c r o w d p l e a s e r

Crowd Pleaser
(copyright2003 rkbjr - treatyhisxmark productions)


September 1976
Window Rock, Arizona
The Navajo Nation Fair

Fade in…

The sight of old glory waves…a capacity of onlookers –old and young, a definite family outing.
Yes…a landscape of metal vehicles, buildings & an enormous grandstand all enclosing a small piece of majestic earth. A theatre of tradition …the rodeo arena!

The smell (and taste) of dust…the irritation (and delight) of livestock aroma…sun high and blazing… blue sky - the sensation of a breeze against the skin…the innocence of the young and the daring attitude of teenagers…the swaying of winos at a distance…vertical stature of roman-nosed veterans.

Behind the Chutes (a cueing place for the talented)

The setting behind the chutes is restless yet balances by a magnitude of confidence. The sound of silver and copper-finished bells ring out, young riders preparing their ropes by applying the yellow-colored rocks.

Some guys juggle their Coors beer and ‘Lazy Days, Easy Night’ (a predecessor to Garden Deluxe and Tokay wine); confidence heightens at the sight of single and married women…(their inspirations) yet they hide their personas’ behind the goggle-like sunglasses…the ones with red white blue stripes! The boots are simple and sturdy…some held together by the gray all-purpose tape. Jeans are everywhere; shirts are dusty yet flourish magnificently with the ‘number’ pinned to the back – a visual and spectacular statement of elite…

…Yes – a rider, bull riders to be exact.

Behind chute four readies a soulful champion, his draw awaits – ‘Playboy’ – the grayish-white brahma bull with horns down – one flops loosely like another ear. Nevertheless a sight of awe and power. A violent ride is imminent. Spirited fans are gasping for cool air yet emotions boast the moment. Mildly chaotic.

The announcer begins the biography, “name…comes from Chinle Arizona…”


(name)Rider momentarily succumbs to a higher power
(name)Rider’s friend skillfully prepares the rope…the bell clashes against the steel gate and the earth…the animal is tense and instantly spooked!

Cut

Reflection back to childhood riding a steer at home… (In the chute)

Dad – “Now come on son! Hang on tight and watch his head”
Son – the 9 year old is nervous yet determines to make a good ride…actually only thinking about what will happen next since he is fearful and full of anxiety. He realizes the difference between watching someone else and actually getting on a steer.
Dad – “remember what I do when I ride…”
Son – no sound…just nods his head as though in agreement
Dad - “son, have faith in yourself and you’ll do just fine whatever the outcome”

Cut,

Scene back to Chutes

(name) climbs down into the chute - a wave of chatter finds way to his ear - ‘do it’, ‘come on, your up boy’, ‘ride em hard’, ‘good luck’.

The moment has come as his heart continues to pound, steadily increasing to a chaotic rhythm.

“Okay boys! Okay boys! Let go!”