James Otto Wows the Farm-City Crowd
Barbara Crimond | Nov 15, 2016 | Comments 0
Country singer-songwriter, James Otto, an American country music artist who combines the sounds of Nashville with Memphis, was the solo act for the annual Farm-City Banquet in Lamar held at the Lamar Community Building this past Saturday, November 12th .
The annual event is hosted by the Lamar Chamber of Commerce which features live entertainment as well as a fund-raising meal catered by FFA members from various southeast Colorado schools.
Bob DeLancey, owner of KVAY Radio in Lamar, emceed the event which also included the presentation of the annual Beef Carcass Awards to participating students and their sponsors. Following the dinner, Otto performed several of his signature songs which had the audience clapping their hands from the very first up tempo tune. Otto is noted for his affiliation as a member of the MuzikMafia, a group of country musicians known for their “country music without prejudice”. The roster showcased artists who specialized in blues, rock, pop, rap, country, bluegrass, gospel, R&B, and soul. Otto began his career on Mercury Nashville Records in 2002, charting three minor singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and recording his debut album Days of Our Lives.
The lead-off single from his second album, Sunset Man, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You”, became Otto’s first Number One hit, as well as the Number One country single of 2008 according to Billboard.
Dillon Roesch, President of the Arkansas Valley District FFA, presented his remarks regarding the work of his organization. “I’d like to thank the Lamar Chamber for having us cater and serve tonight’s dinner. This is a main fundraiser for our individual districts. The mission of the FFA is to make a difference as members by developing our potential for future leadership skills and for spiritual growth. The funds we raise help sponsor attendance at our annual conference which allows FFA students to bring those newly learned skills back to their school groups.”
Angie Cue, Lamar’s Community Development Director, made the presentations for this year’s Beef Carcass Awards. She stated, “A beef carcass contest is held so that 4-H clubs and FFA chapters may learn more about producing high quality carcasses.” She explained the animals were purchased through a Calcutta last spring during a weigh-in and the carcass data is used to determine placings and the money which is divided between the exhibitor and buyer.
First place exhibitor-Skylar Phillips and Valley National Bank as buyer; 2nd place exhibitor-Sam Woller and Valley National Bank as buyer; 3rd place exhibitor-Riley Comer with Greiger Ranch as buyer; 4th place exhibitor was Angelina Downing with Mauch Farms and Lori Peterson-Payne Agency as buyers and 5th place exhibitor was Kaden Humrick with Mike and Berta Downing as buyer.
By Russ Baldwin
Filed Under: Agriculture • City of Lamar • Consumer Issues • County • Economy • Education • Entertainment • Events • Featured • School • Youth
About the Author: