1 Day Away from NC Ag Jam 09!

Tomorrow's second 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 another successful event. It's so awesome to see what it has become! Now all we need is to fill Walnut Creek with our ag and country fans to make this thing the success we know it will be for the second year in a row! The weather is going to BEAUTIFUL tomorrow as well. Come out to eat eat eat, support NC farmers and producers, and listen to some great tunes. Rock out tomorrow guys, it's all for you!

Join us for the shooting of a Gretchen Wilson reality program at NC Ag Jam 09!

We're only 2 days out from NC Ag Jam 09! Aside from the wonderful food and music, an additional exciting bit of information: national country artist Gretchen Wilson will film scenes for her new reality show on location at NC Ag Jam 09!

We're so excited about this televised publicity coming to Gretchen, and of course to all the farmers and producers of North Carolina. We can let the rest of the world know that it's Got to Be NC!

Brian Davis was raised in the Carolinas somewhere between the Saturday night honkytonks and the Sunday morning steeples…surrounded by fields, farms and everything in between that makes country…country. You can hear it in his voice and the way he bends the strings on his telecaster, but there is also a side to him that along with his country roots, has brought the mass appeal and extensive fan base that he now enjoys…and that is his diverse love of music in everything from Matchbox-Twenty to Waylon to Counting Crows to Hank to Dwight Yoakam to Bob Marley to Garth to AC/DC to Tom Petty…and it’s ALL PACKED INTO HIS MUSIC!!!!!! Brian brings every ounce of influence to every show and delivers country music with an explosive high-energy sound and style that is THE perfect combination of every great concert that you have ever experienced rolled up in to one. Brian’s four studio albums are the fuel for his live shows encompassing everything from heart breaks to Good Times to tailgating to fishing to tryin’ to forget to tryin’ to remember to first times to last times to fallin’ in love and EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!!! There is everything for everybody inside of his music!!! Brian has the truest sense of what country music is and has a way of delivering this truth with a voice that is outlined by the roots of country but colored in by every musical influence imaginable and speaks right to the heart of everyone who hears him perform. Brian has a way of writing songs that present the world to you the way he sees it with such detail that you can taste, touch, smell, see and hear his music. Brian has built an extensive fan base through the Carolinas as well as other regions of the country through performing headline shows as well as sharing the stage with some of Nashville’s top artist such as Dierks Bentley, George Jones, Jason Michael Carroll, Keith Anderson, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice, Alabama, Miranda Lambert, and Gary Allan just to name a few.

Artist Spotlight: Johnny Orr and the South Station Band

Johnny Orr and the South Station Band opened for Kenny Chesney & Lee Ann Rymes in August of 2008 @ Walnut Creek as a local contestant winner for Kenny's very own contest "Next Big Star". They also opened for: the Zac Brown Brown Band (twice), Gretchen Wilson, Chuck Wicks, Josh Gracin, Phil Vasser, Sarah Buxton, Jason Jones, & Josh Thomson. Johnny was a finalist for Nashville Star in 2006 He was also featured on the Nationally broadcast Tv show called "BIG BREAK" on CMT network with Sara Evans.

He's also done a lot of acting over the years including a Subway commercial and a Goody's Powder commercial and is SAG-E. He is also registered as a member of the NSAI in Nashville, Tn.

Johnny spends a lot of time thinking about what he can say in a song that will touch someones life beyond measure. Its important to him not to just write great songs, but to impact everyone who hears them. Playing since he was 3 years old, hes not just a musician, hes a composer. He hears, in his heart & mind, all the instruments joining together to make a song complete, with the ability to play most or all of what he hears.

After coming out of the 80s & 90s music era, his songs have reached a level of maturity that have touched people from all walks of life. From young kids, to folks that are 40 years his senior, his music has found a home in the hearts of many.

Johnnys voice is an important part of the delivery of each song. The passion in his performance is astounding. The likes of Bob Segar & Joss Stone mixed with a little John Cougar & Edwin McCain make up a voice to be reckoned with.

This guy has got some pipes some have said. Edwin McCain even told Johnnys friend & mentor Dick Hodgin, That guy can sing man. So its no surprise when Johnny plays in front of an audience that people stop and take notice. With dreams in one hand & a guitar in the other, Johnnys planning on the next few years, as an artist, to be his best. Discover the treasure that God put in the heart of a willing vessel. (www.myspace.com/johnnyorrmusic)

Got to Be NC Ag Jam 2009 yields tasty, local N.C. foods, Sept. 12 (Our latest press release!)

