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Dec 19
Nature Jams arrives in February
Big news! Farmer Jason has signed a new recording contract and development deal with My Kazoo/Universal Music Enterprises. The new cd is called NATURE JAMS and comes out February 7. From Sugar Mountain PR, MyKazoo official press release -
"Nature Jams features guest appearances from top artists and will be the debut release from the new label. MyKaZoo TV, a new 24/7 interactive kids’ entertainment channel, will premiere additional music videos based on these songs in early 2012.
Nature Jams is a high-value, kid-friendly gift package of 16 original songs, 4 music videos and a colorful 20-page booklet created by über designer Brad Talbott. The song styles range from rock and roll anthems to sea shanties, jazz to folk. Farmer Jason talks with his musical guests about taking hikes, going canoeing, skating and even spelunking. The idea is to get kids excited about the big world around them, observing various animals (“Meadowlark in Central Park,” “Manatee,” and “Dison the Bison”), learning about cool places around the world and simply enjoying nature. “The point is to motivate kids to get outside and excite their curiosity without being preachy,” says Jason. “We tried to make these songs energetic, fun and exciting.”
Farmer Jason raked in an all-star list of guest artists to sing and perform with him on Nature Jams, including Steve Gorman of The Black Crowes, Mike Mills from R.E.M., Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick, Iris DeMent, indie folk darling Brandi Carlile, Grammy®-award winning bassist Vic Wooten, Americana hipster Todd Snider, banjo virtuoso Alison Brown, zydeco star Terrance Simien, platinum-selling vocalist Suzy Bogguss, Celtic rockers The Sawdoctors, humorist-musician Webb Wilder, Hank Williams III and the legendary Tommy Ramone of The Ramones. With these engaging songs and videos, Farmer Jason and friends hope to motivate children to get outside and experience nature firsthand."
Read the press release in full here
Farmer Jason learns to his horror that Universal Music will be getting half of his hen’s eggs for the next twenty years whilst reading the fine print of his new recording contract. |
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Read Farmer Jason's regular gardening column at Local Table |
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Dec 19
Happy Holidays!
Jason, Suzy, Kelsey, Addie, and Camille Ringenberg (and Mittens the cat) wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, and a lovely healthy New Year!
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Dec 19
Jason Ringenberg featured on Emmy nominated show
Farmer Jason is an old hand at Emmy action but now it’s JR’s turn! CIVIL WAR SONGS AND STORIES, the PBS documentary produced by Nashville Public Television, has received an Emmy nomination for Best Documentary Mid South Region. Jason performs two songs in it: BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM, and BOOTH SHOT LINCOLN which closes the program. To date it has been broadcast in Tennessee but soon other PBS stations around the country will be airing it.Jason Ringenberg featured on Emmy nominated show
Farmer Jason is an old hand at Emmy action but now it’s JR’s turn! CIVIL WAR SONGS AND STORIES, the PBS documentary produced by Nashville Public Television, has received an Emmy nomination for Best Documentary Mid South Region. Jason performs two songs in it: BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM, and BOOTH SHOT LINCOLN which closes the program. To date it has been broadcast in Tennessee but soon other PBS stations around the country will be airing it. |
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Nov 9
Farmer Jason treads the boards
On December 18 Jason will be playing the role of the famed 19th century evangelist Reverend Sam Jones in the reading of a play called "Captain Tom" at the Lakewood Theater in Nashville. Reverend Jones converted Captain Tom Ryman from a worldly riverboat tycoon to a community minded dedicated Christian, after which Ryman built the Ryman Auditorium in Jones' honor. Showtimes and ticket info pending. lakewoodtheatre.homestead.com |
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Nov 9
Farmer Jason & Tom Petersson
Once again Tom Petersson from Cheap Trick shows his photogenic good looks,this time with Farmer Jason and Andrea Searcy at Nashville Public Television after Tom shot his cameo for the Spelunker video.
