for granted , unfortunately , but I think what we civilians forget about is - we know that they ’ ll die for us - but we forget about babies being born , and their first steps , and losing your parents or some elderly member of your family , or a kid ’ s first football game or dance recital things that we just get to enjoy every day .”
Both of Niemann ’ s grandfathers fought in WWII , and he says he hopes to be able to go over and visit troops every year . “ I ’ m the number one fan club member of our military for sure .”
His spirit of giving back doesn ’ t end with his support of our military , Niemann also donates thousand of dollars to his non-profit , Free The Music USA , a charity dedicated to collecting musical instruments and giving them to children in need . “ My second album was called Free The Music ,” Niemann says . “ And it was kind of inspired by these little towns we ’ d go to and play their fairs , and just visiting with some of the people on the fair board and some of the locals and from time-to-time you ’ ll hear someone say , ‘ You know starting next year it ’ s going to be the first year we don ’ t have music in our schools .’”
Niemann remembers being involved with music and sports in high school and how those extra-curriculars kept him out of trouble . “ Music really is a great way for kids to expand on a lot of different avenues in life ,” he says . “ I just know first hand that it ’ s very important so I ’ m glad to be doing something that hopefully will matter in someone else ’ s life down the road ,” Niemann says .
FREETHEMUSICUSA . ORG
Niemann and his wife , Morgan , also play a big role in supporting animal rescue . “ We ’ re down to four right now , but there was one moment we had 18 animals at our house because one of our rescues had 12 puppies ,” Niemann laughed . “ My wife always is on the radar of every animal that needs help .”
Niemann is sure to bring out hits such as “ Lover , Lover ” and “ What Do You Want ” as well as new music including “ I Got This ” and “ God Made A Woman ” at his upcoming performance at the Oxford Performing Arts Center . “ I hope that everybody can come out to the show . We ’ d love to show them a good time and share bits and pieces of our journey .” ✽
20 March 2018
INSIGHT