Exclusive Photos of Randy Houser from Rapids Jam 2011

Check out our exclusive photos of Randy Houser at Rapids Jam. Phenomenal pictures! Here are a couple of them ... CLICK HERE to see more!

RAPIDS JAM 2011: A LOOK BACK AT DAY TWO

Event: Rapids Jam 2011 (Day 2)
Date: June 17, 2011
Location: Roanoke Rapids, NC
Artists: James Wesley, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker and Sugarland (plus other new artists on side stages)

Photos: http://imgur.com/a/1bBhg

If you missed Rapids Jam, the inaugural 3 day country music "Woodstock" held in Roanoke Rapids, NC on June 16-18, you missed an INCREDIBLE 3 days of music from such top names as Willie Nelson, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Sugarland and more. Unfortunately I had to miss the first and last days due to prior commitments with work and personal issues, however I drove the distance to be front and center on day two which featured Drew Davis Band, Karla Davis, McKenzie's Mill, James Wesley, Darius Rucker, Craig Morgan, John Berry and Sugarland.

Ingrid, my unofficial yet official "assistant, camera person, cohort and partner in crime" and I hopped in the car and drove from Raleigh to Roanoke Rapids with one thing on our mind, a full day of good country music. Well, I had something else on my mind too, finally meeting my friend, James Wesley ("Real", "Didn't I"), whom I'd been tweeting with since May 2010. We'd been planning this one for quite awhile and the day was finally here, and yes, I was downright giddy and I don't do giddy. We got to the grounds and let me tell you, this was done up right. There was a carnival setting with rides, games and a huge Ferris wheel on one side of the field, vendor tents, merchandise tents, food tents, side stages and the huge main stage set up on the other side. From the sheer size of the stage, you knew it was gonna be a good night even in heat topping 95 degrees with 90% humidity. Man, it was hotter than the bottom of Ghandi's flip flop out there! We pulled into media parking which was nice since we didn't have to walk 5 miles to the entrance and we had a nice clean portajohn to use! We met up with Leigh Parr and Amanda French from EB Media and let me tell you, those girls are the nicest, classiest publicists I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. EB Media has helped me out so much with being able to get to these shows so I can review them for those of you unable to make the show itself but who want to know what happened and how the artists performances were so first off, THANK YOU to Amanda, Leigh and Ebie for all they do to help me bring my view to you.

Amanda came out to get us and walked us past all the massive amounts of equipment, big rigs and extravagant buses to meet up with James in his trailer. When we got to the trailer, I was turned around asking Amanda a question and I heard "Jenn!". I turned around and there was the greatest smile in country music, James Wesley, smiling especially for me. I think I got all verklempt and misty finally getting to get a heartfelt hug and time to spend with someone who has become one of my favorite people. James was everything I knew he'd be, down to earth, friendly and warm and just himself. There is no "star" attitude with James, he's very humble and what you see is what you get. That's what everyone loves about him. We sat down and had a nice chat, which you can see on the website if you click on "interviews" on the right side of the page or if you type James Wesley into the search bar. We laughed and just had a good time getting to know each other. I was actually disappointed that he had to go sing even though I couldn't wait to hear that voice. James, Jeremy (his drummer) and Zac (his bass player), walked us out and we talked some more walking towards the buses and rigs. I asked him which bus was his and he pointed to a 15 passenger shuttle and said he couldn't see paying that much money for an extravagant bus when he could spend less money and be able to pay his band more money. That right there is what makes James Wesley so amazing, his outlook on things that matter and he recognizes how blessed he is to be in the position he's in and that it's people like his band that helped get him there, so he makes sure they're taken care of. I was blown away, but not that I didn't expect that from James, it was just so nice to hear. With that great ending to a nice chat with James, he had to get ready for his 4:30pm show. All I can say is Big Gulp will never have the same meaning again ... right James? LOL! How cool is that, I have a private joke with James Wesley!

