Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion blends old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit into radio-friendly, hook-heavy pop nuggets. The band has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound. Old Dominion recently released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Happy Endings, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart & #7 on the Top 200. The band’s first single “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart” also hit #1 on Country Mediabase Chart, followed by their second fastest-rising single, “Written In The Sand” hitting #1 on Country Mediabase and Billboard Charts.

Old Dominion released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, which was certified GOLD by the RIAA and hailed a “stellar debut “by Entertainment Weekly and declared “one of the hottest breaking bands in county music” by Vice. The group already has several top selling singles under their belts, including the two-week No.1 “Break Up With Him” (PLATINUM), “Snapback” (GOLD) and “Song For Another Time,” which hit No. 1 the on Billboard Country Airplay and MediaBase charts. In 2016, the band was notably named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers.

http://olddominionband.com/ 

Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion blends old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit into radio-friendly, hook-heavy pop nuggets. The band has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in country music, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound. Old Dominion recently released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Happy Endings, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart & #7 on the Top 200. The band’s first single “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart” also hit #1 on Country Mediabase Chart, followed by their second fastest-rising single, “Written In The Sand” hitting #1 on Country Mediabase and Billboard Charts.

Old Dominion released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, which was certified GOLD by the RIAA and hailed a “stellar debut “by Entertainment Weekly and declared “one of the hottest breaking bands in county music” by Vice. The group already has several top selling singles under their belts, including the two-week No.1 “Break Up With Him” (PLATINUM), “Snapback” (GOLD) and “Song For Another Time,” which hit No. 1 the on Billboard Country Airplay and MediaBase charts. In 2016, the band was notably named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers.

http://olddominionband.com/ 

Country singer-songwriter Michael Ray was a hit right out of the box, scoring both with critics and on the charts. He has been dubbed “the future of country music” by Digital Journal, his live shows lauded by Nash Country Daily for displaying “the energy and the polish of a pro,” and quite simply “lip-smacking good” by USA Today. The Florida native backed up that praise with two #1 records from his 2015 self-titled debut album with “Kiss You in the Morning” and “Think a Little Less.”  

He is currently at work on his sophomore album, Amos, named for his grandfather and produced by the legendary Scott Hendricks (Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton). The album has already spawned the hit single “Get to You,” currently climbing the Mediabase and Billboardcharts and praised by Rolling Stone Country for its “impassioned chorus” and Ray’s impressive vocal range. Inspired by his rescue dog Wrigley, Ray recently launched the charitable initiative Wrigley Cares: Helping Animals in Need, collecting donations for local animal shelters at every stop on his Get To You Tour. This summer Ray hits the road to play a variety of shows and festivals including Carolina Country Music Fest 2018 with Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and Cole Swindell. 

Learn more about Ray at www.MichaelRayMusic.com

Country singer-songwriter Michael Ray was a hit right out of the box, scoring both with critics and on the charts. He has been dubbed “the future of country music” by Digital Journal, his live shows lauded by Nash Country Daily for displaying “the energy and the polish of a pro,” and quite simply “lip-smacking good” by USA Today. The Florida native backed up that praise with two #1 records from his 2015 self-titled debut album with “Kiss You in the Morning” and “Think a Little Less.”  

He is currently at work on his sophomore album, Amos, named for his grandfather and produced by the legendary Scott Hendricks (Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton). The album has already spawned the hit single “Get to You,” currently climbing the Mediabase and Billboardcharts and praised by Rolling Stone Country for its “impassioned chorus” and Ray’s impressive vocal range. Inspired by his rescue dog Wrigley, Ray recently launched the charitable initiative Wrigley Cares: Helping Animals in Need, collecting donations for local animal shelters at every stop on his Get To You Tour. This summer Ray hits the road to play a variety of shows and festivals including Carolina Country Music Fest 2018 with Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and Cole Swindell. 

Learn more about Ray at www.MichaelRayMusic.com

The Noms are a six piece alternative rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico who bring real energy, passion, and life to the stage!

