The Extra Mile Podcast
Ardenland Owner Arden Barnett

(Paul) Welcome into another edition of the Extra Mile podcast presented by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. I'm deputy director of Public Affairs, Paul Katool. And as always, I'm joined by my cohost, Will Craft. He is the director of public affairs at the agency. Will we are continuing with our summer travel theme. We want you to get out onto the roads this summer. And what better place to go than a concert. There are lots of concerts around the state of Mississippi, with that in mind we're at Duling Hall in the Fondren district of Jackson, Mississippi. And we are here to talk to Mr. Arden Barnett, and he is the owner of Ardenland, which handles concert promotion, amongst many other things. Arden, thank you so much for joining us on the show today.

(Arden) Good to be here.

(Will) Appreciate it.

(Arden) I appreciate the invite. Yeah.

(Will) Super cool location, too. We like to get out and check out the state any time we have an opportunity. This will absolutely be one of my favorites, though. I think this first time we've been on like a live stage looking set up. So this is really neat. Appreciate it.

(Arden) Yeah.

(Paul) No doubt. So, tell us a little bit about where we are Duling Hall.

(Arden) So Duling Hall is actually the old Duling School. It was built in; I think two or three different sections. But the first one, if I'm not mistaken, was 1928. Which Saltine is in that portion. Then the classrooms all began. You know, where Saltine is, down the hallway where our office is. Duling Hall was actually the was the cafeteria slash auditorium. And so, as you can see, they can, but the floors are like old hardwood floor stage. And then it goes on into the, what would be the kitchen now and up to the upstairs which there's, it's just, it's a maze but it's we had people come in I mean weekly and say I used to dance on that stage. You know, back when they were in fifth grade. And I was I had someone in my office last time we were visiting, and he said, yeah, I was, I was in fifth grade in this very room in our in our office.

(Will) That’s wild.

(Arden) Anyway.

(Paul) That’s crazy.

(Will) I didn't realize that at all. I think even earlier this week, Paul mentioned that, you know, this was the original school, forgive my ignorance out there. Everybody, I apologize. But yeah, I didn't realize this was a school at one point. Not a Jacksonian so much so, but that's really neat and it is cool and loves the old old buildings repurposed. I always enjoy that, but-

(Paul) Definitely, definitely. So, Arden, just kind of can you tell us a little bit about yourself, how you got into this business?

(Arden) Well, I mean, it's, you know, in high school I was playing, you know, taking my turntable to parties and building my own speakers. And I went to work in a, in a music store that we did professional audio and also home HiFi. And so, I got in there and started running sound for bands and got invited to work a show. A friend of mine, Kip Attaway, that I work with, who's still playing music, but he had booked a show with Boyd Axton and this would have been 1978, that kind of thing.

(Paul) Love it.

(Arden) So that was actually my first concert to actually work.

(Will) Oh, wow.

(Arden) And Tanya Tucker was next and, and then it just rolled on into that moved to ended up in Birmingham after Idaho and I worked with University of Alabama Birmingham. And I was just a student there. Actually, I really didn't ever go to class. I just spent 10 hours a day in my little cubicle booking bands.

(Will) Not unlike some of us.

(Arden) And so, yes, and that was that moved back here, went to work with Malcolm at Hal and Mal's.

(Will) Oh, Okay.

(Arden) I was there for eight years and it was a great time there. And then I went out on my own and.

(Will) Ardenland, Right?

(Arden) Yeah.

(Paul) There you go.

(Arden) Well, I was there was, there were several factions before Ardenland.

(Will) Ardenland is now.

(Arden) Ardenland has been yeah, it started in January 2011.

(Will) Okay.

(Arden) I got laid off from a real job.

(Will) Okay. Well, I think, I think it worked out well.

(Paul) Definitely worked out.

(Will) As some folks have mentioned, as we've made known where we were coming the day and who we were having on our show. Definitely a career that seems like it's a lot of fun and that you can have a lot of fun in, over a lifetime doing so. You know, it's pretty rewarding. I think a lot of people jealous of trying to do that for sure. One interesting thing, Anna Ehrgott, shameless shout out for one of our public affairs folks, a former employee of yours, as we mentioned, a long time ago. But she mentioned to us kind of a neat, you know, about the location. You know, they say location, location, location. But Duling Hall and kind of Jackson Central where you all set up is between New Orleans and North Mississippi. Is that right?

(Arden) Yeah. Well, I mean, just Jackson in general where being on a on the interstate quadrant between New Orleans and Memphis and Dallas and in Atlanta.

(Will) That’s true.

(Arden) All of those, I mean, pretty much people, they're coming through town. So we you know, we are fortunate to get some of those shows passing through. Yeah, it helps. Usually they're a Tuesday, you know, but we'll take what we can get.

