The current week’s Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series includes Wisconsin’s arising country music group — the Zac Matthews Band (ZMB).

The concert, which is sponsored by Walsworth – Ripon, will happen Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Village Green in midtown Ripon.

Country music threesome ZMB is blowing some people’s minds on the music scene. The band, based out of Janesville, Wis., is involved Zac Matthews (lead guitar and vocals), alongside brothers Zach “Johnsy” Johns (drums and vocals) and Brandon Johns (bass and vocals).

In 2014, Matthews was first runner-up in the nationally known Colgate Country Showdown, a challenge that put him and his Fender Telecaster on stage at the hallowed Grand Ole Opry.

Matthews likewise had a tryout in 2020 with “American Idol,” acting before Country music legend Luke Bryan. He made the first cut for “Icon” out of a field of a few hundred hopefuls, progressing to the top-50 artists in the Midwest that were screened for an opportunity to become full-season contestants.

Matthews said the judges thought his performances felt “a little forced,” and Bryan encouraged him to pack his guitar and head to Nashville to sharpen his abilities. In spite of the fact that he didn’t make the final cut, Matthews is thankful for the chance to perform on the broadly televised show which has launched the careers of many pop stars, including Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood.

Matthews noticed that performing on American Idol was “one of the biggest learning experiences of my life and one of the few things I’m most grateful and blessed to have experienced.”

ZMB has imparted the spotlight to probably the greatest names in the business, including country artists Randy Houser, Craig Campbell, Kelsea Ballerini and some more. Its second Nashville recorded collection “Already Know It” was released in 2020, getting critical acclaim. The band’s music is accessible by means of both Spotify and ITunes.

The series, which is coordinated by Ripon Main Street, Inc., happens through the finish of August at the Village Green situated at the corner of Watson and Seward roads in historic downtown Ripon. A variety of beverages are accessible and members may bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. No carry-ins are permitted in the park since beverage sales assist with covering entertainment costs.

Next week’s concert (Friday, July 30) includes Wisconsin’s ultimate rock party band Road Trip.