Buddy Jewell at Rocketown

Rocketown, the teen club founded by Christian music recording artist Michael W. Smith, was the scene for the 2005 Buddy Jewell Fan Club Party which took place during this year's CMA Music Festival. Rocketown is located at 401 6th Avenue in downtown Nashville. (Once a used warehouse, it has been fully renovated to a 38,000 square-ft. structure, featuring an indoor skate park, cyber cafe, fine arts gallery, and nightclub.)

The doors to the party officially opened at 1:00 pm with approximately 250 fans in attendance.
While waiting in line to enter the party many fans were asked to send Buddy a video message via a camera coordinated by Amber J. from Buddy's website.
As fans entered, their reservation sheet was scanned and they were immediately given a Buddy mouse pad. This mouse pad featured the same photo that was featured as the cd cover to Buddy's first single "If She Were Any Other Woman" from his sophomore album titled "Times Like These."
As fans made their way through the door they proceeded down the stairs (or elevator for the disabled) to a large area where there were numerous round tables near the stage. Everyone proceeded to the front hoping for the "front" table. Lunch was served.

After mingling with other fans and eating lunch everyone was asked to make their way over to the area where Buddy's Fathers Day present from Tené was sitting. A 2005 silver King Classic Harley Davidson motorcycle. Tené had been working on this surprise for four months keeping this present top secret from everyone, including their children who didn't even know about it until they arrived at Rocketown for the fan club party.
Tené picked the color silver for the bike as it is one of the colors of the Dallas Cowboys NFL football team, Buddy's favorite team. Everyone positioned in front of the bike and up on the stairs surrounding it as Tené sat perched on the bike. Tené, dressed in a black halter top and tight blue jeans said she wanted to be a "biker babe" for Buddy. Buddy was announced and proceeded through the doors by the stage.
He made his way over to where his fans stood, as he approached the fans parted ways revealing Tené sitting on the bike. Buddy looked and then did a double take and his mouth dropped open. He was in total shock as he proceeded towards Tené and the bike.
His family swarmed him as he kissed Tené. Camera flashes were lighting up the room as many fans took pictures of the surprise event. Buddy said, "Ok kids, it's time to move your bikes out of the garage."

After trying out the seat and starting the engine, special guest john Arthur martinez and wife Yvonna joined Buddy and Tené for some photos. More camera flashes. Buddy joked, "Now, maybe Keith Urban will let me ride with him." He then asked everyone if they would like to hear some music, of course they all said yes. Buddy made his way to the stage where the band was waiting.

Buddy's concert to his fans was superb. His voice was as gentle and soothing as ever. The set list included many old songs as well as new ones from his new album, "Times Like These." Buddy opened with John Mellencamp's "The Authority Song", followed by his new songs "I'd Run" and "Me Lovin' You".
Next up was his first hit, "Lacey's Song: Help Pour Out the Rain" from his self-titled album. "If She Were Any Other Woman" was dedicated to Tené who was standing at the side of the stage.Buddy made his way over to the side of the stage and sang to her.

Buddy then sang his signature song from his winning night from Nashville Star, "I Wanna Thank Everyone". Buddy next sang "Abilene on Her Mind" and "You Ain't Doin' it Right". "Times Like These" the song he wrote for his youngest son, Joshua was next followed by Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Gimme Three Steps" and the new ballad "Run Away Home".

Buddy then changed guitars and did another new song "Glad I'm Gone" and "Back to You". Buddy told everyone that "So Gone" would possibly be the next single off of his sophomore album. The Bob Seger classic "Turn the Page" was next followed by "I'll Get By". Buddy closed with his Billboard top five hit "Sweet Southern Comfort" .

After the concert was over fans made their way upstairs to get their one-on-one time with "damanhimself" Buddy Jewell. ("damanhimself" is Buddy's user name on his official message board.)
Buddy gave each fan his undivided attention signing autographs, taking photos and giving "Buddy" hugs. Waiting for almost 4 hours in line the last fan spent their time with Buddy. When the last fan left Buddy went home to a home cooked meal by his "biker babe", wife Tené.

Article Written & Submitted by Mary Maggart