Students of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry celebrated with some down-on-the-farm fun at the annual Barn Party event, which was held Saturday, Nov. 5th at the UTM Livestock Pavilion.

Entertainment included a free concert by Jon Brennan, a country music artist who gained fame for his appearance on the first season of MTV’s “Real World/Los Angeles” in 1992.

Brennan described his 22 weeks on the show as “very, very stressful.” Since the cameras were always rolling and following the cast members everywhere, Brennan felt “...like I was second-guessing everything.”

However, he also felt like he gained a lot from the experience, saying “... it was a great growing experience, learning about other people,” and has enjoyed the subsequent reunion shows and spin-offs that he’s participated in since the actual “Real World” show.

In the mid-1990s, Brennan tried to use his exposure on “The Real World” to launch a career in country music. He toured all over the nation, opening for groups such as Alabama, Shenandoah, Diamond Rio, Marty Stuart, George Jones, and others. He even released his own album, entitled Round Trip Ticket.

However, in 1998 he decided to make a departure from country music to pursue a career as a worship leader. Currently, he is working with the music and youth ministry in Owensboro, Ky. Brennan performed covers of many well-known country favorites, and then led the group in several contemporary praise choruses.

About the dual nature of his music, Brennan said that he had no agenda for his country performances, saying, “I think that as long as you watch your lyric content, God doesn’t have a problem with it.”

In addition to Brennan’s performance, activities included a lesson on how to rope by UTM rodeo coach John Luthi. Students also enjoyed a lesson in country line dancing by UTM professor Linda Ramsey.

This included several students in costume for an eclectic after-Halloween costume contest, with outfits ranging from themed cowgirls and princesses, to the crocodile hunter and a “bearded lady.”

“Barn Party is a time where students can get together and have fun and fellowship with one another,” said Morgan Owen, BCM director.

“We live in a fast-paced society, so it gives students a chance to kick back and relax country style.”

Lindsay Holder, a junior history major from Martin, was glad for the break. “Barn Party was awesome,” she said. “My favorite part was learning how to line dance and the music was great, too.”

“I had the most fun line dancing,” agreed Lexie Cole, a junior elementary education major from Millington. “I think he [Brennan] had an incredible voice, even though I don’t like country music.”

If you’d like to learn more about the BCM, you can check them out on the web at www.utmbcm.org, or give them a call at 731-587-9063.