The Cactus Cuties were invited to return to Grand Junction, CO to perform at Country Jam 2009 on Sunday, June 28th.  The Cuties arrived in Grand Junction on Saturday, June 27th and headed straight for the festival on the outskirts of town to check out the grounds.  They hung out in the VIP tent to watch some of the acts and had the opportunity to meet and sing for American Idol’s Bucky Covington.  The Cuties also fell in love with the LoCash Cowboys, an incredibly talented and entertaining country act!  After a fabulous performance by the LoCash Cowboys, the Cuties met and sang for them backstage.  The guys were so sweet to the Cuties and offered to give the Cuties a tour of their bus!!!  After lots of chatting and laughing, The Cuties said goodbye and headed to the hotel to rest before their big day.  The Cuties returned to Country Jam on Sunday in time to watch the Navy Seal Leap Frogs’ practice run.  The Cuties even met one of the Navy Seals after the jump, and he taught them how to pack up the parachute!!  The Cactus Cuties had a smooth sound-check, did a quick radio interview, said a prayer, and hit the stage for a 10 minute performance.  Later that evening, the Cuties returned to the stage to perform the National Anthem for a crowd of 50,000 before performances by Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry.  With solid performances behind them, the Cuties headed to the VIP tent to reward themselves with Twinkies!!!  After a nice sugar break, the Cuties took off for the carnival rides.  The Cactus Cuties’ were ecstatic when they saw the giant “FACEOFFZ” (a large inflatable balance beam where you fight to stay on the beam).  The Cactus Cuties decided to battle it out.  Andi and Madeline were the first match, and after a short struggle, Andi defeated little Maddie Mae!!!  Then, Baylee and Blaire took the beam.  After intense combat, Baylee emerged victorious!!!  The Cuties giggled all the way back to the stage, where they had the pleasure of meeting Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry.  The Cuties had another great experience at Country Jam and would like to thank Rod England and Wounded Warriors for taking such great care of them!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert, Toby Caldwell

The Cactus Cuties were honored to receive an invitation to open up for the legendary Oak Ridge Boys at their concert in Lubbock, Texas.  About a year ago, Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen viewed the Cactus Cuties’ YouTube video of the National Anthem and suggested they be booked at The National Anthem Project in Washington D.C.!!!  The Cuties were grateful for the wonderful experience of performing with the President’s Own Marine Band in front of the U.S. Capitol building and had been in contact with Mr. Allen throughout the year, but had never met face to face.  When The Oak Ridge Boys’ management called to officially book the Cuties as opening act for The Oak Ridge Boys, they were delighted!!!!  They arrived at the City Bank Auditorium on Sunday, June 21st at 5:00 pm for sound-check.  The sound was great and the Cuties were warmly received by the band and crew.  The Cuties loved meeting and hanging backstage with The Oak Ridge Boys, Mr. Duane Allen, Mr. Joe Bonsall, Mr. William Lee Golden, and Mr. Richard Sterban!!!  The Cuties worked up the chorus of “Bobbie Sue” and had the privilege of singing it backstage for the Oak Ridge Boys!  The guys loved it and even filmed the Cuties for their official Oak Ridge Boys YouTube channel.  At showtime, the Cuties gave high fives to Mr. Allen and took the stage performing The National Anthem and The Battle Hymn of the Republic to open the show.  The Cuties had a blast watching the incredible Oak Ridge Boys Concert and then joined them for the curtain call and singing of the final number, Amazing Grace.  The Cuties would never forget their time with The Oak Ridge Boys and were so thankful for their new friends!!!!!

photographer: Leanna Elbert