Jagged Row

In the past 3 decades I have contracted and promoted over 3000 major musical events in 45 states and 13 foreign countries. Over the last 75 days alone, I have promoted Kid Rock, Bret Michaels, Sammy Hagar, and Creed. In all those years I thought I had seen/ heard it all, that is until last Friday October 15th at the State Fair of Texas when I crossed paths with “Jaci & Those Guys”!
I was literally expecting a “high school garage band” (ages 14-17 I think), but while they may still be in high school, onstage these guys (and girl) sound and look like real pros! Sure, at first they appear young (because they are) but put them in the spotlight, and they morph into Metallica! Their rhythm section is tight and right on meter, and there are twin “trade off” lead guitarists layered on top that are both excellent. Close your eyes and Joe Perry has nothing on these guys (except maybe wrinkles). Then there is Jaci, 14 (just turned) and a freshman in high school. “Say what”?? She could easily trade vocal chops with Avril Lavigne or Amy Lee and in fact covered a Journey song (like a blanket) that would make Steve P. proud! She played keyboards too which is a great touch and addition to further exploit their cool sound. Did I mention that they “command the stage” as they prance around, over and under it a la “The Rolling Stones”, albeit 80 or 90 years ago? They even brought their own 2 foot high “ego risers” for down stage left and right… (wow talented and using their brains, not like many rock musicians I’ve known). And Jaci supplied her own “lime green” mic stand wired into a steering wheel of a ’66 mustang (or something)… man you can’t make this stuff up!
Probably most impressive though was when I asked one of their handlers (ok, maybe it was a father) why all these songs were so familiar? Was it Lincoln Park, 3 Doors Down, Evanescense… what? Nope, you guessed it… they wrote them all!!! (Except for that one Journey cover.)
Turns out they have spent nearly two years rehearsing and writing, and even spent 5 weeks this past summer at a music conservatory in the Northeast. (Heck when I was that age I had to get permission from my parents to “miss my paper route for 1 day”!) The world sure has changed for the better.
In conclusion (and I hate to admit) I have paid so called “big name rock bands” tens of thousands more that weren’t half as good or nearly as entertaining. To any fair or festival out there, take my recommendation; give these guys, actually “Jaci & Those Guys” a shot. If you can look me in the eyes and say you were disappointed, I’ll pay the bill! And please let me know before tickets go on sale, so I can buy mine!
Seriously, (even though I have been serious) much applause to JATG. I know the hard work this has taken, and the continuing commitment ahead. Never forget that even though you are all talented, together you have a gift, some real chemistry. Keep up the great efforts, can’t wait to work with y’all again.

Glenn Smith, President Glenn Smith Presents, Inc.
- Glenn Smith Presents, Inc.

http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2010/05/20/rowlett_lakeshore_times/news/8862.txt - Lakeshore Times

http://www.realtexasfestival.com/Battleofthebands.html - Real Texas Festival

See Video.
"Just Do It" by Jaci and Those Guys - Berklee College of Music, Boston MA

http://planetrockwall.com/news/article/local_teen_band_competes_in_music_competition/ - Planet Rockwall

http://www.neighborsgo.com/index.php?page_id=1000&site_page_id=5&post_id=45870 - Dallas Morning News

http://planetrockwall.com/news/article/local_teen_band_competes_in_music_competition/ - Planet Rockwall

http://therockwallnews.com/2009/1124/entertainment/teen-band - Rockwall News

http://www.planostar.com/articles/2010/05/05/mesquite_news/news/2591.txt - Plano/Mesquite Star

http://www.prlog.org/10415275-local-teen-band-selected-as-semifinalist-in-schooljam-usa-battle-of-the-bands-competition.htmlJaci and Those Guys make it to the semifinals in Schooljam USA
- PR Log Press Release

Local youth to provide music at FourthFest

By Ryann Chappell

Herald-Banner Staff

Royse City is in for a homegrown treat on July 4 after the big parade.

Jaci Butler and “Those Guys” will be performing at the old Bulldog Stadium (State Highway 66 and Farm-to-Market 1777), one of many performances for this band of young people.

This group’s talent was proven when the band got first place at the “For Those About to Rock School” Battle of the Bands on June 9, the prize being five hours of recording time.

They also opened at the House of Blues in Dallas a couple of weeks ago after a gig in Oklahoma.

Matt Venhaus of Royse City, lead guitar, and Jaci Butler of Rowlett, lead vocals, write the majority of the songs. Their music is influenced by Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, and The Beatles, among others.

Venhaus, who will be a junior in the fall in home school, bragged on his band members.

“We have really good music chemistry,” he said. “Everyone is really passionate about what they do and it really brings a lot to the music.”

Butler, who is going into the eighth grade at Coyle Middle School in Rowlett, loves being a part of the band.

“There’s nothing more exciting and thrilling to me than being on stage,” she said. “Being able to perform and share this experience with the guys makes it even more amazing.”

Her dream includes the band being signed by a record producer.

Chad Ragsdale, who plays the rhythm guitar and will also be a junior in home school, said, “I would like us to have one full album out within this year.”

His favorite gig so far was playing at the House of Blues.

Jason Savage, bass player, just joined the band three weeks ago. He believes that the band members really work well together. He will be a junior at Royse City High School in the fall.

The other band member is drummer Trevor Quiett. Butler has said that he has a spectacular personality on stage.

“Everyone is approachable,” said Ragsdale about his fellow band members, “which helps when people want autographs.”

Venhaus recalled a particular highlight, “It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing, but I was surprised when we played at The Harbor in Rockwall at how many people actually stopped and listened. There was probably a couple of hundred sitting on the lawn and many more lining the sidewalks and restaurants. So that was a really cool experience.”

Butler summed it up for the all of the band members when she said, “All of us are so passionate about our music.”

The band will also be performing in Rockwall on July 3, Aug 6, and Sept 25.








Photos


Jaci Butler and Those Guys will be providing entertainment at Royse City’s FourthFest celebration at the old Bulldog stadium. From left to right are; Jaci Butler, Jason Savage, Trevor Quiett, Matt Venhaus, and (at bottom) Chad Ragsdale. The group, consisting of young musicians from Royse City and the surrounding area, has already been performing together on a steady basis. Courtesy photo/ (Click for larger image)

- Royse City Herald Banner