  | Volume XVII, Issue 9 September 2007 | Last update Aug 31, 2007 Advertise in Thirteen Spurs |
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Big Daddy A thank you
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Mr. Royalty Thanks
It's been an extremely long year and now the time has come for Atlantic Stampede 2007 and my give up. As I look back at my year as Mr. ASGRA my mind becomes filled with numerous memories of fun, laughter, and tears. Being a Royalty member means more then just wearing a sash and smiling. I believe that when you are Royalty for an organization you are the eyes and the hands of that organization at all times. Your organization relies on you to portray their beliefs and to represent them within the world. This is a tremendous amount of work and many people ask, "Why do you do it?" I do it because I love the gay country western lifestyle. I love gay cowboys and horses and chaps and everything about gay rodeo. Having that love and wanting to share it, I ran for Mr. ASGRA. And since last September I have shared that love and what it is to be an ASGRA member with thousands of people nationwide. One of my greatest memories this past year was celebrating N.Y. Pride in my home city where we joined millions of people, unique in their own way, but all celebrating the same thing the right to be ourselves. Having been born and raised in the Big Apple it felt good to go home and march in the very same parade that I remembered watching as a child on the corner of Christopher St. in the village. It was a great honor and privilege to walk as Mr. ASGRA and it made me happy to the point of tears when I looked back into the eyes of the many young spectators cheering for us and remembering I was once there doing the same thing a decade and a half before. I'll always remember that pride parade.
Lastly, the most meaningful thing to me this year as Mr. ASGRA 2007 was the ability to work with two wonderful not for profit organizations. The first being the YES Institute based out of Miami FL., whose mission is to prevent suicide and ensure the healthy development of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and all youth by initiating dialogue, providing education, and creating support systems. All this is done so the Yes Institute can bring forth a community in which all youth develop as healthy individuals free of suicide, violence and discrimination. And the second one being a more local organization called Metro Teen AIDS, which is a community health organization dedicated to supporting young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS by providing them with the resources needed to fight against it. Metro Teen AIDS focuses all of its efforts on the special prevention, education, and treatment needs of young people. Both these organizations are extremely important in our culture because they speak to youth in their own language and in their own space. Not only that but they help educate the popular culture on gay youth through powerful education thus making this world a more safe haven for our younger brethren. I chose these organizations because I want our youth to have someone to turn to in their time of need. Knowing that there weren't many organizations for me to go to in my times of need when I was growing up, I immediately locked hold of these two organizations when I found them and am still working to raise money for their cause. As I said this has been most meaningful opportunity to me as Mr. ASGRA because regardless of whether I made it to this rodeo or that rodeo and regardless if anyone likes me, or hates me, and regardless of how I look, and what I wear, and who supports me and who doesn't. Regardless of whether I'm doing it my way or someone else's I know that there are maybe two or three young people who are being taken care of because of the money that I and the community have helped to raise. That is far more important. Remember our youth is our future; they deserve what we never got. And with that I end my year as MR. ASGRA and this letter. Thanks for the opportunity and all the memories. Till next time, Keep Chute'ing!
"You're always one of the easiest groups to work with."
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A Special Thanks to ASGRA
Dear members of Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association,
Being Gay and a Cowboy too just don't mix in the straight world. But I have finally found a place where I belong. Finding the International Gay Rodeo Association, my eyes were opened to a world of cowboys and cowgirls who have been raised similar to the way I have, and who feel the same way I feel. I have now been competing on the gay circuit for over 7 years and have made it to the International Gay Rodeo Finals three years in a row. I am hoping to make it again this year.
I just wanted to write and say thank you for this and for all of your support that you give to our communities. HomoRodeo.com has helped by providing a website to meet new competitors and spectators and also to inform us about the upcoming rodeos and a place to post and share pictures of previous rodeos. ASGRA, an association who has helped people like me find a place to mix and mingle and meet new people who know and understand where I am coming from. I just wanted to say thank you again for your support and your sponsorship. Travis N.
