06/29/07
Well folks, the new website is finally up.  Time again to keep up with the newsletter.  There has been so much happen in the past year since the last one was written.  This new website allows us more control, so updating should not take near as long.  Melissa Webb is working on getting us a guestbook up and we will soon have pictures in the gallery.
 
We have had a few new faces added to the band recently.  Justin Gresham has been hired on as the new lead guitar player.  He's a great guy and a hell of a picker.  He has done his homework and really jumped in with both feet running.  Mr. Steve Carr and Bryan Gersh have been filling in on bass until we find someone full time.  Both Bryan and Steve are solid on bass and vocals.  So as Steve would say, "There is peace in the pocket".  Thanks guys.  Myself, Phil, Maurice and John are all still here doing what we love, with no plans for retirement anytime soon.
 
I would also like to say thanks to our friend Ray Wolfe - known far and wide as the infamous "Wolfy".  He has been helping run sound when John Jr. can't make it.  He really has been working his butt off.  Plus he's one of the few that can stay up with me on a Tuesday night until there are no more "world problems" or "dead soldiers", which ever comes first.
 
We have had a very full schedule lately with no time off.  I am really looking forward to our annual river trip at the end of July.  I want to say thanks to some of the "Deanville Mafia" for making the trip to Kerrville a couple of weeks ago.  It was packed!  (The bar staff at the INN says thanks also).  Speaking of the "Mafia", the 4th of July party is here this weekend.  Hopefully the rain will hold off Saturday and the rest of next week.  Tuesday the 3rd we play at the fireworks display in Caldwell.  Wednesday the 4th, we are back in Bandera at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar.  This is also an outdoor venue.  The last few times we've played there it has rained, but it's well worth the drive.  Huge dance floor, great stage, good folks and cold beer.  This is one of our favorites.
 
Hope to see you all soon.  Be back next month with an update.
 
Shawn Jennings
And The Southern Roots Band

02/17/06

New from SRB!

Well the month of February is here and it's time to fill everyone in on what's been going on with SRB. Lately we have been causing lots of late night road kill across these Texas highway's with no major mishaps. Although, we did find out that a Conroe bobcat is no match for Phil Livengood and a Ford powerstroke.

The New Year's Eve party in Frenstat was a blast. I don't think we could get anymore people in the place. A good time was had by all who came, and no more whiskey for me - thank you! Hope to see all of you again next year.

Just as everyone was recovering from New Year's, we played the annual Country Palooza III with KTEX 106.1 in January. This was another great party. Again this year, we shared the stage with our good friend Sonny Burgess and Rick Sousley. Allie Danielle and the Josh Grider Band also performed. Ken, we pulled it off again Buddy. Great job and thanks for all your support!!

The Valentine's dance at New Tabor proved to uphold the SRB tradition of having a good time. The blue ribbon has to go to "Wolfy". I feel for ya Bud!! And second place respectfully goes to the "SRB Ladies". I would personally like to thank J.B.L. for making good, rugged equipment. Let's just say it was "field tested" and so far so good!!

Several folks have been asking about our steel guitar player, Maurice Jurena. Contrary to popular belief, he has not run off and joined the circus. Although, there was a rumor about a bearded lady - but that's another story. Maurice has had major back surgery. He ruptured a disc around New Years and has been down for awhile. Surgery went well and he's on his way back to the band as soon as he's well enough to sit on his stool (no pun intended) for a couple of hours. John Cox has been doing a fine job filling in. Maurice's wife Terri also lost her mother recently, so our thoughts and prayers are with the Jurena family.

The single "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" has done good on getting airplay across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Louisiana. It peaked at around 160 spins in a week. We almost hit #50 on the Texas Music charts. Thanks to all who have called it in. In March, the next single will hit the radio. This one is the title track "Broken Wings". Starting around March we ask everyone to call those radio stations requesting "Broken Wings" by "Shawn Jennings And The Southern Roots Band". We need your help now more than ever. We have signed on with Debbie Green at BGM Network for the radio promotion and we know she will be hard at work for us again.