(Will) That’s right. Somebody actually mentioned that. That is why, you know, kind of we are fortunate to some of these other bigger bands that maybe wouldn't headline here on a weekend, but we can get them you know on a Tuesday or Wednesday show.

(Arden) It's like in my morning jacket, you know we get stuff passing through, so it works out.

(Will) There you go.

(Paul) It's always nice to see a band here and then a year later or something, you know, they're on like Letterman, or I guess not Letterman anymore, one of the late-night shows. It's pretty cool. Definitely seen a few of those.

(Will) Yeah.

(Paul) This is a transportation podcast. We don't, did kind of want to touch on a little bit. Why is it kind of, as a business owner, why is it important to have kind of a solid transportation network? I'm assuming you got to get the band, you got to get the supplies, logistics to, you know, to the venues and that sort of thing?

(Arden) Yeah. And I tell you, it's, you know, after COVID it has been brutal not only, you know, for every business, but in particular. I mean, our entertainment business has been really hit pretty hard. Getting people back to work has been the hard part and not as much in my area in the promotion and business of it. But when it comes to a band and finding bus drivers, because the bus drivers went to be truck drivers or they did something else during COVID, they had to find another way of making a living. All the stagehands, all the techs, everything. So, getting these people to come back in to do business and take over their other jobs has been, bands are finding it tough. I mean, there, even there's bus shortages right now.

(Will) Really?

(Arden) Yes. Just, anywhere I've heard they're bringing busses over from Europe right now because there's such, between a tour bus situation, and so. But there are a lot of bands touring right now. That's the other thing, I mean, everyone's working.

(Will) If you got some tour busses for sale, we know where you can get rid of them. Okay.

(Arden) So anyway, but yeah, I mean it's, you know, it's we're still climbing that mountain.

(Will) Yeah, I can imagine. So, any kind of major hurdles as far as the transportation system that you all have faced?

(Arden) No, I don't, I don't think so. Other than, you know, other than just your normal weather-

(Will) Sure. Right.

(Arden) - you know, incidents.

(Will) And nothing you can really do. I mean to the best of your ability.

(Arden) One lane of, you know-

(Will) Yeah.

(Arden) -Interstate 8 going to Mobile being shut down.

(Will) Yeah that's right. And you know, unfortunately but fortunately, you know, we've gotten loads of money from the state legislature the last couple of years in the federal delegation as well. So, again, fortunate, unfortunately, you're going to see a lot more orange cones out there.

(Arden) Yeah.

(Will) Just something to be aware of. Safe driving out there, because there's going to be a bunch of work zones popping up everywhere.

(Arden) No pain, no gain.

(Will) That's right. You know.

(Paul) Yep. Yep. Absolutely. So, I know most of our listeners, our viewers, have seen the DMS boards, the electronic signs, kind of with our safe driving messages up there throughout the year. We, we're big music fans and public affairs. That's why we're here. Part of the reason why we're here, we like to work music into it. So, during Cathead Jam, we had one up for Goose. We had one up for Jason Isbell. Went viral for The Flaming Lips. We had one of those. So, you know, we like to work with the music industry as well a little bit, promote that economic growth development. What can you talk to us a little bit about Cathead Jam and kind of the success of that festival?

(Arden) Yeah, yeah. It's so it was just this past, what, two weeks ago I think one week, one week ago. So I'm still in a blur. But yeah, June two and three and it was, it was a great weekend. It's, you know, we came back after three years of not having it after COVID, of course. And so, you know, it was it was almost like starting over again. But at the same point, you know, the turnout was good. Every, just it was a wonderful experience. And we were so blessed with the weather. I mean, typically at Cathead Jam. It's 175 degrees outside. And I think it may have broken 90. So, it was, it was a real treat.

(Will) Oh wow.

(Arden) The wind was blowing and we ended up, we were looking at it sales reports yesterday and I think we had 14 different states were represented.

(Will) Oh wow.

(Paul) Nice.

(Arden) You know, all the way from New Hampshire, Iowa, Colorado, all over the place.

(Will) That’s awesome!

(Arden) So, yeah, it was good to see.

(Will) That's a drive, too.

(Arden) It was great. It was a great experience.

(Will) Yeah, That's really awesome. So what about some of the favorites? You know, do you have a favorite band that's come in or favorite concert kind of that you're looking forward to in the upcoming months?

(Arden) Um.

(Will) Favorite, favorite event, maybe even not even specific to music?

(Arden) Well, we, we just announced yesterday Lake Street dive.

(Will) Okay.

(Arden) They'll be performing at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian. So we booked that room over there and will be announcing a whole nother season come August. But Lake Street's a one off that we just popped up yesterday and it should be, that's a good road trip also, right?

(Will) Awesome, yeah. Meridian, too. I think somebody actually mentioned the Riley Center if I'm saying that correctly? Riley Center?

(Arden) Yep.