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Oct 31
Halloween Down On The Farm
We'll it wouldn't be Halloween with out a creepy mutant vegetable photo! Farmer Jason recently found this very 'happy' sweet potato in his sweet potato patch. Strange things afoot in middle Tennessee.
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Oct 22
Cheap Trick's Tom Petersson in the studio with Farmer Jason
Farmer Jason clowns around with Tom Petersson from Cheap Trick, Warner E. Hodges, and producer Joe Blanton after recording a new Farmer Jason song “Spelunker”. Tom guest stars on the track.
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Oct 11
Jason & The Scorchers celebrate 30th Anniversary
with New Years shows
Farmer Jason's rock band Jason & The Scorchers celebrate their 30th year in high style with a short run of US dates over the New Year holidays. The play The Nick, Birmingham on December 29th, Smiths Olde Bar, Atlanta on 30th, The Rutledge, Nashville on 31st and the Berkeley Café on January 7th. Full details and ticket links can be found on the dates page. The Nashville show at The Rutledge on New Years Eve is to be filmed for a live DVD. |
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May 23
Jason featured in American Civil War TV documentary
Jason Ringenberg appears prominently in the new "Tennessee Civil War 150: The Music" documentary airing on all PBS television stations in Tennessee and some stations around the country. He sings the "Battle Cry of Freedom" and an a capella version of the entire 8 minute song "Booth Shot Lincoln" which runs over the ending credits. Knowing Jason's "creative license" when remembering even his own lyrics, we can bet a teleprompter was used for that one! Jason's footage was shot live (no lip syncing this one) at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield.
Jason: " This was one on the great honors of my life to be asked to be involved with this project. I will NEVER forget singing Battle Cry of Freedom among those cannons at the main river battery at Fort Donelson. I am no stranger to feeling the history at places like that, but this was almost overwhelming. I was well aware of the irony of singing the Union's most inspiring anthem right there in those Confederate cannon batteries. And then to sing Booth Shot Lincoln on the porch of the Surrender House where General Grant and his old pre-war friend General Buckner (CSA) signed the surrender agreement that sealed the Union's first great victory was pure romantic magic for me, even though it was 40 degrees and sleeting."
For you mid-Tennessee people, the next airings are May 27th at 7.00 pm and 11.00pm on Nashville Public Television (channel 8 for most viewers.) |
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March 27
A big hit for a good cause at The Renaissance Center
Farmer Jason's recent shows at the The Renaissance Center in Dickson shows were a big success for all concerned. A pile of money was raised for Nashville Public Television March Pledge Drive in cluding the Farmer Jason team donating half of the days merchandise sales to the fund. Here are a couple of fun photos from after the show...
Farmer Jason with Parker & Jackson Lewis
Farmer Jason with two of his prettiest and most devoted fans Mae and Emma Petty. Look's like Mama Petty is going to have to make a new Farmer Jason Rocks t-shirt soon the way the girls are shooting up.
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March 17
Dickson Farmer Jason show sold out! Second performance added!
The 2pm performance at the The Renaissance Center in Dickson, TN this Saturday March 19 has sold out. A second performance has been added on the same day at 10.00am.
The Renaissance Center is a fantastic venue in Farmer Jason's hometown, and a wonderful asset to the Dickson/Mid-Tennessee community. Farmer Jason's daughters are involved in several programs there. A percentage of the net proceeds will benefit the Nashville Public Television March Pledge Drive.
Tickets 8.00 each or buy 4 and get 1 free.
No charge for lap babies under 12 months old.
Advance purchase recommended
Call 615 740 5600 to purchase tickets.
