So...
I told you about traveling without my ID or $$$$... which is a complete drag but doable.
So I finally got back to Austin after a long day of work that sent me through long security lines and shakedowns but after waiting on the runway 4 hours in Houston, Tx, of all places, for a de-icing of the wings I finally landed in Austin at 4:30 in the morning! Now the only thing to do was to get my truck out of parking and limp home. PARKING... you pay for that! I got to the desk to have the valet pull my car up and began to tell her my long tale of woe... she did not care! She looked at me and told me that she did not care if I knew my AMEX number by heart... she could not give me my car without a method of payment. I was at the end of my rope here... as I began to argue about how often I park there, etc... I heard a voice from behind me... "Hey man, are you Jack Ingram..." I turned around and said wearily, "Yes". This guy had a big smile on his face, the biggest smile at 4:30 AM I've ever seen outside of an after hours bar, and he stuck out his hand and said "My name is Rodney Dutton and I've been listening to your music for a long time... I really like what you do!... he then went on to say that he was sorry but that he had been eavesdropping on my conversation and couldn't help but hear that I didn't have a way to pay for my truck... he said "dude, let me pay for your parking!"!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it... still can't really! He shoved $25 bucks down on the desk and told me not to worry about it. He shook my hand and walked away as I was telling him how grateful I was and what could I do and on and on and on...
Rodney Dutton is a good guy. If you see him on the street tell him I said thanks again. If you ever see somebody who needs a little something, something... give him a break. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! See you out on the road. You can bet I'll have my ID and credit cards... don't rob me just know I got em!
Keep on keepin' on...
Jack
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
You Can Do It!
I had a show in Kansas City last week. It was a great event sponsored by a radio station (KFKF) where I was playing for a group of bus drivers just outside of the city who had won a contest. They collected the most amount of toys in one of the school buses and won a performance at their bus barn by me (what a prize! :)) It was a ton of fun... but I am getting ahead of myself...
My flight was supposed to leave Austin that morning at 5:45 AM so I could make the show on time. That means that I had to get to the airport by 4:45 AM which means that my alarm was set for 4 AM! That's early (used to be anyway).
I got up on time, had a 5 hour energy shot and made it out the door on time, made it to the airport with time to spare... forgot my wallet! Uh-Oh!!!!!! I immediately checked every place that I usually put my wallet- cup holder, side of door, back pocket, jacket pocket... No Luck! I checked my phone to check the time... no way I can go home and get back in time! I decided to forge ahead and see what happens (kind of like a career!!!)
I got to the Continental ticket counter and started my usual routine when I've done something really stupid... I eased up to the counter and when she asked how I was I replied by saying that I was fine but how was she?!!!! She said fine and I said good. She said may I help you and I said OH Yes! You can help me like you wouldn't believe!
Just then a young kid who looked like he just rolled out of high school and bed and was working in luggage approached me and started telling me what a huge fan he is of mine... I told him that I was a huge fan of his and he looked confused but smiled... the ticket agent said "should I know you?" and I said well, no but you would if you listened to Country music OR IF I HAD MY ID!!!!!!
She smiled and said that she intended to take care of both of those problems this morning... she would look me up on the internet and she would she what she could do to get me through security!!!! I said... YES!!!!!
To make a long story short... she had to mark up my boarding pass with enough red ink it made my failing English papers from High School look passable and sent me with the head of security off to the metal detectors. When I got there they searched me up and down and in between, asked me such probing questions as "who else lives in your house?" and "what kind of car do you drive?"!!!!! I passed! They let me through! I made it to Kansas City! I played some songs for the bus drivers (God Bless Bus Drivers! Especially ones that still love kids enough after driving them around all year while they yell, scream and make their lives crazy to fill a bus full of toys for them!!!!!). And made it to the toy drive on top of the Wal-Mart!
If you ever forget your ID and wallet and need to fly remember this story. It's going to take you a long time in Security and you have to be really nice to the ticket agent and everyone else. You don't need to be a recording artist or anything else... just keep your cool and remember who you live with. You can do it! You can fly! You just can't buy a $5 coke or $6 magazine!
Oh, by the way... I made it back home to Austin too... but that's a whole 'nother story... to be continued...
K-O-K-O...
Jack
My flight was supposed to leave Austin that morning at 5:45 AM so I could make the show on time. That means that I had to get to the airport by 4:45 AM which means that my alarm was set for 4 AM! That's early (used to be anyway).
I got up on time, had a 5 hour energy shot and made it out the door on time, made it to the airport with time to spare... forgot my wallet! Uh-Oh!!!!!! I immediately checked every place that I usually put my wallet- cup holder, side of door, back pocket, jacket pocket... No Luck! I checked my phone to check the time... no way I can go home and get back in time! I decided to forge ahead and see what happens (kind of like a career!!!)
I got to the Continental ticket counter and started my usual routine when I've done something really stupid... I eased up to the counter and when she asked how I was I replied by saying that I was fine but how was she?!!!! She said fine and I said good. She said may I help you and I said OH Yes! You can help me like you wouldn't believe!
Just then a young kid who looked like he just rolled out of high school and bed and was working in luggage approached me and started telling me what a huge fan he is of mine... I told him that I was a huge fan of his and he looked confused but smiled... the ticket agent said "should I know you?" and I said well, no but you would if you listened to Country music OR IF I HAD MY ID!!!!!!
She smiled and said that she intended to take care of both of those problems this morning... she would look me up on the internet and she would she what she could do to get me through security!!!! I said... YES!!!!!
To make a long story short... she had to mark up my boarding pass with enough red ink it made my failing English papers from High School look passable and sent me with the head of security off to the metal detectors. When I got there they searched me up and down and in between, asked me such probing questions as "who else lives in your house?" and "what kind of car do you drive?"!!!!! I passed! They let me through! I made it to Kansas City! I played some songs for the bus drivers (God Bless Bus Drivers! Especially ones that still love kids enough after driving them around all year while they yell, scream and make their lives crazy to fill a bus full of toys for them!!!!!). And made it to the toy drive on top of the Wal-Mart!
