Staff

Big Boss Man Arden Barnett had the idea to perform 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 bookin’ 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. 12 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 his perfectly tuned listening room and collection of 45,000 records from every artist imaginable. Arden also 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, glass of wine in one hand and planning his next event with the other.

TJ aka Tommie Jo aka animal enthusiast #1 is Ardenland’s band booking queen. A Jackson, Mississippi native, her love for concert promotions was born when she started booking bands her freshman year of college. With a penchant for historic, independent venues and a deep rooted love for Jackson, it’s no surprise that TJ ended up at Ardenland. We asked TJ to choose one (1) album that describes her best, and she promptly sent back this list of TEN (10):

• Patsy Cline: Sentimentally Yours
• Laurie Anderson: Mister Heartbreak
• Margo Guryan: 27 Demos
• Michael Kiwanuka: KIWANUKA
• John Prine: Souvenirs
• Wilco: A Ghost Is Born
• Silver Jews: American Water
• The Modern Lovers: Precise Modern Lovers Order: Live in Berkeley & Boston
• Broken Social Scene: You Forgot It in People
• Sparklehorse: Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain

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.

Every venue needs a man in a chair who makes it all happen and JT is that man. He’s always passionate about working with the smorgasbord of bands we book, so sometimes we throw opera, country music, and rock’n’roll at him all in the same week just for fun. He makes every artist feel completely at home on the Duling Stage and we always let his tech nerd side shine because it means we have the best sound and lights in the state. Sometimes we let him get on stage and blast his favorite Kanye album, Graduation, to relax after a long day.

Garret is the Venue Manager at Duling Hall and Bookkeeper for Ardenland, where he expertly 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 and Astrophysics, 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.