Herman and the Beatles

This weekend is Draper Days. When we first moved here they had the typical Days of ‘47 (The Mormon Pioneers entered this valley July 24, 1847) celebration that we have around here, a parade a rodeo and maybe a small fair at the park and fireworks. The parade was noteworthy in that there were a lot of animals in the parade, horses and wagons pulled by mules, etc. That and the rodeo made it more Manure Days for me anyway. I tend to look at that side of life, I guess. I was never into parades unless someone I knew was in it which actually happened a couple of years. My nieces and nephews were on a couple of the floats.

Now they have a BIG party that lasts two nights. It’s at the park still and we still have a parade which is bigger now. We also still have the rodeo at the new equestrian park which is fun. I am not interested in getting up early on a Saturday to go to a parade, so I don’t. However, last year we went to the free concert they have because we were bored and it was free. BJ Thomas sang and while he was good, he didn’t know where he was, chastised us for smoking too much (Draper, home of the non-smoker!!!) and just sang and left.

This year, we went last night to the concert which featured a group of guys called Korba and LeBeouf who did all British Invasion songs. They were quite good and the lead singer had starred in Beatlemania for over 400 performances as Paul McCartney. Played a lot of Dave Clark 5 and a nice rendition of “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks. The other half of the bill and headliner was Herman’s Hermits. Now, when these guys were popular, I kind of dissed them as I was into the psychedelic scene and what was called acid rock in those days. Your basic stoner music for the 60’s. Stuff like the Doors, Deep Purple, Moody Blues (at times), Byrds, Yardbirds, Cream, that stuff. However I have to give it to Peter Noone, he puts on a good show. Peter Noone is to Herman’s Hermits as Darius Rucker is to Hootie and the Blowfish. Neither of them are Herman or Hootie, respectively but their position as front men seems to make some people think that’s their real names. I guess someone would name their kid Hootie, but WHY??

Anyway, the show was good enough that I stood in line to get an autograph (I know, I know) and buy “The Very Best of Herman’s Hermits.” He was very nice to everyone and stayed until the last fan was met, hugged and spoken to. That was impressive to me. I can see why he has a loyal following after 44 years. Can you believe that? He started when he was 16 and has been singing “Mrs. Brown You Have a Lovely Daughter” and “Henry the 8th“ for almost the entire time. I did listen to the album which contained two CDs this morning while doing the money this morning and found a greater range of material which was good. Plus, after all this time, he still has groupies. Older women who follow him around the country attending these concerts. They should get a life.

We had one groupie sit next to us. The idea is to set up a location that is out of the sun early and close to the stage and then go off and enjoy the carnival. We did that and endured the 100 degree heat until the show started. As the show got closer, this woman in one of those African safari hats started sidling up next to our area and in particular, next to my chair. Her behavior was odd. She started behind us and then just sort of scooted forward on her knees, all the time staring fixedly at the stage and at the CD in her hand. It reminded me of a dog who crawls into a spot on their belly in the hope of getting petted or some attention. We all have seen that behavior. Eventually, she leaned on my chair and I actually had to sort of bump into her ”accidentally“ to get her off my chair. Inappropriate boundaries. We started calling her the Dog Lady because of that crawling, submissive behavior. There were other interesting characters like the very large woman in short shorts and a kind of halter top with no bra. Makes my skin crawl to see that picture, which is unfortunately burned into my brain.

All in all, it was a good time, though and we didn’t smell the marijuana until after the concert was over. We are seeing Beatlemania tonight along with Phil Dirt and the Dozers, so I will write about that maybe tomorrow. Hopefully I will have a picture or two to add to this post. Aunt P. took some pics on her phone so maybe we can get them.