TJ Casey

Artist Information

Biography

T.J. CASEY, COWBOY FROM THE SOUL

Webster defines “soul” as “. . . credited with the functions of thinking and willing, and hence determining all behavior”. He also calls the soul “the moral or emotional nature of man.”

That deep part of T. J. Casey is pure cowboy – and it clearly determines his behavior.

The soul of T. J. Casey was shaped in him by the precepts of his mama and daddy, by his childhood in Montana’s beautiful but harsh and remote Pryor Mountains, and by close association with horses and cattle before he can even remember. Living primitively (by today’s standards), with no electricity, telephone or indoor plumbing taught him just how unimportant money and possessions really are in life.

Mentored by old cowboys and old horses, T.J. learned honesty, humor, respect, trustworthiness, and strength of character. Wild cattle and younger horses taught him mental and physical brawn and agility, and developed in him a good measure of toughness and tenacity.

Interwoven with these forces was the powerful oral history of the cowboy, which T. J. was steeped in through poems, stories and songs, passed down from those who’d gone before. That culture became woof and warp of his soul, so that the songs and poems spawned there today bear witness of and are true to his cowboy heritage.

Spending two thirds of his life so far in a saddle, working with cattle and horses on ranches across the West, gives T. J. Casey and his words and music an authenticity impossible to manufacture . . . they are truly “of the land. “

Being onstage as an entertainer nationwide across the last three decades gives T. J. Casey and his words, music, and presentation a polish and presence impossible to manufacture . . . they are truly “for the audience.”

When this larger-than-life artist steps under the spotlight, looks you in the eye, strums the strings on his guitar and opens his mouth to sing, the cowboy from his soul communicates with you . . . you live the song, the poem, the story. You smell trail dust and campfire smoke, feel sweat and grit on your brow, taste the blessed refreshment of clear spring water after a long, hot day of work….

Experience T. J. Casey, Cowboy from the Soul, at your next event. Solo, or as a duo or trio with his cowboy friends, this many-faceted entertainer will pack the house and send them home satisfied.

Instrumentation

TJ is available in many different aspects so please contact us for prices as we are always willing to work with budgets and give discounts for multiple days.

Solo
duo
trio
full swing band
The Cowboy and the Indian

TJ is working with several state arts councils and goes in to the schools to teach.

Discography

Cassette - Cowboy's Paradise release 1984
Single LP- 12 Room One Bedroom Home 1988
Poetry Book - Whispers of Sage
Poetry Book - Whispers of Sage Too 1999
CD - Blue Montana Skies 2002
Poetry Book - A Cowboy's Thoughts in Rhyme 2005
CD - Pure "D" Cowboy 2005
CD - From Whence They Came 2008
Poetry Book - Man of the West 2010
CD - RNDNMUP - duo CD with TJ & Jim Reader 2010

Official Website

http://www.tjcasey.net

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• CD Baby
• Airplay Direct

Audio

• Swingin' My Way Home To You
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• Blue Montana Skies
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• It's In My Blood
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• (My Only) Turtle Dove
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• Freedom is a Horse
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• TJ's list of accomplishments [+ Show ]
  

  RNDNMUP - Western CD of the Year through the National Traditional Music Association 2011 R...RNDNMUP - Western CD of the Year through the National Traditional Music Association 2011
  
  RNDNMUP - Nominated for several awards through the WMA & AWA 2011
  
  RNDNMUP CD #3 on the Western Music Association Charts 2010
  
  Recorded "RNDNMUP" duo CD with Jim Reader released on TMG Records 2010
  
  Man of the West (poetry Book) published 2010
  
  Pure "D" Cowboy-Country-Western CD of the Year thru the National Traditional Music Assn 2009
  