If you ever forget your ID and wallet and need to fly remember this story. It's going to take you a long time in Security and you have to be really nice to the ticket agent and everyone else. You don't need to be a recording artist or anything else... just keep your cool and remember who you live with. You can do it! You can fly! You just can't buy a $5 coke or $6 magazine!
Oh, by the way... I made it back home to Austin too... but that's a whole 'nother story... to be continued...
K-O-K-O...
Jack
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Do you remember that commercial?...
When I was growing up there was this commercial that stuck in my head. It was about a shampoo called Faberge... the name is not important but the concept is. It seemed so obvious at the time (and I recall that I was very young at that time!)... The idea of the commercial was that this stuff was so good that the person using it was going to "Tell Two Friends then they'll "Tell Two Friends" then they'll "Tell Two Friends" and so on and so on...!
When I first got my music up and running that is exactly how it happened... I played a bar and a few people dug it and they told a couple of people and then the next week more people came to the bar to see me play and then the next week those people told a couple people and then the gig got bigger and so on and so on...
Then I made a cd and sold a couple copies... and those people dug it and told a couple of people and so on and so on...
You get the idea right!?
Well that concept never stops working. If you dig what I'm doing now then do me a favor... tell a couple of friends.
If you like the new song, "That's A Man" then tell a couple people about it.
If you dig seeing me play shows then tell a few folks about what you've seen.
Just keep it old school... "tell two friends and they'll tell two friends and so on and so on..."! Give it a shot.
Jack
When I first got my music up and running that is exactly how it happened... I played a bar and a few people dug it and they told a couple of people and then the next week more people came to the bar to see me play and then the next week those people told a couple people and then the gig got bigger and so on and so on...
Then I made a cd and sold a couple copies... and those people dug it and told a couple of people and so on and so on...
You get the idea right!?
Well that concept never stops working. If you dig what I'm doing now then do me a favor... tell a couple of friends.
If you like the new song, "That's A Man" then tell a couple people about it.
If you dig seeing me play shows then tell a few folks about what you've seen.
Just keep it old school... "tell two friends and they'll tell two friends and so on and so on..."! Give it a shot.
Jack
Friday, November 7, 2008
A Lot Can Happen
Wow! I just realized that I haven't visited with you here since October 4, 2008! Being that it is November 7, 2008... that's over a month (I'm pertty god at maht!!)!
A lot can happen in a month. It's fairly staggering if you think about the changes that can go on in your life in just over 30 days. Since the last time we spoke I released a single to Radio called "That's A Man". It is off to a fantastic start and people seem to like it as much as I do. If you haven't heard it then go to my website (jackingram.net) or go to itunes or, better yet, just call up your favorite country radio station and act appalled that you haven't heard it yet when everyone you know has! What else has happened? The University Of Texas Longhorns football team went from #5 to #1, stayed there a week and then lost a game and went back to the outside looking in on the BCS Championship game! That's been a rollercoaster since I live in Austin now and read about it in the papers constantly! The first freeze has come to Texas! Halloween came rolling by with ghosts and goblins and such! Scare me...! the economic crisis has come into our lives and i don't think anybody knows when it will even make eye contact with the door (notice my attempt to overplay the economic crisis by pretending to understate it with lower case letters :)). Saturday Night Live came screaming to the forefront for the first time in a few years with Tina Fey's (who doesn't even work there anymore) impression of Sarah Palin. Oh yeah... I guess we won't be seeing much of that impression anymore.
Kenny Chesney told us last year in that song not to blink (never thought I'd quote Kenny in this thing) and I must admit that the boy is right!! Don't do it. If you do this whole world will just get up and move on. It is fairly amazing to me all of the changes that can go on in just barely a month. Hadn't really thought of that before. Have you?
A lot can happen...
K-O-K-O
Jack
A lot can happen in a month. It's fairly staggering if you think about the changes that can go on in your life in just over 30 days. Since the last time we spoke I released a single to Radio called "That's A Man". It is off to a fantastic start and people seem to like it as much as I do. If you haven't heard it then go to my website (jackingram.net) or go to itunes or, better yet, just call up your favorite country radio station and act appalled that you haven't heard it yet when everyone you know has! What else has happened? The University Of Texas Longhorns football team went from #5 to #1, stayed there a week and then lost a game and went back to the outside looking in on the BCS Championship game! That's been a rollercoaster since I live in Austin now and read about it in the papers constantly! The first freeze has come to Texas! Halloween came rolling by with ghosts and goblins and such! Scare me...! the economic crisis has come into our lives and i don't think anybody knows when it will even make eye contact with the door (notice my attempt to overplay the economic crisis by pretending to understate it with lower case letters :)). Saturday Night Live came screaming to the forefront for the first time in a few years with Tina Fey's (who doesn't even work there anymore) impression of Sarah Palin. Oh yeah... I guess we won't be seeing much of that impression anymore.
Kenny Chesney told us last year in that song not to blink (never thought I'd quote Kenny in this thing) and I must admit that the boy is right!! Don't do it. If you do this whole world will just get up and move on. It is fairly amazing to me all of the changes that can go on in just barely a month. Hadn't really thought of that before. Have you?
A lot can happen...
K-O-K-O
Jack
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Yeah, I played that stage...
Been traveling this country for a while now and have played many, many stages. Played the puppet stage at the Minnesota State Fair. Played the side stage in the food court at the Oregon State Fair. Played the stage outside of the parking lot in front of the arena where Garth Brooks played in Fresno, California. Played the same stage as the Rolling Stones at a club in Toronto, Canada. Played in the corner of the bar under the television set beside the jukebox at Adair's Saloon in Dallas, Texas. Played on a stage of dust (no actual stage) in the woods of Oklahoma for a frat party in the winter. Played a stage on the roof top of a camp in Texas (Camp Longhorn) for a bunch of kids at snack time. Played a stage on the roof of the BMI building in Nashville, Tennessee for the #1 party for "Wherever You Are". Played a makeshift stage in the ladies lingerie section of a Wal-Mart in Lubbock, Texas. Played on the stage of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Played the big stage of Austin City Limits both the television show and the festival. Played the Nick in Birmingham, Alabama and jumped off the stage to two step with a fan in a bar that hadn't seen country music and didn't really want to! Played the stage inside the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Played a flatbed trailer outside of a club 30 miles outside of Nacanowhere, Texas in the rain. Played a stage at 12 noon in Moorehead, North Carolina for the seafood festival called the Clam Jam Stage... that was today! From sea to shining sea... you might ask if I've played that stage before... odds are that... yeah, I've played that stage!
