Sharon at rodeo.
Doobie Brothers and Rodeo – normally, the two may not share the same thought, but that is our experience tonight. My dear friend, Pat, is treating several friends and I for pizza, an exciting rodeo (www.RodeoAustin.com) and a nostalgic concert with the Doobie Brothers. (Remember them?) In all my life, this may only be the 3rd time going to a rodeo, and the first time seeing the Doobie Brothers live!
During the first two hours, the action keeps a pretty quick pace with cowboys bareback riding and steer wrestling; mutton bustin’ – that’s little kids riding (quite safely) on woolly sheep; a humorous calf scramble, team roping and women’s barrel racing; and, for the finale, bull riding – on a bucking bull!
Special recognition goes to the rodeo clowns, who not only entertain and make people laugh in between events; they help protect the cowboys by distracting the bulls. Do NOT try this at home! These guys are professionals! They take the 2,000 pound bull’s attention away from the cowboy, allowing the dismounted cowboy time to escape. So, how does the clown escape? Oh, yeah. He jumps into a padded barrel!
While we are only here for the rodeo and concert, there is so much more to do. This 16-day event includes a carnival, numerous activities for families and kids, and, of course, the customary and delicious fairground food, such as pizza on a stick, chili cheese tater tots, ice cream, BBQ and my perennial favorite, funnel cake! (And, it is soooo good!) I must say, though, that food prices are quite high this year – $4 for a 1.29 bottle of water! Ouch!
Our seats are really very good, in the 5th row, right above the calf chute, ensuring a complete auditory, visual and olfactory experience. I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Finally, after a 40 minute break and stage set-up, the Doobie Brothers perform many of their familiar favorites, including China Grove, Long Train Runnin’, Takin’ It to the Streets, Black Water, Rockin’ Down the Highway, and Jesus is Just Alright. Their music is so memorable, that the audience frequently sings along and, during the finale of Listen to the Music, the band lets the audience sing the chorus. You know, these guys may have aged over the last 40+ years, but they still sound good and they sure seem to enjoy their work! It was a GREAT evening! Thank you Pat!
What’s your favorite rodeo experience? AND/OR What popular band or musician from the 1950s – 1980s have you seen recently? (Reply in Comments below.)