Bootleggers-Tyler, TX - May 14, 2008
This Saturday May 17.... Jarrod and the guys
will be @ Bootleggers in Tyler Texas. Call all
the party people and lets rock the roof off that
place. There will be some new shirts on
display... so take a look and be one of the
first kids on your block to have one :-)
*NEW MERCHANDISE & STUDIO TIME* - April 7, 2008
Jarrod is in the studio working on a new cd.......
check back for more updates as they
develop............it's gonna kick
ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jarrod's Interview - December 28, 2007
AIDING THE TROOPS WITH MUSIC
Victoria musician lauded by troops during eight-country concert
BY APRILL BRANDON - VICTORIA ADVOCATE
December 26, 2007
It was during his first night in Afghanistan that it hit him. On tour overseas to play for the American Armed Forces, Victoria musician Jarrod Birmingham said he could hear the mortar blasts, gunfire and planes taking off all throughout that night.
Even though as a former professional bull rider he had been close to death before, when the sun came up the next morning, he said he sat outside and cried.
“Honestly, it was pretty life-changing. I thought I was tough by most circumstances, but this was a different deal,” he said a few days after returning from the tour. “These soldiers and the people of Afghanistan hear that kind of stuff every day of their life. And then it hit me – how could anybody just live their life hearing that all the time?”
For five weeks, Birmingham and members of his band traveled to eight countries as part of the Armed Forces Entertainment program, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. During that time, not only did he perform, but he also met several of the men and women fighting in the war-torn countries.
“Actually being over there and seeing things with your own eyes really brings it home to you. What people need to understand is that the American soldiers believe so much in what they are doing,” he said. “They just want to make sure someone is still pulling for them.”
Birmingham added that the soldiers he spent time with said they were frustrated with how the media have been portraying the war. What it all boils down to is that this is not necessarily a war to defeat an enemy but more about trying to build a better world for the next generation in these countries, he said.
“I can’t speak for all the American soldiers, but the ones I talked to are really trying to build a better world for the children to grow up in,” Birmingham said. “They are trying to establish an economy and an infrastructure for the kids they see with the missing limbs from playing in land mines.”
Birmingham added he felt humbled by meeting the soldiers, whom he calls heroes. That feeling was mutual on the other end as well. In a letter written to Birmingham, one soldier, Sgt. Roger Zehr of Abilene, told him:
“I just wanted to take a little time to express my thanks to you all…I don’t think you will ever understand the true effect of what you are doing for your country and the men and women that are fighting.
“People wonder why America’s forces are so strong. It’s not the equipment, it’s not the jets, it’s not even our weapons. The secret is morale! So today don’t view yourself as a band playing some songs to make us happy. View yourself as an extension to our forces fighting the war on terrorism.”
Birmingham is now trying to get involved in programs that send care packages to the armed forces stationed overseas and is also encouraging others to do the same. Although he was impressed with how well the government is taking care of the soldiers, many of them told Birmingham that nothing beats homemade cookies sent from home.
“The soldiers love to hear from people and get care packages. Their eyes just light up when they get mail,” he said. “At the end of the day, people need to look past what they feel about the war, which is their right to feel, and remember those people defending that right. These soldiers aren’t asking for thanks, just acknowledgment.”
Victoria musician lauded by troops during eight-country concert
BY APRILL BRANDON - VICTORIA ADVOCATE
December 26, 2007
It was during his first night in Afghanistan that it hit him. On tour overseas to play for the American Armed Forces, Victoria musician Jarrod Birmingham said he could hear the mortar blasts, gunfire and planes taking off all throughout that night.
Even though as a former professional bull rider he had been close to death before, when the sun came up the next morning, he said he sat outside and cried.
“Honestly, it was pretty life-changing. I thought I was tough by most circumstances, but this was a different deal,” he said a few days after returning from the tour. “These soldiers and the people of Afghanistan hear that kind of stuff every day of their life. And then it hit me – how could anybody just live their life hearing that all the time?”
For five weeks, Birmingham and members of his band traveled to eight countries as part of the Armed Forces Entertainment program, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. During that time, not only did he perform, but he also met several of the men and women fighting in the war-torn countries.
“Actually being over there and seeing things with your own eyes really brings it home to you. What people need to understand is that the American soldiers believe so much in what they are doing,” he said. “They just want to make sure someone is still pulling for them.”
