We are fastly approaching May 10th and "Our Little Party" for Jonathan.  I thought I would play the song that reminds me the most of him and the brief time he was here with us.  It is a very special song for me and I hope you listen to it and maybe think about Jonathan a little.

We need to push a small (pontoon) party barge from Make 'em Wet Marina to The Sand Bar for our party.  This is the barge we are using for trash bags.  If you can help us, please call  225-335-6079.  Thanks! 

Jonathan's Last Recorded Live Performance
This is a 2 hour show, we divided it because of the huge size of the file to view (or download)
I have been reluctant to put this on the site, but since this might be The Final JAM, it seems appropriate.
Enjoy!  Watch how confident and comfortable Jonathan was (and how much he enjoyed performing)

Jonathan's Final Recorded Performance
  Part 1
  Part 2

Local Upcoming Events
(4-17-08)
 

We are working on a lot of last minute updates about The JAM.  Please remember to check the site the day before (or the morning of) The JAM.

We still need a few responsible people with jet skis to help out at The JAM  for a couple of hours.  (You get to ride a pretty girl around).
(We will raffling off several very cool things, including an acoustic guitar signed by both bands and a HUGE inflatable tow-able from Budweiser.)

If you have a party barge and want to help, e-mail me at rob@riverratrob.com

Jay Grymes Weather Forecast for The JAM
(Watch Jay at WAFB Channel 9 Thursday and Friday as he talks about The JAM)
(Note:  Jay is the Official Weather Dude for The JAM.  (We can't spell Meteorologist)

I hear there just might be a little something in The Baton Rouge Advocate Friday Fun Section, too.
Tim and our other friends from The Advocate will be having a good time at The JAM!

YOU REALLY OUGHT TO READ THE BELOW:

Note:  At the Merchandise Barge (please get there early, we don't have a lot of stuff).  Because Hip Boot Joe just got signed to a big Nashville contract and will be opening soon and touring with Big and Rich, Clint Black, Tim McGraw, etc., we are doing something special.  We printed and laminated The JAM 2008 Poster.  On the right side we left enough room for the band to autograph it.  After their show, they will be signing the posters.  A lot of people will be in a hurry leaving and all trying to get out at one time.  Buy you a poster, which will help us pay for the event, and get it signed after the show, and say hello to the very nice guys in Hip Boot Joe.  Get yours early.  We only have about 75 posters.  (Its laminated, so it doesn't matter if it gets wet).  Don't wait too long or you might be disappointed.  See, I told you it was a good idea to check the website right up until you hop in your boat to go to The JAM.

To those people that stand right in front of the stage:

 I told my friends at Bass Pro and Budweiser what I know.  It is the crowd that makes it special and electrifies the place.  They bring the excitement.  Some people stand right in front of the stage for 5 or 6 hours, even longer.  All those wonderful people singing and dancing and smiling is what makes the band turn it up a notch and take it to the next level.  We don't have tons of stuff, but Bass Pro and Budweiser has some cool gifts that we will be throwing to those in the standing area.  Very rare Bass Pro Mardi Gras beads.  Budweiser has some awesome stuff.  They will be throwing Koozies with #'s on them that you take back to Bass Pro and see what you won.  I am hearing a special guest will be there, too.  Please listen when they make announcements and you will be in the know.  (Don't sink your bottles and cans.  We have lots of trash bags everywhere and a trash barge in the middle of the standing area.)  For those in front of the stage, we are broadcasting at 90.1 and "mic-ing" the crowd.  We will have a crowd microphone so the others can hear the applause, screams, cheers, etc.  This is going to make it sound great to those that are anchored out a mile or so from the stage.  Make some noise, cut up, and have fun.  Don't splash water towards the stage.  Do not try to get on the stage barge.  Thanks for cooperating.  WEAR PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR.

Remember, you can hear the JAM anywhere on Lake Maurepas by tuning your FM radio to 90.1

Anyone that shoots some video (especially using a tri-pod) gets there pick of anything on RatMart (including the aerial photo of 2008)  I'd like as much video and as many pictures as possible.

Want to be on TV?  Try behaving badly.  Tru TV (formerly Court TV) will be out filming Party Heat:  Bayou Blast 2008
I have a link to both episodes (commercial free) at the bottom of this webpage.  Maybe you can join this group of celebrities.  Be responsible.  Have your boat legal with all required equipment (including life jackets for everyone), and DESIGNATE A RESPONSIBLE SKIPPER.

There will be more river patrols / law enforcement out there that day than you have ever seen.  Watch Bayou Blast and DON'T do what they do and you will be fine!

The JAM Layout Chart  (right click here to download)

IMPORTANT!