Sweet smells of North Carolina goodies will mingle with the sound of southern rock and country music at the second annual Got to Be NC Ag Jam Presented by Food Lion at Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, Saturday, Sept. 12. The family friendly food and music festival will celebrate North Carolina agriculture with samples of local foods, beverages and other products from area growers and producers from noon to 11 p.m.

Some of the foods for available for purchase at Ag Jam include Chicken and Vegetable Curry and Rice bowls from Rolls Enterprises, Inc.; Smoked Turkey Legs and Cheeseburgers from King’s Hot Dogs and Concessions; Pork Chops, Hot Dogs, and Sausage Dogs from Wells Pork and Beef; and Nachos and Salsa from Pepper Dog Salsa.
Other local companies such as D’Vine Foods, Lumpy’s Ice Cream, Williamson Peanuts, Hawaiian Dave’s Tropical Treats, and many more will also be sampling and selling a variety of treats, from beef jerky to ice cream. Make sure you bring your appetite to sample and take home some of these great products from our Second Annual Got to Be NC Ag Jam.

Key event sponsors include Got to Be NC Agriculture, Food Lion, North Carolina’s Incredible Egg Farmers and Carolina Crisp Peanut Bars. Associate sponsors include Doug Brown Design, Q-Shack Restaurants and Springhill Outfitters.
For more information about the festival, including complete performance schedule and ticket information, visit www.ncagjam.com.

Artist Spotlight: Madonna Nash

Madonna Nash is a singer/songwriter native to Wilmington, NC. She began singing at a very early age, playing with her daddy in bars before she was old enough to drive. It wasn't until her teenage years that she began writing music. A few more years of writing constantly and playing in as many honky tonks and coffee shops as she could find, has made her into the talented and versed singer/songwriter and brilliant performer she is today.

Madonna grew up listening to Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Kenny and Dolly, and Reba to name a few. Those influences are apparent in her own voice which rings of truth, heart and soul. Her recognizable talent has allowed her to open up for various acts such as Shennendoah and make return appearances on her local country station.

2008 has been a great year for Madonna Nash, she has had the privilege of being the opening act for the historical Azalea Festival. She has also been nominated for best female country artist at the 2008 Carolina Music Awards.

Madonna realized early on that it is the power of great songs that move people. "I am very focused on my songwriting,"she states. She writes most of her own material, but doesn't limit her skills to just country music. She has also written for Disney artists and pop/rock artists. "Writing has no limitation,"
she says. She has won numerous awards for her songwriting and has grabbed the attention of many industry professionals in Nashville. But it is when she is performing live on stage that this artist really shines.

Madonna truly puts her heart and soul into every song and every performance. You feel as if it is you she is singing to, or singing about. "I want to touch as many lives as I possibly can," Madonna says, "Music is the story of our lives, from birth 'til death, sometimes happy, sometimes sad, but always the truth." Madonna Nash is truly an original! (www.musicnation.com)

RSVP to NC Ag Jam 09 on the Facebook Event Page!

We're less than 2 weeks away from NC Ag Jam 2009! If you're planning on spending the day of food, music, and fun with us, head on over to the NC Ag Jam Event Facebook page and RSVP today--the event is entitled "Got to Be NC Ag Jam Presented by Food Lion", and the host of the event is "Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek". The link is also listed below. See you there =)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=119861636911&ref=ts

Artist Spotlight: Josh Thompson

If you want to know who Josh Thompson is – his music tells his story.

Josh was raised in a small town in Wisconsin, where he learned the true value of sweat and hard work alongside his father. He brings these blue-collar, all-American qualities to his music.

Josh wrote or co-wrote 10 songs from his upcoming album, turning the events of his life into stories that touch the heart and soul of those who listen. "Beer on the Table" is his first hit single. Take a listen today! (www.joshthompsonofficial.com)

Artist Spotlight: Jason Jones

Jason Jones is a believer. He believes life and love don’t have to be as complicated as we make them and that life is what you make it. Those philosophies are reflected in Jason’s music as well.

Born in Tallahassee and raised in Wakulla Station, Fla., Jason got his first taste of the real world at age 14 he moved to Georgia to live with his mother for a year. “I didn’t know anybody there, so all I did was play guitar,” he says. He also wrote his first song.