  Recorded "From Whence They Came" CD 2008
  
  Shared the stage with Asleep at the Wheel 2008
  
  Shared the stage with Marvin Rainwater 2008
  
  Filming of Due West TV Show with host Dan Miller 2007
  
  TJ Casey performs at the Spaghetti Western – SOLD OUT SHOW 2007
  
  Pure "D" Cowboy CD on the Roots Music Charts for over 80 weeks 2006-2007
  
  Shared the stage with Waddie Mitchell – SOLD OUT SHOW 2006
  
  It’s In My Blood #4 on Power Source Music Charts 2006
  
  Cowboy Don’t Change Your Ways Song #1 on Western Music Charts 2006
  
  Featured on Best of America by Horseback – National TV 2005 - 2007
  
  Pure “D” Cowboy CD #6 on Western Music Charts 2005 - 2006
  
  Recorded Pure “D” Cowboy CD with Montana Cowboy Records 2005
  
  A Cowboy’s Thoughts in Rhyme (Poetry Book) published 2005
  
  Release of music video “In America” on National Television 2004
  
  Top 5 Finalist for Rising Star of the Year 2004
  
  Shared the stage with Dierks Bentley, Dan Miller, Stan Hitchcock, Ronnie Reno 2004
  
  Western Swing Song-Sunset Network Services Charts at #5 2003
  
  Shared the stage with Ian Tyson, Lewistown, MT 2003
  
  Top 5 Finalist for Western Swing Album of the Year 2003
  
  Top 10 Finalist for several categories in 2003-2005
  
  Nominated for several Tuney Awards 2003-2009
  
  Trickling Water” published in National Education Publication 2002
  
  Recorded” Blue Montana Skies” CD with Fraternity Records, 2002
  
  Published in “The Big Roundup” Poetry Book 2002
  
  Whispers of Sage” (poetry book) 1989
  
  National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Elko, Nevada 1985-1992
  
  Recorded single for national distribution (#60 in the top 100 independents) 1988
  
  Fan Fair – Nashville, TN 1988
  
  Louisiana Hayride 1987
  
  Shared the stage with the Everly Brothers, Shenandoah, Iowa 1987
  
  Shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Sedalia, Missouri 1987
  
  1st National Rhythm Guitarist 1986-1987
  
  International Western Singer and Cowboy Yodeler 1985
  
  1st Western States Country Music Assoc. Male Vocalist 1985
  
  1st National Songwriter Contest 1984
  
  1st National Gospel Singer Western States Country Music Association 1984
  
  
  

• Various Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  The Sagebrush Cowboyography Association recently engaged TJ Casey to entertain at our Annual Cowbo...
  The Sagebrush Cowboyography Association recently engaged TJ Casey to entertain at our Annual Cowboy Roundup in Sheridan, Wyoming as part of our Evening Feature Performance. TJ is a high energy entertainer and has a complete repertoire of cowboy humor, songs and poems. He engages the audience with his performance and keeps them highly entertained. He is an excellent guitar player and singer and aside from being enjoyable to listen to he is fun to watch. In this world of prefab, plastic and wannabees, TJ Casey is refreshingly the real deal.
  Deb Sustrich – Sagebrush Cowboyography Association – Sheridan, Wyoming
  **********
  Teachers have commented that the student's work is excellent, imaginative and thoughtful...They are impressed with his rapport with students and his ability to adapt to a variety of situations.
  He is open to suggestions and uses his time well...Students have commented that he is respectful and provides constructive feedback on their work. He provides a structure that enables them to be successful...
  Casey covers the vocabulary of poetry and song lyrics - stanza, verse, rhyme, meter - and provides a positive environment for students to write...generate a lot of enthusiasm for writing poetry and reading them at public events.
  Beck McLaughlin - Education Director - Montana Arts Council
  *************
  You offer the type of talent that patrons would love to have back year after year. The warmth in your singing style is perfect for the family style entertainment we like to showcase. Your professional attitude and reliability helped us to provide quality entertainment. You would be an asset to any fair, but we would love for you to schedule Fremont in your regular route.
  Sherilyn Dunning – GM of Fremont County Fair and Rodeo, Riverton, Wyoming
  ***********
  TJ was one of the night show performers, at the 18th Annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Lewistown, Montana, opening for Ian Tyson. Casey was quite a crowd pleaser. He has a truly western flair, a wide repertoire of songs which even includes a little bit of yodeling, and a strong and pleasing voice. He did a wonderful job for us.
  Nancy Hedrick, Exec. Director – Lewistown Art Center, Montana
  ************
  “Of the stars and superstars of country music pictured in the Hall of Fame in Nashville that graduated from the Louisiana Hayride, we still make no claim to being able to predict who is going to be a star, but if there is any justice, TJ ought to be one of them.”
  David Kent, President-Producer - The Louisiana Hayride
  ***********
  “All of my expectations were met along with many more. Having your group as part of the 2004 Opening Ceremony was fantastic. You became a part of the event…I am 100% happy that we selected you and your band to be part of our 2004 Fair.
  Audrey Smith – Skagit County Fair, Mount Vernon, Washington
  *************
  “I evaluated TJ’s classroom performance throughout the week. I found TJ to be very personable and down to earth regardless of the age level. I highly recommend TJ; he exceeded all of my expectations. It was a wonderful way to share a little of our past heritage.
  Kitty Logan, Principal – Drummond Public Schools, Montana
  **********
  “The sounds of Marty Robbins drift across the air when TJ is singing.”
  Sharon Bothwell – Cody Stampede, Cody WY
  *********
  For more information and references please contact Cowboy Enterprises – 406-245-0734
  