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March 10
Farmer Jason on the radio
Farmer Jason will be doing a radio interview with Diane Davis on 1240 AM WDKN Dickson Tennessee Saturday March 12 sometime between 11.00 am and noon to promote the upcoming March 19 show at the Renaissance Center. It will be webcast live at www.wdkn1260am.com – “Click listen live” on the left side of the home page and it will open the streaming app. WDKN is a wonderful local AM radio station that gives great support to the community. Diane’s show is called Studio 1260 with Diane Davis. "Studio 1260” features live music and lively talk with established and up-and-coming artists and songwriters, with a special emphasis on those with a connection to Dickson County and the surrounding area. Farmer Jason lives in Dickson County and listens to WDKN. |
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February 17
Food fun
After the incredibly fun Sherrard School show Jil Petrie and her family treated Farmer Jason and his Mom to a brilliant post show foodfest at their house in Orphiem, Illinois. Farmer Jason marveled how Jil was able to make the dinner magically appear in a matter of minutes, after teaching at Sherrard all day.
Left to right: Teacher Stephanie, Grace, Mia, Jil Petrie, husband
Scott, Farmer Jason, Betty Ringenberg holding Emma.
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Jason, Suzy, Kelsey, Addie Rose, and Camille
wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season
ps - click the photo to hear Farmer Jason's
special holiday song |
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December 8
Punk Rock Skunk makes Good Morning America
On Good Morning America, they aired a segment with kids testing out toys. Punk Rock Skunk played in the background as a little boy played a toy guitar. |
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December 1
Farmer Jason needs a hand!
Want to help out Farmer Jason? Please hit these You Tube links as often as you can, and give them good ratings and comments. This will help push these official Farmer Jason videos higher up the You Tube Farmer Jason list so more folks are likely to check them out.
Punk Rock Skunk
Farmer Jason Live Sampler
Opposites
Thank you,
The Farmer Jason Team |
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December 1
Farmer Jason gets The Red Sneaker Award.
Rodney Green, Superintendent of the Cove Springs School System, Martinsburg Pa, presents Farmer Jason with their school's "Red Sneaker" award. The award is normally given to someone on the staff at the school who does extra special work with their kids. In this case, Superintendent Green decided to give the award to Farmer Jason. To make it even more appropriate, FJ was wearing his usual trademark red sneakers!
Mr. Green is an old Jason and the Scorchers fan, and a big lover of American music with a giant LP collection! All of us at Team Farmer Jason thank him for his great work with kids, and for his love of music. In this case, the twain did meet.
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November 11
Farmer Jason has joined the NFL!
The Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers will be using Farmer Jason tracks for their 2011 game promotions and cd releases geared for kids. The Panthers will use a song Farmer Jason custom co-wrote and recorded about their mascot called "Sir Purr". Joining Farmer Jason writing and recording these tracks is Warner E. Hodges (the Jason and the Scorcher's guitarist), and Joe Blanton, a friend of both Warner and Jason who sang in The Royal Court of China. They call themselves "Team Farmer Jason." Both the Panthers and the Packers will also use a Team Farmer Jason song called "He's the Quarterback", which Joe sings lead on.
Jason Ringenberg, Warner E. Hodges, and Joe Blanton also wrote and recorded a "grown up" song currently being used by the Panthers called "Panthers Runnin' Wild", with Joe singing lead. The song is being used for in game promotions and is included on the official team cd "Black and Blue". The band on that track is Warner, Joe, and Jason and is called "Electric Blitz".
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October 27
Happy Birthday Betty Ringenberg
At the Bloomington, Illinois show, JATS surprised Jason's mom Betty Ringenberg with a birthday cake and Happy Birthday sing-a-long. After a rousing version of the song, everyone in the audience was treated to cupcakes in the lobby between sets. Mrs. Ringenberg was completely surprised. She hadn't thought much about her birthday and wondered who her son was talking about "being 81".
photo by Rick Lanting
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September 27
Carbondale - Sometimes you can go back
Howdy my friends! I had a lovely time at my Carbondale shows September 17 and 18. Although I am from Bureau County in northern Illinois, I did spent 3 very important years in Southern Illinois at Carbondale going to college at SIU. I went there in 1978 a Dylanesque folk singer and left in 1981 a punk rocker with a van full of amps and guitars ready to take on the world, bound for Nashville. Carbondale is where I discovered my music identity.