Atlantic Stampede Silver Saddle Sponsor
Calling all North Carolina Members
The Director of the NC Pride Parade and Festival has contacted us regarding the upcoming festivities at Duke University's East Campus in Durham, NC. They are hoping to have an ASGRA contingent in the parade, either in cars or on horseback. If you would like to participate in the NC Pride parade, check out the web page and contact the director directly. Also let us know, so that we can get you banners/flags for your vehicle to identify you as the ASGRA Contingent.
John S. - Director
Calling All Volunteers
It is that time of year again and we are less than 2 weeks away from Atlantic Stampede 2007. We need Volunteers in all areas. Chutes, Security, Front Gate, Arena, Trash, and floating where needed on both days. If you can volunteer please go to our rodeo index and near the bottom of the page you'll find the form. Just fill it out and Beth will be happy to get back to you. Any questions please e-mail Beth Brockelman at Thank YOU ALL who help to make Atlantic Stampede happen each and every Year.
Beth Brockelman
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Atlantic Stampede 2007 Bronze Nugget Sponsors
Music Review
Joe Nichols - Real Things [Four Stars] One definite caution to those who decide to choose this CD for those aforementioned dinner in nights, skip over the title 'Let's Get Drunk and Fight' a bizarre ode to bad relationships where angry couples drink, keep the neighbors up all night arguing, get turned on and make up with great sex. Unless you enjoy dramatic turns in your relationships and living out your own Erica Kane vignettes. This is definitely a song to be missed. The other misstep in this CD is the title 'It Ain't No Crime'; an attempt at an upbeat ode to relaxing in life vs. being a go-go-go. Unfortunately, the choice of the melody and the language of lyrics don't mesh well; especially with a voice like Joe Nichols. The vocals sounds forced; almost as though Joe did not pick this song but was required to have it by the record company and unwilling gave in. Think Queen Latifah during the 'Nap-a-Way' promo she recites in the current movie version of Hairspray. It's that flat. This does not mean that Joe can't sing upbeat at all. 'Coming Back in a Cadillac' is a prefect example of how to mix a particular voice type with the right melody and right lyrics. This smooth driving song is great and as the old saying goes 'and you can dance to it.'
Luke Bryan - I'll Stay Me [four stars] One of the first of these is 'Country Man'; another 'I'm better than those city fellas' songs to potential sweethearts with lyrics filled with testimonials to an ability to hotwire a tractor, soft cure hams, warm you up with rough hewn hands and my personal favorite lyric 'join me in my new deer stand'. Another definite highlight song is 'The Car in Front of Me.' It's oomph coming from a different way to tell the tale of looking at the ones you love: riding behind the waving beauty in the Home Coming Parade; following your family home in a separate car after meeting up with them after work and, rounding it out full circle, riding in a limousine during a funeral procession. The last lyric sung so touching that it will definitely bring some mist to your eyes. A third is 'My First Love Song'. The story of first love told through the identification of a particular song with that love. The title of the song of this has a double meaning, relating both to the song it self and the relationship that was shared with that person being your own personal "love song." Still a final one worth mentioning is Tacklebox; a tune about remembering one's grandfather spun around stirred memories provoked by his old tacklebox; a truly touching tribute to men mentors in our lives who are no longer here, but have left an impact on us even if it is through just the simple activity of fishing. The rest of the CD is filled with hard driving, honky-tonk dancing, tunes that though the themes can be found on many other CDs (drinking too much, good time with your baby, being a bit changed by your baby and staying your regular old country self) are carried along so well by Luke's voice and mix of traditional country music instruments, you'll find yourself singing along -- and loud.
Travis Tritt - The Storm [five stars] There is not a falter in any of the songs and none of the themes seem tired or warn; especially so, due to the melodies that are laid behind the lyrics. The difference in music styles that move easily from one song to the next, helps to carry The Storm along and sweep you up with it. For all of the albums that I have listened to yet this year, this latest offering by Tritt is the best that I have heard so far. I've listened to it about 7 times already and yet to tire of it. The music awards shows would definitely be a deaf ear if they were not to consider this for Best Album Of the Year. It is more than a contender in my opinion, it is a winner. The Storm is loaded with music that will truly blow you away (yeah, I can never resist a bad pun).
