The latest from Jimmy Carter in Nashville

Sometimes the show Cant Go On.... Camrose Alberta..August 1 2009 Nightmare at 6pm MT Saturday….Like in the film, “The Mummy”, a fast moving brown cloud raced from the Northwest toward the stage at The Big Valley Jamboree. Billy Currington was saying thanks and the warning was going to seek shelter. The RCMP had alerted the security a few minutes before. The storm hit with winds estimated at 100 mph. The speaker columns seem to go first but it all happened at light speed. I saw the cloud and told the people I was with to RUN. I almost made it to shelter when the wind hit and lifted me off me feet..I caught myself mid fall…it was liked a sandblaster hitting you…. The dirt,wind,then the rain. It was all so fast. The stage had about 100 people on it…about average.. Billy Currington was wrapping up and Kevin Costners people were in pre show mode. One of the stage guests was Donna Moore. A mother of two from a small Alberta town east of Edmonton. She was on some bleacher...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 2009 Camrose , Alberta : Panhandle Productions Ltd., producers of Big Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta, regret to announce that Sunday’s activities at Big Valley Jamboree 2009 will be cancelled due to the collapse of the concert bowl stage. The stage collapsed Saturday night as the result of extreme weather that consisted of high winds and heavy rain. One person is confirmed deceased and two people remain in critical condition. As many as 75 people with various injuries were treated at medical facilities and have been in contact with family members. Emergency personnel worked throughout the night to confirm that all guests are accounted for. “We are deeply saddened by the events of Saturday night,” said event Producer Larry Werner. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, fans and friends impacted by this incident.” A variety of personal belongings left in the concert bowl on Saturday can be picked up at the Panhandle Productions office l...

You see the sky dark NW of Camrose,Alberta..near 6pm Saturday. a few minutes later you could see rain from the helicopter I was in over the Big Valley Jamboree... after we landed a 5 minute drive and then the dark arrived...brown actually...the leading edge of this thunderstorm pushed a sand cloud in front... it was ugly...and lifted me off the ground..I caught myself...but it was strong....when it hit me...it hit the big stage and Billy Currington was hurt...Kevin Costner had band members hurt. it was crazy... It was simply amazing....scarey and amazing....One woman was killed by a speaker column...a number of people were hurt.. The cell phones were dead....power was out...in Camrose too....it was angry and ugly...

Johnny Reid....get used to the name....This guy is going places! I was not aware of him but got the introduction at this year's Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose,Alberta,Canada. Canadians seem to know him..up for several CCMA's ( Canadian Country Music Awards)....He should and I predict will be an international star. I'm not sure if he fits in the pure country mold but does Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift? His timing might be just right! Johnny Reid has a soulful voice...Rod Stewartish..big band and big charisma....charming...He had the audience at first note! He is from Scotland via Canada and the US. Europe should like his SOUL....He needs that big career launching single...he has everything else! This is not my last report on this young man....I'm now a fan!!! just found his web site http://www.johnnyreid.com/

The folks in Alberta,Canada know how to party on their August Long Weekend....Tim McGraw headlines on Sunday night...Gary Allan Tonight with Kevin Costner and his band Modern West...( They played Missoula,Mt last night and driving up today).... Glen Campbell was wonderful Friday! This is a very well run festival... The number of campers here is outrageous...Aerials coming later today.... BVJ is bad weather free too...warmmmmm day today but not over the top..yet:)