Wylde Nept and Halloween Festivities

My introduction to Wylde Nept consisted of watching some cowboys (and one mexican?) swagger to the stage at the Mill to Kid Rock singing "I wanna be a cowboy, baby" which blarred through the bar's stereo system. I was not alarmed though. I had come to see an Irish/Celtic folk song band, and, given the number of people dressed for the holiday of Halloween, it was comforting to know that the band didn't abandon the idea of getting in the costume spirit.
I was more alarmed when the first song they played was "Save a horse, ride a Cowboy."
Nothing against Wylde Nept, but I have a complete aversion to that song. It stems from my days of riding horses. As a blonde teenager who circulated in the Eastern Iowa 4-H and local showing scenes, I was exposed to both country music and breeches and everything that went along with this set of folks. That set included overly-friendly guys, usually 20 years my senior, in their Wrangler jeens and dusty boots, who were quick with a smile, AND quick with an arm, that they'd throw over your shoulder as a form of howdy. I can't count the number of times I saw this phrase plastered on the bumpers of their beatup ole Dodge trucks/trailers. To this day, that song conjures up these images and leaves me with a slightly off-putting feeling in my stomach. So I just sighed and watched as everybody else began pounding on the tables to the rhythm. I perked up at the end when they shouted "Slaggo" and the clinking of glasses announced what I assumed to be a traditional Irish equivalent to prost or kanpai.*
The rest of the night was a lot of fun. It wasn't too smokey, so I was able to take pleasure in the whole concert without sneezing. They played a number of songs I couldn't join my seatmates in singing along with, but I could tap my feet to show I was enjoying myself. Lindsay even taught me the basic steps to an Irish gig. (Lord of the Dance I am not, but fun regardless) They even did a request and sang "Serenity" for a little Joss Whedon cowboy shout out. Also, the costume contest was funny. First place went to the Pulp Fiction couple, though I pointed out to a slightly dejected Erik, who claimed he couldn't compete with a hypodermic needle stuck in her chest, that this particular Mia Wallace wasn't nearly as tall as Uma Thurman, so their realism was a bit "eh". Erik was only slightly dejected, because, well you really can't be totally dejected when you've won second place in a costume contest. Third place went to both Wylde Nept look-a-like bands, which prompted me to wonder about the label the fans took. Lindsay says they are the "Neptiles" but honestly, I think the "Neptitudes" has a better ring to it. :)
We stepped out during one of the breaks between sets and headed over to Joe's place where Cas, Pete, Beth, Misa, Viv and Trica were. I was surprised to run into Adam there also (sans costume, for shame!). I really could only stay there long enough to give him a hug and pose for a photo before I began to choke on the smoke fumes. My eyes were watering five seconds through the door. We finished out the night back at the Mill. Yes, I did later till Erik he probably had nearly 3 pitchers of beer and a few shots.
Sunday was spent watching NFL football and lounging around. For some reason I am even more lazy on Sundays when Erik's visiting. Not that he really complains about the down time those days. One really interesting thing we caught on t.v was the Food Network's Candy Castle challenge. I am a huge fan of shows where I get to watch people be creative with food items. It reminds me of younger days spent making ghetto gingerbread houses with Becca and Misa for the holidays. You'd be amazed how easily those darn graham cracker walls cave in. I suggest we all tune in to admire the professional's abilities.
More about the Halloween festivities of other nights to come...

*I later discovered this is a particular made-up Wylde Nept toast, but it has the same effect. Everybody drinks. My conclusion, Wylde Nept is a good drinking game with good live music.