Richardson, Texas
April 29, 2000

The drive from Amarillo to Richardson (a suburb of Dallas - just west of downtown) was much prettier than the one on Friday. Good thing, too, since it was 2 hours longer... Texas in the springtime - I love it! I never get tired of looking at fields of wildflowers. This also seemed apropos since I was headed for the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival.

I got there in time to catch the early admission discount. Seeing CT for $3?!?! Crazy. Even if you got there late, it was only $5...

The festival itself is pretty decent. Lots of arts booths & roaming musicians - plus the obligatory fair food. Definitely geared toward the family thing. I found this highly amusing since Isaac Hayes (of "Shaft" & "South Park" fame) was one of the other headliners. I didn't see the show, but I had to wonder if "Chef's Salty Chocolate Balls" would make the set list. It'd be worth the price of admission just to watch the reactions of parents during that heartwarming number. :)

CT was on the second stage - very similar one to the night before. And it was TOMCAT ground support system again! Think I should ask for some comp time since I was so close to TOMCAT product all weekend?!

Anyway, it was one of those band-an-hour deals - most of them were local. When I got to the stage, 8 Trak Mind was finishing their set. Love the name! I didn't catch much of it, but they seemed like a thrasher/grunge/punk type of group.

Sven was quick to point out the Homer picture to me next to the cup & kleenex box - per Rick, it was back up on the amps. :) He and Paul said they had to be up around 5 or 6 am to catch the flight from Amarillo. :P Then I found out from John that the poor truck driver had had a long night. I forget how long it took - but bad weather added at least a couple of hours to the drive. Oop ack....

The parade of bands continued:

Out of Sights - they came over and thanked me for not leaving during the set - LOL! Attendance *was* a little sparse during the afternoon shows... They played a decent set of original stuff.

Skuwrly - very young 3 piece band that reminded me of the Dead Milkmen. Good thing I happen to like Dead Milkmen! Their set was marred with technical problems though and the dude on lead guitar was wearing a ridiculous nappy ol' pimp jacket lookin’ thing.

Frolic - another thrasher-y/grunge-y/rock band. Their drummer is hilarious. A freak, but hilarious. I enjoyed their humor (they tried to scare the people who were on a rock-climbing wall across the way) and they did a killer version of The Cars' "Just What I Needed."

There were other bands at this point, but I lost track. By this time I was pretty over it. It was hot - there was no shade - and my ears couldn't bear the thought of 4 or 5 more bands before CT. Blah! By this time though, some other fans showed up & were willing to watch my seat. Thank you!!! It was great to clear out of there for awhile.

I grabbed something to eat, checked in with my "seat watchers" then walked over to say hi to George.

Allow me to sing the praises of CT's crew for a moment. Those guys are always so cool... That afternoon, George knew I was tired & probably suffering hearing loss by the minute, so he invited me back stage, where there was shade, water and some quiet. THANK YOU, GEORGE!!!!!!!!!!! I stayed back there until 9 pm or so.

It was great to see so many familiar people from the Austin shows. Brian (his 2 boys are the cutest!), Chris, Al & Melinda, Hugh & family... Looked like there was going to be a large crowd for the show. The completely unscientific guess off the top of my head: 2,000.

The very last band before CT was named after the lead guitarist, Hadden Sayers. It was a 3-piece band (Hadden on vox) and I thought he was damn good. All original stuff, I think. Reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughn.

According to Brian, he got to take his sons, Chris & Ryan backstage to meet the band. Well, everyone except Tom - I guess he wasn't there yet. But the report was that Rick, Bun E. & Robin were very nice. Chris & Ryan were thrilled to meet them and to see them live for the first time.

THE SHOW

CT took the stage around 10:30.

FASHION REPORT

The set list was the same as Amarillo...

We now interrupt this review for… LISA'S RANT

The crowd was a rowdy, pushy one - much to my chagrin. I appreciate enthusiasm and all - but I do NOT appreciate being groped, shoved, doused with beer... well you get the picture. I think I've said this before, but I'm not big on crowds. I grew up in Ohio & although I was too young to be there, the tragedy at The Who concert in Cinci always flashes in my mind in those situations... I think Rick caught me rolling my eyes in disgust at one point and gave me an "I'm sorry" shrug.

And oh, may I please have another dancing bimbo next to me? One on either side, if you can swing it. I love having hair & arms whipped in my face. I love it when you shriek in my ear and sing really loud. And really off key. Hey, I may be guilty of singing too loud on occasion, but at least I can stay on pitch!!!!!!!!!

The ultimate breech of crowd etiquette occurred when some dumbass behind me decided to take a piss right where he was standing. I kid you not. Absolutely unbelievable.

RANT OFF

Thanks, I feel better now. :) Despite the rant - I did have a good time… :)

A MINI-RICHARDSON PHOTO GALLERY

Photos by Hugh Woodard

MISC. RAMBLINGS

Once again, the guys were energized by the crowd. I have never seen Robin so animated - with the possible exception being the Silver Anniversary show. He played with us in the front much more than usual - it was really cool to be a little part of that. He was in superb voice again, too.

Rick claimed that Richardson must be named after him… He also talked about the fact that they were going to record in Texas and added that they were going to release a new album later this year. Hope so!

Good god, can babble, or what?! I'm gonna reign this one in with a few parting "thank yous."

Sven - you're the best. Thanks for the set lists... George - once again, you're too cool to let me backstage… Brian - thanks for a place to stay! Your boys are very sweet & you've got a helluva guitar collection going! … And finally, thanks to the band & everyone in the staff & on the crews for 2 great shows in a row. Lots of great memories.

See y'all in Vegas!

Peace,

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© Copyright, Lisa Jebsen 2000