When he got back to Florida, Jason formed a band with some high school buddies. While the band focused on alternative and hard rock, Jason’s passion continued to be country music.

While Jason had a passion for music and undeniable talent, he couldn’t imagine himself on the big stage. A visit to Nashville at the invitation of a talent scout sealed the deal. The then 21-year-old got a job waiting tables near Music Row. The plan was to get his voice on some song demos, which he could then use as a calling card of sorts to get his foot in the door of Nashville’s publishing companies.

A writing deal with prestigious Music Row publisher Warner/Chappell secured, Jason began looking for opportunities to perform. Word spread and eventually Jason Jones and Breakaway, as his band was known at the time, became the house band at Nashville’s famous Wildhorse Saloon.

The gigs at the Wildhorse and other clubs lead to more and more bookings as word of Jason’s solid stage show spread. The group soon hit the road where they played as many as five sets a night. The performing bug bit Jason hard early on. “If I go two or three weeks without playing, it really gets to me,” he says. “I gotta get out there and play. I’ve been playing 100 shows and writing 50 songs a year for the last six years.” All the hard work finally paid off with a call from Warner Bros. Records. Jason’s dream was coming true.

And when it came time to start recording his first album, the label helped reconnect him with noted country producer and songwriter Brett Beavers, who had expressed interest in working with Jason years earlier. Out of the collaboration came a shared vision for the music and a process that is as challenging as it is rewarding for Jason as a singer and a songwriter.

In putting together the record, the blue-eyed tenor looked back to his influences for inspiration; a group that includes George Strait, Garth Brooks, Shenandoah, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill and John Mellencamp.
Some of Nashville’s best songwriters [I think we need a few names here] contributed to the project. “I never set out to write all the songs on my album,” Jason says. “I believe in the power of great songs and I just want to have the best album I can have. Period.”

In the end, Jason is extremely happy with the results. His hard work and life experience comes through in what he hopes is the first of many records.

Down to earth, honest, upbeat and fun are some of the words that Jason uses to describe his debut album. They are words that could be used to describe him as well. "I try to keep it pretty positive. I would love for my music to inspire people. To help them get away from the everyday hassles of life," he says. "It’s not really all that complicated: people should live their lives. Just be happy and enjoy the moment. And I hope that my music can be a part of that." (Jason Jones Facebook Fan Page)

Artist Spotlight: Gretchen Wilson

Gretchen Wilson was born on June 26, 1973, and raised in rural Pocahontas, Ill., 36 miles due east of St. Louis, where numerous trailer parks are clustered among cornfields and pig farms. Her mother was 16 years old when she had Gretchen, and her father, unfortunately, had moved on with his life by the time she was 2. Whenever they couldn't make rent, which was every few months, they packed up what little belongings they owned and moved down the road only to find yet another trailer.

With only an eighth-grade education, she was cooking and tending bar at Big O's, a rough-and-tumble bar five miles outside of town, alongside her mom at age 14. A year later and living on her own, she was managing the roughneck joint with a loaded 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun stashed behind the bar for protection.

The father she never really knew provided her with the musical talent to sing. "My dad just picked around on the guitar and has a quiet voice," Gretchen says. She made it a point to meet him for the first time when she was 12. "His family, I'm told, had a little traveling band. I think it was a gospel band." In any case, from an early age she could sing. Long before karaoke machines, she got up on stage every night at Big O's with a microphone and sang along to various CDs for tips. She soon found herself fronting a cover band and for the first time she felt like maybe there was a life for her outside Bond County. She moved to Nashville in 1996.

Wilson became somewhat discouraged after a brief encounter with a local musician, whom she happened to recognize at a Nashville music shop. She asked for advice, and he said she needed to create a buzz. It would take her four long years to figure out what he meant. In the meantime, she got a job slinging drinks at a bar in Printers Alley.

A few years later, and now with a daughter, she still had no luck in terms of getting a record deal. One Friday night, singer-songwriters Big Kenny and John Rich (of Big & Rich) walked into the bar and heard her sing with the house band. She remembers, "John followed me up to my little cubby hole bar upstairs with his trench coat and cowboy hat and I think his exact words were, 'Hey, how come you ain't got a record deal yet?' I looked at him in disgust ... threw him a business card and a little homemade demo and said, 'I'm busy. I'm working right now.'"

