Among all the terrific performers tearing it up on stage that day however, this reporter was most blown away by the unflappable style, and pure high-octane force of the Reverend Horton Heat. This three piece out of Dallas, Texas managed somehow to outclass and out-blast nearly every other group that day, even the inimitable and legendary headliners. With a smooth-handed style, and a foxy grin, the Rev took us on a high-energy hayride that traveled from the desert to the swamp with a stop at a honky tonk or two along the way. The very mixed crowd of cowpunks, psychobillys, pinups and gearheads were all het up, and like that red, red rocket of love, we were all blown away!

This 10^th anniversary concert, hearkened back to the first with most of the original line-up appearing in the same rustic venue. While I like the Irvine lake area, I must say some consideration could have been given to the draw such an event would create. It took hours to get both in and out of the event, as there is only one two-lane highway in and out of the site. Hog riders definitely had the advantage this day!

Vendors and food abounded, although there seemed to be a better selection at last year’s event.

As usual there was plenty of eye candy to be found in the form of swag and sweeties, and most particulalry in dozens seriously sexy incarnations of that distinctly American piston-pounding perversion, the Hot Rod. Chrome and candy-apple were dancing on the green in the clear summer sun. Sweet glints of metal-flake brought tears to my eyes, and the smell of tuck-and-roll made me hunger for a lead-footed stretch of open asphalt.