John Arthur Martinez's Fiesta Time at the JAMily Affair

John Arthur Martinez had his fan club party at Wolfy's Den, located on the 3rd floor of the Gaylord Entertainment Center. The Theme of the Party was entitled “Fiesta Time” and the entire room was decorated in fiesta style right down to the hot pepper lights by John Arthur’s Fan Club president, Bette and a few very willing cohorts.

John Arthur and his lovely wife Yvonna were on their way from an unexpected delay at the airport, but in the meantime, one of fan club members, Joyce, who had made buttons for everyone that said "Certified JAM Fan" passed them around while waiting for John Arthur's arrival and special guest, Chris Young entertained the crowd with an acoustical set. Among the songs he performed was "Devils' Thumbprint”, a favorite Chris Young melody. At the end of Chris's performance, the sound system arrived along with Tasha Valentine, and Prentiss Varnon from Nashville Star 1.

John Arthur arrived a few minutes later amidst much cheering and clapping from his fans. At this time everyone took a break from the festivities to enjoy a fiesta themed lunch, which included a wonderful buffet of chicken and beef fajitas served with choice of beverages.
While the guests were eating, the sound system was set up, another special guest, Jayron Weaver, a finalist from Nashville Star 3, performed for us. He did several of his original songs with much appreciation from the JAMily.

Next it was John Arthur's turn to entertain to his fans. He performed all his fans favorite songs, including "The Armadillo Song", complete with the fancy footwork, "Trouble Rides a Fast Horse" and Home Made of Stone. The most compelling song of the day was his emotional performance of “Like I love You” a song about his Mom.
In the mist of John Arthur’s performance, another special guest, Robert K. Oermann, judge of Nashville Star 1 made an inconspicuous arrival.
The highlight of the performance was when Jayron Weaver returned to the stage to sing a duet with jAm of "Pour a Little Love on it" from jAm's "Lone Starry Night" CD.

Everyone was then treated to an autograph line and all fanclub members received a goody bag. Included in the bags were chili pepper bandanas, chili pepper necklace, wooden pen with a maraca on it, and a dvd highlighting John Arthur’s' experience NS1 which was shown on the TV show in the Red Cross hometown hot spot challenge segment.
At this time another fan club member, Carolyn, who had made wooden guitar pins for all members passed them out with help and they said "A JAMily Affair" which was another nick-name given to the fan club party. It truly was like a family affair as the mood of the day was very much family orientated with John Arthur over-seeing his great family of fans.

After the autograph line was finished, with everyone in attendance being able to spend a few one on one minutes with John Arthur to talk to him and get their various items autographed, it was the then fan club's turn to surprise jAm.
Today was his birthday and the fan club had a beautiful cake made and everyone all sang happy birthday to him as well as presenting him with a few presents that included an engraved sterling silver frame and a few golf shirts. This was a great ending to a perfect family-style day JAMily Day.

Article Written & Submitted by Mary Maggart