(Will) And saying how beautiful and fantastic. So, Meridian, we may be coming to check you guys out pretty soon. But I did Segway a little too quick there. I wanted Paul you had some very high praises. Go ahead. I want you to get that out there.

(Paul) Oh, yeah. No, I just got to say Cathead Jam. We love, I love spending time at Duling Hall, Ardenland, but I would say that might be my favorite Jackson weekend of all time. So just more kudos to you and your team. Y'all did an excellent job for sure.

(Arden) Thank you.

(Paul) Yes sir.

(Will) And same high marks from so many others that I know specifically in our office. I don't know if uh, we have a very outgoing, looking for good times office, which is a great thing, you know, so we like to go have fun. And everyone has said the same things that it was such a great time. Kids and family friendly, you know, and everybody enjoyed it. Just briefly touched on that other big events kind of that you're looking forward to, but you just mentioned. So August is kind of the lineup.

(Arden) Yeah, August will do a season announce for the Riley Center itself. We do have a we've got an event coming up July 27 and 28, at the Mississippi Coliseum.

(Will) Okay.

(Arden) The Keath Killebrew Memorial Rodeo. And it's literally “our first rodeo” and we are not doing the animals or whatever you know the-

(Will) The rodeo-ing.

(Arden) Yeah, the rodeo-ing part. We've got a great producer of that that's coming on board with us to help out. But it's actually, I'm being told that it will be the second largest two-day rodeo in the country.

(Will) Oh, wow.

(Arden) And it's actually an international rodeo. So there are there are people coming from around the world to compete in this. Chapel Hart will be performing

(Will) Oh, right on.

(Arden) And Drake Milligan.

(Will) Okay.

(Arden) So, we'll have the music element to that side and bull poker and all kinds of crazy kind of stuff.

(Will) I have actually already seen some advertisements for this that you mentioned. I saw it on Facebook or something today or yesterday. Yeah. The Keath Killebrew Rodeo. Yeah, that's right.

(Arden) Yep, so anyway.

(Paul) That's very cool. And just to reiterate, you do things around the state too. I know you do things in Hattiesburg sometimes. Jackson, Natchez, all over the state of Mississippi.

(Arden) Yep, yep. We do. So, Hattiesburg, Meridian, we do events in Mobile with the fairgrounds down there. We produced a festival in California a few years ago with in Santa Cruz.

(Will) All the way in California, too now.

(Arden) Yeah, I know.

(Will) So, all right. So, you guys have statewide, you get to Mobile. So, I mean, it's not just Mississippi. It's everywhere. I mean, you guys are far and wide?

(Arden) Yeah, I mean, we can do we can do a show wherever. That's really good. Grace Potter in Houston. Not too long.

(Will) Yeah.

(Arden) So, yeah, all over the map.

(Will) Big fan. Yeah, That's really cool. Yeah, yeah. What you got for us, Paul?

(Paul) Yeah. Well, Will, we've hit a lot of things why don’t you hit the food question for us.

(Will) Yeah. We can. One thing before we get into that, I do want to ask you, so litter is, is one of our big things at MDOT.

(Arden) Sure.

(Will) And we're going through restarting a campaign right now, promoting anti-litter message and getting that out there. Have you found any kind of like best practices or tips for when you guys are working venues and events on how to kind of keep the place clean or get folks to assist in that?

(Arden) Well, I mean, first and foremost is, you know, when we do a festival in the event it is top priority to have, be clean.

(Will) Sure.

(Arden) And our premise is, especially at a festival, if you have garbage cans typically people are pretty good about not throwing the stuff on the ground. But if you don't have a you know, there is some sort of formula. I can't remember what it is off the top of my head. But if they have to walk more than I think, 50 feet or something like that to a garbage can, then you're, you're in trouble. So.

(Will) I think I've heard like Disney World has that metric.

(Arden) Exactly. Exactly. That's where it came from. So yeah, so we, you know, we believe in that. And then we have, we have a great crew that comes in and does all of our cleanup. But, you know, I'm with you guys. I mean that there's nothing that just rips me more than somebody-

(Will) It’s so easy.

(Arden) -throwing a cigarette and then I come in to work and there's three cigarette butts on the stairs that I have to pick up.

(Will) There is probably a little ash thing sitting right there for them, you know.

(Arden) Yeah. It's you know, it's just really-

(Will) I agree we talk about it all the time but I just if you handed me some garbage right now and paid me $20, I don't think I could walk outside and just throw it in the street, you know, throw it on the grass. It's just never been wired to me to do that, you know, credit to my up to my upbringing and those that reared me. But I don't know, that seems like something easy we ought to be able to kind of get over the hump.

(Arden) Yep. I totally agree with that.

(Paul) No doubt. Will and Arden, y'all would be best friends on that. He literally talks about that all the time.

(Will) Probably too much.

