Trump Gets First Official Invitation to Goat Races

Being the President of the United States has responsibilities. It also has perks. President Obama got invited to the Oscars. But Country Music Star Michael Shawn Hartman has something he considers better. He has now extended an official invitation to the President and the First Lady to the Becker Farm Goat Races.

Michael Shawn Hartman: Down at the Farm

Michael Shawn Hartman explains, “I entertain kids down at the farm. What I do – I was hired to race the pigs. Now pigs are easy to race because there is food at the other end of the track and the pigs will race all by themselves. You open the gate and they run around the track. But I decided to do something a little different and more challenging. I now race goats for the kids. Goats don’t run. The farmer has the farmhand chasing the goats, but they don’t like to move.”

Michael Shawn Hartman adds, “I started making my own skit, like a play. I like getting the kids out on the track to chase the goats around for me. It’s a big hit, and the parents love it. They all want to race the goats!”

Michael Shawn Hartman
Image: Michael Shawn Hartman. Photo Credit: Michael Sargent. Copyright 2017, Mike Hartman Studios, all rights reserved.

Becker Farms

Michael Shawn Hartman has been doing the Goat Races for Kids for four years now. The Goat Races run from September 1st through Halloween at the famous Becker Farms in Upstate New York, near Niagara Falls. “It is a unique thing.” With a small entry fee to attend the farm, the children also enjoy climbing on the hay bales, jumping on pillows, enjoying the animals at the petting zoo including the waterfowl, pigs, lamas, horses, and of course – the goats.

The goats that Michael Shawn Hartman races are miniature goats, called Pygmy goats. They are real goats, he assures, having short little horns, but standing just around two feet tall, whereas the other goats have very long horns and can stand at over three feet tall.

One of the top three tourist destinations in Western New York, people come from as far away as Alaska, Australia, and London, England to visit the farm during their travels. The farm is also widely popular for its weddings, own brewery, winery, vegetable and apple picking, corn mazes, and of course – Michael Shawn Hartmans’ Goat Races.

Where a Kid Can Be a Kid

“It’s one of the few places where the kids can be a kid,” Michael praises. “I sing songs for the children, including ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It (Clap Your Hands),’ I tell some jokes, and I run the Goat Races for the Kids. They all love it and have a great time. I like making the kids happy, and the adults too.”

The Trump Family

Michael Shawn Hartman states that he is not being political with his invitation for the President. It is merely his showing support for the Country. “I think Donny and Melania and Baron will have a great time here.” He plans to introduce them to some of the children’s favorite goats they have named including “Crackerjack,” “Star,” and the one and only – “Goatie Goat!” Michael says, if the President is lucky, he may get to name a goat after himself, which is always a real honor, usually only bestowed on the kids. He does however want to remind any GOP’s in that may attend – don’t bother the Donkeys!

A Pinch on the Tail

With the Official Trump Invitation extended, Michael Shawn Hartman also plans to give a few tips to the President and the First Lady if they arrive soon, including teaching them how to race a goat that doesn’t want to move. Michael confesses, “You can just give a little clap or pinch their tail a little bit.” Michael Shawn Hartman adds, “Heck, who knows, maybe those tricks could work in Congress to speed things up a little too.”

To hear the single “Swampland” by Michael Shawn Hartman, click on the player link here below:

https://www.mikehartmanmusic.com/

About Michael Shawn Hartman

(The Early Years)

While his other classmates were busy collecting spiders and baseball cards, a young Michael Shawn was busy jamming. The Singer Songwriter, and Musician, who News Blaze hails as “The next Johnny Cash,” began playing guitar at the young age of 9 years old. A second generation guitar player, music and a guitar was literally handed down to the young, future performer, growing up with his mother – also a singer and songwriter – performing on stage.

With a guitar always in the corner, his older brother, who also played guitar, would tell him to pick up the instrument, and teach him how to play. “You’ll know you get it right,” his older brother told him, “When all of your fingers are bleeding!”

Country Unlimited

Even Michael Shawn’s sister played bass, in their Mother’s band, called “Country Unlimited.” And while his Mom was playing old style country, in the style of Patsy Cline – which would have a big impression on the young musician, his brother Danny was playing more classic rock – both of which influenced the young performer. And yet, country mostly won out in the end, with Michael growing up to even join and play in their later band; “Step In Country” with his musical family.

Step In Country

While other kids Moms in his neighborhood were out playing bingo or at home taking care of the house, Michael Shawn Hartman’s Mom was out rockin’ in the free world. She taught Mike how to be a star on stage, and brought him on board to join “Country Unlimited” for his first gig.

The crowds loved them.

Their band put out an album and toured, always playing out a relentless five nights a week, year after year. Michael played backing guitar on rhythm, and was getting primed for his future as a band leader. During one show, the former lead guitarist decided to quit on the spot, walking off stage during the middle of a set! It was then and there that Michael learned how to play lead in just six short weeks.

The band was his life. “I slept with my guitar!” he laughs. But after 7 long years, where he learned to play 500 songs, “Step In Country” had run its course.

Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and More

Flash Forward to 2017: Michael was invited to play a benefit concert back in 2010, and by this time had written 65 songs of his own. He later called up his old bass player, and the rest is – history. Just an hour drive from Niagara Falls, Michael Shawn was raised in the country – and raised on country.

Citing Elvis, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Dolly Parton, and Merle Haggard among some of his favorite singers and influences, Michael Shawn Hartman’s roots go deep, and one can hear his genuine soul and power in each song.

The CIA Wall

“A lot of my songs, are about emotions.” He says, admitting, that “We can have fun and make fun of people without hurting them.” he explains, “We don’t have to be the person that is evil. (My songs are) all about emotion, usually husband and wife stuff – heartfelt stuff, that we can be a good person.” He goes on, “The Stars on the Wall song was written for the veterans, the unnamed stars like on the CIA wall,” explaining that he wrote for the veterans, adding, “My father was a Veteran in WWII, in the navy, USS Boston.”

When asked what his life philosophy is, Michael admits, “My philosophy is don’t take advantage of people, and be comfortable with everything around me. I try be the fairest I can to everybody.” He adds, “Country music makes me happy when I hear it. It makes me feel good. I want to do the same for people. I want to make people happy and feel good with my music!”

Mission accomplished.

Visit The Official Michael Shawn Hartman Website at:

https://www.mikehartmanmusic.com/

Contacting Michael Shawn Hartman

For more information on The Goat Races, and the music of Michael Shawn Hartman, along with press / media interview requests, please contact the Publicity Department at Tel: 310-226-7176 Fax: 310-226-7176

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