Tim's Next Swampstock Set for 2008

9/12/2007 Stephen L. Betts   Tim McGraw has announced that he’ll host his next Swampstock in 2008, following the decision to hold the charitable event every other year. In 2006, Swampstock became a part of Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, the charity co-founded by Tim and wife Faith Hill. The event, which includes an outdoor concert, has drawn thousands of people each year to Rayville, La., near Tim's childhood home. "It's a lot of work to put this event on each year, and I know it's asking a lot of the staff, the volunteers and, of course, the other artists and their bands," says Tim. "I want to keep the event fresh and important in the eyes of the community -- and continue to grow Swampstock. Holding it every other year will help us to achieve those goals." On Nov, 2, Tim, who serves as honorary chair of the Tug McGraw Foundation, will present Denim & Diamonds: An Evening with Tim McGraw and Friends for the organization's third annual fundraising gala. Tug McGraw, Tim's father and one of the most successful pitchers in baseball, established the nonprofit organization before his death from a brain tumor in 2004 to help other brain tumor patients and their families, friends and caregivers face the challenges that come with the disease. Tim and his band, the Dancehall Doctors, along with friends Lori McKenna, Halfway 2 Hazard and Lance Miller, will perform at the gala, with Bob Costas serving as host. With all this hard work, it’s no wonder Mrs. Tim McGraw is taking up for her husband. Faith says it’s embarrassing Tim wasn't nominated for a CMA award on his own this year. The singer got just one nod to his credit this year - Musical Event of the Year, for contributing to Tracy Lawrence's "Find out Who Your Friends Are." While Faith recognizes she's speaking from the vantage point of being his wife, she adds that she honestly believes he’s one of the best live performers she's ever seen. Faith says it's ultimately a loss for the CMA awards show and for Tim’s fans because without a nomination he won't be appearing on the Nov. 7 telecast.