We played 3 shows. The first one was a Farmer Jason show at the Carbondale New School. When I got there, I had a major feeling of déjà vu and rightfully so. In 1979, we shot our first Shakespeare’s Riot photo shoot at that very school. (We thought it would be so cool to do a rock band photo in a school! How prescient! ) Unfortunately, I am too e-dumb to transfer the old photos to the e-world but here is a shot of Farmer Jason with the kids there, taken at the same spot where we took the SSR shots 32 years ago.
photo by Ann Norris-Price
That night we did a JR show at the Cousin Andy’s Coffeehouse. It’s not really a coffee house. It’s a long running concert series in a local church. I actually performed right on the alter! Joy of joys, Gary Gibula (guitar) and Tom Miller (drums) showed up and jammed on three songs with me: Rave On, Help There’s A Fire, and a Woodbox Gang song called Almost Enough. Tom and Gary absolutely nailed it, and it was a wonderful experience playing music with them again. The next day they sat in with Farmer Jason at Turley Park, and wow did they ever drive the sound. The kids were dancing like little banshees! Big fun indeed. It was amazing to me how easily we hit grooves after 32 years.
Farmer Jason with Gary Gibula (guitar) and Tom Miller (drums)
photo by Craig Reeves
To top off the events, we then went to Misunderstudios and recorded Almost Enough for the Woodbox Gang tribute record that Mike Lescelius is putting together. I LOVE that song, and I LOVE that band. It was such an honor to record that song with Shakespeare’s Riot.
A special thanks to all who made the weekend so memorable for me: Stace England, Stephen Gariepy and Cathay, Randy Auxier and Gaye, Mike Lescelius, Carbondale Park District, Ann Norris-Price, Craig Reeves, Kirsten Miller for a great dinner, the Miller family for all that love, and most of all to Tom and Gary for the friendship and wonderful musicianship. It wasn’t just a trip through the past. It was a living breathing deep musical experience.
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September 18
Farmer Jason Videos on Comcast
Comcast On Demand is currently running all the Farmer Jason PBS videos until October 4. To see them, go to the KIDS tab, then PRE-K, then KIDZ BOP, then FARMER JASON. |
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September 5
Policeman Jason keeps his cool
Los Angeles police officer "Policeman Jason" Abner shows off the
versatility of Farmer Jason's backdrop at the Levitt Pavilion show in
MacArthur Park in LA.
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August 28
Farmer Jason meets the Pelletiers
Farmer Jason becomes a honorary Pelletier at the Livestock
Festival in Bovina New York. From left to right: Mom Pelletier/Jan,
Evan, Andre Shaw, Mary, Marco Shaw, Matt, Jason, Adam, Andy, Joe and
Sophie
Later that night Jason guested with College Farm, Matt and Andy
Pelletier's band, on a blistering version of Lost Highway. They
delivered a stunning set. Jason was quoted as saying : "That was one of
the Top 10 best sets I have ever seen!"
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May 12
Greetings from Europe
Howdy my friends! I write this to you from Helsinki Finland in the middle of
a European tour with Jason and the Scorchers. It has been a great tour, and
the band is playing at its peak. I honestly think the version of JATS is as
good as any to date.
Driving to Newcastle we stopped at Hadrian's Wall. It was built by the
Romans across northern England to keep out the Picts, Scotts, and Celts.
Originally it was 10-12 feet tall and ran all the way across England with
forts and garrisons all along the way. I had never seen it and as luck would
have it, we drove right by it en route to Newcastle. So I begged the fellows
to stop and see it, explaining how cool it would be to see this giant Roman
wall. However, when we got there, it was a bit disappointing. Over the
centuries, farmers had taken those perfect square stones and used them to
build houses and barns. The remaining "wall" was only 3 or 4 feet high...
That wouldn't even keep out sheep! Farmer Jason did not approve of his
historic farmer colleagues taking those stones!!
Thank you for all the inquiries and prayers about the Nashville flood. Our
family was not affected, but so many were. I was here in Europe all during
it, but sounds like it was a once in a millennium kind of flood.
