been good to him and "The Zoo."

"I’ve been in this industry and have done this for three decades," John said. "You get some winners, shall we say, being owners. Joe has always been super, super nice and so professional. He’s been a great guy. 317 was the place to [make our debut], because my loyalty is with that family. The Nutty Irishman family, the 317 family. I knew 317 would be the shot, the place to do it. They’re welcoming us with open arms, and they’re taking a shot on us, as well. We are a brand new band. It’s our first ever show in New York, and it’s our first full show."

Fortuna said he has known John for many years and said "The Zoo" has been one of the top party-rock bands in the Tri-State area.

"Randy's an extremely talented artist, and we are excited about his venture into country music," Fortuna said. "We can't wait for his debut show at 317 Main Street."