For months he tried getting in touch with her, and for months she ignored his calls until someone finally said, "Look, you should really return his call. He might be able to help you out." He not only introduced her to his circle of friends -- "they started to use me singing on some demos" -- but he also taught her how the Nashville songwriting community really works. She also became a member of the Muzik Mafia, a loose-knit group of singers, songwriters and musicians who get together to jam (and party) every Tuesday in a local Nashville nightspot. It was in front of her peers -- very honest peers -- that she honed her songwriting style. She later signed with Sony Music Nashville.

Her sassy debut single, "Redneck Woman," took off like a bottle rocket -- five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's country airplay chart in 2004 -- leading to a whirlwind, worldwide promotional tour. Her debut album, Here for the Party, sold nearly five million copies. The title track, "When I Think About Cheatin'" and "Homewrecker" all did well on the charts too. As a result of her immediate success, she won the CMA Horizon Award in 2004.

Wilson released All Jacked Up in 2005 and won the CMA female vocalist trophy that same year. A book she co-wrote about her experiences appeared in 2006. (www.cmt.com)

Artist Spotlight: John T. Woodall

John T. Woodall is a prolific songwriter and he delivers his songs with beautiful and powerful vocals. His style might best be described as soul rock, with a heavy infusion of blues and jazz. Joining the likes of the newer generation of singer/songwriters,
John T. performs music his way, in a style that appeals to people of all generations.
If you’ve forgotten what really good music sounds like, John T. will help you remember.
Playing and singing his own personal songs, John T. adds the familiar music of Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Dan Powter, James Taylor, and many others to his sets.

A Video from ABC 11 Previews NC Ag Jam 2009!

Artist Spotlight: Sarah Buxton

Sarah Buxton grew up in Lawrence, Kan., and became actively involved in music as a child by learning piano, playing flute and joining a children's choir. She became interested in songwriters and began writing poetry. After graduation, she met one of her musical idols, Stevie Nicks, who encouraged her to pursue music, which meant a move to Nashville.

Buxton enrolled at Nashville's Belmont University and started a Southern rock band called Stoik Oak, which toured the region for three years. She felt discouraged about finding a place for her unique-sounding voice in the music business but found further encouragement from one of her friends, John Rich of Big & Rich. She asked her publisher to set up some co-writing sessions, and she became more confident in her approach to singing and songwriting.

Keith Urban cut one of her songs, "Stupid Boy," for his 2006 album, Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing. Buxton released her debut album on Lyric Street Records in 2007. (CMT.com)

Come out and see Sarah perform for yourself on September 12!

Homegrown Taste of North Carolina!

So far, here are a few of the great NC companies joining us at Ag Jam 09!

Karen & Nancy's Homemade Goodies
ACW Enterprises, LLC
Pig Pen Enterprises
D'Vine Foods
Pluto's Inc
Peggy Rose's Sweet Pepper Jelly
Hawaiian Dave's Tropical Treats
Alamance Foods, Inc.
Lumpy's Ice Cream
Holm Made Cookies
Jack and Gigi Enterprises LLC
Butterball, LLC
Enoch Winery, LLC
Tay's Sauce LLC
Joe Seay Sauce, Inc.
Ken's Corn Maze
Foss Gourmet Foods
Dunlap Farms, LLC
Home Industries
Pepper Dog Specialty Foods
Julia's Pantry
Mile High Hot Sauce
Hawk Sauce Company
Williamson Peanuts

More vendors are signing up everyday, so come out to NC Ag Jam 09 and get a homegrown taste of NC!

Local, Local, Local!

A big thank you to our Got to Be NC Ag Jam vendors for helping us to support local agriculture! Many local food producers have already signed up to sample and sell their products at NC Ag Jam 2009. Spaces are going fast! Make sure you bring your appetite 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!

The Method behind the NC Ag Jam Madness--"Got to Be NC"

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 12 =)

2009 NC Ag Jam Artist Schedule

LINE UP: Here is the complete local and national artist line up so you can enjoy the music while filling up on NC goodies!

12 Noon: Gates
1:05-1:35: Joey Panzarella Band
2:00-2:30: Madonna Nash
2:55-3:25: John Woodall
3:50-4:20: Brian Davis
4:45-5:30: Johnny Orr & The South Station Band
5:55-6:40: Jason Jones
7:05-7:50: Sarah Buxton
8:15-9:00: Josh Thompson
9:30-11:00: Gretchen Wilson

Win 2009 NC Ag Jam Tickets at Ticket Stops!

