THANK YOU!!!! NC Ag Jam 08 = Success

We want to say a big, loud THANK YOU to all those who attended the first annual Diet Pepsi-Got to Be NC Ag Jam last Saturday! The support of our vendors, sponsors, partners, and ag and music fans was phenomenal. All the artists seemed to enjoy our NC caterer, Bon Appetite of Duke University in Durham. Jamey Johnson and Eric Church even took some time to hang with our farmers and producers. Yay for NC agriculture =)

We're working on the possibility of NC Ag Jam 2009. Stay tuned.... thanks again for making this event the success we all knew it would be!

Remember, when you want the best, it's GOT TO BE NC!!!

Finally, 1 day away from Ag Jam's fab food, music, and folks!

Tomorrow's first annual NC Ag Jam has been a year in the making. There have been countless zany ideas and behind the scenes meetings with sponsors and partners who all want to see this thing take off and soar from this year forward. It's so awesome to see what it has become. Now all we need is to fill Walnut Creek with our ag fans and country fans to make this thing the success we know it will be! To get your attention even more (and to stir your appetite) here's a quick update on more food that our awesome NC vendors will offer you tomorrow:

Sausage Sandwiches, chips and cookies
Hot Dogs with Chili and Chips
Pork Chop Sandwiches, Rib Eye Sandwiches, Boiled Peanuts
Grass Fed BBQ Beef with Corn on Cob
Baby Back Rib Plate and BBQ Chicken Plate
Country Ham Biscuits, Fried Okra, Chips and Peach Cobbler

Take a look at my post from earlier this week for even more of our fabulous NC food! Thanks for all your support guys... have fun and rock out tomorrow! It's all for you =)

Haven Sink to open Ag Jam with National Anthem!

North Carolina's own Haven Sink (who I had the pleasure of attending college with at UNC) will be opening NC Ag Jam with the National Anthem, following Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler's Welcome! Below is her brief bio...

Haven Sink is originally from Valdese, NC and has been singing since she was 2 years old. Haven was a part of the band 7-miles for several years, and was also involved with the acapella group, Psalm 100, at UNC Chapel Hill for 3 years. Most recently she was chosen (over 214 contestants) as the 2008 Regional Winner of American Idol. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

Idol fans, Haven fans, Ag Jam fans, and anyone else coming out to Walnut Creek on Saturday... be there at noon to support Haven and Commissioner Troxler as they open up the NC Ag Jam festivities! Two days!!!! See you Saturday =)

From NC Ag Jam to Farm Aid 2008

Our first annual NC Ag Jam is scheduled for Saturday, September 13th, one week before the infamous Farm Aid concert, to be held Saturday, September 20th. This year Farm Aid show will be broadcast live on Direct TV beginning at 4 pm EST.

While NC Ag Jam and Farm Aid have the similar goals of guaranteeing that family farm food is available to you, there are differences too. NC Ag Jam focuses on all North Carolina food companies and products, while Farm Aid's "mission is to build a vibrant family-farm centered system of agriculture in America".

Both are awesome causes, and guess who's performing at NC Ag Jam this weekend, and Farm Aid next weekend? JAMEY JOHNSON! Come out and support NC agriculture and Jamey this Saturday and gear up for some classic, All-American Farm Aid music with Jamey and friends on the 20th. September is a great month to support our Ag friends in NC and across the country!

3 days to go... see you Saturday at NC Ag Jam!

Got to Be NC goodies for any appetite!

As you take time to sample some great NC products, make sure you make a meal out of what our NC companies are selling as well! There will be some good 'ol country cooking in the ham biscuits, pork chop sandwiches, sausage, BBQ plates, and 'beef pickin' (like pig pickin', but with beef!). You'll also find Eastern NC's infamous red Brightleaf Hot dogs, and if you haven't tried them, you should! I never knew another hot dog existed until a few years ago =) Also, if you love your veggies we'll have some organic roasted corn as well.

I'm already hungry! Make sure you bring your appetite to NC Ag Jam on Saturday, as most items will be sold at street level prices, so one hot dog or BBQ plate won't break up your wallet! Enjoy =)

Tune in to get the best seats in the house for Ag Jam!

All this week our radio partners will be giving away the best seats in the house for our first annual NC Ag Jam. The countdown is on for Rows 5,4,3,2,1. Listen to 94.7 WQDR in the Triangle area, 93.1 The Wolf in the Triad, and 96.3 & 103.7 Thunder Country in the Eastern part of North Carolina for your chance to call in and win these fantastic seats! Less than a week away guys--make sure that NC Ag Jam is part of your weekend plans =) Like our friends at WQDR said on the air last Friday "It's gonna be a huge Farmers Market with the added bonus of an awesome concert!"

