Ronnie Jo Janssen

Ronnie Jo with her newlywed husband, Chris.

Meet Ronnie Jo Janssen from St. Worthington, Minnesota.

I am a small town farm girl from the southwestern part of Minnesota. Being rural while growing up made me concert deprived--besides, there were no facilities for big-name concerts within 75 miles. I still loved music, though, and in fact, still do.

I live in an area of Minnesota rich in history--I have walked where Laura Ingalls once walked as a little girl, and I have slept where a frightened young girl did, when she hid from the Native Americans in the Souix Indian massacre in the 1800's.

But, back to earth here...I am a 33 year old female from Windom, Minnesota, a town of 4,000 people nestled in what most call BFE. I am a newlywed, having just gotten married this summer. I love to hike, camp, fish for Walleye, and Northern Pike, and listen to concerts in the summer. I also shoot pool on a league every winter, and I sing with local bands on occasion, for fun. My husband is a truck driver with a local firm.

Just over the last 2 years have we small town residents been able to see bands that are not local. With the building of the Mankato Colliseum, and the rebuilding of the Roof Gardens in Arnold's Park, Iowa, came the bands. And come they have!!

On August 2, we had the chance to go see America. I drug my new husband down to Arnold's Park to buy tickets late one night after work. The night of the concert, my husband took off work early, and we got to the Park by 5:30 pm, for an 8 pm concert time. Already there were people lined up for over a block. So, we met some new friends while waiting, shared our experiences and which songs we liked the best, & speculation as to what the warm up band would sound like. The radio station was throwing can cozies to the crowd, which was already psyched for the concert, driving them even more nutso. We all got into the venue, and seats filled up fast. Please keep in mind that we are talking about a venue that only holds 1200 people!!

The Nadas opened up for America. Seeing young kids on stage, a few of us were hesitant to see what would come next. The audience was all adults-- I would bet there weren't a half dozen kids in the whole place. The Nadas began to play. They turned out to be a nearly perfect compliment to the music of America. In fact, the audience gave them an encore, and so we heard one last song from them.

Then.... America took the stage. Instantly, a standing ovation was given by the audience. Guys, I was the one with the long dark hair who was up front taking pictures. I was also the one who sent back the History CD to be autographed just before the concert. Thanks- since I never got to tell you in person. It made my night! All I can say is WOW.... I have never seen 1000 people with so much energy in my life! From the response they gave the band, there could have been 10,000 there and not only 1,000. It was incredible. Unfortunately, I had been in the small valley too long that day, and as a result, got carbon monoxide poisoning that evening, and as a result, ended up in the hospital. I never got to see the whole concert. But what I did see was really great- I would definitely go again, if given the opportunity. Thanks America- all of you, for "making my night" by signing my CD, and allowing us to take pictures. It was much appreciated. I have been a fan for many many years- since early teens. I hope that one day you all will return to Arnold's Park, Iowa, and play for us again!

Update received February 28, 1999

I recently moved from Minnesota to Colorado and I have a new e-mail address which has been updated below.

Update received August 10, 2000

I have moved back to Minnesota and once again I have a new e-mail address which has been updated below. We had a fire 5 months ago and lost everything - and I mean everything. That includes my America songbook and my autographed disc the guys so graciously autographed in 1997. To say I am disgusted is an understatement. The fire was arson - 3 teenage boys with nothing better to do, I guess. That's about all.

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Ronnie.