I'll see you out there on one of them soon.
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
I'll see you out there on one of them soon.
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Monday, September 29, 2008
Keep Austin Wierd... ACL Festival Collateral Damage!
Awesome! I got to the airport this morning at 6am and was amazed... As you may or may not know, The Austin City Limits Festival was this past weekend and ended yesterday. I didn't play the festival this year but I got home yesterday from the road just in time to play private show at The Salt Lick BBQ and then turn around and head out this morning. The festival was a bit off of my radar until I got to the airport! I didn't think that I would see any festival leavers this early... I was wrong! I guess I did not take into account that a lot of the festival attendees would need to get home early on Monday to get back to work (while still a fair price, it is fairly expensive to travel and buy tickets and everything else that goes into it). I am on Southwest Airlines today and my first flight was to Phoenix. I think they might be the airline of choice for the festival!! For every everyday business, straight job traveler this morning there was a flip flop wearing, mail delivery bag toting, 3 days of no sleep hangover having, still high on the foo fighters festival leaver! It was a nice combination of folks to see hanging out in the gate area!!!!
I got on the very full flight with my carry on but had to check my guitar at the gate because there was no room in the overhead bins stuffed with back packs smelling of stale beer and what was left of whatever was there before it was smoked at the festival. I sat in the window seat of the exit row... that's why I love group A! I knew that someone would need to sit in the middle seat because the flight was completely full so I spent my time playing the game in my head called "please sit next to me/please don't sit next to me". It's a fun game. I practice it a lot but don't ever seem to get better. The reason for me to choose "please sit next to me" is really just practical... the smaller the person is- the more I want them to be in the middle seat... it just makes sense, right? Opposite sex and small body comp beats same sex and large body comp... you get it right?
Well I lost the game in that a dude sat down next to me. He had sunglasses on which is a sign for either being very tired and needing some sleep, blind or a jerk! This guy was definitely the first one. I noticed very early on that this guy was in serious need of a lot more than sleep... namely about 30 beers less than what he consumed in the past 12 hours!!!! His legs were twitching, his arms were around his head, his face was so white he looked like a ghost. He was desperately trying to pass out but he couldn't. He kept making sounds like a dying puppy would make. At one point he tried to take a sip of water... that was the end. He jumped out of his seat and scurried off to the lavatory like a ... well, like a hungover dude about to puke runs to a toilet! I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh. He repeated this process no less than 4 times during the flight. He even defied the flight attendant and got up to go puke as the plane was landing! Seriously, I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh! It reminded me of a time I was flying back to Dallas from Oklahoma City on a Sunday morning and... but that's another story.
It was quite a flight! Made me proud to be from Austin where Bob Weird is still the King!
I hear that ACL fest was one of the best yet! It sure as hell looked that way traveling out of the city.
Jack
I got on the very full flight with my carry on but had to check my guitar at the gate because there was no room in the overhead bins stuffed with back packs smelling of stale beer and what was left of whatever was there before it was smoked at the festival. I sat in the window seat of the exit row... that's why I love group A! I knew that someone would need to sit in the middle seat because the flight was completely full so I spent my time playing the game in my head called "please sit next to me/please don't sit next to me". It's a fun game. I practice it a lot but don't ever seem to get better. The reason for me to choose "please sit next to me" is really just practical... the smaller the person is- the more I want them to be in the middle seat... it just makes sense, right? Opposite sex and small body comp beats same sex and large body comp... you get it right?
Well I lost the game in that a dude sat down next to me. He had sunglasses on which is a sign for either being very tired and needing some sleep, blind or a jerk! This guy was definitely the first one. I noticed very early on that this guy was in serious need of a lot more than sleep... namely about 30 beers less than what he consumed in the past 12 hours!!!! His legs were twitching, his arms were around his head, his face was so white he looked like a ghost. He was desperately trying to pass out but he couldn't. He kept making sounds like a dying puppy would make. At one point he tried to take a sip of water... that was the end. He jumped out of his seat and scurried off to the lavatory like a ... well, like a hungover dude about to puke runs to a toilet! I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh. He repeated this process no less than 4 times during the flight. He even defied the flight attendant and got up to go puke as the plane was landing! Seriously, I felt bad for the guy but had to laugh! It reminded me of a time I was flying back to Dallas from Oklahoma City on a Sunday morning and... but that's another story.
It was quite a flight! Made me proud to be from Austin where Bob Weird is still the King!
I hear that ACL fest was one of the best yet! It sure as hell looked that way traveling out of the city.
Jack
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Road, Road, Rough and Ready!
Sitting in the back parking lot of the Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA. listening to the new Rodney Crowell project called "Sex and Gasoline"! It's a winner. That dude is good. This particular song is called "I Want You #35". Funny that it is a title with a number on the end just like that old Bob Dylan song "Rainy Day Woman #12 & #35... but not really like it... but a lot like it... It's damn good. I'll leave it at that. Check it out. You'll like it I promise.
A band from San Marcos, Texas is up here this weekend too. They played a gig at a bar called The IOTA Club last night and have the night off tonight. They are great friends with Kyle, our stage manager, so they came over to spend the aftenoon with us. Do you know who The Dedringers are? They are fantastic! Find out about them. Really, really good. They open up for James McMurtry a lot. Hayes Carll too. They opened a show or two for us as well. We like them. You will as well.
Lance Armstrong's gonna ride again! I know the outdoor channel is stoked! I am too.
Drove past the Lincoln Memorial this morning on the way to go the Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C.. We (me and the band and crew) went to the hospital to visit with wounded Military men and women. We brought some guitars and had a wonderful visit with some extremely courageous people! You wouldn't believe the spirit in that place. I don't care what your political view points are... and I hope you have some... it is awe inspiring to see the people that have been wounded fighting for our country and are layed up in a hospital bed without the things they left with when they went to fight except their spirit... which is bigger than ever. God Bless those men and women and may they learn to live with their wounds and have positive lives. It was a good visit. You should try it. You don't have to have a guitar or a reason...