Win NC Ag Jam tickets tomorrow!

Yours truly will be at Dorton Arena in Raleigh at the NC State Fairgrounds tomorrow from 1 pm-5 pm for the NCSU College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Tailgate, happening before NCSU takes on William & Mary tomorrow night at 6:00!

I'll be with the NCDA - Got to Be NC booth, so come see me for a chance to win NC Ag Jam Tickets or other cool Ag stuff!

Only one week til NC Ag Jam =)

RSVP for NC Ag Jam today!

If you're super excited about our first annual Diet Pepsi-Got to be NC Ag Jam, RSVP on Myspace or Facebook today! Our goal is to fill Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek =)

On Myspace, go too www.myspace.com/ncagjam and look at the blog entitled 'Check out this event and RSVP: NC Ag Jam!' Click on the event link in the blog and RSVP with all your guests!

On Facebook, go to the Events link and do a search for NC Ag Jam and RSVP there!

Thanks for all your support guys, but continue to get the word out... tickets are still available through Ticketmaster or you can wait until day of show if you must =p We're only 9 days out!

Jake Owen named “up-and-coming artist” in the August issue of Nashville Lifestyles’ Hot List!

RCA Nashville recording artist Jake Owen was named “up-and-coming artist” on Nashville Lifestyles’ Hot List, featured in the August issue. Owen, who released his debut album, Startin’ With Me, two years ago, has achieved many career highlights in a short period including three consecutive hit singles, multiple tours with the biggest names in country music, performing at the 2008 CRS New Faces Show and a recent Academy of Country Music (ACM) nomination for Top New Male Vocalist. As Nashville Lifestyles points out, “…it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the inevitability of Owen hitting it big, and soon.” (www.jakeowen.net)

Come see Jake up close and personal at NC Ag Jam. He's well on his way to being the next big thing and we are so proud to have him in our first annual Ag Jam line up! The countdown is on... only 11 days to go =)

Jamey Johnson's Debut Album on XM Radio!

I was very happy to get to listen to Jamey Johnson's brand new, debut album "The Lonesome Song" on XM Radio (Highway 16 channel) today! I already have his CD and like it a lot... you should check it out on XM over the next day, preview it or buy it on iTunes, or just go to the store and get it! It's sound and genre seems to be a step back in time, in that it revisits the older outlaw country--Waylon Jennings and maybe even some Willie Nelson thrown in. I love the old stuff and feel like some of the new sounds of country are just overrated sometimes. Check out his style and sound then come see and hear him live at NC Ag Jam '08! Only 2 weeks and a day away... =)

Happy Birthday to Jake!!

Today is also Jake Owen's birthday!! Stop by his Myspace page and give him a big 'ol Happy Birthday shout out =)

www.myspace.com/jakeowen

A little something for the ladies

We ladies love the looks and voices of our favorite male country crooners. Not one, but TWO of our Ag Jam artists are being featured in the contest for Country Weekly's Hottest Male Country Singer! Go to the link below to find out just which Ag Jam artists are featured and vote!! From George Strait to Keith Anderson and our Ag Jam boys, you're sure to agree with what you see. Don't see your favorite NC Ag Jam artist listed? Write 'em in and let Country Weekly know what's up!

http://www.countryweekly.com/sexiest_man/vote/survey/494

Just can't get enough BS.... (Blake Shelton that is)!!

Blake Shelton Visits People Magazine In NYC

"While in New York, Blake Shelton stopped by to visit the lovely ladies of People Magazine. He promised to give them the exclusive shots of his visit in exchange for them posting an interview with him on their site. Click on http://www.people.com/people/videos/0,,20219943,00.html to watch Blake give his opinions on cocktails, ringtones and Miranda Lambert." (www.blakeshelton.com)

What a fun way to preview even more of Blake before NC Ag Jam =)

A quick update on our additional NC Ag Jam vendors!

Applications are flowing in weekly from our North Carolina companies excited about serving you at NC Ag Jam! Below is a list of the additional vendors that will be serving up your favorite southern foods and products at our first annual NC Ag Jam:

RG Foods: BBQ Sauce, Dipping Sauce
Ford's Foods: Bone Suckin' Sauce Products
Ken's Produce & Garden Center: Mums, Pumpkins
NC Cattlemens Beef Council: Beef Recipes, Nutrition Info
Smokey Mt. Native Plant Association: Cornmeal, Cornmeal w/ Ramps

More vendors will be added to this list soon, but make sure you come out to Ag Jam on Saturday, September 13 to check out our 40+ vendors and get a taste of the treats and products our great state has to offer! See you soon!