Note:  If you'd like to volunteer to help with The JAM, please e-mail me (again).  For now, we are looking for (at least one) big, quiet generator to power the band equipment.  Also, we could use several party barges (or bigger boats) to bring people out to The JAM.  We'd like to have back-ups and alternates in case the original volunteer can't make it.  We most definitely will need people helping us rope off the area and also take down and clean up after The JAM.  Thanks.  Remember the rules, come, have a good time, don't litter the lake, and get home safely. 

This Quite Possibly Could Be The Final JAM  (4-29-08)

The JAM Slideshow 2007
Missed last year?  Watch the slideshow and know what to expect!
(Big file (30 minutes) takes a while to download, but worth it.

Want to go to The JAM in style?

  I think every boat that could be rented in South Louisiana / Mississippi has been rented.
  (If you know of any boat rentals that has boats, please contact us).

 I just got the word that a 55' Sea Ray is available for The JAM.  Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, can carry 20-25 people.  The charter is from 10 a.m. until sunset.  Skipper provided.  Lunch served on board and dinner at Pier 13.  I haven't got the price or contact information, but will have it posted soon.  If you are coming to The JAM, might as well go in style.  (If I had the money, this is where me, Hip Boot Joe, and the Hooters girls would be for sure).

Here's what we did last year
 (and they all promised to come back again)!

Remember, only two places are doing reserved parking for the boat launch for The JAM:  Hill Top and Bayview.  Pay in advance and guarantee a place to launch.

Purchase one of our maps to know were ALL of the boat launches are this side of Lake Pontchartrain;

All about the JAM  (scroll down, it's all here)  Much more to be added!  The JAM Flyer  

 It is time:  Our "RatMart Sale" to help pay for The JAM:  2008

Visit RatMart:  Our little store with a very big sale!  click here to visit "RatMart"

You are visitor:   

Get your boat ready now!

THE BELOW SECTIONS ARE ABOUT TO BE UPDATED!  CHECK BACK OR E-MAIL US IF YOU'D LIKE TO HELP.

How you can help make The JAM:  2008 a reality:  (more coming soon, so check back!)

  Volunteers   (3-20-08)
         Things we Need  (3-20-08)
Donations  (3-20-08)
                         Advertise on this website  (3-20-08)
          

"Keeping Up To Date on The JAM"  (click here)  (updates and good news coming soon!)
Updated 3-19-08

LOOK    The JAM 2008:  Bulletin Board   LOOK
Lot's of insightful stuff about our "Little Party"
Updates, suggestions, Rob's thoughts, and behind the scene information, etc.  (your questions answered, too!)
Updated (almost) daily.  A good idea to print out the day before The JAM to read on the way out.  Keep checking back, we plan to add a lot more!!!!!!

Remember to scroll all the way down this page, lots of new stuff added all the time.

Court TV (now TRU TV) is coming back again this year.  They will be riding with LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries and filming.
  Check out Party Heat:  Bayou Blast from last year.  For sure, they will be at Crazy Charlie's Tickfaw 200 and
at The JAM on May 10th.  Nation wide, Bayou Blast was a huge success for them last year!

Party Heat:  Bayou Blast  Part #1  (As shown on Court TV)
Party Heat:  Bayou Blast Part #2  (Both with no commercials!)

The Tickfaw Taxi has cooked up something good for Crazy Charlie's Tickfaw 200
You really, really should check this out!

Be watching for Ricky Kellum's photo slideshow from last year's Tickfaw 200.
(Ricky got some awesome shots from the Hwy 22 Bridge over The Tickfaw River)
Need a photographer?  Check out Ricky's site: www.kellumphoto.photoreflect.com/  
 

Like palm Trees?  Don't know one from another?  Think they are hugely expensive?  Thought they wouldn't grow here?
After The JAM, I will pursue another of my passions:  palm trees.  I will be going to mid-Florida and south Texas, getting some palm trees.
E-mail me now if you'd like to see and learn more about some very cool trees (and I will get back in touch before June).
Palm trees and water, they go good together!  Both give you a relaxed feeling.  Those of us that have palms know what I'm talking about.

Rat Cam will take a bit longer than expected.  I will explain later.

We are getting in touch with those that offered to help us mark stumps.  Had a little time and a few friends and here is what we do looks like.  (Some cool before and after shots).  Imagine hitting one of these at night with your boat, or your kid hit one being pulled on a knee board or tube?
Click Here. 

Coming Soon:  "We need more idle zones, speed limits, and a ban on big boats!  Don't we?"

The JAM Flyer   (download and e-mail to your fellow boaters)  (an Adobe pdf file)
We're very early this year and need you to help spread the word.

Note:  This is just the Intro Page (for you new visitors)
  Click here to see what RiverRatRob.com (homepage) is all about!
We got tons more stuff for you to see!

Say Hello To Trevor

Trevor is my buddy.  He is up at St. Jude.  He told my yesterday he has to have a bone marrow transplant. 
Check out his cool webpage and drop him a line.  He misses home, his friends, and being on the water.