That's it for now. Gonna play a show in a few minutes.
K-O-K-O
Jack
A band from San Marcos, Texas is up here this weekend too. They played a gig at a bar called The IOTA Club last night and have the night off tonight. They are great friends with Kyle, our stage manager, so they came over to spend the aftenoon with us. Do you know who The Dedringers are? They are fantastic! Find out about them. Really, really good. They open up for James McMurtry a lot. Hayes Carll too. They opened a show or two for us as well. We like them. You will as well.
Lance Armstrong's gonna ride again! I know the outdoor channel is stoked! I am too.
Drove past the Lincoln Memorial this morning on the way to go the Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in Washington D.C.. We (me and the band and crew) went to the hospital to visit with wounded Military men and women. We brought some guitars and had a wonderful visit with some extremely courageous people! You wouldn't believe the spirit in that place. I don't care what your political view points are... and I hope you have some... it is awe inspiring to see the people that have been wounded fighting for our country and are layed up in a hospital bed without the things they left with when they went to fight except their spirit... which is bigger than ever. God Bless those men and women and may they learn to live with their wounds and have positive lives. It was a good visit. You should try it. You don't have to have a guitar or a reason...
That's it for now. Gonna play a show in a few minutes.
K-O-K-O
Jack
Monday, September 22, 2008
Who You Votin' 4?
Well,
Do you know? Do you know?
Yeah, me neither...
I was thinking about voting 4 Sanjaya but that was soooooo 2 seasons ago.
Then I was thinking that John Rich would be a good choice but I realized that he was just a judge.
Carrie Underwood already won something.
Taylor Swift wasn't in a competition.
You can't vote on Football! Can you believe that? That sucks!
I was on a television show the other night where I got to pass judgment but I didn't get to vote... anti-climactic to say the least!
I buy music on itunes but that's not really a vote... that's just a purchase.
Can I vote 4 (texting has definitely become an issue) The Jonas Brothers? Don't know what 4 but somehow they have become not only a fan favorite but I really do like those boys! I don't think I can vote for them but I definitely want that out there. If there is going to be a boy band that is adored by millions including my daughter I really do appreciate that the boys are writing the songs, singing and playing instruments all at the same time while doing a damn good job of it!
So I guess I'm not really ready to vote yet but I am warming up to the idea. I am mulling the issues over and am getting ready to make a decision here... just looking for the right place and time! I am registered. Are you? Go do that.
KOKO,
Jack
Do you know? Do you know?
Yeah, me neither...
I was thinking about voting 4 Sanjaya but that was soooooo 2 seasons ago.
Then I was thinking that John Rich would be a good choice but I realized that he was just a judge.
Carrie Underwood already won something.
Taylor Swift wasn't in a competition.
You can't vote on Football! Can you believe that? That sucks!
I was on a television show the other night where I got to pass judgment but I didn't get to vote... anti-climactic to say the least!
I buy music on itunes but that's not really a vote... that's just a purchase.
Can I vote 4 (texting has definitely become an issue) The Jonas Brothers? Don't know what 4 but somehow they have become not only a fan favorite but I really do like those boys! I don't think I can vote for them but I definitely want that out there. If there is going to be a boy band that is adored by millions including my daughter I really do appreciate that the boys are writing the songs, singing and playing instruments all at the same time while doing a damn good job of it!
So I guess I'm not really ready to vote yet but I am warming up to the idea. I am mulling the issues over and am getting ready to make a decision here... just looking for the right place and time! I am registered. Are you? Go do that.
KOKO,
Jack
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Decision Time
Flying to a show this morning and wanting to start using language that the airlines use when people ask me a question. My flight is delayed and the lady came over the pa and said that the flight is delayed until 11am (about an hour) but that 11am is not the new departure time... it is the new "Decision Time". I love that... I'll get back to you in an hour and at that time I will decide if we will have any further communication. I'm going to start answering questions that way. Here's how it will work:
Knock, Knock.
Who's there?
Hold on a minute.
Hold on a minute who?
I'll get back to you in a few minutes.
I'll get back to you in a few minutes who?
Wait, there's been a change in plans. I'll get back with you about when I'll get back to you in 30 minutes.
Wait, there's been a change in plans. I'll get back with you about when I'll get back to you in 30 minutes WHO?
I'm sorry there's been another delay. There will be a decision time about when I'll get back with you in 1 hour.
I'm sorry there's been another delay. There will be a decision time about when I'll get back with you in 1 hour WHO?
Time elapse of 1 hour...
I'm sorry this joke has been canceled due to a unspecified maintenance issue that I am not authorized to discuss. Please accept my apology for your inconvenience. We will be happy to book you on another joke that will get you a punch line about 18 hours after you needed to laugh.
You get my point?
I play music for free. I get paid to travel.
K-O-K-O...
Jack
Monday, August 25, 2008
Let's catch up here...
Almost a month since I've checked in here... sorry about that but I've been a little busy and in places without the greatest bandwidth.
Anyway, quit bitching at me and let's get down to business.
Just got back from Jamaica where I went with The Lia Show and it was phenomenal. I took the whole damn family and we had a great time. We did a acoustic show down there with James Otto and Bucky Covington... that James Otto could sing the phonebook and sound great. What a voice. It was a good time. The 5 days down there was very nice. The Lia Show crew and Lia herself were fantastic. Thanks to them for the hospitality!
We went to Phoenix a few weeks back... Wow! I'm calling this the "Prove Your Love" Tour... we went to Green Bay in January and Phoenix in August!!!!! I think somebody decided that we should go to cities with extreme weather during the most extreme weather months! Martina calls it The Waking Up Laughing Tour... somebody's laughing that's for sure... the booking agents!!!
BUT... Jessi Colter came out to the show in Phoenix and we sang "Storms Never Last" together... do I need to explain how cool that was? I spent the whole afternoon watching a YouTube video of her and Waylon doing it and trying to learn Waylon's part. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Love me some Jessi Colter. I had a dog in college that I named Jessi after her... I didn't tell her that because there's really no way to explain to a woman that you named a dog after her and have that woman understand how that is really a huge compliment... the dog was really beautiful and I loved her very much!!!