Once again I was blessed to be able to play shows in my old home area in
North Illinois this April in Milan and Kewanee. The Milan show was the
farewell event for the Coyne Learning Center, since it is closing after this
year. I am honored that they chose me for this event, although saddened as
well. It is a great school, and will be missed by the families it has
served.
The Kewanee show was so poignant, given that I was born there. Many old
friends, relatives, and teachers attended. There were so many surprises.
Some of those folks I hadn't seen since high school. I come from good folk.
There are lots of Farmer Jason and some solo dates coming this summer. I
look forward to seeing you at those shows.
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May 12
Farmer Jason visits Illinois
Farmer Jason returned to his home area of Bureau/Henry County in
Northern Illinois April 16 and 17 to play several shows. The Milan show at
the Coyne Preschool was the last public event at the school. It will be
closed after this year. They chose Farmer Jason for this farewell event. At
Kewanee, Jason did three events. First he met with theater and music high
school students to discuss careers in the performance world, and then did
two Farmer Jason concerts at the Peterson Auditorium. Here are some links
about the events. -
www.starcourier.com/education
www.starcourier.com/feature |
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March 24
Belcourt Theater Fun
Here's a nice photo of Farmer Jason with Emma Grace and Mae Elaine Petty modeling their cool t-shirts at the recent sold out Nashville show. For more photo's from the show why not take a peak at our revamped gallery pages here. Thanks go out to Frank Keesee for the Belcourt Theatre photos.
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March 24
Belcourt Theater Show Sold Out
The March 27, Belcourt Theatre show in Nashville has now sold out. That's good news for Nashville Public Television March Pledge Drive as a portion of the net proceeds will be contributed to that worthy cause. |
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March 12
FJ's Little Helpers
Here is a great shot of Libby Eubanks's grandchildren and friends with Farmer Jason at the recent Tir Na Nog show in Raleigh. They look better than Farmer Jason in those overalls!
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March 2
Halcyon Times in USA TODAY
Halcyon Times is the Pick of the Week in today's USA TODAY (page 5D). You can see the piece online here. |
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March 2
Halcyon Times and the Passing of Ed Hodges
So we now release Halcyon Times, the first Jason and the Scorchers record of new material since 1996. Yikes, that was 14 years ago! How did that happen??!! Almost everyone who hears the cd is calling it one of our finest efforts to date. I do agree, and I am not the kind of artist who says every record I am involved with is "our best one yet." (I always wonder how artist who say that with every release can claim any credibility...)
No one is more surprised than me that this release even happened, let alone that it is a career record. I was quite reticent about the whole idea, but Warner kept after me. Certainly bringing Al Collins and Pontus Snibb on as the new rhythm section was a huge step in the right direction. That is truly a rhythm section for the ages. They nail it. Warner of course is playing at the top of his game, and I feel like I have learned a lot as a singer since the last JATS record. Honestly, being Farmer Jason the past 6 years has focused my singing considerably. I have learned to concentrate and enunciate more clearly, and to completely go into character.
Another huge advantage we had on this release was the impressive team of folks who threw in. As always, manager Deb was there every step of the way, and the Farmer Jason/ Jason Ringenberg designer and website manager Paul Needham brought his full support and impressive array of skills to the party. Dan Baird and Ginger Wildheart offered their services in whatever way they could help, free of charge. They both were an amazing asset to us. Ginger flew in for a week in February and co-wrote 9 of the songs, and then demoed them all for us! Dan offered to produce the record. When we went with Brad Jones instead, he then unselfishly jumped in help write the cd, and to play rhythm guitar during the sessions. I still can't believe he gave us the Days of Wine and Roses idea. Imagine Homemade Sin doing that song... All in all, you put Warner Hodges, me, Al Collins, Pontus Snibb, Brad Jones, Ginger Wildheart, Tommy Womack, and Dan Baird together and you do have a rock 'n' roll dream team. It was a marvelous experience working with such talent, and one that I will not forget.