You can now buy our cd's on line at www.cdtex.com, www.mytexasmusic.com and www.lonestarmusic.com. At My Texas Music, they gave us a very good review of the new cd. You can also review it at this site. Lone Star Music is kind of like Gruene Hall's music store. It's very easy to get around on and all reviews go directly to the site. So check it out if you are just farting around on the computer. Write a review, good or bad, I don't care. The more reviews there are the more people can read and decide for themselves if they want to buy our cd's. We are also now on a site called www.radiofreetexas.org. This is an internet radio show that plays all Texas music. You can go on there and request our songs and help bring us up the charts.

We have finally got most of the new merchandise in; short and long sleeve shirts, new stickers, koozies and cd's. Caps should be coming in any day now. Hopefully soon we can get a link on our website for all these. Plans are also in the works for a video shoot so we can get a live video on our site.

Well, it's time to get going, tunes to play and beer to drink. Check out all the new pictures in the fan gallery and remember to call those radio stations. Thanks!!!

Shawn Jennings

11/02/05

Latest from Shawn

Here again folks with another SRB update.
The new CD is finally finished. It is titled "Broken Wings" after one of our favorite songs on the album. The first single that we have released is an old Don Williams tune "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend". We have joined with Debbie Green at BGM Network out of San Antonio for a Texas Radio Promotion. This song has gone out to over 150 radio stations in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. So everyone call your local radio stations and request "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend" by "Shawn Jennings and the Southern Roots Band". The more people call, the more it gets played. If the station tells you they don't have it, keep calling them until they get it. This is really how radio works. Almost every station that reports to the Texas Music Charts should have the single by now. (See texasmusiccharts.com for a list.) We will have our CD's for sale at serveral Hastings stores, some local stores and at cdtex.com. We will also have them at every live show or you can e-mail me at shawn.srb.com and tell us how many you need, send a check and we will get them out to you.

We have been getting lots of hits on the website lately so if you're looking around on the site please sign the guestbook, we would love to hear from you. To send a personal note to me, just e-mail me at the address above.

The Washington County fair with Mark Chestnut in September went very well. That was probably the largest crowd we have played to date. The man in charge said he guesses about 10,000 people were there. The following weekend at the Burleson County fair with Deryll Dodd got cancelled due to the fear of a hurricane. The only puddles on the ground though were the after effects of a case of beer! Better safe than sorry I guess.

We had our annual Halloween Party at New Tabor last week and this was by far the best one yet. Some of the costumes were just great. First prize had to go to the full size Spiderman in the wee size Spiderman suit (sock included). The "Soggy Bottom Boys" were there, some spooky folks and even the Klan showed up. The band dressed as the Wizard Of Oz. Phil really did a good job as the "Tin Man". I also learned that it is very hard to sing a love song when you're dressed like a munchkin. Take a look at the fans page for some great pictures.
I was also the featured entertainer at the Giddings Opry a couple weeks ago and had the chance to meet Bobby Flores. He's a terrific musician and a real nice guy who plays one mean fiddle.

We are headed to Kerrville again this weekend. It's going to be opening weekend of deer season so we are bound to have one hell of a party. We also picked up a new place in Fredricksburg called "South Star". It's a real nice place with some real nice people.

We will have a weekend or two off in November and December, a chance for me and my girls to do a little deer hunting of our own. We could use a little break after the pace we've been going at this past year. We are also starting to get plans together for New Year's Eve. We may have it at a different location this year because of price issues, so check the website later for more details.
Kirk, our webmaster has been busy getting all the new updates and changes ready. We will have some new pictures and downloads coming very soon.
Well I guess that about does it for now. I haven't written in a while, sorry for being so long winded. We'll be back soon!

Shawn
Southern Roots Band

08/16/05

Message from Shawn

Howdy, folks!