  
  

• TJ's school residency [+ Show ]
  

  Quote: "I heard many comments from students in the following days about how cool it was for Mr. Case...Quote: "I heard many comments from students in the following days about how cool it was for Mr. Casey to come back to the classroom. Several students took their poems home to improve on them! TJ certainly generated some excitement and interest in the 8th graders here at Huntley Project. I am honored to have had him as a guest in my classroom." Bonnie Ortner, Huntley Project JH English Teacher, Montana
  
  Professional Statement:
  This multi-faceted artist has played guitar since he was five. He continued to develop his musical talent and at age fourteen discovered another avenue of expression through writing cowboy poetry. Naturally, the two things combined into successful songwriting, and in 2002 his Trickling Water was published by International Water Education for Teachers (WET), Discover a Watershed Series. Also in 2002 TJ was selected to the elite group of 140 cowboy poets honored through publication in the anthology THE BIG ROUNDUP. His release, the decidedly traditional CD Pure "D" Cowboy, rose to #6 on the Western Music Charts, with the song Cowboy Don't Change Your Ways topping out at #1 and another song, It's In My Blood was nominated for a Native American Music Award. His latest duo release, RNDNMUP, has a song sitting at #1 on the western music charts and the whole CD is sitting at #3 in the charts.
  
  References:
  Margo Haak
  Billings Educational Academy
  P O Box 22592
  Billings, MT 59104
  406-248-4031
  
  George Ihly
  Pine Hills Correctional Facility
  4 North Haynes Ave
  Miles City, MT 59301
  406-232-1377
  
  Keri Goodwin
  Sunburst Foundation
  P O Box 1863
  Eureka, MT 59917
  406-297-0197
  
  
  Biography:
  T.J .CASEY has spent two thirds of his life to date in the saddle, growing up on a ranch and later working on ranches all over the west. That makes him first and foremost a COWBOY— which in turn equips him to be a writer of cowboy poetry and composer of cowboy songs.
  
  Tying that to his musical, vocal and performance talents opened many doors in the entertainment world, where TJ has accumulated more than three decades of experience, and countless fans across America who clamor for his unique stage presence and performing skills.
  
  Happiest when he's in "cowboy country", TJ has centered his Artist in Residence work through Arts Councils in Montana, North and South Dakota, and Nevada. His heart for young people and devotion to Western and Cowboy Culture and Cowboy Poetry will take him wherever the opportunity calls to convey his love of all things cowboy.
  
  In December of 2004 TJ's song "In America" was released nationally as a music video on RFD-TV. Since then he's logged several appearances on national television, including a Christmas Special for Troops at Ft Riley, Kansas, before their deployment to Iraq.
  
