by Mary-Ann Brandon
Concerts For Causes
The songs and stories of Jim Jones
[Saturday, March 27–Concerts for Causes presents Jim Jones, Western singer/songwriter/guitarist and author, at A Little Catering Company, 916 Arizona Avenue, Trinidad, CO. 5:30 pm buffet supper, 7:00 pm concert. $20 per person. Reservations a must to 719-846-3901 or mary@alittlecateringcompany.com. Proceeds donated to ReGroup- Trinidad recycling organization- and the Kiwanis Youth Arts Academy]
The allure and romanticism of the American west has a tremendous evocative power throughout the world. One need only travel to any other country and talk to its residents to get a sense of how deeply people feel about the west, the music, cowboys and Indians, wars, horses, history etc. To be an authentic writer, focusing on a particular region of this amazing country, it’s my contention that the writer has to spend a considerable amount of time and energy consumed with the culture of which they write. Otherwise, the story comes off like a Hollywood actress from Minnesota who took dialect lessons for a month before interpreting a Tennessee Williams play. Jim Jones is obviously a writer who has lived and breathed the west in all its glorious detail for many years.
Jones is a native of Texas who has traveled far and wide as a music raconteur, spreading tales of life in the west. His songwriting and recordings have led to many awards. In May of 2009 his song, “The Cowboys of New Mexico” was named Western Song of the Year at the New Mexico Music Awards. In September, 2008, he received the Will Rogers Award for Male Western Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists. He’s a two-time finalist in the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk songwriter competition and has produced sixteen albums of his own and others’ music as well as three award-winning children’s character education music videos.
He performs at great listening venues like the Arizona Folklore Preserve in Sierra Vista, AZ, the Solid Grounds Coffeehouse and the El Rey Theater in Albuquerque and Poor David’s Pub in Dallas.
In addition to his songwriting and performing schedule, Jones has found time to author a book. His first novel, Rustler’s Moon, was published in May, 2009 and was a finalist in two categories: “Best Historical Fiction” and “Best First Book” for the New Mexico Book Awards.
This should be a great event for anyone who loves cowboy music and culture. The only thing better would be hearing it around a campfire in the middle of the plains. On a cold March night, the confines of a warm building will surely fit the bill.
The Trinidad Arts & Culture Commission continues its support of Concerts for Causes though its donations that cover the performing artists’ fees.
For a pre-concert listen go to www.cdbaby.com and select Explore Music then type in Jim Jones. Finally, select an album and click on the songs that appeal to you.