Well, here I am again with another update that is several months overdue. Sorry it has taken so long but I have got so many irons in the fire right now, I don't know if I should bring more wood or a bucket of water to put out the flames.

First off, I would like to say the new CD is very near completion. Hopefully another week in the studio, then on to the mastering process, photo shoot & finally duplication. We were hoping to have it out by the first of September in time for all the county fairs we have coming up, but as with anything, when you're in a hurry something always seems to slow you down. I hope to have it ready mid to late September. We have been thinking about taking the project to Nashville for the final mastering process at Hank Williams Studio. This guy has all the right digital mastering equipment and is very good at what he does. He has done a lot with Alan Jackson, Gretchin Wilson and too many others to name. It is all going to depend on my time line and how much more Hollie will let me pull out of our savings account. I swear my savings account is so empty and lonely, if it were a cold dark night you could hear a cricket fart. We had a real blast in the studio a couple of weeks ago. We wanted to have a couple of songs to have a live party atmosphere so we brought in the "Inebriated Deanville Choir". After the four cases of the beer we killed in two hours - well we got what we needed and then some. Thanks guys!! We should have a few pictures of that coming up on the fan gallery. We also recorded a hidden track for the CD that is very special to me. I'm not going to say what it is yet, but it will be something to look for.

In the past few months, John Bodiford and Wayne Taylor have joined the band full time. After almost three months of looking for the right guys, we have them now. (one less iron in the fire) Wayne; AKA Budda, was actually our bass player at one time. He left for awhile but said Southern Roots was the place he ought to be so he loaded up the truck and moved to - Ah hell, you know the story. John has been playing drums and doing some great singing for us. Just ask him to play "Mustang Sally", that really gets the folks moving. We call John "Pringles". There is a story behind that, but I better let him tell you. It seems I have given a nickname to everybody in the band except myself. Phil gave me one but I try to ignore it. It begins with an "A" and ends with "hole". - Seriously, the band is finally tight and we sound better than we ever have. With Melissa, John and Budda's harmonies, we have added a new element to SRB. We should have new band pictures and everyone's bio's up soon so check it out.

We will be in Kerrville at the Inn Of The Hills again this weekend. We are really seeing a great following down in the Hill Country lately, so if you get a chance or need a weekend retreat, this is the place to do it. It has turned into one of our favorite places to play.

I guess that about does it for now. Be on the lookout for the newest CD sometime in September. This one is turning out to be everything that we have hoped for. It has twelve songs. Nine new songs that I have written and three cover tunes. One of these is by the "Gentle Giant". Not to be confused with the "Jolly Green Giant". All of you D.W. fans will know who I'm talking about.

Anyway, its time to head back to the thriving big city of Whellock, TX for yet another night in the studio, but the countdown has begun.

'Till Next Time,

Shawn

Southern Roots Band

05/17/05

New Pictures!

Fans!
New pictures have been added to the Fan Gallery. Make sure to check it out.
You just might find your own smiling face in there!
Be assured we will be putting up more Fan's pictures again soon... so keep on watchin' and dancin'!