Been recording a bunch.
Playing some shows this weekend in the Southeast and then in Chicago (yes!) and then in Austin on Sunday night!!!!! Come see me!
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Anyway, quit bitching at me and let's get down to business.
Just got back from Jamaica where I went with The Lia Show and it was phenomenal. I took the whole damn family and we had a great time. We did a acoustic show down there with James Otto and Bucky Covington... that James Otto could sing the phonebook and sound great. What a voice. It was a good time. The 5 days down there was very nice. The Lia Show crew and Lia herself were fantastic. Thanks to them for the hospitality!
We went to Phoenix a few weeks back... Wow! I'm calling this the "Prove Your Love" Tour... we went to Green Bay in January and Phoenix in August!!!!! I think somebody decided that we should go to cities with extreme weather during the most extreme weather months! Martina calls it The Waking Up Laughing Tour... somebody's laughing that's for sure... the booking agents!!!
BUT... Jessi Colter came out to the show in Phoenix and we sang "Storms Never Last" together... do I need to explain how cool that was? I spent the whole afternoon watching a YouTube video of her and Waylon doing it and trying to learn Waylon's part. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Love me some Jessi Colter. I had a dog in college that I named Jessi after her... I didn't tell her that because there's really no way to explain to a woman that you named a dog after her and have that woman understand how that is really a huge compliment... the dog was really beautiful and I loved her very much!!!
Been recording a bunch.
Playing some shows this weekend in the Southeast and then in Chicago (yes!) and then in Austin on Sunday night!!!!! Come see me!
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Monday, August 4, 2008
Did I ever tell about the time...
The Rolling Stones opened for me in Toronto, Canada?
If you've heard this one then sorry but if you haven't then check this out because it was one helluva night!
I had a gig at a place in Toronto, I think it was called The Horseshoe or something like that, and we pulled up to the club at our usual load in time. It was early in the afternoon. The owner of the club comes running out to our van and is very excited! He explained to us that something had come up that at the club and that no matter what happens he still wants us to play that night. Well that had me guessing... what the hell could be up that would possibly prevent us from playing that night but that the club owner would be very excited about and still want us to play?
Turns out that The Rolling Stones were in Toronto rehearsing for their upcoming tour and had been asked to drop by the club to present an award, via satellite, for the MTV Video Awards which were happening that night. They decided that they would not only show up to present the award but would also do an unannounced set at the club!!!!
I told the club owner that we did not have to play but could he just let us in to see the show! He insisted that we set up our gear on stage and be ready to play. I said we'll see and thought no way in hell are we going on tonight!
Late in the afternoon the club began filling up with people who had heard about the Stones being there for the awards ceremony. They had no idea about the plans for an impromptu set. The band and I stood separate from the crowd over by the stage knowing what was going to go down a little bit later. As soon as the band was done with the television thing they walked right over to the stage. They took their places and proceeded to rock the world for about 65 minutes! Me and the guys in the band (Pete had stood in front of the stage so long that because he wasn't willing to miss a note or lose his spot by the stage he actually "went" in an empty beer cup... he wouldn't want me telling that part so please keep that to yourself) were so close to the stage that I distinctly remember seeing Mick's sweat fly off of his face and land on mine! Keith was playing sloppy brilliance within hand reach of us... It was AWESOME!!!!!!
As soon as the Stones were done the club owner yells for us to get on stage! I actually climbed up on the stage from the audience position I was in. It took us about 5 minutes to plug in our guitars and get ready to go. The crowd wasn't sure what was going on and to be honest neither did I. I yelled "One, Two, Three, Four" and we plowed into "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and loud, loud music)" and were off to the races. We played as loud as we could for as long as we could and had a ball doing it. Pete drank Mike's Hard Lemonade and kept steady as long as he could!
At the end of the night we all agreed that the opening band was a pretty good outfit from over the pond and that if they kept it up they probably could make a go of it!!!!
By the way... we just watched that new documentary "Shine A Light" this weekend and it rocks! Check it out. The Rolling Stones are BAD ASS!
Me and the band are out on the West Coast with Martina and having a grand time.
See you out here...
Keep On Keepin' on...
Jack
If you've heard this one then sorry but if you haven't then check this out because it was one helluva night!
I had a gig at a place in Toronto, I think it was called The Horseshoe or something like that, and we pulled up to the club at our usual load in time. It was early in the afternoon. The owner of the club comes running out to our van and is very excited! He explained to us that something had come up that at the club and that no matter what happens he still wants us to play that night. Well that had me guessing... what the hell could be up that would possibly prevent us from playing that night but that the club owner would be very excited about and still want us to play?
Turns out that The Rolling Stones were in Toronto rehearsing for their upcoming tour and had been asked to drop by the club to present an award, via satellite, for the MTV Video Awards which were happening that night. They decided that they would not only show up to present the award but would also do an unannounced set at the club!!!!
I told the club owner that we did not have to play but could he just let us in to see the show! He insisted that we set up our gear on stage and be ready to play. I said we'll see and thought no way in hell are we going on tonight!
Late in the afternoon the club began filling up with people who had heard about the Stones being there for the awards ceremony. They had no idea about the plans for an impromptu set. The band and I stood separate from the crowd over by the stage knowing what was going to go down a little bit later. As soon as the band was done with the television thing they walked right over to the stage. They took their places and proceeded to rock the world for about 65 minutes! Me and the guys in the band (Pete had stood in front of the stage so long that because he wasn't willing to miss a note or lose his spot by the stage he actually "went" in an empty beer cup... he wouldn't want me telling that part so please keep that to yourself) were so close to the stage that I distinctly remember seeing Mick's sweat fly off of his face and land on mine! Keith was playing sloppy brilliance within hand reach of us... It was AWESOME!!!!!!
As soon as the Stones were done the club owner yells for us to get on stage! I actually climbed up on the stage from the audience position I was in. It took us about 5 minutes to plug in our guitars and get ready to go. The crowd wasn't sure what was going on and to be honest neither did I. I yelled "One, Two, Three, Four" and we plowed into "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and loud, loud music)" and were off to the races. We played as loud as we could for as long as we could and had a ball doing it. Pete drank Mike's Hard Lemonade and kept steady as long as he could!