Birmingham added that the soldiers he spent time with said they were frustrated with how the media have been portraying the war. What it all boils down to is that this is not necessarily a war to defeat an enemy but more about trying to build a better world for the next generation in these countries, he said.
“I can’t speak for all the American soldiers, but the ones I talked to are really trying to build a better world for the children to grow up in,” Birmingham said. “They are trying to establish an economy and an infrastructure for the kids they see with the missing limbs from playing in land mines.”
Birmingham added he felt humbled by meeting the soldiers, whom he calls heroes. That feeling was mutual on the other end as well. In a letter written to Birmingham, one soldier, Sgt. Roger Zehr of Abilene, told him:
“I just wanted to take a little time to express my thanks to you all…I don’t think you will ever understand the true effect of what you are doing for your country and the men and women that are fighting.
“People wonder why America’s forces are so strong. It’s not the equipment, it’s not the jets, it’s not even our weapons. The secret is morale! So today don’t view yourself as a band playing some songs to make us happy. View yourself as an extension to our forces fighting the war on terrorism.”
Birmingham is now trying to get involved in programs that send care packages to the armed forces stationed overseas and is also encouraging others to do the same. Although he was impressed with how well the government is taking care of the soldiers, many of them told Birmingham that nothing beats homemade cookies sent from home.
“The soldiers love to hear from people and get care packages. Their eyes just light up when they get mail,” he said. “At the end of the day, people need to look past what they feel about the war, which is their right to feel, and remember those people defending that right. These soldiers aren’t asking for thanks, just acknowledgment.”
We Are Back!!! - December 17, 2007
Greetings,
We are back from our overseas trip It was good times playing for our Armed Service Men and Women. Already have some pics and a slideshow posted for your veiwing pleasure. More updates on the way so check back often
We are back from our overseas trip It was good times playing for our Armed Service Men and Women. Already have some pics and a slideshow posted for your veiwing pleasure. More updates on the way so check back often
Greetings from halfway around the world!!!!!! - November 20, 2007
It has been an adventure so far and it's only
the first weekend..
sheesh!!!!
After many hours of being in the air we finally made it to our
destination. Cant really tell you where were are or anything like
that, just that we made it and are in one peice. Not really sure how
often internet access will be but we will try and keep everyone
updated as things progress.
We completed our first weekend of shows. Things are going really
well. The good men and women protecting us are happy that we are here
and enjoy the heck out of our music. We thank them and salute them for
the hard work that they do everyday.
Well we just wanted to send a message out to everyone and let you
guys know that we are ok and out doing our thing. Check the website
often for any updates.
C ya soon,
Jarrod & The Guys
sheesh!!!!
After many hours of being in the air we finally made it to our
destination. Cant really tell you where were are or anything like
that, just that we made it and are in one peice. Not really sure how
often internet access will be but we will try and keep everyone
updated as things progress.
We completed our first weekend of shows. Things are going really
well. The good men and women protecting us are happy that we are here
and enjoy the heck out of our music. We thank them and salute them for
the hard work that they do everyday.
Well we just wanted to send a message out to everyone and let you
guys know that we are ok and out doing our thing. Check the website
often for any updates.
C ya soon,
Jarrod & The Guys
Headed Overseas - November 14, 2007
Jarrod and the guys have their bags packed and
all ready to go. They will be heading out for
about 3 to 4 weeks to play for the troops. Be
sure to wish the guys good luck on their
journey.
I'm sure there will be tons of pictures and stories to tell just as soon as they get back. Be sure to stay tuned and visit the site from time to time with updates on shows.
I'm sure there will be tons of pictures and stories to tell just as soon as they get back. Be sure to stay tuned and visit the site from time to time with updates on shows.
Yorktown Western Days - October 23, 2007
Wooooooo Hooooooo what a show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's gonna be one they talk about for a long time. If you were sitting on your butt at home eating cheeto's in a bean bag chair you for sure missed out this time Let me break it down for you and tell you what you missed.