  TJ's CD, Blue Montana Skies features many of his most popular compositions including "Trickling Water", chosen for the national publication Discover a Watershed - Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. That song then rose to #5 on the Sunset Music Charts of the Top 10 Western Swing Songs of the World for 2003 and 2004.
  
  His CD Pure "D" Cowboy is a more traditional acoustic album, combining TJ's talent as a cowboy poet and composer in authentic songs about true cowboy life. In two short months this album hit the Western Music Charts at #6. One of the songs, "Cowboy, Don't Change Your Ways" was sitting at #1. The excellence of this album was further underlined when the song "It's in My Blood" hit the Power Source Music Charts and was nominated for a Native American Music Award.In 2009 it was awarded the Country/Western CD of the Year through the National Traditional Country Music Association and the Rural Roots Music Commission.
  
  RNDNMUP CD (pronounced roundin’ ‘em up) was released in the summer of 2010 as a duo CD, with Jim Reader, a singer/songwriter out of Canada. They collaborated on several songs with this CD and one of the songs is sitting at #1 on the Western Music Charts along with the whole CD sitting at #3.
  
  TJ’s latest poetry book “Man of the West” released in 2010 includes his stories, poems, ramblings and musings that take you back to the good old days as he shares the ways and thoughts of the Cowboy. His stories and poems motivate, amuse and many bring a tear of joy.
  
  "There is not a single person among us who can write cowboy poetry with more authority, authenticity, heart and passion than TJ Casey. In his new book, "Man Of The West," he reveals he is not a progressive soul but rather, one who simply wants to retrieve and preserve what was real and valuable beyond money and possessions; the cowboys life he was born and mentored into by his elders and peers and one now in danger of vanishing before his eyes." Shirley Morris - Filmmaker/Producer "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
  
  In addition to his dozens of national awards for singing, songwriting and western poetry, T.J. Casey's performances on the Louisiana Hayride are still remembered by thousands who especially loved his rendition of "Cowboy's Paradise". TJ has shared the stage with countless high profile performers, including Ian Tyson, Merle Haggard, Waddie Mitchell, Ty Herndon, Dirks Bentley, and the Everly Brothers. Recent years have brought TJ repeated nominations and honors, including being a Top 5 Finalists for Rising Star and Western Swing Album of the Year, and a Top 10 Finalist for Western Song and Western Music Male of the Year.
  
  T.J. is a member of The Recording Academy(GRAMMY’s), Christian Country Music Association, Country Music Association, Montana Arts Council's Artist Registry, North Dakota Council on the Arts Artist Roster, South Dakota Arts Council Artist Roster, Nevada Arts Council Artist Roster, The National Traditional Country Music Association, The Writers Voice and the Reunion of Professional Entertainers (ROPE).
  
  Sample Residency Projects:
  TJ Casey is a singer/songwriter and cowboy poet with a passionate love for, and dedication to the preservation of, America's Western and cowboy culture.
  
  Oral tradition is venerated in varied cultures worldwide for generational survival and perpetuation of tradition and heritage. TJ Casey sees the art of cowboy poetry as the perfect vehicle for portraying and passing on the enduring morals and values he was fortunate to be reared with, which are part of the Code of the West. In addition to helping students develop their individual talents for composing and performing cowboy poetry, he imbues them with the importance of their participation in this ancient chain, in which they are significant links.
  
  "I believe in our roots and heritage," says TJ, "I've got a story to tell. We all need to stand up and protect the traditions and legacies we've inherited. I want to be an image for kids to look up to; and hope to instill in them this same love of country and customs I know and respect. Without our heritage, our children lose focus. Without our children's focus, we lose our world." To accomplish this purpose, TJ's main objective is to utilize cowboy poetry to inspire the natural talent and imagination kids possess, while building their self-confidence and belief in themselves through self-expression.
  
  In a one-day residency, TJ describes the history of the American Cowboy, The Code of the West, Western Heritage and Culture; and Cowboy Poetry's role in preserving this part of American History. Examples of TJ's own work and familiar examples of Cowboy Culture from various media sources help develop this precept and offer ideas to students for beginning a poem of their own. TJ's final goal for the day is teaching of the class how they can turn their personal poetry into song.
  