1:30pm - 2:30pm - Unfortunately we arrived too late to hear Karla Davis perform but she got a raving review from those in attendance. I checked her out online and this Monroe, NC can definitely carry a tune in a bucket and man does she have a set of strong winded pipes. Wow, love her music! Highly recommend checking her out.

3:00pm - 4:00pm: On stage prior to James was the Drew Davis Band. Having performed nationwide as part of the biggest fairs and festivals incuding Country Thunder and Country Stampede, Drew Davisʼ fan-base has grown to vast proportions over the course of his 500 shows. Drew has shared the stage with such big names as Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Trace Adkins, and others. Drew Davis was also featured on "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" and quickly signed by Doc McGhee (KISS' manager) and Windswept Records. I was only able to catch about a song and a half by the time I got to the main stage area, but what I heard was outstanding. Drew can rock a stage like nobody's business and keep a crowd on it's feet. One thing I overheard by several attendees following his performance was about the fact that he apparently said something about "hitting your kids". I personally missed it, but apparently the comment rubbed some people the wrong way. Everything else I heard was nothing but praise for his performance.

4:30pm - 5:30pm: Oh yeah boy, it was time for some "real" music, James Wesley. James may be from small town Mound Valley, KS but there is nothing small town about his performance or his voice. I was standing in the photo pit waiting on the show to start when my phone rang. James was calling asking if I knew anyone "trustworthy" to help with his merchandising while he was "meeting and greeting". Wait, did I know anyone trustworthy that would love to help? Uh, hello! ME!!! Pick me! I told him I'd be more than happy to help him with whatever he needed and would meet him at the merchandise tent after his set. Giggity giggity goo, y'all! So, James came out and sang his Mound Valley butt off. He sang all the favorites, "Jackson Hole", "Real", his new single "Didn't I" (which y'all need to be requesting like crazy mad by the way) and he also broke out some old school Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. Loved it, loved James, and did I mention LOVED IT??? What a voice, the crowd really enjoyed it too. Listening to James Wesley and spending time with him has reconfirmed what I love about country, it's a caring genre and it's artists are like no other, humble, down to earth and genuinely kind people.

6:00pm-7:00pm: Holy majoley, Craig Morgan is way to underrated for what he can deliver as an artist. Wow, he put on one of the best vocal sets I've ever heard. I'd sit behind his international harvester any day of the week. I really was hoping for an interview with Craig but alas it was not to be THIS TIME but y'all know me, it'll happen next time! I have so much respect for Craig, as a former serviceman, he is a huge supporter of our troops and the USO. He runs a charity called Billy's Place and he plays his country his way and apparently it's our way too because we sure like it when he sings! When Craig took the stage, you saw a little bit of yee haw, a little bit of spice, a little bit of country and was it nice! He sang all the hits like "Little Bit of Life", "Love Remembers", "International Harvester" and some others. He also brought 3 women up on stage and broke into "Easy" by the Commodores and made all three of those faces blush when he sat down between them and made each one feel like they were the only one he was singing to. What a nice thing to do! Wish I'd been up there, he would have been the one blushing! LMAO! I can say that Craig Morgan is now a favorite of mine and I admit, I too underestimated his talent. 

7:00pm - 7:30pm: What a nice surprise that John Berry came out as a last minute replacement for the LoCash Cowboys who apparently had to cancel due to, from what I heard, "overbooking". A dear friend of mine, Kenny Head, who plays keyboards for the Georgia Satellites also plays keyboards for John during his Christmas tour so I was hoping Kenny was part of the last minute booking but unfortunately not. It was John, John's guitar and John's wife, Robin. He sang maybe 3 songs, but man did he sing them good. When he ripped out, "Your Love Amazes Me", yes, I think I cried a little. It might have been the salt from the sweat getting in my eyes, but either way I cried.