At the end of the night we all agreed that the opening band was a pretty good outfit from over the pond and that if they kept it up they probably could make a go of it!!!!
By the way... we just watched that new documentary "Shine A Light" this weekend and it rocks! Check it out. The Rolling Stones are BAD ASS!
Me and the band are out on the West Coast with Martina and having a grand time.
See you out here...
Keep On Keepin' on...
Jack
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Home again, home again, jiggity jog...
That's what my Mom says when she's been on a trip and is pulling in the driveway ready to be home again. Not really sure when the last time she said that was but it's stuck in my head just like the way she used to come at me on school mornings with a wet rag or a cup of water when I refused to wake up and get out of bed... but I digress...
I'm just so damn happy to be coming home to Texas to play some shows on my home turf, in my wheelhouse! Playing Corpus Christi at Brewster Street Ice House on Thursday and then playing Gruene Hall on July 4th! Are you kidding me? THIS IS GOING TO ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had these shows circled on the calendar for a while. Me and the band have been learning some new songs to share with old fans and brushing up on some old songs that we don't get to play all the time with short sets out opening for Martina. I can't wait. You better be there!
We even started playing Red, White and Blues (4th of July) last weekend so we'd be certain to be ready for the parade! "What Parade?" you ask... the parade of coming home to Texas to play some bad ass shows at a few of my favorite old haunts!!!!!!!!! That parade!
See you out there.
K O K O...
Jack
I'm just so damn happy to be coming home to Texas to play some shows on my home turf, in my wheelhouse! Playing Corpus Christi at Brewster Street Ice House on Thursday and then playing Gruene Hall on July 4th! Are you kidding me? THIS IS GOING TO ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had these shows circled on the calendar for a while. Me and the band have been learning some new songs to share with old fans and brushing up on some old songs that we don't get to play all the time with short sets out opening for Martina. I can't wait. You better be there!
We even started playing Red, White and Blues (4th of July) last weekend so we'd be certain to be ready for the parade! "What Parade?" you ask... the parade of coming home to Texas to play some bad ass shows at a few of my favorite old haunts!!!!!!!!! That parade!
See you out there.
K O K O...
Jack
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Getting to know this place
Hey,
Sitting in Chicago O'hare International Airport this morning. Got up at 4:30am in Austin and caught a flight on United. The security line was backed way out to the door and took forever! What the hell are all these idiots doing up so early and so eager about? I know what my problem is but what the hell is theirs?!!!
When I checked in last night on the computer I was not issued a seat. They told me to get my seat assignment when I got the gate so that's what I did. I went to the counter at the gate and nobody was their but I saw a ticket that had my name on it. I waited a few minutes and nobody showed up so I just grabbed my ticket. As soon as I grabbed my ticket a woman with a United Airlines uniform told me that that was very rude and I should wait. At this point I become conflicted... I know that she's probably right just because but I can't pinpoint why she's right and that always has perplexed me! I have never been able to understand why we should do things just because? My name is on the ticket, it's obviously mine, it's 5:25 in the morning and I just want to sit down and rest a bit while I am waiting on the plane to board. If I just grab my ticket and sit down then who's it going to hurt? It might not be the most polite thing to do- not letting the ticket hander outer hand me my ticket- but in a way I'm doing the woman a favor, right? Well she didn't think so! When my boarding group was called I handed her my pass and she curtly informed me that next time I should wait until she hands me my ticket and not touch her stuff! I kind of agreed with her. I am now in Chicago waiting for my connecting flight. Luckily for everybody involved, I was assigned a seat while in the comfort of my home last night and so I don't need to trigger any anxiety attacks here in Chicago!
I have been in this airport 45 times this year already. I used to think that if you were going to Hell you had to catch a connection in DFW. I still think that but if you're going to a gig I think you probably have to catch a connection in Chicago O'Hare.
Playing Oshkosh, Wisconsin this evening. Another great weekend up here where the weather is perfect! We've been playing some new songs in the set and I'm having a great time. It's a kick to play songs in front of people that we've all never heard live before! Pete, my drummer for you first timers, doesn't enjoy it as much as me but I think he underestimates his ability to play anything, anytime wonderfully! I think we'll learn another one at soundcheck today and put it into the set.
In Texas next weekend for the 3rd and 4th. Make your plans. These are going to be good!
About to board the plane. Flying to Milwaukee and then driving to Oshkosh. I'll need to buy a map.
Come see me,
Keep On Keepin' on...
Jack
Sitting in Chicago O'hare International Airport this morning. Got up at 4:30am in Austin and caught a flight on United. The security line was backed way out to the door and took forever! What the hell are all these idiots doing up so early and so eager about? I know what my problem is but what the hell is theirs?!!!
When I checked in last night on the computer I was not issued a seat. They told me to get my seat assignment when I got the gate so that's what I did. I went to the counter at the gate and nobody was their but I saw a ticket that had my name on it. I waited a few minutes and nobody showed up so I just grabbed my ticket. As soon as I grabbed my ticket a woman with a United Airlines uniform told me that that was very rude and I should wait. At this point I become conflicted... I know that she's probably right just because but I can't pinpoint why she's right and that always has perplexed me! I have never been able to understand why we should do things just because? My name is on the ticket, it's obviously mine, it's 5:25 in the morning and I just want to sit down and rest a bit while I am waiting on the plane to board. If I just grab my ticket and sit down then who's it going to hurt? It might not be the most polite thing to do- not letting the ticket hander outer hand me my ticket- but in a way I'm doing the woman a favor, right? Well she didn't think so! When my boarding group was called I handed her my pass and she curtly informed me that next time I should wait until she hands me my ticket and not touch her stuff! I kind of agreed with her. I am now in Chicago waiting for my connecting flight. Luckily for everybody involved, I was assigned a seat while in the comfort of my home last night and so I don't need to trigger any anxiety attacks here in Chicago!
I have been in this airport 45 times this year already. I used to think that if you were going to Hell you had to catch a connection in DFW. I still think that but if you're going to a gig I think you probably have to catch a connection in Chicago O'Hare.