The Noms’ unique brand of harmonic rock blends a wide array of varied influences into a distinct, energetic sound. Blended with styles from Dave Matthews to Stevie Ray Vaughan, from Selena to The Beatles. The NOMS’ sound is attracting crowds of all ages to come enjoy their kinetic, exciting shows. Their fun-loving, foot-thumping rock blends blues, country, and soul with a dash of bluegrass and funk to create their unmistakable sound. As New Mexico natives they are proud to represent The Land of Enchantment on stage every time they perform.

 https://www.thenoms.com

The Noms are a six piece alternative rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico who bring real energy, passion, and life to the stage!

The Noms’ unique brand of harmonic rock blends a wide array of varied influences into a distinct, energetic sound. Blended with styles from Dave Matthews to Stevie Ray Vaughan, from Selena to The Beatles. The NOMS’ sound is attracting crowds of all ages to come enjoy their kinetic, exciting shows. Their fun-loving, foot-thumping rock blends blues, country, and soul with a dash of bluegrass and funk to create their unmistakable sound. As New Mexico natives they are proud to represent The Land of Enchantment on stage every time they perform.

 https://www.thenoms.com

Inside the Basket - Jennifer Schurman, Balloon Fiesta RV and Navigator Manager

Balloon Fiesta’s RV and Navigator Manager, Jennifer Schurman helps create a memorable experience for RV guests and Balloon Fiesta volunteers during the event.

In this month’s Inside the Basket, Jennifer shares more about what her job entails, volunteer roles that are available and her favorite event tips.

1. Give a brief overview of your position with Balloon Fiesta and how you became involved with the organization.

I am the RV and Navigator Manager at Balloon Fiesta.

I oversee the RV reservations and maintain contact with the RV reservation holders. I try to ensure that the RV guests receive a high level of service and have a memorable time during their stay at Balloon Fiesta. I oversee the RV spaces, making sure that the sites and the improvements of the sites are well maintained as needed to accommodate the RV guests.

We have over 1,100 Navigators. I oversee the Navigator program, which includes training, retention and recruitment of volunteers. I track the Navigators’ assignments for the various locations during Balloon Fiesta, provide training, and ensure that our volunteers also have a memorable experience.

Before I started with Balloon Fiesta, I worked doing catering for the Balloon Fiesta Corporate Tents. I have always enjoyed attending Balloon Fiesta events and having worked several of them, I thought it would be a nice fit. I had interactions with several of the staff prior to working with Balloon Fiesta, which made the transition easier. Starting at a new place can be over-whelming and scary but everyone was welcoming.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

I would say I have several favorites. I enjoy the interaction with the guests, the relationship with the Navigators and working with my co-workers. Our end goal is the same, to provide the best experience for every guest whether it is their first time or their 49^thtime.

3. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Probably the most difficult aspect is knowing everything you need to know about the event. It is ever changing and 2021 will be no different as we work to make sure everyone is safe and healthy while they are here during Balloon Fiesta.

4. For those that are interested in volunteering, what type of Navigator roles are available?

We have over 40 different areas for volunteering, ranging from Hospitality to Park & Ride to Group Tours. If someone is interested in volunteering, I would encourage them to go to our website, under “Behind The Scenes”, and review all the information about becoming a Navigator, the areas and descriptions throughout Balloon Fiesta and the “perks” that come with volunteering. We have a place for just about anyone who is interested in volunteering.

5. What tips do you have for first-time guests, interested in RVing at Balloon Fiesta?

I would say that these 2 tips go for both first-time guests and RVers.

1. Be prepared.The weather changes often during the event from cold before the sun comes up to freezing as the sun rises to warm during the day. Have a warm jacket, gloves, hat or earmuffs to keep warm but be able to layer down as the day progress. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Occasionally, there are rain showers, best to watch the predicted weather and plan appropriately. Have plenty of water. It is easy to get dehydrated here at our altitude.
2. Bring a camera. Seeing the balloons color the sky for the first time is amazing. Honestly, it’s amazing every time but the first is special. Taking pictures can keep those memories. There are so many balloons to see from the traditional balloons to special shapes like Darth Vader, Yoda, Airabelle and Smokey Bear.