It looks like Dane has been busy cowriting and producing country artist, Jason Sturgeon, a Bloomington, IN resident. Jason just released a new CD and is headed for Hot Country Nights in Louisville. A Q & A with Jason & some JM references, too!

I had seen some blurbs on Jason & Dane several months ago, and talked to Dane somewhat after the Windsor show. He really seemed excited about Jason.

I checked him out on myspace. He's very good!

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100820/SCENE04/308200035/1011/rss05

He is neither a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn nor a king, but rising country music star Jason Sturgeon does credit Frank Sinatra, among others, including George Strait, Alabama and Kenny Rogers, for musical influences throughout his life.

While Sinatra scored big with the title song from his album “That's Life,” Sturgeon, 32, hopes success comes knocking from the recent release of his debut album “That's Me” and Friday's opening-act performance at the Hot Country Nights concert at Fourth Street Live in downtown Louisville.

The Bloomington, Ind., resident's singing career had been sidetracked by stints as a farmer, a machinist, a college student, draftsman and a businessman. But ever since he was a 5-year-old singing for quarters at family gatherings, Sturgeon says, his dream has always been to be on stage crooning country songs.

Are you a laid-back country singer, or do you rock on stage?

I'm not sure I know how to be laid-back. Everything I do seems to be full throttle. When I'm on stage, I'm all over the place.

Your co-arranger and producer is Dane Clark. The Dane Clark from John Mellencamp fame?
That would be him! Dane's been in John's band for almost 15 years now primarily playing drums and percussion, but the guy is a musical animal on many different levels.
What's the chance of Mellencamp opening for you one day?

Ha! He's a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer! Hopefully I'll find some success out here on the road and get the opportunity to share the stage with him … although I think I'll be the one opening for his opener!

I wish that photo wasn't being used. Sorry, it is just not a flattering picture of JM.

A friend wants to come to Farm Aid, looking for a single ticket, preferrably on the field as close as possible.

Presale had already come and gone, and we tried pulling seats during general sale. It was difficult pulling up even a decent seat and the system was bogged down.

If an extra ticket becomes available, please post!

Well, I'm stoked to see Amos Lee on the lineup, but of course, most of you know that already. 

Statue of Jesus, as far as JM is concerned, makes more sense than Mary. I hope I'm forgiven, too. 

Starting tour tweets this week as last week my calendar was full.

Only a handful but it's a start.

 
Leach24     John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan could have played the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek but they picked Ontario and it was a great choice


Leach24     all the rappers and pop stars who think they have swag should spend a day with John Mellencamp and then they will know what true swag is

EricMGarcia     Mellencamp was great now just waiting for the man himself Dylan.

VergeofLA     John Mellencamp kicked ass!

I heard him perform "West End" in Windsor a month or so ago, a more rocking version. JM always knows how to arrange a song. It kicked *ss. I love the Tavis Smiley version as well, more stripped down and organic. I cannot wait to see this theater tour!

ALSO, I don't think I have seen anyone mention the white statue that is on stage, in front of the drum kit.

It looks to me to be a statue of the Blessed Mother??? Has JM traded in Garfield (tour bus window) for a religious statue, to guide his way? Would love to hear the backstory on the statue, if there is one.

We have posted Wednesday video to the news article. Check out The West End!
http://www.mellencamp.com/news.html?n_id=917

I am LOVING, just LOVING the performances of these songs. Thanks for posting. I watched Tavis last night at 11:30 and saw Tuesday's show. Go figure. I'm thankful these videos are being passed along from the Smiley show.

Thanks for the report, Far! Excellent, indeed.

I turned a report in to Sharon and Tony this evening, that I believe will be posted tomorrow - I had to turn around and come right home from LA and I am exhausted.

Sorry i didn't call anyone. The staff were pretty firm about turning off phones, no cameras etc. and repeated the request a couple of times so I did. There were a lot of media people there and we were asked not to take pictures or anything that would interfere:)

Just reading this...great way to start the Mellenmoment thread!

I'm working on my report, Cindy! And, yes, that sure was Andy, which was a pleasant surprise! Cherry Bomb was 2 verses of a cappella

Looking forward to it, Lori!

I would love to hear thoughts on the Grammy Show. I received two phone calls from Rich. One, I could hear the introduction (about every third word), heard hand claps, listened to JM talk (thrlled!) about every third word. Listened for about 5 mintues or so and had to hang up. I was actually at the Southgate House at a show but walked out when I felt my phone buzz. THEN, on the drive home after the show, I receive another Rich call, and it's JM singing "Cherry Bomb," sounded like it was acapella. I could hear almost perfectly, every word. Sounded great. I was woohooing in the phone, singing along. THEN, I heard "Don't Need This Body" and was woohooing some more. The guitar work sounded way too good to be JM (sorry JM but only Andy can produce those sounds.) I love that song, one of my favorites from LDLF. I still couldnt believe Rich had me on the line. I then hear "Thinking About You" (which sort of reminds me of "To MG, Wherever She May Be"). Lovin' it, absolutely lovin' it! I'm still hearing Andy work his magic as JM sang. JM wraps up with "Small Town" (so much applause it was deafening on my end) and then Rich is saying "Okay, that's it."

What a great drive home! Thanks so much, Rich! 

I, for one, am lovin' the direction JM has gone with NBTT. The past few years have found me following Americana music and listening to NPR radio more so than mainstream. So, for me, Americana, rock, rockabilly, blues...keep keepin' on John!

I was thrilled when I saw JM was receiving a lifetime acheivement award in songwriting from Americana Music Conference.