  A one-week residency allows TJ to expand upon this foundation, teaching a more in depth process of writing Cowboy Poetry. Examples of his own work will introduce students to what he'll be teaching. TJ divides the rest of the days with the history of the American Cowboy, culture and heritage, The Code of the West, teaching rhyme and meter, and actually composing Cowboy Poetry. Throughout the week, TJ may use cowboy gear (saddles, bridles, etc.) for ideas on individual poems. He will assist with revising and editing processes, and help students develop the equally important skills of oral delivery of their poems. The week can culminate with an all-school assembly or community concert, including parents, where the students can recite their poems to an audience of their peers.
  
  Planning Process:
  TJ wants to develop rapport and agreement with teachers regarding their standards for his lessons. This would include the Montana Standards for the Arts and possibly other Montana State Standards in curriculums such as English, History and Music. TJ has available promotional material and press releases for varied media to any school interested in involving the community through a closing assembly. Recognizing the importance of communication in the success of an arts project, he maintains contact with the school representative via phone and email.
  
  Preparation Ideas:
  The progress of students in an arts unit such as this can be valuably enhanced by preparatory work by various teachers. English students can be instructed on poetic patterns such as repeated rhyme, couplet, traditional, alternating and framed. In cross-curricular units, history students can be familiarized with the contributions and importance of the American cowboy in the 1800's and beyond; and their continuing involvement in our culture. Music students can be introduced to Western music and its history. TJ can provide sources for such instruction upon request.
  
  Suggested Activities:
  The previously suggested school assembly on the final afternoon offers a proven and rewarding window for the community — teachers, peers and parents — to experience and enjoy what student's have learned; while allowing students to showcase their newly acquired skills. Another option with a one-week residency could be a family concert by TJ and his band. This involves additional cost, which local businesses or organizations are sometimes willing to finance because it offers the community an outstanding opportunity to gather for social enjoyment and entertainment. Having some students showcase their poems during the concert makes it a school function as well, thus addressing yet another facet of culture and heritage through perpetuating the time-tested cowboy tradition of multi-generational social interaction, often revolving around the schoolhouse.
  
  Teacher Training:
  TJ always invites all teachers to sit in and/or participate in his arts residencies.
  
  Follow-up:
  Further inspire students to write poems by having them discuss their heritage and the historic culture of their area with parents, grandparents and other elders. Encourage them to write poems about the things they learn in these discussions.
  
  TJ is also willing to critique student poems and encourage them to submit their work for possible inclusion in various publications and other media. He will publish selected student poems on his site www.tjcasey.net. Such acceptance and reward inspires students to continue and expand their skills in their new field of interest — undoubtedly the highest mark of success for an arts program.

• National Traditional Country Music Assn Awards CD of the Year to TJ Casey [+ Show ]
  

  Prepared by Bob Phillips, PR for NTCMA and RRMC P O Box 492, Anita, Iowa, 50020 712-762-...Prepared by Bob Phillips, PR for NTCMA and RRMC
  P O Box 492, Anita, Iowa, 50020
  712-762-4363
  bobeverhart@yahoo.com
  http://www.orgsites.com/ia/oldtimemusic
  
  LeMars, Iowa.....An authentic cowboy from Billings, Montana, will take home the prestigious RRMC "Country-Western CD of the Year" Award this year, it has just been announced by the Rural Roots Music Commission. The award goes to T.J. Casey, a long time cowboy singer, poet, songwriter, performer, and recording artist. The name of the CD is "Pure "D" Cowboy."
  
  According to the Rural Roots Music Commission president, Sheila Everhart, "We have been nurturing upper midwest traditional and old-time music for over 35 years now, through the Commission, and through our annual fund raising festival in LeMars, Iowa. Our goal is to preserve the music of our settlers, homesteaders, and pioneers, and we were very happy to find a musical project as definitive as this project by T.J. Casey. His career has spanned an incredible amount of experience and adventure in the cowboy and country-western field of music.
  
