James Rogers
Popular Chattanooga area entertainer/singer/songwriter James Rogers will take the Camp Jordan Amphitheatre stage on Saturday, May 23.
Mr. Rogers will perform a two-hour show starting at 8:00 p.m. as part of the free Camp Jordan Jams concert series, presented by the East Ridge Parks and Recreation Department.
East Ridge Parks and Recreation Director Stump Martin said Mr.
Rogers will bring a crowd to the park for a fun evening that will feature an opening act, a Car, Truck and Motorcycle Cruise In and plenty of good fun and food.
"I've known James for years and followed his career," Mr. Martin said. "I first saw him at the Fort Oglethorpe Labor Day Barbecue where he entertained huge crowds the way only James can do."
Mr. Martin said he saw Mr. Rogers perform as a regular at the Station House at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo in the 1970's and at the Music Mansion at Pigeon Forge.
"I have seen James perform many times and every performance is fun and entertaining," Mr. Martin said. "He really gets the crowd into the show and it will be cool to see him at Camp Jordan not far from where he got his start at the Light Fantastic on Brainerd Road.
A former member of the Tennessee National Guard, who served in active duty with the U.S. Army, Mr. Rogers' Memorial Day weekend performance will be spot on to honor those who gave their lives for our country.
As is written on the James Rogers.com site, "He’s as patriotic as old glory. The lyrics of his songs strike a powerful longing in our hearts for the days when things were simpler and all Americans stood strong, proud and together. His music sets us free to dream; knowing that dreams can come true as long as you believe. We are able to soar with his music much like his beloved eagles now soar above our great country. This is James Rogers, entertainer extraordinaire."
From 1975 to 1983 he performed in large show rooms and in concerts with some of the biggest names in show business, including Alabama, Suzy Bogguss, Roy Clark, Steve Martin, Ricky Skaggs and superstar Dolly Parton.
He won the 1983 National Mountain Music Festival talent contest that featured 2,000 contestants at a theme park in the Smokies called Silver Dollar City.
James Rogers and Company (as the huge production show was called) at Magic Mansion, was "the No. 1 most attended show in the Smokies." The theater and Mr. Rogers received worldwide acclaim by winning several awards, including the Peoples’ Choice Award for "Best Show" 1997 and 1998, "Best Theatre" 1996, 1997, and 1998, and "Best Entertainer" 1997 and 1998 just to name a few.
Mr. Rogers was at the Music Mansion in Pigeon Forge from 1994-1998 and continued to perform at Dollywood from 1998 until November 3, 2012.
“I Guard America,” was written by Mr. Rogers and adopted in 1997 by the Enlisted Men's and Women's Association of the National Guard as their official theme song. In 1999 it was also adopted as the official song of the National Guard.
In 2002, Mr. Rogers wrote “Where Eagles Fly,” for the Fraternal Order Of Eagles, which was later adopted as the theme song. He recorded “Save the Eagle” as a benefit song for the American Eagle Foundation. Collaborating stars included Lee Greenwood, Ricky Skaggs, Tanya Tucker, Deborah Allen, Deanna Carter, Ricky Lynn Gregg, Joy White and The Oak Ridge Boys. ”When Challenger Flies,” his new song for the American Eagle Foundation, has had three million hits on YouTube. After the loss of his father to the disease, James wrote “Find The Way” for the Alzheimer’s Association.
CAMP JORDAN JAMS
WHEN: Saturday, May 23 starting at 6:30 p.m. with the opening act
WHAT: Camp Jordan Jams Concert Series & Cruise In
WHERE: Camp Jordan Park; I-75, Exit 1
ADMISSION: Free
WHAT TO EXPECT: Fun featuring entertainer/singer/songwriter James Rogers
WHAT TO BRING: Chairs, blankets, towels, etc. to sit on
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 423-463-4391 or 423-490-0078 email smartin@eastridgetn.gov.