Check out the list below for info on the dates and times our radio partners will hold Ticket Stops at your local Food Lion store in August. Be sure to stop by for your chance to win tickets! More ticket stops will be held in September, so stay tuned for an update if you don't see your city listed here. Listen to WQDR, WPAW, and Thunder Country daily for all updates and info!

(*Denotes ticket stop with Got to Be NC Big Cart)

AUG 19

Thunder Country
Us 13 Bypass; Windsor 27983
(252) 794-3020
12 - 1 pm

WQDR
2978 Kildare Farm Road; Cary 27518
(919) 387-1192
4:30 - 6:00 pm


AUG 20

*WPAW
140 Forest Hill Rd; Lexington 27298
(336) 236-4080
11:30 am - 1 pm

AUG 24

*WQDR
1151 Eastern Ave; Nashville 27856
(252) 459-6984
4:30 - 6:00 pm

AUG 25

Thunder
Us 158/258 & Sr 1300; Murfreesboro 27855
(252) 398-8582
12 - 1 pm

AUG 26

*WQDR
12295 Capital Blvd; Wake Forest 27588
(919) 554-1204
4:30 - 6:00 pm

AUG 27

Thunder
Gold Rock/Benvenue Rd; Rocky Mount 27804
(252) 977-7123
12 - 1 pm

AUG 31

Thunder
2213 St. Andrews St; Tarboro 27886
(252) 823-0939
12 - 1 pm

*WQDR
7053 Us Hwy 64 E; Knightdale 27545
(919) 266-5164
4:30 - 6:00 pm

*WPAW
2660 Ramada Road; Burlington 27215
(336) 570-0068
8 - 9 am

Looking to Discover Some Fresh New Music?

Check out the sites and links listed below to NC native John T. Woodall, one of our hottest up and coming 2009 NC Ag Jam artists!

www.johntwoodall.com

TICKETS on SALE Tomorrow 8/14!

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday August 14, through livenation.com, Hardee’s Thickburger Box Office, select Blockbuster stores at 877.598.8698 and online at NCAgJam.com.

Remember, they're only $10 for Lawn seating, $15 for Reserved, and $20 for Gold Circle. The most affordable and BEST all-day entertainment in town!! Can't wait to see you there!

A Musical Celebration of Local NC Agriculture

Our 2009 Line Up will celebrate Local NC Ag Products and Local Music, along with our national artists of course! Check out some of the posted Music Clips and Video Links to these exciting up and coming artists =)

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It's OFFICIAL: Got to Be NC Ag Jam 2009 Presented by Food Lion will showcase NC food, beverage, and commodity vendors and artists including Gretchen Wilson, Josh Thompson, Sarah Buxton, Jason Jones, and MORE! Gates open at 11 am on Saturday, September 12 at Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek. Our radio partners are on the airwaves with all the info NOW, so listen for your chance to WIN tickets!
94.7 WQDR in the Triangle, 93.1 The Wolf in the Triad, and 96.3 or 103.7 Thunder Country in Eastern NC. Visit ncagjam.com for more info!

Artist Line Up:

9:30-11:00: Gretchen Wilson

8:15 - 9:00: Josh Thompson

7:05 - 7:50: Sarah Buxton

5:55 - 6:40: Jason Jones

4:45 - 5:30: Johnny Orr & The South Station Band (featuring Grace Isley) http://www.myspace.com/johnnyorrmusic

3:50-4:20: Brian Davis (www.myspace.com/briandavislive1)

2:55-3:25: John Woodall (www.johntwoodall.com)

2:00-2:30: Madonna Nash

1:05-1:35: Joey Panzarella Band

12 Noon: Gates

A Sneak Peak at NC Ag Jam 2009!

Calling all NC Ag Jam Fans! It's time to let you all in on a few details: The official Got to Be NC Ag Jam 2009 announcement will be this Monday, August 10th. Our radio partners, 94.7 WQDR in Triangle, 93.1 WPAW in the Triad, and 96.3 and 103.7 Thunder Country in Eastern NC, will go on the air with all the details. Listen for your chance to win tickets to the Second annual "Got to Be NC Ag Jam!" And as always, It's Got to Be NC!