  The award will be made at the 34th Annual National Old Time Country, Bluegrass, and Folk Music Festival, August 31-September 6, 2009, at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds in LeMars, Iowa. The festival, a fund raiser for the National Traditional Country Music Assn., is held annually the week just before Labor Day, and has ten sound stages operating from 9am to midnight, every day for seven days to accommodate the many acoustic and old-time musicians that attend. According to Bob Everhart, Festival Director, "There are well over 600 performing artists at this event, and they come from around the world. We even have 32 musicians and dancers coming from Greece this year to share their rural music. That's not counting the international aspect of artists coming from Canada, Korea, England, Holland, New Zealand, Australia, Georgia, Slovakia, and Ireland. It's amazing that all these foreign performers are so adept at America's traditional and rural country music."
  
  There is other activity as well, going on during the 7-day event. Workshops are available to beginners through accomplished musicians. There are six nights of old-time dances. There are 'showcases' for aspiring performers. "We had one act last year that landed a $1,000 40-minute gig. We think that's pretty good," says Everhart. There's also a large "Corps of Discovery Tipi Village" with emphasis on Native American music and life style, and there's also over 35 contests for amateur performers in as many categories. "We like the Band Scramble" says Everhart, "there are just so many really great musicians, a lot of them get involved, simply playing with strangers, because the music is simple, it is heartfelt, it is sincere, and it is honest. That's quite a bit different than the music we are force-fed on radio these days. We even have one stage dedicated and devoted to Christian Gospel music only."
  
  Celebrities show up for induction into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. According to Everhart, "We were so pleased to learn that Patti Page may be with us this year. She is the lady who recorded "How Much Is That Doggy In The Window" and "The Tennessee Waltz." She's 81 years old now, lives in San Diego, and has a new book out as well as a new CD, so we're anxious to meet and get to know such an accomplished country music artist. Also on tap this year, Terry Smith from Nashville, Tenn., who wrote the song "Far Side Banks of Jordan" for Johnny and June Carter Cash. Valarie Smith, from Bell Buckle, Nashville, the leader of Liberty Pike Bluegrass Band is also on tap for awards. Jim Ed Brown has been on the list for induction into the Hall of Fame for several years, and even Warren Buffet has been nominated. He plays a mean ukulele. One of the really nice things we get to do this year is proclaim Clayton McMichen "Fiddler of the Century." His daughter Jaunita McMichen will be at the festival to accept for her dad, and she will be bringing along Slim Bryant, the guitar player for McMichen. Mr. Bryant is 100 years old this year, still plays and teaches guitar. He is one of the only living musicians that performed with Jimmie Rodgers."
  
  The CD, T.J. Casey recorded, was auditioned by Tradition Magazine to glowing reviews. He will receive the award at the annual convention of the RRMC on Saturday, September 5, at 4:30pm on the Main Stage, where he will also be performing.
  
  There is RV camping with electric hook-ups available at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds at $12 per day with electricity, $8 per day without, and six full-menu food stands on the grounds. The main stage area is air conditioned, with nine other stages functioning at the same time. Admission is $15 per day for adults; $12 per day if over age 70; under 18 is free. There is a 7-day pass available for $55 without further discounts.
  
  More information is available at 712-762-4363, or e-mailing bobeverhart@yahoo.com. Website is: http://www.orgsites.com/ia/oldtimemusic
  

• Review from Tumbleweed Festival [+ Show ]
  

  Please accept this letter of recommendation for TJ Casey and the Rough Riders. TJ and the guys perfo...Please accept this letter of recommendation for TJ Casey and the Rough Riders. TJ and the guys performed this past August at the Tumbleweed Festival here in Garden City, Kansas. They did a great job, bringing their own talents to our stages with a blend of Western and Folk music that exemplified the hard working root from which they came. The group was easy to work with and exemplified a degree of professionalism not always found among today's performers.
  
  The commitment of TJ to the preservation of the root of music was evidenced both in his conversation and in his performance. He is a traditionalist who feels and projects his obligation to pass on the essence of music to those who come after him.To him the music is not solely about the performance but more importantly about carrying the messages of life from generation to generation.
  