As most of you know, Warner's father Ed Hodges passed away February 16. Many JATS fans have seen or met Ed, since he and Blanche made every show we ever played in Middle Tennessee, often joining us on stage to jam. Ed was often like a second father to me, and also a dear friend. Since he was a musician himself, he knew the language and the matrix. Even though he was not of our generation, he could hang out with us rockers on equal terms. At the end of the day he was one of us.
I have so many fond memories of him. In the early days of the band, he would sing Haggard's "Working Man Blues" with us, and I would play bass!!! My bass playing must have sounded atrocious, but he always invited me to do it, since he instinctively knew how much I enjoyed playing bass on a song. He was that kind of guy- rock solid and completely at ease in his own skin. He epitomized the term "Southern Hospitality", always first up to help anyone who needed it. I never knew him to say anything stupid or divisive. I never knew him to be flakey about anything. I never knew him to be anything but kind and courteous. On top of all that, he was one smart cat: an old country boy who started with nothing and made something of himself.
He was my friend, and I will always consider the experience of knowing him to be one of the great blessings of my life.
May he Rest in Peace.
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March 2
Farmer Jason on NPT Pledge Month
Nashville Public Television has been a big supporter of Farmer Jason, producing and airing his Emmy winning videos and generally being there when needed. March is Pledge Month at NPT, and once again NPT will be airing several 30 minute Farmer Jason shows featuring the videos and talking to Farmer Jason while taking pledges. For those of you interested in helping NPT, please make your pledges during the Farmer Jason segments, since this shows NPT that Farmer Jason has broad support out there. Even though you call during to Farmer Jason Pledge Shows, you can still choose other Pledge thank you gifts very easily if you choose. Some of the shows have an opportunity to win tickets for the Belcourt March 27 show.
Here are the times of the FJ Pledge Shows. Again, please make your pledges at one of these times.
Mon Mar 8, 10am (with Belcourt show ticket offer)
Fri Mar 12, 11:30am (with Belcourt show ticket offer)
Sat Mar 13, 7:30am (without ticket offer)
Tue Mar 16, 1pm (without ticket offer)
Fri Mar 19, 2pm (without ticket offer)
The numbers to call for pledges are : Out of Nashville- 800 355 5310, in Nashville- 615 259 2100 |
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March 2 - New
Farmer Jason takes part in "Read Me Day"
This shot is taken from behind the stage at Nashvilles "Read Me Day"
where Farmer Jason provided entertainment for the event. The kids are
jumping in the air during The Kitty Song.
"Read Me Day" is an nonprofit event where Nashville polititians and
celebreties go into local schools in underserved neighborhoods and read
to the kids. Farmer Jason shared his reading experience with Charles
Davis, a retired NBA star who has his own charity foundation. |
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February 22
Jason & The Scorchers hit Europe in May
Jason & The Scorchers 2010 European Tour kicks off in The Netherlands on April 29. The month long trip takes in Holland, the UK, Norway and Spain. For full details visit - www.jasonandthescorchers.com |
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February 12
Belcourt Tickets On Sale
Tickets for the Belcourt Farmer Jason show March 27 in Nashville are now on sale at www.belcourt.org Be sure to get tickets in advance for this one, as it likely will sell out. |
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February 1
Ira Sings The Doggie Dance
Here is a clip of two year old Ira from Nashville singing the Doggie Dance http://vimeo.com |
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January 20
New Jason Ringenberg and Farmer Jason radio interview online
Both Jason Ringenberg and Farmer Jason made an interview appearance on the legendary WSM AM 650 station in Nashville to promote the Music City Roots show January 13. WSM, known as the “Air Castle of the South” and “The Mother Church of Country Music” is still pumping out great classic country, bluegrass, and Americana. Jason appeared during the “Coffee, Country, and Cody” morning show with Bill Cody. It is one of Jason’s favorite radio shows, a true slice of Americana so rare in this formatted corporate era. To hear the interview go to: wsmradio |
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