Rodeo: Max Meadows, VA.

Lowgap, NC.

   The first rodeo of the 2013 National Barrel Horse Association season was held in North Carolina. It was a sunny day (my nose got sunburned). It was a combined rodeo, so a local North Carolina district was also running. In all, there were 96 riders in the Open Division. This class is open to everyone, any age.  Ashley, the rider I'm following this season, placed 3rd in the 3rd Division.

Tenth Avenue North.

   Along with the past two artists I've written about, Tenth Avenue North performed that night as the headlining band of the tour.  The crowd had the pleasure of only standing a few feet from them as they rocked the stage.

   Not only was music shared, but also personal stories. Laying their hearts out for everyone to see, Tenth Avenue North became friends with their audience, eliminating the usual gap between performer and fan. 12-year veterans of the tour-circuit, they knew what they were doing. Great show, guys.

Audrey Assad.

Audrey Assad is a songbird rarely seen anymore. She has a quirky, but cute, sense of humor. Her voice is no different on stage than it is on an album. She is touring with Tenth Avenue North as one of the opening artists.

The Rend Collective Experiment.

  One thing I've come to love photographing is a concert.  The lighting is amazing most of the time, which makes for excellent photographs. The best part is when I find an image where the mood of the stage leaks through. There is something spectacular about a great performer.

   This is the Rend Collective Experiment. They are amazing live performers from Ireland. The excitement they share with each other pours onto the crowd who immediately soak it up. They had the audience jumping up and down with them during their last song. I have a musical background, so I know my instruments. But they had one I hadn't seen before. It's like a stick with a hubcap on one end with jingle bells attached to the other. String connects them both which is played with a bow, all while banging the thing on the ground for percussion sounds. 

   I had the chance to meet them, and they are nice, regular people just like the rest of us.  I heard they've flown across the Atlantic 72 times. 72! That's a lot. Dedicated to their craft, they deserve support to keep going. If you get a chance to see them or buy their album, I highly recommend it.