The guys arrived sometime around 4 in the afternoon. Sun was out and bright as ever. Didn't see to many rain clouds and with what has been going on the past couple of months......trust me it's a good thing. The wind was blowing pretty good and with the sun blazing the way it was it made for a perfect day for some outdoor entertainment
Once we got settled in I think everyone grabbed a little treat for themselves. Beer, turkey leg, funnell cake......ect. There was a ton of stuff going on. I think every 15 minutes there was something new to go watch or be a part of. They had tons of contests and shows. The Yorktown people know how to put no a festival that is for sure
Once Jarrod and the guys took the stage.......well needless to say it was 100mph non stop. There were the rowdy's up front raising hell. The dancers in the middle getting there boot scoot on. The talkers in the back shooting the bull about work, kids, and whatever they can think of. If you were at the show be sure to tell others what they missed. If you are reading this and stayed at home. I suggest you get your buns out to a show Jarrod and the guys are taking a trip overseas next month so you better get to a show before they leave.
That's gonna be one they talk about for a long time. If you were sitting on your butt at home eating cheeto's in a bean bag chair you for sure missed out this time Let me break it down for you and tell you what you missed.
The guys arrived sometime around 4 in the afternoon. Sun was out and bright as ever. Didn't see to many rain clouds and with what has been going on the past couple of months......trust me it's a good thing. The wind was blowing pretty good and with the sun blazing the way it was it made for a perfect day for some outdoor entertainment
Once we got settled in I think everyone grabbed a little treat for themselves. Beer, turkey leg, funnell cake......ect. There was a ton of stuff going on. I think every 15 minutes there was something new to go watch or be a part of. They had tons of contests and shows. The Yorktown people know how to put no a festival that is for sure
Once Jarrod and the guys took the stage.......well needless to say it was 100mph non stop. There were the rowdy's up front raising hell. The dancers in the middle getting there boot scoot on. The talkers in the back shooting the bull about work, kids, and whatever they can think of. If you were at the show be sure to tell others what they missed. If you are reading this and stayed at home. I suggest you get your buns out to a show Jarrod and the guys are taking a trip overseas next month so you better get to a show before they leave.
Brazoria County Fair - October 14, 2007
The Brazoria County Fair show was off the hook
yo! It was a typical day like any other. We
rolled in late afternoon and got our sound check
out of the way. Some of the guys went inside the
arena to check out some of the rodeo. The muttin
bustin was absolutely adorable. Everyone got
some food in their belly and a beer in hand :)
Due to the fact that we were sharing the stage with Kevin Fowler we knew there was gonna be one heck of a crowd out there. Also the Brazoria fair is only the biggest one in TEXAS! Once the rodeo let out it was time to rock the house. I dont think you could count the people there were so many. Needless to say Jarrod and the guys rocked the roof off.
If you weren't there then you missed out!!!!!!!!!!
The big suprise of the night......................wait for it........................wait for it.........
NO RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
The rain gods decided to take the night off and the guys were very happy. It was a perfect night for an outdoors show.
Be sure to check the calendar and catch a show if we are close to your town.
There is also talk of going back overseas so check back often!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Due to the fact that we were sharing the stage with Kevin Fowler we knew there was gonna be one heck of a crowd out there. Also the Brazoria fair is only the biggest one in TEXAS! Once the rodeo let out it was time to rock the house. I dont think you could count the people there were so many. Needless to say Jarrod and the guys rocked the roof off.
If you weren't there then you missed out!!!!!!!!!!
The big suprise of the night......................wait for it........................wait for it.........
NO RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
The rain gods decided to take the night off and the guys were very happy. It was a perfect night for an outdoors show.
Be sure to check the calendar and catch a show if we are close to your town.
There is also talk of going back overseas so check back often!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Almost Done!!! - October 11, 2007
Well I think we got most of the bugs worked out
and the site is pretty much up and running.
There are a few tweeks that need to be made.
Sent out our first newsletter to make sure all of that is up and running. If you have not signed up for the email list you better get on it :) If we are not in your area and you cant make it to a show at least you can keep tabs on what we are up to.
Lots more to come to be sure to come back and see us!!
Sent out our first newsletter to make sure all of that is up and running. If you have not signed up for the email list you better get on it :) If we are not in your area and you cant make it to a show at least you can keep tabs on what we are up to.
Lots more to come to be sure to come back and see us!!
Welcome to the new site! - September 18, 2007
The new site is up and running but it is under
construction. Be sure to check back with us. For
now you might as well sign up for our new email
list. :)