7:30pm - 8:45pm - DARIUS!!!! As a HUGE fan of Hootie and the Blowfish in their early pre-pop radio days, I was all slaphappy and unhinged waiting for years to see Hootie in person. What I got was far from Hootie, he's definitely Darius now. There's a maturity in his songs, a depth and soul to his voice that wasn't there during the Hootie days. He's definitely found his calling and it was calling "HEY HOOTIE, PLAY SOME COUNTRY!". What a great set, he took that stage and the crowd went nuts. He walked the catwalk and there were hands all raised trying to just touch him as he danced by. Speaking of Darius dancing, would someone tell him not to do the white boy shuffle? LOL! I love the man, love everything about him but I giggle like a kid every time he breaks that move out. He sang "Alright" and his other hits but the one I really liked that I hadn't heard was "Love Can Do That". Guess what Darius, Love can do that and it did because I love that song now! Unfortunately we weren't able to stay for the entire show or the (insert gasp here) Sugarland show, but I can promise you the rest of the night was unforgettable and top shelf entertainment. Come on, it's Sugarland, every thing they touch is top shelf.

All in all the event was well put together, the entertainment was OUTSTANDING, and we had an amazing time despite my face melting off and my new farmer's tan. There are a few recommendations I'd give for next year's show, which I hope they have. The recommendations are as follows:

1.) Make sure there is enough water. Most vendors ran out of water before Sugarland came out and in 90 plus heat, that's not a good thing.


2.) Make sure there is somewhere to get out of the sun, maybe a misting station or just a tent to sit in if you can't stand the heat. It was just too darn hot for alot of people to enjoy.


3.) Porta-Johns - Uh no. There needs to be an actual restroom or at least make sure to have someone making sure these PJ's are cleaned regularly, at least the interior part. I'm not putting my posterior down in a nasty interior.


4.) Tickets for Food Purchases - Who came up with this brainstorm? 8 tickets for $5. Most foods cost between 10-15 tickets, my beef brisket sandwich was 15 tickets! Do the math. Just the sandwich without fries or a drink was almost $10.00! Small water bottles and sodas were 4 tickets and the larger bottles were 6 tickets. Very expensive. Next time I will eat before I get to the festival and save some money to spend on artist merchandise, which was moderately priced this time.

Loved it and again, thank you to EB Media for just being an awesome group to deal with, James Wesley for taking time out to spend with me and the organizers who put this all together. Great job, next year is gonna rock!

Sugarland Rocks Rapids Jam 2011

Check out this awesome video from Sugarland that they recorded at Rapids Jam on Thursday, June 17, in Roanoke Rapids, NC. See that trailer in the back? That's where I was able to sit down and catch up with James Wesley. I know, it's an interview, but I prefer to call it chatting with a friend because that's what he is. I tried to get a quick interview in with Sugarland and Darius Rucker, but they weren't dealing with media at all that day so unfortunately I wasn't able to make it happen. NEXT TIME THOUGH! I hate we had to miss Sugarland's performance, but it was a long ride home after about 7 hrs in the 90+ degree heat and I had to work the next day. I reviewed their "Incredible Machine" tour last year so at least I knew what I was missing. Great festival, thanks to all who were involved in the organization of the event and special thanks to the girls (Ebie, Amanda and Leigh) at EB Media for all they do for those of us who come out to cover their artist's events. We can't get the word out without their help. They are by far the classiest and friendliest PR firm in country music that I've dealt with.

RANDY HOUSER KICKS OFF COUNTRY THROWDOWN TOUR WITH PERSONAL HERO, WILLIE NELSON, AND FRIENDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

25-Date Tour Begins in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, May 27

Nashville, Tenn. (Tuesday, May 24, 2011) -- With a life-changing new single, “In God’s Time,” hitting the radio charts, country music artist Randy Houser is beginning to understand that everything truly does happen ‘in God’s time.’ An avid Willie Nelson fan since early childhood, he now gets to do something he never dreamed he would share the stage with his personal hero out on the renowned Country Throwdown Tour. The 25-date trek kicks off on Friday, May 27 in Philadelphia, PA and features a star-studded line-up of some of Randy’s personal friends and colleagues: Jamey Johnson, Lee Brice, Jack Ingram, Brantley Gilbert, Craig Campbell and more.