  I would recommend TJ Casey and any of his musical endeavors to all of you who may be seeking a pure talent, filled with a genuine desire to contribute to the preservation of music in its purest forms.
  
  Willis C. Pracht - Tumbleweed Festival - Garden City, Kansas
  
  

• Ojibwa Indian School - Belcourt, ND [+ Show ]
  

  To Whom It May Concern: TJ Casey completed a residency at Ojibway Indian School in February of th...To Whom It May Concern:
  
  TJ Casey completed a residency at Ojibway Indian School in February of this year. His work was part of a grant received by our school from the North Dakota Council of the Arts. He worked with students in grades three to six twice during the week, and with a core group of twenty students from grades three to seven daily. Mr. Casey presented examples of his own poetry and lessons on writing poetry. Students worked to develop their own poetry, and selected poems were read at a community open house at the end of the week.
  
  Mr. Casey did an excellent job working with staff and students. The students were highly interested and worked diligently to complete their poetry. This is most unusual, as many of the students balk when asked to write, and it is even worse when they are asked to write poetry.
  
  The work produced by the students was of high quality. Students were proud to read what they had written for an audience of family and community members.
  
  Mr. Casey relates well with students and staff members. He also developed good relations with the families of the students. This was impressive, considering the short time he was here.
  
  At the end of the residency, staff members and students were asked to evaluate the residency. Nearly all of the evaluations rated the residency as outstanding. Comments included, "When are you coming back?" and "Next time you come, stay longer."
  
  I am pleased to be able to recommend Mr. Casey. He is easy to work with, very responsible, and highly effective working with students. His personal examples and interest inspires students to do their best.
  
  If you have further questions, please contact me at 701-477-3108.
  
  Thank you.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Mary Beth Reed
  director, Gifted Program
  Ojibwa Indian School

• Ft Riley Christmas Show [+ Show ]
  

  PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release December 21, 2005 Contact: Becky Seay, Production Manage...
  PRESS RELEASE
  For Immediate Release
  December 21, 2005
  
  Contact: Becky Seay, Production Manager, Best of America by Horseback, www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com
  Phone: 540-829-9555
  
  Cowboy poet and musician, TJ Casey of Billings, Montana was chosen to be a featured performer in a special Christmas music show honoring the troops and their families at Fort Riley, Kansas.
  
  Executive Producer, Tom Seay of Culpeper, Virginia invited TJ to perform after hearing his music on a production tour in Wyoming. The weekly horseback television show, Best of America by Horseback, taped the music special live at Fort Riley on November 29, 2005 before a “standing room only” audience.
  
  Best of America by Horseback television show had auditioned over 100 music groups across America and invited 8 entertainers to appear in this unique show.
  
  Highlights of the show also included special Christmas messages written and sent from Nancy Reagan, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, and Clifton Truman Daniel, President Truman’s grandson. Other special messages included one from the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Roy Roger’s family and from Ms. Diedre Downs, Miss America 2005.
  
  Seay said, “I believe TJ Casey is one of the most talented and versatile musicians I’ve seen in a long time. I was so impressed with his performance at Fort Riley, that I’ve asked TJ to be a continuing performer of Cowboy music and poetry on the Best of America by Horseback show series”. Seay continued saying, “I admire his dedication to the cowboy way of life and the American spirit. What he has done to represent Montana, we hope to amplify through our shows to the rest of the country. It is rare to meet such a talented individual, who sincerely appreciates everyone he works with. We welcome him to a long and lasting relationship with Best of America by Horseback.”
  
  During the Christmas special at Fort Riley, TJ received warm applause for his music and a surprise announcement that he had been nominated for a Native American Grammy.
  
  The Christmas Music Special will air on satellite on the RFD-TV channel via DirecTV channel 379 and Dish TV Network on channel 9409. It will air December 23, 2005 at 3 PM (EST) and 11 PM (EST), in addition to Christmas Day at 6 PM (EST). The Armed Forces Television Network will also air this special to 28 major US cities and over 120 countries worldwide.
  