Jake Owen's new single out today!!

We are excited to announce that Jake Owen's newest single "Don't Think I Can't Love You" is being released today! If you love "Something About a Woman", "Yee Haw", and "Startin With Me", all of which were co-written by Jake himself, you're sure to love his new tune. "Don't Think I Can't Love You" is the first single off of his upcoming sophomore album which is sure to see as much success as his debut. Check out Jake's new single and re-visit his debut songs before you come out to NC Ag Jam 08! Less than 3 weeks til Jam time =)

A little about Got to Be NC.... the driving force of NC Ag Jam!

North Carolina is home to a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, nursery products, and processed items. In essence, that's why the Got to Be NC logo and program was created. When shopping for the best and freshest produce and foods, simply look for the Got to Be NC logo because it’s your way of knowing you’re getting a true North Carolina product. When you buy local, you are supporting North Carolina farmers and producers, and you can rest assured that you are receiving the highest quality products for you and your family.

For more of the freshest, locally grown foods, visit any of the five Got to Be NC driven State Farmers Markets located in Raleigh, Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Lumberton. For more information on North Carolina products, recipes, and nutrition, visit GottoBeNC.com. After all, when you want the best, its Got to Be NC!

So now you know... NC Ag Jam is a way for Got to Be NC and all of our NC sponsors, companies, and partners to showcase the agriculture bounty and heritage that our state is so proud of! But don't take our word for it... see for yourself on September 13 =)

Blake Shelton to be a Special Guest on Monday's "The Early Show" on CBS!

On Monday, August 18th at 8:00 am EST Blake will be a featured guest on the popular CBS morning show "The Early Show". He will do an exclusive interview and perform his multi-week hit single "Home". Don't miss our Ag Jam 08 headliner in this follow up interview and performance, coming just a few weeks after his guest appearance on NBC's "The Today Show". Check out the interview to preview Blake, his interests, and his music and get to know him even better before you see him live at Ag Jam on September 13!

Just Under 1 Month Til NC AG JAM 08!

If you haven't gotten your Ag Jam tickets yet, do so very soon through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com. Remember, tickets are only $15-$25 and are sure to go fast as we approach the much anticipated show time! We are 30 days away from the most fun and fresh food and music festival you've ever seen. If you haven't visited www.NCAgJam.com, check it out. Also, be sure to leave us a message or RSVP on our Facebook or Myspace pages. Thanks for the support guys, see you in 30 days!

Get excited about Got to Be NC Products!

Below is a listing of some of our great North Carolina vendors. They are all excited about providing you with plenty of their homegrown goodies at NC Ag Jam 08! Put aside your excitement about seeing Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Jake Owen, and Tracy Byrd for a minute and glance over the list of companies and products that you can sample and purchase all day on Ag Jam Saturday! NC vendors are filling spaces fast so be sure to come and check out the awesome ag products our great state of North Carolina has to offer you and your family!


Joe Seay Sauce, Inc. ~ Bar B Que Dipping Sauce
Conwood Sales Co. ~ Tobacco
Suzie Q BBQ Sauce ~ BBQ Sauce
Golden Grove Candy Co. ~ Boiled Peanuts
The Holland Grill Co.~ Demo Grills
Dave's Smokeshack foods ~ Sauces and seasonings
Appalachian Evergreens, Inc. ~ Wreaths and tabletop trees
Cape Fear Salsa ~ Salsa's
Fourth Turn of NC, Inc. ~ BBQ & Dipping Sauce
Mile High Hot Sauce ~ Mile High Hot Sauce
D'Vine Foods ~ Jams, Jellies, Ciders, Juices
Sugar Rush ~ Fudge
Personal Pies ~ 4" Sweet Potato, Pecan Coconut Pies, Brownies
The Peanut Roaster ~ Gourmet Nut Snacks
Smith's Nursery Inc. ~ Plants, Honey, Jam, Breads
Foss Gourmet Foods, LLC ~ Lilly's Gourmet Maple Butter
Williamson Peanuts, Inc. ~ Peanuts
Andy's Burgers, Shakes & Fries ~ Frozen Custard
Gramma Judy's Kitchen ~ Salad Dressing

Blake Shelton's New Single on MusicRow.com!

If you still haven't heard Blake Shelton's brand new single, "She Wouldn't Be Gone" log on to MusicRow.com, Nashville's Music Industry Publication. Go to the 'Calendars' page to hear Blake's new single, which is sure to be a follow-up smash hit to "Home"! Add "She Wouldn't Be Gone" to your personal collection before the new album debut by purchasing and downloading it at iTunes. Get excited about rocking out to all of Blake's hits at NC Ag Jam 2008!