Kirock7
Web Master

5/09/05

Current News From SRB

Hey Folks,

Well I have finally gotten the chance to sit down and let everyone know what has been going on with the band lately. We have been very busy as usual, playing just about every single weekend, and I swear we go to bed with the bats - but still have to get up with the chickens. It was sure good to be back at Taz Country a few weeks ago and see all our crazy friends and family from the "Austin" area. You never know what might happen when you mix "hillbillies" and beer.
Just to let everyone know, we are back in the studio working on the long awaited "next" CD. I have a lot of new material we've been working on and things are going great. I know it has been about a year and a half sense we first released our debut CD, but trust me, the songs and the musical talent on this one are gonna blow your socks off. One of my personal favorites on the new album is a song entitled "Broken Wings". We've been getting some good response from folks at our live shows on this one and it could possibly be the next single. There is also a song entitled "Cooder Brown", and if you've ever had a little too much to drink on a good wild night, I bet you can relate. Phil really plays some mean harmonica on this song.
We are recording again at Harry O's Studio in Wheelock with producer Steve Carr. You may recognize Steve. He has been filling in with the band playing bass or lead guitar - which ever was needed. Let me tell you, he is a man of many talents. Maurice Jurena - The Man Of Steel (guitar) - has had some back surgery and an occassional flare up, but the doctor said he is good to go again. We've been trying to protect him from doing any heavy lifting and carrying any equipment, but Maurice says he's fine now and doesn't need our help to go pee or anything!! HA! HA!
Ronnie Dicharo from Bryan has finally joined the band full time as lead guitar player. He's been playing with us for the last year and a half or so as a fill in, but finally quit his other band and is now an official member of SRB. He is a very good guitar player and a hell of a nice guy. He own's Sam's Shoe Shop in Bryan, so we have given him the nickname "Sole Man".
We have also picked up a few new places to play. We booked a new place between Austin and Bastrop called "Cindy's Gone Hogg Wild" (neat name). We were in Belton at the "Ranch" last week and we will be at the "Ranch" in Rockdale (no relation) this week. Next Saturday, May 14th, we are back at the "Texas Hall Of Fame". That's always one of our favorites.
Well it's 6:00 pm and Mr. Steve is waiting for me at the studio again tonight, so I guess I better get a move on. Check out the website schedule, find a babysitter, finish your homework, do the chores or take your viagra...which ever best suits ya, and come out and have a good time with the Southern Roots Band.

'Till Next Time,
Shawn

2/10/05

Latest News From SRB

Sorry it has been so long since the latest update, but January has been a very busy month. As of this writing we just finished up the KTEX 106.1 Country Palooza II. This is a listener appreciation concert that the radio station has put on for the last two years. It was free & open to the public with a crowd of about 1500 to 2000 people. Many great artists were there like Doug Moreland, Bonnie Bishop & Rick Sousley. We played our own original set, but we also got to play for Gabbie Nolen & Sonny Burgess. If you missed it, try to be there next year. It is always a blast!!

We would like to thank Eric Ogletree of Wright Distributing for the Miller Lite/Milwaulkees Best Light posters & sponsorship. Lord knows we
have consumed more than our fair share of the "Beast". Thanks Eric.
Kirk (Kirock7), our web master, has been very busy with the web site adding a some new changes. He now has a Fan Gallery with lots of new pictures & many more on the way, so be sure to check it out & see if you can find a
picture of yourself. This could be good or bad depending on your sobriety at the time. HA! HA!
We will be back at the Texas Hall Of Fame this month. I hear there will be several anniversaries & birthdays celebrating that weekend, so it
should be a lot of fun. We also have booked a dance hall in Uhland, Texas (between San Marcos & Bastrop) called Club 21 for February 26,
2005. Make it out if you can or check the schedule for a date near you.

The acoustic show at Ugly's in College Station went very well. I played a bunch of my songs with Jim Wiederhold. He's the guy that showed me how to make music with some steel strings & a piece of wood. His wife, Melissa, has been singing with the band adding beautiful harmonies & a
lot of laughs. She's just great!
Well I guess that does it for now. It's time to get the trailer loaded & hit the road. Be back next month with more updates.

Thanks,
Shawn
Southern Roots Band

2/5/05

Big Changes!

Fans!
If you've been watching, you'll have noticed a change here and there and an addition or two in the SRB website.
One fun change we'd like everyone to check out is our new Fan Gallery.... it's full of fan fun so be sure to look for it to grow!
We hope to have our next update soon so keep watchin' and dancin'!
Kirock7

1/5/05

Last Words from Jamie

Hello folks Jamie again.

Everyone from the Southern Roots Band hopes that you had a great holiday and look forward to a better new year.
The New Years Eve bash was a great one. I know there were some hangovers the next day. We had a great time and I believe that it was one of our best performances of the year. Don't forget to catch the January 29th KTEX 106.1 Country Palooza @ Silver Wings Ballroom in Brenham. The concert is FREE and there will be several other artist along with the SRB.

