Tim McGraw changes Swampstock fundraiser; next one slated for 2008

"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," said McGraw. "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."

McGraw started the event in 1994 to raise monies for youth sports in his hometown community of Start, La. As the event grew and enlarged, McGraw expanded the beneficiaries to include college scholarships and regional causes.

Swampstock has traditionally included a celebrity softball game (McGraw's team still looking for its first victory over wife Faith Hill's team) and a multi-artist outdoor concert. Artists and sports celebrities that have generously lent their support over the years in addition to Hill include Martina McBride, Rick Allen of Def Leppard, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, Rhett Atkins, Jo-el Sonnier, Sons of the Desert, Chris Cagle, Stan Humphries, former baseball player Rafael Palmeiro, the Warren Brothers, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Lori McKenna, Hot Apple Pie and Halfway to Hazard. In 2002, McGraw turned the event into a hugely successful network television special on NBC "Sing Me Home."

In 2006, Swampstock became a part of Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, the charity co-founded by McGraw and Hill. The event has drawn thousands of people each year to the small town of Rayville, La., close to Tim's childhood home.

"I'm thankful that I can give something back to the community and I want to thank everyone who has played a part in making it possible to help so many kids," said McGraw. "We are already underway with plans for 2008."