Thank you Clay Walker!

Last Wednesday the Rodeo Austin crowd was informed Sara Evans would not be the entertainment for Thursday night, because of a case of Bronchitis. Clay Walker, we were informed would be filling in. So I am writing this as a thank you to Clay, and hopefully to let him know how much I for one appreciated him jumping in at the last minute.

I was also lucky enough Thursday to receive a chance to meet Clay and what a nice guy he is. Very quiet and soft spoken, but all that changes when he gets on stage. He entertained the crowd for over an hour (the contract time is an hour). While there were no inflatable beach balls this year it was still a grand time. The crowd was also informed of his new recording with Freddy Fender on "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" which Walker sang with powerful conviction. Last year when Walker performed that song, he told us about singing it a wedding, from a father to a daughter and while I had never thought about the song that way that is how I will always think of it now.

Watching his performance that night, it made me smile as I remembered a paper I wrote in 7th grade (1993) addressing three of the top new talents that year, John Michael Montgomery, Doug Supernaw and Clay Walker. And while all three are still performing and recording, Clay Walker is certaintly still making the biggest impact, a man who started out by asking... What's it to you?

For more information on Clay Walker and to purchase a wristband to "Band Against MS" go to http://www.claywalker.com

Let's Rodeo!

So again I find myself voluntering at the Austin Rodeo.

Driving up to the employee parking, smelling the fried food in the air, the sounds of the carnival campusing the area reminded me what I love about the fair and rodeo. The opportunity to realize how normal you really are.

If you get a chance to visit the rodeo in the next two weeks here's a few things to remember:
* Almost any food can be found on a stick, as this is the easiest way to deep fry something including veggies.
* Have some cotton candy, it will make you feel young again. Snow cones work for that too.
* Don't sit in the front row during the rodeo, dirt and or cow patties find their way into the stands almost every night.
* Don't miss out on the free outdoor concerts, great acts this year include, Randy Rogers Band, Eli Young Band, Stoney LaRue, Aaron Watson, and the Mike Mancy Band.
* There are wierd people all over the fairgrounds not just at the "freak show exhibit"
* Visit the livestock arena or attend a livestock show these kids are tomorrow's future.
* Wait to eat until after you get off the swirly ride, your friends will thank you.
* Don't forget your wallet, while you'll get lots of free stuff and have a good time, parking's $5 and food starts at about the same.

Have fun and enjoy some good times, go with a good friend, you may even run into someone you know, or someone you haven't seen in years!

http://www.rodeoaustin.com