Known as the only country music tour of its kind in which multiple artists travel from one stop to the next together, The Country Throwdown Tour is certainly one Houser is especially looking forward to.

“When I think about how epic of an artist Willie Nelson is, and the ways in which he impacted our format to make it what it is today, it blows my mind that I get to perform with him out there. I don’t know what I did to deserve that!”

Called a “powerhouse, soulful performer” by Pollstar and a “crowd-pleaser” by The New York Times, Houser is known for the his bona fide heartfelt conviction in his live performances and self-penned songs; sure to always touch a chord with crowds.

“When I go out there and sing, I cannot half-ass it,” he says. “That’s just part of the way I grew up. You go at something, you want to sell it. When I’ve got something to say, especially in a song, I want you to get it, so I’m not one of those quiet singers. I can’t just lullaby you. I’m getting on it.”

And throwdown, is exactly what Houser plans to do. But somewhere in his set, room will be left for inspiring new single, “In God’s Time”—the song that has been demanded by fans nationwide since Randy performed it live at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, garnering a standing ovation and tearful applause during the ACM New Artist of the Year Special. The song, which is currently playing on country radio, tells his personal struggle to be patient and accept that God has a greater plan for him at work than what he has in mind.

“This is the kind of musical masterpiece [In God’s Time] that award shows love to showcase and give awards to and if “The House That Built Me” can sneak in and became a super smash hit while also making its singer (Miranda Lambert) a genuine superstar, here’s hoping that “In God’s Time” becomes Randy Houser’s star-making single,” wrote Roughstock. “It’s one of those songs that really makes you stop and think,” added 107.7 WGNA-FM’s Jake Thomas.

Randy looks forward to promoting the new single and hanging with his buddies out on the Throwdown Tour, but most of all he's looking forward to the music.

"Of course it's a dream to be out there with Willie and my close buddies like Jamey and Lee, but the thing that amazes me the most about this tour is the amount of talent on the entire tour - there is just so much good music to see, and nothing is exactly the same," said Houser.

For a full list of Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour stops, visit www.countrythrowdown.com or see below. For more information on Randy Houser, visit www.randyhouser.com.

UPCOMING RANDY HOUSER TOUR DATES

May 26- Showcase Live!- Foxborough, MA

May 27- The MANN- Philadelphia, PA (Country Throwdown Tour)

May 28- Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavillion- Gilford, NH (Country Throwdown Tour)