Playing Oshkosh, Wisconsin this evening. Another great weekend up here where the weather is perfect! We've been playing some new songs in the set and I'm having a great time. It's a kick to play songs in front of people that we've all never heard live before! Pete, my drummer for you first timers, doesn't enjoy it as much as me but I think he underestimates his ability to play anything, anytime wonderfully! I think we'll learn another one at soundcheck today and put it into the set.
In Texas next weekend for the 3rd and 4th. Make your plans. These are going to be good!
About to board the plane. Flying to Milwaukee and then driving to Oshkosh. I'll need to buy a map.
Come see me,
Keep On Keepin' on...
Jack
Monday, June 23, 2008
What a weekend!
I told you we were going to have fun this weekend. I don't lie to you. Chicago was killer! Joe's Bar is one of the best bars in the country. Period. They treat us great. They catered dinner in for us from this BBQ joint called "Smoke". It is as good as anything I've had and I have had BBQ from almost every joint in this country. It was great. And that says nothing about how much fun the show was... Chicago has always been known as a music town and it is not by mistake. They are fantastic fans. They filled the bar and we had a helluva show. Can't wait to get back there. We'll be back in Chicago with Martina McBride at the end of August.
The Mayfly Festival in Dundee, MI was a good one too. It's always fun to play a very small town at one of those little fairs/carnivals... I'm not sure what you call one of those when they don't have any rides? They had Elephant Ears though so I guess that makes it a fair! It was real cool. The whole town came out and sang along and had a great time. So did I.
We played Detroit on Sunday evening at a festival called "River Days". It was quite an experience. Our show was sandwiched between an incredible gospel show, I mean it was the real deal and I was blown away, and Brian McNight. Do you remember him? I remembered the name and know he had some major R&B success a few years ago. It doesn't matter... I caught most of his show and it was really solid. I'm not sure that the majority of the audience that came to see the Gospel show and Brian McNight were completely prepared for "My name is Jack Ingram... I play Country Music"! But I really did have a good time attempting to expand some horizons in Detroit Motor City!!! It was good. We met some really great artists at the festival and accidentally made some new friends. It was all good.
It's definitely summer time! The shows are rocking and people are ready to have a good time. I'm glad it's early in the season! Here comes July 3 and July 4 in Texas. We are going to blow it out. If you can make it to any of these shows... I'll see you there. It's going to be big!
See you out there.
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
The Mayfly Festival in Dundee, MI was a good one too. It's always fun to play a very small town at one of those little fairs/carnivals... I'm not sure what you call one of those when they don't have any rides? They had Elephant Ears though so I guess that makes it a fair! It was real cool. The whole town came out and sang along and had a great time. So did I.
We played Detroit on Sunday evening at a festival called "River Days". It was quite an experience. Our show was sandwiched between an incredible gospel show, I mean it was the real deal and I was blown away, and Brian McNight. Do you remember him? I remembered the name and know he had some major R&B success a few years ago. It doesn't matter... I caught most of his show and it was really solid. I'm not sure that the majority of the audience that came to see the Gospel show and Brian McNight were completely prepared for "My name is Jack Ingram... I play Country Music"! But I really did have a good time attempting to expand some horizons in Detroit Motor City!!! It was good. We met some really great artists at the festival and accidentally made some new friends. It was all good.
It's definitely summer time! The shows are rocking and people are ready to have a good time. I'm glad it's early in the season! Here comes July 3 and July 4 in Texas. We are going to blow it out. If you can make it to any of these shows... I'll see you there. It's going to be big!
See you out there.
Keep On Keepin' On...
Jack
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Heading to the Midwest!
Hey,
Been looking forward to this weekend for a while now! Getting back up to the Midwest for a few shows. I always look forward to going to Chicago and playing Joe's Pub. It's a killer venue and they treat us great! This Friday should be no exception. It's going to be a full house and a whole lot of fun. We're also playing up in Minnesota and Michigan. The weather is going to be great and the shows are going to be some nice, big festivals. You know how I love to play festivals outside in the summer! There's just something about hopping on stage in the late afternoon/early evening with the wind blowing and the crowd buzzing... it always feels like some kind of cool dream. It's just like what I dreamed about doing when I used to go to Willie Nelson's picnic down here. So, to make a long story short, I've had this weekend circled on the calendar for a while. It's going to be a good one. Come out and see me.
Making a new record. Should have some news for you soon.
Been listening to Hayes Carll's new cd. It's great! Go check it out.
That's it (not to be confused with "This Is It"!).
KOKO...
Jack
Been looking forward to this weekend for a while now! Getting back up to the Midwest for a few shows. I always look forward to going to Chicago and playing Joe's Pub. It's a killer venue and they treat us great! This Friday should be no exception. It's going to be a full house and a whole lot of fun. We're also playing up in Minnesota and Michigan. The weather is going to be great and the shows are going to be some nice, big festivals. You know how I love to play festivals outside in the summer! There's just something about hopping on stage in the late afternoon/early evening with the wind blowing and the crowd buzzing... it always feels like some kind of cool dream. It's just like what I dreamed about doing when I used to go to Willie Nelson's picnic down here. So, to make a long story short, I've had this weekend circled on the calendar for a while. It's going to be a good one. Come out and see me.
Making a new record. Should have some news for you soon.
Been listening to Hayes Carll's new cd. It's great! Go check it out.
That's it (not to be confused with "This Is It"!).
KOKO...
Jack
Monday, June 16, 2008
Vernon, Tx
06/14/08
Vernon, Texas! We are sitting at a Rodeo arena in the middle of a 400,000 acre ranch just outside of Vernon, Texas. The show tonight is called Wolfe Dance. It is put on by the folks that I get my truck from and an old friend of mine named John Wolfe. This looks like a scene out of “Hud”, that old movie with Paul Newman or “The Last Picture Show”. I feel like any minute some dude with pressed dark denim Levi’s with the cuffs rolled up, a white t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a cool straw cowboy hat is going to walk up to buy a ticket for tonight’s show! It’s a cool scene. I think it’s going to be a good show.
Last night we played on a stage that was 30 feet off of the ground! It was the Crosby, Texas Fair and Rodeo. It was a really cool, small town fair. We had a great time! It was killer to be playing that high! The crowd filled the rodeo arena and it looked like they were having as good a time as us. It was good to be close to home. Crosby is about 30 miles from Houston.
