James Mills Turns 50

James Mills 50th Birthday Bash

The Party Train

August 16, 2008

I have met many good people in this wonderfully crazy music scene we've got going on here in North Texas. Some I've only met once and never seen again. Some have become really good friends, even though I may not see some as often as others. One I don't see very often is my friend, James Mills. James lives way down south of the Trinity River and I live way up north of the Trinity. But I do see James a few times a year, usually at a music festival or special event. But I digress. Even though James is there, I don't get to spend a lot of time visiting with him, because he is usually the one running the event. He has devoted more hours than I can count on promoting and executing Texas music events and artists. He manages the stage, from the timing to announcing the acts as they come on stage. And I must say, he does a bang up job. The few minutes I usually get with him are always good, because James can make you laugh in a heartbeat. He is one of the most genuine people I know, and you usually know where you stand with James. He's one of the friends that you know you could call in a pinch and he'd be there for you if humanly possible.

When the e-mail came from his wife, Julie, that she and his family were planning a surprise birthday bash for James and we were invited, I knew I had to make that historical event. So August 16th, his friends and family showed up at the Party Train in Burleson to honor a man that has many talents and interests. I was glad to be a part of that, and I was excited that I was going to get to party with James at last. And we did some partying! I was pleasantly surprised to see the opening band, The Fat Boys, were the one and only Johnny Mack, Dirt Stinnett and Mike Choate. It was great to hear and see them again, especially Johnny. I LOVES me some Johnny Mack, folks.

James had to get up and say thanks to everyone. He said Julie really pulled one out of the hat with this party, and went on to say, "I have my family here, my in-laws, and my outlaw music friends. What more could I ask for?" He was a little overwhelmed by it all, but you could tell he was eating it up at the same time.

Then Davin James and his partner in crime, Cletus, came out to do a set or two. Dirt joined them later with some fiddle, mandolin, guitar and whatever else he could get his hands on. James and I sang along with Davin (in the back of the room) and just enjoyed being together listening to great music with great friends. Julie and James's family had pictures all over the walls of James, some music, some theater, some of him growing up. It was really cool that they had that many great pics of James to share with everyone.

Below are pics I took at the party and a soundless video of James dancing that I took with my camera. I just had to share. I'm so glad I was able to share this time with James, Julie and his host of friends and family, and I wish him AT LEAST another 50 years of happiness and success.