May 29- Champlain Valley Expo- Essex Junction, VT

May 30- Bank Stadium- York, PA

June 3- The Woods at Fontanel- Nashville, TN

June 4- North Shore Park at the Arkansas River- Little Rock, AR

June 5- Amp At The Wharf- Orange Beach, AL

June 9- Snowden Grove Amphitheatre- Southhaven, MS

June 10- Midway Exposition Center- Columbia, MO

June 11- World Shooting & Recreation Center- Sparta, IL

June 12- Coolray Field- Lawrenceville, GA

June 16- Rapids Jam- Roanoke Rapids, NC

June 17- Charter Amphitheater at Heritage Park- Simpsonville, SC

June 18- Regency Stadium- Waldorf, MD

June 19- World's Fair Park- Knoxville, TN

June 21- Red Rocks Amphitheatre- Denver, CO

June 23- Grandstand- Del Mar, CA

June 24- Citizens Business Bank Arena- Ontario, CA

June 25- Pozo Saloon- Pozo, CA

June 26- Coyote Springs Ranch- Cathey's Valley

June 30- Las Palmas Race Park- Mission, TX

July 1- Concrete Street Amphitheater- Corpus Christi, TX

July 2- Eufala Cove Amphitheater- Eufala, OK

July 3- Osage Creek Amphitheatre- Siloam Springs, AR

July 4- Billy Bob's- Fort Worth, TX

July 7-Hodag Country Festival- Rhinelander, WI

July 9-Altamont Faigrounds, Altamont, NY

July 15- Old Settler's Park- Rockton, IL

July 23- Denim & Diamonds for Columbus Hospice Organization- Columbus, GA

Rapids Jam 2011 Announces Lineup

RAPIDS JAM MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS TOP NAMES IN ENTERTAINMENT TO NORTH CAROLINA Three-day country music festival features Top ACM Awards’ Nominees Party Pit Passes to go on sale February 21

Nashville, Tenn. (Tuesday, February 1, 2011) – With the unveiling of the 2011 ACM Awards nominations today comes the announcement of the inaugural Rapids Jam Music Festival line-up for their June 16-18event taking place in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Top names in entertainment such as Willie Nelson, Darius Rucker, and three-time 2011 ACM nominee Lady Antebellum, three-time 2011 ACM nomineeLee Brice, two-time 2011 ACM nominee Sugarland, two-time 2011 ACM nominee Jamey Johnson, 2011 ACM Top New Solo Vocalist nominee Randy Houser and first-time ACM nominee Colt Ford are confirmed for this year’s music festival. For a limited time, the summer’s best entertainment value is available with three-day General Admission (GA) only $99 and single day tickets available for $50 by visiting www.rapidsjam.com. In order to really get attendees excited, Rapids Jam is the first-ever festival to offer Party Pit passes for each artist! Beginning February 21, Party Pit passes will be made available for purchase in addition to the GA ticket. The Party Pit Pass is the fans’ chance to get up close and personal with the artists in front of the stage. Rapids Jam Music Festival Line-up is as follows: Thursday, June 16, 2011 4:15 – 5:15 PM Lee Brice 5:45 – 6:45 PM Randy Houser 7:15 – 8:30 PM Jamey Johnson 9:00 – 10:30 PM Willie Nelson Friday, June 17, 2011 1:30 – 2:30 PM Drew Davis 3:00 – 4:00 PM TBD 4:30 – 5:30 PM LoCash Cowboys 7:30 – 8:45 PM Darius Rucker 9:30 – 11:00 PM Sugarland Saturday, June 18, 2011 1:30 – 2:30 PM TBD 3:00 – 4:00 PM Bucky Covington 4:30 – 5:30 PM Jason Michael Carroll 6:00 – 7:00 PM Colt Ford 7:30 – 8:45 PM Clay Walker 9:30 – 11:00 PM Lady Antebellum Nestled in scenic hills of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Rapids Jam is an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts, too, with two camping options within close walking proximity of the concert area. Rapids Jam is expected to attract 100,000+ attendees and campers over the three days with cities Roanoke, Raleigh, Greenville, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Washington (DC), and more just a few hours away. The festival is also now accepting media credential requests for coverage. For more information, please visit www.rapidsjam.com.

EVENT: First Annual Rapids Jam 2011 - June 16-18 Roanoke Rapids, NC

It’s being called the summer’s best entertainment value on the East Coast with over 20 concerts in three days. Organizers of Rapids Jam 2011 music festival in Roanoke Rapids announced Tuesday that Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, and Willie Nelson will headline next year’s event. More than a dozen artists are scheduled to perform during the three-day outdoor festival, being held from June 16-18, 2011.

The event is being modeled after other successful country music festivals like Country Thunder, Big Valley Jamboree, and Country Stampede.  Unlike traditional shows, fans will be able to purchase tickets to stand in front of the stage to get an even closer view of their favorite singers.  Camping will also be available during the event.

General admission, and both reserved platinum and reserved gold seating tickets for Rapids Jam 2011 went on sale Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m. and are available locally at the Rapids Jam ticket office located at the Roanoke Rapids Theatre and online at http://www.rapidsjam.com/ or by phone at 252-536-0275.