(Arden) I mean, I'll, yeah, that's like road rage when I see someone does something.

(Will) I love it.

(Arden) It's like, well, that's probably not a good thing to say on the show, but.

(Will) No. Well, that's fair. Totally fair.

(Paul) You’re good. You’re good.

(Will) In the context, totally fair. We're going to have to feature him on the anti-litter messaging episode or something. Getting to kind of the really fun ones here, kind of the last few things, you know, and these some of these you may not be able to answer right off the top of your head. Might think about it for a second, but as you kind of going around the state and want to keep this, you know, Mississippi centric, but, you know, anywhere far and wide, you do a lot of road travels. Is there ever, is there a hole in the wall maybe, or somewhere like a restaurant that you don't get to pop in too often? But man, it's-

(Arden) Well, I love the little taquerias.

(Will) Ah, okay.

(Arden) You know, the corner markets.

(Will) You find the ones.

(Arden) Yeah, the little grocery stores, they have a taquerias and stuff and I do quite a bit of motorcycle travel and I, you know, and I like to get off the beaten path.

(Will) So eating, you got to have something easily to eat right as you’re riding, also.

(Arden) Yeah, yeah.

(Will) You want the full meal deal.

(Arden) Yeah that's right. Well, before and after I ride.

(Will) That's right, That's right. Not while you’re riding. I don't drive a motorcycle. I don't know the proper protocol so don't take my advice.

(Arden) So, you don't eat and drive on a motorcycle.

(Will) Yeah, there you go.

(Paul) Roger that. We have a saying for motorcycles. Look twice, save a life. So look out for Arden and look out for the motorcyclists out there. We want to keep everyone safe.

(Will) And put your burger down.

(Paul) Yeah, no doubt. So, a few other fun questions. So, this should be pretty easy. So maybe a favorite band or musician and maybe a favorite concert you've attended. I know this one is probably gonna be a little tough. There's a lot of options.

(Arden) Yeah. Yeah, um that's. I don't know. I mean, I can think of a few, you know, Gabriel. I mean, I will say that there have been a few events here at Duling that are just, you know, have been off the chart. I mean, like Billy Strings.

(Will) Oh, yeah.

(Arden) Leon Russell back in the day. The Flaming Lips played on the stage and Jason Isbell and Sturgill, you know, so. So that's what you were alluding to earlier about the, you know, these bands growing up and like Billy Strings coming in here and playing and now, you know, selling out, 20,000 seat arenas or so. So that's fun being a part of that. It would be more fun if we were doing those events, the 20,000 or 20,000 seat events.

(Will) Sure, yeah.

(Arden) But, you know, we're not.

(Will) Can’t do that with everyone.

(Arden) Can't do it with everyone. But it is fun being a part of that, that ride. And, you know, Widespread Panic. It's a good one. I've been working with that band for 30 years and being able to just grow up with them and see their success that they've had and remain good people.

(Will) And relevant. I mean, always have a great turnout. It's crazy. Shameless plug right here. Again. What's more, probably if I had to answer this question, favorite concert I've ever been to? Definitely one of the top ones. The reason I mention this, because now I think you may have been involved with it. When Alabama Shakes came to St Patrick's Day Parade. I don't know, maybe ten, years ago.

(Arden) Yes. That was, I was not. And I had left Hal and Mal’s right before that.

(Will) Okay.

(Arden) Scott Carradine from Oxford was, and Malcolm were an integral part of that. But yeah, that was a big day.

(Will) Fantastic.

(Arden) That's one of those dream, you know, that you get a band like that and then the hit hits album goes hot, and-

(Will) It was kind of strange to believe that we were standing there, you know, in front stage, listening to Alabama Shakes. On the way home, I mean, they were the number one song on the radio when we left. So really cool. Really, really cool. Got a lot of good things going on the Jackson metro. Don't forget about it.

(Paul) Don't forget about it. Definitely. I would say along those lines, Goose, it was kind of crazy to me to see Goose. You know, they're selling out arenas in Jackson, Mississippi, so more kudos. But Arden, listen, we really appreciate you letting us come over to Duling Hall and talk to us. Very interesting, entertaining episode. So, thank you so much, sir.

(Arden) Yeah, it was fun. Thank you for coming by.

(Paul) Yes, sir. So, yeah, with the summer travel theme, you know, if you're going to get out on the interstates and highways and you go to a concert, go do anything, really. Remember to download the MDOT traffic app. Visit MDOTTraffic.com. Get to your destination safely and delay free. So definitely do that. We'll just wrap things there. Thank you to our listeners, our viewers for tuning into The Extra Mile Podcast. You can watch and listen to episodes by visiting GoMDOT.com/TheExtraMile. Follow us on social media @MississippiDOT is the handle there. We want to thank our editor, Drew Hall. He does everything behind the scenes for us. And remember to drive smart out there on Mississippi highways.