Patrick Hunter
ASGRA Business Members
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The CircleWritten by Dave StameyAlbum: Tonopah
For a limited time, Cowboy Frank is providing a stream to listen to this great song as sung by its author. Listen while you read. (should play on any player)
The horse I ride is old 
But he has served me wellCoat like old tobacco rich and warm He's old but he is sound My rein chains ring like bells We fit well together as we glide, above the stone
And the boots I wear are old
And the trails I ride are new
And the saddle I ride is old
And the trails I ride are new
And the life I live goes on
Oh ooo oooo
The October newsletter deadline is September 24. Send your articles to
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PO Box 22042
Alexandria, VA 22304-9204 (202) 547-9590 |
Through the fun and laughter there have also been many challenges that I pass on to the future royalty to be mindful of in years to come. The biggest challenge I had was lack of support or membership at big fundraisers and group events. Future Royalty, don't ever expect to get support or help with anything you do unless you ask. When you know you have an event ask every person you know. Ask them twice to be sure they understood that you needed help the first time. Too many Royalty events that could have been good for our organization and our community were cancelled due to poor turnout a.k.a. support. This is a huge challenge for any Royalty and it was for me. Then on the other side of the fence I have to thank those who have been there for nearly everything, who helped plan work and support Royalty events. Thank you Jezziebell, Jackie, Rascal, and Patrick I couldn't have done it without you.
In order for us to be able to serve alcohol at Atlantic Stampede, applications must be filed, a site security plan submitted and the rodeo facility must approve it.
Elections for 2007 will be held in October. This year we will be electing a President, Treasurer and Trustee. The first two positions are two year terms, and the Trustee election is to fill the remaining year of my three year term. The current Trustee position is being held by Mike Benner. You should be receiving your ballots in the next few days.
Oh my gosh ... there are so many moments that have touched me or meant the most since I started. If I may just list a couple:
Patrick Hunter
As a competitor we need to attend several rodeos to qualify for the finals. With "Our Cowboys" being so few and far between each other, it is hard to find a location where we can all meet to hold a rodeo. The cost to attend these rodeos has steadily increased over the past few years. Having the knowledge and horsepower to compete in rodeo is one thing, but getting there and affording to compete is another. That is where Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association (ASGRA) and 
Definitely the quieter side of country; Joe Nichols latest album really pulls no surprises. It is filled with his typical choice of laid back relaxed instrumental tunes coated with his smooth vocals. Among some of the highlights of this CD are 'Real Things', about the love of real things of life: stone fireplaces, hard days work, fireflies; 'If I Could Only Fly' a touching song with back up vocals provided by Lee Ann Womack about the desire to be with a loved one when distance separates you and 'My Whiskey Years' a familiar lament of the hard drinking cowboy, but with a gentle smoky air to it that brings something new this well told tale in country music. Once again, Joe creates a CD perfect for those unwind-after-work nights or for those of you looking some background music to accompany a dinner in date before you slip on the make-out music of Alabama or some of Billy Currington's recent offerings.
For those of you who like your music a little more country than just the regular Joe, Luke Bryan's CD I'll Stay Me is for you. Filled with some real twang and some great songs about things only the country life could bring ya.
I'm not exactly sure at what point Travis Tritt decided to go from the 'Country Club' guy to the Honky Tonk Barry White, but the soulful sound of his latest CD fits him well. I could not think of another country crooner who's vocals would be better suited to the funky R & B infused tunes. Within the first few minutes of the opening song 'Mudcat Moan/You Never Take Me Dancing', I knew that I wanted to own this CD. As I listened further, I found myself pondering downloading and buying it as well. (I did always have a soft spot for my long-haired first country musician celebrity crush. Mmmm….CD jewel case photos).
The CD is filled with a good range of music tastes. From the sweeping ballad '(I Wanna) Feel Too Much', which Tritt carries off in a way that would make Celine Dion envious to the West Coast Swing feels within 'High Time For Getting Down' and 'Doesn't the Good Outweigh the Bad' to the funky, sure to be the next Shadow Dance hit (as well as the perfect gay double entendre ) 'Rub Off On Me' to the haunting pondering of 'What If Love Hangs On' there is something for everyone who likes their music country twinged, but not always full on country.
and it's time to bring the cows home