On a ending note I would like to say good bye to all of you and all of the members of the Southern Roots Band. I will be leaving the band and taking some long overdue rest. Sometimes when you get to many things going some things get left behind. I think it's time for me to spend a little more time with my wife and 2 boys Dylan 5 and Kyle 2. (I really plan to do alot more fishing). Really, I thinks it's time to move to some other adventures in my life while I'm still young enough to do them.

Good luck to all of you and please continue to support the Southern Roots Band. Shawn and the guys will still be hitting it hard and heavy. Good luck guys with all you do, it was a blast and I have reached goals and places I never thought I would ever get to be. Thanks and catch you at one of the next shows.

Jamie

12/10/04

The Latest Word from Jamie

Hello Folks,

Just a little note on what the band has been doing. We just performed our first Christmas Concert and it was a success. I was very pleased to see the amount of folks that made it out. We raised alot of food and toys for the upcoming Operation Noel held in Caldwell, Tx. Thanks for your support and there are plans to do it again next year.
Speaking of next year I would like to invite you to the NEW YEARS EVE BASH @ the Caldwell SPJST hall. I promise it will be something to remember.

For those of you who would like to catch a few more show before the end of the year come and celebrate with us at the Dime Box Christmas dance Saturday it will be at the Dime Box SPJST hall. Or you can catch us at the Crossroads Bar in Chappel Hill on Friday Dec 17th.

Don't forget to pick up you favorite Southern Roots Band merchandise for Christmas presents and tickets for the New Years Eve are on sale now @ Bud Cross Ford and Bulls Eye BBQ. $10 for advance tickets $12 at the door.

Thanks for your continued support and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Safe Holidays.

Jamie

10/27/04

Latest Word from Jamie

Hey Folks,

The band has been really having some fun lately. We just recently performed at the New Tabor Hall Costume Party. I must say there were some really cool costumes. Cory and Scooter had the most interesting homemade costumes. With about $6 and a Dollar General store you can really make a great costume. Good job, guys! We always look forward to that show.

Recently at the Burleson County Fair I had the pleasure of meeting Eric Olgetree through our good friend Bradley Suehs. Eric represents Wright Distributing Company out of Bastrop. That?s right Eric is the BEER MAN! I'm also proud to announce that we are proudly accepting and sponsored by MILWAUKEE BEST LIGHT & MILLER HIGH LIFE.
For those of you that have the "I need a Margarita" CD take a look at the beverages that the big guys are drinking. This relationship is long overdue since I think almost every Southern Roots Fan I can think of drinks the BEAST. We will be working out some details and hope to have a few things in place in November.
I have also been in contact with Jason Allan this past few weeks and we will be opening the show for him Friday Night @ the Texas Hall of Fame in Bryan. THAT'S THIS WEEKEND! Since we?re talking about the weekend, we will also be performing Saturday at the Burleson County Fairgrounds for the Burleson County Fair Association Appreciation Dance. I have heard that it was free, BUT please check for more information.

We are closing in on the end of the year and hope to see you at one of the shows before too long. Please stay tuned to the website for were we will be next. Thanks for your support and please don't forget, send me your email requests on what merchandise that you would like to see the band come out with. FEW IDEAS SO FAR: Thongs (for women), caps, tank tops, long sleeve t-shirts. I also had matching bra/underwear for women and jockeys for men. Where are your minds? ( I know mine is there too :-).

Thanks and see ya later.

Jamie

10/06/04

Latest SRB News Report

The Southern Roots Band wanted to thank their fans for the support they showed at the Burleson County Fair two weeks ago. I was very impressed with the amount of merchandise sold and present for SOUTHERN ROOTS BAND NIGHT.