  More information about the Best of America by Horseback show series visit them at www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com. For information or to contact TJ Casey, visit www.tjcasey.net.
  
  

• TJ CASEY TO RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO [+ Show ]
  

  (Billings, MT) - TJ Casey will be releasing a music video of “In America,” a song off the “Blue Mon...(Billings, MT) - TJ Casey will be releasing a music video of “In America,” a song off the “Blue Montana Skies” CD. The release of the video will be seen during Horse Sense, a program aired on RFD-TV, December 14, 2004. Horse Sense is a series that is both educational and entertaining for all levels of horsemen and features experts in various aspects of the horse industry. TJ’s video is a dedication to all the horse owners across America.
  
  TJ Casey is a nationally recognized western, western swing, singer, songwriter, and cowboy poet. TJ’s most recent hit song, "Trickling Water," was at #5 of the Top 10 Western Swing Songs the end of last year and the first of this year on the national western music charts. TJ has performed on the Louisiana Hayride and shared the stage with Ian Tyson, Merle Haggard, and Dierks Bentley to name a few so he is no stranger to the lights. He entertains all over the United States at fairs, festivals, gatherings, rodeos, conventions, private parties, and schools either as a solo or with the Rough Rider Band. DVD’s and VHS tapes of the video will be available after the release by contacting Cowboy Enterprises, or by visiting www.tjcasey.net.
  
  The producer of Horse Sense, LZ, approached TJ Casey earlier this year about producing a video for “In America”. The majority of the video was shot, on location at Rocking Tree Ranch, Big Timber, Montana, with the help of Mary Bennett and ranch staff, check them out at www.rockingtreeranch.com.
  
  LZ is also the executive producer of The Cattle Show. This show is aired in the time slot before Horse Sense and is a half hour weekly program about ranchers and their experiences along with products or procedures pertaining to the cattle market. Check it out on the web at www.thecattleshow.com.
  
  So tune in and watch both The Cattle Show and Horse Sense on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 7:00 pm Mountain Time. TJ’s video will be on RFD-TV through satellite feed of both Direct TV and Dish Network. The Horse Sense show is titled “Horses Across America.”
  
  You can meet TJ Casey on the web and purchase a video or his latest CD, “Blue Montana Skies” at www.tjcasey.net. Keep an eye out for TJ’s new CD, “Pure D Cowboy” coming soon. For further information contact Cowboy Enterprises at 406-245-0734.
  
  
  

• Cowboy and The Indian [+ Show ]
  

  A concert by two well known performers. Nationally known western music entertainer and singer/songwr...A concert by two well known performers. Nationally known western music entertainer and singer/songwriter, T.J. Casey, will perform with GRAMMY and NAMMY award winning Northern Cheyenne flute player, Joseph Fire Crow in the showing of , “The Cowboy and the Indian.”
  
  Both artists have released CD’s and TJ Casey features the beautiful Native American flute music of Joseph FireCrow on his song, “Its In My Blood” and "Freedom is a Horse". These two fine artists are performing together for a family oriented concert, as “The Cowboy and the Indian”; featuring both men’s amazing and creative artistries.
  
  When asked why the combination of the Cowboy and Indian cultures is being used in this tour, T.J. Casey replied, “These are two cultures that are vanishing. We share that common issue in that our stories, music, and way of life have all but disappeared. This joint concert highlights and honors both of these cultures and will hopefully bring awareness to these traditional ways of life that we honor with spoken word and music.”

Setlist

TJ is very versatile and likes to work with the venue. He will perform anywhere from 30 minutes on up to 2 hours.
TJ is a singer/songwriter and has been writing for over 30 years with well over 1000 songs in his repertoire along with his music he will throw in a few of the old classic western tunes during his show.
Being a songwriter, he is very diversified with his writing: western, western swing, gospel, bluegrass, contemporary, and cowboy music to name a few genres.
TJ will even write special songs or commercials for your business or as part of his show he will ask for a title of a song that has never been done and write the song on stage.

Basic Requirements

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