Staff

Big Boss Man Arden Barnett had the idea to perform another re-entry into the music business back in 2001. After getting laid off from his “real job” as the best golf course mapper man this side of the Mississippi, Arden said, “every day I was out there, all I could think about was booking bands.”

With a ~not all who wander are lost~ personality and a need to share his love of music with anyone and everyone, Arden put down the gps backpack and set out to do just that. 14 years later, Ardenland has produced events in every corner of Mississippi and across the country. The only thing Arden loves more than his job (and family) is perusing through a 30,000+ LP collection in the perfectly tuned listening room; or it could involve riding a motorbike for thousands of miles on roads (preferably unpaved) stretching through outer boundaries of the world.  

Arden provided a list of eight (8) albums (music people, am I right) to describe himself:

• Genesis: Foxtrot
• Willis Alan Ramsey: Willis Alan Ramsey
• Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
• Pat Metheny Group: Pat Metheny Group
• Gregory Alan Isakov: That Sea, the Gambler
• Henryk Górecki: Symphony No.3
• Roberta Flack: First Take
• Frank Sinatra/Count Basie: It Might as Well Be Swing

With the energy and sleep schedule of a kid in their 20s, Arden can truly always be found at the office with a record on, a glass of wine in one hand and planning his next event with the other.

Tommie Jo “TJ” Barnett is a music industry queen with years of experience in talent buying and event promotion across Mississippi. Currently serving as the sole talent buyer for Ardenland’s Duling Hall, our pride and joy, TJ also plays a key role in booking talent for notable regional venues and festivals, including the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, iMPAC at MGCCC, Cathead Jam, Mississippi Makers Festival, Red Brick Roads, Fondren Yard, and Hal & Mal’s.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, TJ brings a ~creative~ perspective to every aspect of her work. Over the past five years, she has helped shape Cathead Jam and Duling Hall’s visual identity and approach to marketing live events.

Outside of work TJ enjoys barred owls, her children (blue heeler, pitbull, and little cat), watching trash reality TV, looking at the moon, sending letters, making art and listening to music. A few of her favorites are Wilco, Waxahatchee, Silver Jews, Lucinda Williams, Erykah Badu, Margo Guryan, MJ Lenderman, John Prine, Stereolab, Velvet Underground, Patsy Cline and the list goes on and on…

And before you ask—no, she is not related to Arden.

Cason is the maestro of the box office at Ardenland, orchestrating unforgettable experiences for countless fans. Throughout college, Cason realized that booking concerts and hosting events was a lot more fun than studying Animal Science, which ultimately led him straight to Ardenland. Whether it’s managing a sold-out show or coordinating a surprise guest list, Cason keeps things running smoother than a vinyl record.

Always up for a challenge and never one to miss a beat, Cason brings his A-game and enthusiasm to every event. With a can-do attitude and a passion for live music, he’s always ready to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience. When the last ticket is sold and the doors are closed, you might find him listening to house music, and planning his next concert or festival adventure. 

One album that describes Cason right now is Comfort in Chaos by John Summit.

Garret is the Venue Manager at Duling Hall and Bookkeeper for Ardenland, where he combines his extensive experience in management with his passion for efficiency and organization. With a strong background as a former General Manager of several local restaurants, Garret brings a wealth of knowledge in leadership and operational excellence.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Garret holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, which underpins his analytical approach and problem-solving skills. His expertise in organization, management, and mathematics allows him to excel in streamlining operations and enhancing the venue’s performance.

Outside of this professional life, Garret is an avid music lover, enjoys video games, and plays the guitar, reflecting his diverse interests and creative spirit. One album to describe Garret is “…And Justice for All” by Metallica.

Erin is the creative force behind all things marketing at Ardenland, where her lifelong love of music and community finds its perfect stage. With a background in public relations and marketing, Erin always knew she wanted a career centered around connection—and now she gets to do just that, every day. 

Originally from Crystal Springs, MS, Erin brings a personal, expressive touch to everything she does—especially when it comes to her daily outfits, which double as her favorite creative outlet. Her desk setup is a full-on vibe, complete with a Squishmallow sidekick, a packed lunch, and a daily espresso latte. If something needs to get done, she’s probably already said, “We need to get on that.”

Known for her positive energy and personal approach, Erin thrives in the fast-paced, ever-changing rhythm of the industry. Since joining Ardenland, her passion for fostering community engagement and bringing people together through music has only deepened. When she’s not brainstorming the next big idea or scheduling a marketing plan, you’ll find her working on a new craft project with her friends, hanging out with her cat, or catching up on the latest pop culture news. 

If you had to get to know Erin through a few artists, start with Between Friends, Flipturn, and TV Girl. Throw in some Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, and SZA—that’s pretty much her vibe.

Lottie is from Jackson, Mississippi, born and raised. She began at ardenland as an intern for the semester in which she was taking a break from school in between transferring from Ole Miss to Millsaps and, well, she’s just never left. With a lot of sass, and a lot of added gas mileage on her car from the extensive amount of errands she runs for the team, Lottie keeps things interesting around here. 

Currently studying Business with a concentration in Marketing at Millsaps College, Lottie is the baby of the team. You can usually find her with a Diet Coke in one hand, and a tiny mic in the other, trying to convince everyone to participate in her latest TikTok idea. Lottie is the organizing, button making, content creating queen of the office. 

Outside of the office, Lottie is usually out shopping somewhere… spending way too much money, hanging with her pup Pierre (despite being wildly allergic), or at some Kappa Delta event, in which she is proudly a member of. 

Some of Lottie’s favorite artists consist of Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lizzy McAlpine, and Treaty Oak Revival.