Ticket Information

3-Day General Admission - $99 On-Sale December 3rd

General admission lawn chair seating is first come first serve. Good for all 3 days of festival – Thurs Fri Sat. Exchange ticket for wristband. Wristband must be worn the entire weekend – non transferable among individuals. (You must have a three-day wristband to enter the campgrounds.)

Performers Circle Tables - Call:(252) 536-0275 for further Details

Each table includes eight tickets to the festival that will also allow the ticket-holder to get in to the exclusive Performance Circle Hospitality area, set to the right of the stage with viewing of both the stage and the Jumbotron. Tickets can be used by different people each day of the event, but are not transferable among individuals during a single day. The Performers Circle Hospitality Area will include a cash bar and one complimentary catered meal each day from 5-7pm. Four total VIP car parking passes will be included each day.

Party Pit Passes

Party Pit passes are your chance to get up close and personal with the artists in front of the stage. You will be able to obtain Party Pit Passes for each artist after February 1, 2011 by one of these methods:

• 1. Select artists and a limited number of Party Pit passes will be available for purchase after Feb 1
• 2. A set number of Party Pit passes will be available to purchase as a member of an artist fan club. The dates these passes will be available will be announced via the artist fan club. Once the fan club offer has expired, Rapids Jam will offer the tickets for sale to the general public. Date of availability will be announced on the website.
• 3. A portion of the Party Pit passes will be available via sponsor and media partner promotions.
• 4. All remaining Party Pit passes will be available for sale on site during the event.

Remember, the Party Pit passes can be obtained for a minimal upgrade fee to your existing General Admission ticket, Platinum Reserved, Gold Reserved, or Performance Circle Table ticket.


Platinum Reserved Seating - $300 On-Sale December 3rd

The 3-day reserved seating ticket includes reserved seating in the first forty rows of the concert area for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and can be used by a different guest each day. Includes entrance in to a private restroom area and beverage service station area.

Gold Reserved Seating - $200 On-Sale December 3rd

The 3-day reserved seating ticket includes reserved seating in rows 41 to 65 of the concert area for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and can be used by a different guest each day. Includes entrance in to a private restroom area and beverage service station area.

Primitive Camping - $100 On-Sale December 3rd

Primitive campsite – NO HOOKUPS. You will reserve your specific site prior to arrival. Includes Weds – Sat night. Includes 1 sleeping unit (tent or camper) and 1 vehicle. EVERYONE CAMPING MUST HAVE A 3 DAY TICKET TO THE EVENT. Size: (19' x 40').

Plugged In Rapids Jam Camping - $250 On-Sale December 3rd

Electrical hook-up for campsite only. You will reserve your specific site prior to arrival. Includes Weds – Sat night. Includes 1 sleeping unit (tent or camper) and 1 vehicle. EVERYONE CAMPING MUST HAVE A 3 DAY TICKET TO THE EVENT. Size: (Approximately 24' x 45').

RV Park Preferred Camping - $450 On-Sale December 3rd

Electrical & water hookup assigned site . Includes Weds – Sat night. Includes one camper pass & one sticker for one vehicle. (motorhomes require both). EVERYONE CAMPING MUST HAVE A 3 DAY TICKET TO THE EVENT.

Additional Car For Camping - $50 On-Sale December 3rd

VEHICLE STICKER FOR 1 MORE VEHICLE FOR AN ALREADY PURCHASED CAMPSITE. LIMIT 1 PER SITE.

3-Day Child

General admission lawn chair seating first come first serve. Good for all 3 days of festival – Thurs Fri Sat children 6-12yo. Must be purchased at the gate with the child present. Exchange ticket for wristband. Wristband must be worn the entire weekend – non transferable.

Single Entry Car Parking

$10 per entry. Purchase upon arrival.