Eccentricity on stage

From the Wyoming town of Pinedale to Germany, Jared Rogerson has played his eccentric style of music to many different audiences. Rogerson, who played at the Platte Valley Community Center on June 8, is no stranger to the Valley. Along with playing at the Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering in 2018, he also played Freedom Fest at The Yard a few years ago along with the Tika Brock Band and Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band.

Using the term "eccentric" is about the best way to describe what Rogerson plays, which he calls "Contemporary-Cowboy-Rock Flavored-Traditional Country and Western-Americana Music."

"You know, I just like good music. As I've grown over the years, even as a little kid, I was always interested in what the song was about, what are the words. I didn't always get them right, or knew what they meant, but I was always interested in what they are," said Rogerson.

Eventually, Rogerson began trying his hand at writing. He started with poetry and even changing the lyrics to songs he listened to before writing his own music.

"That's kind of the aspect I've approached all of this from. I thought it'd be cool write songs for other people to sing, then, one day, I realized if anyone was going to hear them songs, I'm the guy," Rogerson said. "I like country, I like rock, and those things all influenced me and it got to the point that I don't really care what genre it is. I just sing about what I know and try to present it in a way that sounds good to me."

As unique as Rogerson's music is, which does border somewhere between traditional country and classic rock, the way in which he found himself playing in Germany was just as interesting. And it began in Meeteetse.

"I played a little show in Meeteetse, Wyoming. It was like their 100th Labor Day celebration and we had the full band and we were rocking. We sounded so good and that fire hydrant that was listening to us, I'm sure, loved it," joked Rogerson. "There was a cold snap that night and it was like 27 degrees out, so everybody went in, so we played to an empty street for this big ol' street dance. There happened to be a car driving by. They spun around, came back and listened the last hour. Bought all the CDs."

The people in the car happened to be tourists from Germany who so enjoyed Rogerson's music that, three years after the cold night in Meeteetse, he was invited to play a private show and set him up with an additional show and a music promoter.

"They love whatever you call it that it is that I do. They love that style of music," Rogerson said.

The Pinedale-based musician also imparted some advice for aspiring musical artists.

"Just do what sounds good to you. Do what makes you happy. Ultimately, if you record anything, you're the one that's gonna live with it. It's part of your brand for life," said Rogerson. "Take advice from other people who are experienced and learn to compromise, but know where to draw the line."

Those interested in finding out more about Rogerson and his music can visit his website at www.jaredrogerson.com.