Though it was only a Wednesday, when crowds usually rush to and from work, crowds rushed to the opening day of the 2007 Kern County Fair’s Rock Around the Clock, Sept. 19.
Upon entering, people could find exhibits, food, a stage of entertainment, and even a wedding.
However, the Budweiser Pavilion’s free entertainment lineup is one topic on the lips of spectators.
“I’m really excited,” said Kealy, a spectator awaiting the arrival of Smash Mouth with her friends Shannon and Mary and her mother. “I’m surprised that they came to Bakersfield.”
“I think it’s awesome,” said Shannon. “I love Smash Mouth.”
“I think it’s neat,” said Mary. “I’m glad I was invited by my friend Kealy. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Smash Mouth was one of the many entertainers (Steve Lord, Suave Acappella, and Tyghtship at various stages) that performed on opening day.
Smash Mouth, which got its start in San Jose, is known for cover songs such as “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Can’t Get Enough Of You Baby,” and “I’m a Believer,” most of which were performed for the fans.
According to Kealy, she has been a fan for a few years now. “My parents are fans, too,” she said.
Along with Kealy and her mother were many fans young and old waiting to lay their eyes and ears upon the band, but after a KLLY 95.3 radio personality introduced them, they flooded the stage.
Smash Mouth seemed to move with ease all over the stage, daunting their jeans, T-shirts, and dark sunglasses, while pounding Red Bulls in-between songs.
“When Smash Mouth is in town, summer’s never over,” said vocalist Steve Harwell.
Though winds had already picked up speed, people were not deterred from dancing and singing along to the various old, new, and cover songs that Smash Mouth performed.
“You guys should feel special ’cause this is our last show this year,” claimed Harwell.
However, the front row center continued to bang their heads to the hard beats of past songs such as “Whiney Neighbor” and “I Want Someone, Anyone.”
“I think it’s too much rock,” said Harwell and then mellows it out with “Walkin’ On the Sun” and “I’m a Believer,” which was the last song of the night, until the audience chanted for more.
“All Star, All Star,” chanted the audience.
“Definitely, All Star,” said Kealy along with her friends Mary and Shannon.
Though Smash Mouth did return, they rocked it out more with cover songs.
“He’s having a Van Halen moment right now,” said Harwell of Greg Camp, the guitarist.
And so it was obvious that he was having this moment as he was challenging his skill by playing on the ground and while being spun around to songs such as “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “You Really Got Me.”
However, the audience was soon satisfied as they were able to sing along to “All Star.” With that, people were then able to leave.
Though ABBACADABRA, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Eddie Money, and Amy Adams have already daunted the Budweiser Pavilion, the Rock Around the Clock is not over, yet.
From now until Sept. 30, people can expect to see at the fairgrounds Tanya Tucker, The Afters, The Guess Who, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Yolanda Del Rio with La Academia, along with many others performing at various other stages.