Speaking of Houston…. I got invited to sing the national anthem before the Houston Astros game! It’s the second time they’ve asked me this year. It is so much fun to sing down on that baseball field! They were playing the New York Yankees. They lost 2 to 1. That’s a drag but they won the first won. I’m batting .500 which is better than most!
I almost forgot to mention the show in Ruston, LA at Rabb’s Steakhouse with Shooter Jennings…
Keep on keepin’ on…
Jack
Vernon, Texas! We are sitting at a Rodeo arena in the middle of a 400,000 acre ranch just outside of Vernon, Texas. The show tonight is called Wolfe Dance. It is put on by the folks that I get my truck from and an old friend of mine named John Wolfe. This looks like a scene out of “Hud”, that old movie with Paul Newman or “The Last Picture Show”. I feel like any minute some dude with pressed dark denim Levi’s with the cuffs rolled up, a white t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a cool straw cowboy hat is going to walk up to buy a ticket for tonight’s show! It’s a cool scene. I think it’s going to be a good show.
Last night we played on a stage that was 30 feet off of the ground! It was the Crosby, Texas Fair and Rodeo. It was a really cool, small town fair. We had a great time! It was killer to be playing that high! The crowd filled the rodeo arena and it looked like they were having as good a time as us. It was good to be close to home. Crosby is about 30 miles from Houston.
Speaking of Houston…. I got invited to sing the national anthem before the Houston Astros game! It’s the second time they’ve asked me this year. It is so much fun to sing down on that baseball field! They were playing the New York Yankees. They lost 2 to 1. That’s a drag but they won the first won. I’m batting .500 which is better than most!
I almost forgot to mention the show in Ruston, LA at Rabb’s Steakhouse with Shooter Jennings…
Keep on keepin’ on…
Jack
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Well, Well, Well...
June 1, 2008
Well, well, well…
I told you we were going to have a good time in Gun Barrel City! We sure as hell did!
We went to a pre show party at Donnie Nelson’s (of the Dallas Mavericks) lake house. He had a bunch of folks over to celebrate us coming to town and playing our first show in Texas after the ACM award win. We had a great time. They’ve got a new drink they’re getting to market called VIB. It’s a gooder.
Then we went to Gator’s. What a show! It felt just like playing a packed bar by a lake in Texas in the dawn of summer!!! A whole lot of fun. Before the show Donnie Nelson presented me with a Dallas Maverick jersey! It’s #15, Brad Davis’s retired # and my favorite #. Very cool! Then the mayor of Gun Barrel City (yes, they have one!) presented me with the key to the city! I’ve never been presented with a key to a city. I’ve had a few keys taken away from me but that’s another story. I asked the cops and the mayor if the key would work at the city jail!!! They declined comment.
The show was a ton of fun. The band was tight. The crowd was loose.
Can’t wait to do it again.
Keep on keeping on…
Jack
Well, well, well…
I told you we were going to have a good time in Gun Barrel City! We sure as hell did!
We went to a pre show party at Donnie Nelson’s (of the Dallas Mavericks) lake house. He had a bunch of folks over to celebrate us coming to town and playing our first show in Texas after the ACM award win. We had a great time. They’ve got a new drink they’re getting to market called VIB. It’s a gooder.
Then we went to Gator’s. What a show! It felt just like playing a packed bar by a lake in Texas in the dawn of summer!!! A whole lot of fun. Before the show Donnie Nelson presented me with a Dallas Maverick jersey! It’s #15, Brad Davis’s retired # and my favorite #. Very cool! Then the mayor of Gun Barrel City (yes, they have one!) presented me with the key to the city! I’ve never been presented with a key to a city. I’ve had a few keys taken away from me but that’s another story. I asked the cops and the mayor if the key would work at the city jail!!! They declined comment.
The show was a ton of fun. The band was tight. The crowd was loose.
Can’t wait to do it again.
Keep on keeping on…
Jack
Friday, May 30, 2008
It's Friday Morning...
May 30, 2008
It’s Friday morning and we’ve got a show in Gun Barrel City, Texas tonight. It’s a little town south of Dallas where they treat us real good and give us a discount at Whataburger! What’s not to love about that?!!!!! I think a few of the Dallas Cowboys and some of the Dallas Mavericks are coming to the show. That should be cool. There is a lake close by and a bunch of people from Big D have summer places there. Drunk lake rats in the summer, a bar close by and a bad ass band (that’s us)…. Sounds like something might happen tonight!!!!
I haven’t talked to you guys since the big night in Las Vegas at the Academy Of Country Music Awards… what a night!!!!!!
As you may or may not know, I won the Top New Male Vocalist award. It was thrilling! It has been quite a journey from Adair’s Saloon in Dallas, Texas to the stage in Vegas! Quite a good journey. If it took this long to get to what many consider to be the starting line then I am one lucky dude. I can only hope it takes just as long to get to the end!!!!
Thanks to everybody out there who has supported my career thus far. You are fantastic and I am eternally grateful! Let’s keep this thing moving.
Keep on keepin’ on…
Jack
It’s Friday morning and we’ve got a show in Gun Barrel City, Texas tonight. It’s a little town south of Dallas where they treat us real good and give us a discount at Whataburger! What’s not to love about that?!!!!! I think a few of the Dallas Cowboys and some of the Dallas Mavericks are coming to the show. That should be cool. There is a lake close by and a bunch of people from Big D have summer places there. Drunk lake rats in the summer, a bar close by and a bad ass band (that’s us)…. Sounds like something might happen tonight!!!!
I haven’t talked to you guys since the big night in Las Vegas at the Academy Of Country Music Awards… what a night!!!!!!
As you may or may not know, I won the Top New Male Vocalist award. It was thrilling! It has been quite a journey from Adair’s Saloon in Dallas, Texas to the stage in Vegas! Quite a good journey. If it took this long to get to what many consider to be the starting line then I am one lucky dude. I can only hope it takes just as long to get to the end!!!!
Thanks to everybody out there who has supported my career thus far. You are fantastic and I am eternally grateful! Let’s keep this thing moving.
Keep on keepin’ on…
Jack
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