Due to the large amounts of merchandise sells at the Fair in Caldwell we need to reorder more shirts and other merchandise. I would like you to send a email to me at jamie@southernrootsband.com with ideas and assorted merchandise that you would like to see the band make for you. Any ideas are welcomed. I do know that the caps are in the works.

Also in the news the band will be getting geared up for the upcoming holiday calendar. IF we can provide the party for your christmas party or end of the year party pleas let us know soon for the calendar is filling fast. Speaking of end of the year the SRB are planning for the New Tabor Costume Halloween Party. You just don't know what the band will be this year. For those of you that have never come to the New Tabor SPJST Hall Halloween Party it is a blast and the band even dresses in costume. Most everyone their dresses in very cool adult costumes (No Kids). Give me a email for more details.
We are also planning for the 2nd annual Southern Roots New Years Eve Bash. It will be held again at the Caldwell SPJST Hall with presale tickets coming in November or first of December. Last year was a blast and this year promises for a larger turn out and more fun. Stay tuned for more and mark your calendar for this year to celebrate with the SOUTHERN ROOTS BAND.

Thanks
Jamie
Southern Roots Band

09/21/04

Special Fan Announcement!

Hey Southern Roots Fans,

I would like to invite each of you to the Burleson County Fair to help celebrate the 1 yr anniversary of the debut singles "I need a Margarita" and the very popular "Emily" to the very supporting KTEX 106.1 and the Burleson County Fair.
As most of you know KTEX 106.1 is the local favorite radio station that has been supporting the Southern Roots Band for 1 year now. We first made our release of the songs to KTEX 106.1 last year at the Burleson County Fair and they have been supporting us ever since.
We have been providing entertainment at the BURLESON COUNTY FAIR for the past 3 yrs if I'm not mistaken. Both of these organizations have put faith in the Southern Roots Band and has been very influencial to the popularity of the band.

I would like to also ask if you would please in showing your support to the Southen Roots Band ask if you would please wear your Southern Roots T-Shirt and any other merchandise that you have collected throughout the years.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH. WE ARE GOING TO MAKE THIS NIGHT SOUTHERN ROOTS BAND NIGHT. I ask if you would please forward this message to anyone you know that loves the Southern Roots Band and ask them for their support Friday Sept 24th.

Thanks
Jamie

09/10/04

Jamie's Latest SRB News Report

Hey SRB Fans,

Jamie here to drop a line off to mention some of the things that has been going on for the band. We have had a exciting time playing in several new venues since our last newsletter (bye the way sorry I just have been swamped with things) The Band has been doing some traveling lately and really enjoying the chance to play at several of Texas legendary dance halls across the Central Texas area. We traveled to Kerr ville last week and had a great time at the Inn of the Hills Club in Kerr ville. We have also had the pleasure of performing at the legendary Granger Cotton Club. We will be making some room on the calendar for these great places later throughout the year and into next year.

For those of you that have missed us at the Texas Hall of Fame in Bryan we will be returning Sept. 18th. We have missed the past two months due to the bands personal time for summer vacations and family activities. I'm really ready to get back to those wild and crazy Texas Aggies. They definitely know how to party and do it Southern Roots Style.

A little update on Dad he is really doing better and still making some trips here and there to the doctor, but he is making some improvements and able to walk without his walker and cane. I thank you for your prayers and ask to keep us in mind when you lay down at night. The band still plans to have a benefit concert for him and just a way to say thanks to everyone that helped in the many way they did. Stay tuned to the website and future newsletter for more information on the benefit when and were.

Please check out the website for more calendar dates and the new upcoming show at the most popular nightclub in Austin the Ropers Night Club Thursday Sept 16th.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the next Southern Roots show and please feel free to call or email with any suggestions or comments for the band. IF there is something you would like the band to do or place to play website style or anything please feel free to let us know, after all we only do this website for you the fans.

07/17/04

SRB Visual Update

Here are some recent pics Patrick sent in of the band having a good time with the fans.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words... well, there must be about 6,000 of them right here!
Enjoy!