Win tickets and spread the word about NC Ag Jam!

Our ticket stops at Food Lion stores across the state are going great! We're traveling up to three days a week with our radio partners from Winston-Salem to the coast registering people for free Ag Jam tickets, while promoting our awesome North Carolina food companies and other Got to Be NC Products. Stay tuned to 94.7 WQDR in the Triangle area, 93.1 WPAW in the Winston-Salem and Triad area, and Thunder Country 103.7 and 96.3 in Eastern NC for your chance to win tickets at your local Food Lion. Until then, keep spreading the word and get your friends and family excited about NC Ag Jam 2008!!!

Jamey Johnson Releases Debut Album, "The Lonesome Song" Tomorrow!

CMA winning singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson will release his first Mercury Nashville debut album on Tuesday, August 5. That Lonesome Song is a collection of 13 songs, 11 of which were written or co-written by Jamey himself. His debut hit single "In Color" is featured on the album. Be sure to pick up your copy tomorrow and get a preview of this awesome up and coming NC Ag Jam artist!

Blake Shelton and Jamey Johnson in the News

NC Ag Jam performers are gaining exciting opportunities as they rise in stardom! Be sure to tune into NBC's The Today Show tomorrow, August 1 at 7:00 am EST and check out Blake Shelton's interview and performance!

Join Jamey Johnson as he performs on the legendary Grand Ole Opry at the Opry House in Nashville, TN on Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 pm EST! You can purchase your tickets by calling 1-800-SEE-OPRY or by visiting www.opry.com. If you can't make it to the show, check JameyJohnson.com for an online video of his performance!

Blake Shelton's New Single Available on iTunes!

Come to NC Ag Jam 2008 ready to sing along to all your new favorite songs! Since yesterday, Blake's new single 'She Wouldn't Be Gone' is available at the iTunes music store. Log on and download this follow up single from Blake's forthcoming album today! It's sure to be another smash hit and an exciting headlining feature at NC Ag Jam =)

Save a farm, buy local!

Thanks to our Diet Pepsi - Got to Be NC Ag Jam vendors for helping us to support local agriculture! Only a few days into the vendor registration period, many local food producers have already signed up to sample and sell their products at NC Ag Jam 2008. So far, we have North Carolina companies featuring everything from BBQ sauces, salsas and honey, to peanuts, fudge, and even hot dogs! There will be 70 available vendor spaces and spots are going fast. Make sure you bring your appetite to NC Ag Jam to sample and take home some of these great products. If you are an NC farmer or producer and would like more information on this event feel free to contact us!

Great Seats Still Available!

Saturday, July 26 marked a great first day of ticket sales for the first annual NC Ag Jam to be held on September 13. Gold Circle and Reserved seats are going fast, only a few remain. Hurry and get them while they last! Lawn seats are also still available for $15. Don't miss out on this jam packed day of NC food products and great country music at an awesome price. Get your tickets today through all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com or at TWC Music Pavilion Box Office =)

NC Ag Jam tickets on sale tomorrow!

Just a reminder that Ag Jam Tickets go on sale through all Ticketmaster locations and online at Ticketmaster. com tomorrow morning (Saturday, July 26) at 10:00 am! Be early to get the best seats in the house for only $25 or $20. Lawn seating is just $15.

See you on September 13th for our line up of Blake Shelton, Tracy Byrd, Eric Church, Jake Owen, and more =)

WITN-TV and Time Warner Cable Commercial!

Diet Pepsi-Got to Be NC Ag Jam 2008 Debut

The Diet Pepsi-Got to Be NC Ag Jam is an all day festival featuring North Carolina food and beverage vendors, NC agriculture, and musical entertainment featuring the newest and hottest performers in country music! The event will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek Raleigh, NC.

Come out and hear great country music while sampling local NC food and drink products!!

ARTIST and PERFORMANCE Schedule:
11:00 am gates open
12:00 noon Welcome and National Anthem
12:30 - 1:30 Blackberry Smoke
2:00-3:00 Jamey Johnson
3:30 - 4:30 Heartland
5:00 - 6:00 Jake Owen
6:30 - 7:30 Eric Church
8:00 - 9:15 Tracy Byrd
9:45 - 11:00 Blake Shelton

Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 26th and will start at just $15 for lawn seating, $20 for Reserved, and $25 for Gold Circle. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster outlets and online at Ticketmaster.com

Stay tuned to WQDR in the Triangle, WPAW in the Piedmont-Triad, and Thunder Country in Eastern, NC for your chance to win tickets before you can buy them.