Local country music fans knew they would be in for a big treat on Sunday, June 24, as multi-platinum recording artist Jo Dee Messina was in town for an autograph-signing and personal appearance at the newly opened UFood Grill.
The restaurant and outside areas were standing-room only as Messina arrived in a big, black SUV and was greeted by hundreds of Southwest Florida's country music fans. Eager folks of all ages patiently waited in the heat as they struggled to see the entertainer, get their pictures taken with her and have their CDs autographed.

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Located in the Piper's Crossing Shopping Center, UFood Grill is owned by Mark Messina, Jo Dee's cousin. "We are expecting a huge crowd today," stated Mark. "Jo Dee has a massive fan base. And our food is terrific too; we are a healthy, fast-food casual kind of place."

Local fans Katrina Price and Andy Schwartz arrived to see Jo Dee on their motorcycle and were lucky enough to get one of the last tables in the restaurant, which were at a premium. "We are here to see Jo Dee and get her picture," stated Schwartz. Other fans, such as Ashley Henderson and Patty Lugo were ecstatic upon seeing Jo Dee. "We are huge country music fans," said Henderson. "We don't miss a concert, a jamboree or a personal appearance," added Lugo. "We go to anything country!"

Jo Dee's fans were not disappointed as she posed for pictures, gave hugs and autographed everything from CDs to T-shirts to publicity photos. Jo Dee has had eight No. 1 singles and has been honored by The Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music and the Grammy Awards. She was the first female country artist to score three multiple-week No. 1 songs from the same album.

"Music has always been an enormous part of my life," said Jo Dee. "It's not just something I do, its part of who I am. Songwriting to me is my refuge, a safe place where I can go to spell out my emotions, especially when dealing with tough situations. You could say that songwriting gives me emotional freedom." Jo Dee just released her fourth studio album, Delicious Surprise, which she feels comes from her heart and conveys a message of hope, optimism and strength.

Earlier this month, Jo Dee wowed the big-guys in Washington at the 2007 President's Dinner, held at the Washington Convention Center in Washington DC. She sang the national anthem for the audience of roughly 5,000 people which included President George W. Bush, as well as members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

From Washington to Naples, Jo Dee was a crowd pleaser. Just ask 14-year-old Justin Wilker of Naples who got in line a second time just to say hi. "I'm in love with her," stated Wilker as his friends looked on. "She's so cool and her music has real meaning." more!