Pictured (L-R): Songwriter Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP/Tree Vibez Music), Artist/Songwriter Morgan Wallen (BMI/Big Loud), Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley (BMI/Big Loud) and Tyler Hubbard (BMI/Big Loud), Michael Knox (Producer). Photo: Steve Lowry
Chapter 598
The party was billed as a celebration of the 20th No. 1 hit by Jason Aldean, but the real attraction for me was a look at the latest country-star honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.
The first thing to know is that Jason’s joint is HUGE. It’s a $32 million investment for its owners and encompasses 27,000 square feet, six bars, multiple music stages and three rooftop venues.
Décor touches include stone-walled lighted stairways, rustic wood walls, tin ceilings, neon signs, video walls showing sporting events, antique metal ad logos and a Jason photo wall of his memories. We partied on the top level, which featured a vintage Ford pickup shell mounted on a seven-foot-tall ledge.
This floor featured two levels of rooftop, each with its own bar. Half of the rooftop area is covered, which was good, because it rained briefly.
ASCAP and BMI hosted the event, while RIAA president Mitch Glazier surprised Aldean with the news that “You Make It Easy” is the first country song to reach Platinum status in 2018. He was also awarded a Gold certification for his recently-released album Rearview Town, making it the first country album released this year to reach that mark.
Jason’s 20th No. 1 is “You Make It Easy,” penned by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt. Florida Georgia Line’s Kelley and Hubbard, who are both signed to Big Loud for publishing, were on hand to celebrate the chart-topping single, and to support co-writer Schmidt, who is signed to FGL’s publishing company Tree Vibez.
Following multiple plaque presentations, Aldean mingled freely with the guests. That was good, too. Brandi Simms, Earle Simmons, Chris Parr, Chris Oglesby, Jody Williams, Andrew Kintz, Clarence Spalding, Lisa Konicki, Michael Knox, Brendan Oliver, David Preston, Tom Roland, Kos Weaver and more mingled along with the star. We all got party favors, little sacks full of “whiskey stones.” They bore Jason’s Georgia-shaped logo.
The Ford truck isn’t the only vehicle on display. Floors two and three of the venue are combined into one massive entertainment space, and it features a 1961 “Big Green Tractor” bar. What must be the largest John Deere machine ever manufactured is situated with its giant rear tires, up-high seat and front section intact. Where the motor should be is a rack of liquor bottles. Oh, heck, the rest is too complicated to describe. Just go see it. This level also features a roof bar.
The first floor features a 1960 chopped, powder-blue Cadillac mounted above the bar. Like the other levels, this one also has an excellent stage for performances.
Since the venue is officially called Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, I thought it was odd that no food was served. Just for the record, the menu includes catfish sliders, steak, pork chops, salmon, meatloaf, pot roast, salads, burgers, hot chicken, mac & cheese, hot dogs, fried bologna and pasta.
I am told that Jason Alden’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar has been packed with fans ever since it had its soft opening last spring.
Pictured (L-R): Rick Shedd (BBRMG), Jason Aldean, Mitch Glazier (RIAA President), Liz Kennedy (RIAA Director, Communications), Jon Loba (BBRMG). Photo: Steve Lowry
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