Amy, Phoebe, Craig, Jennifer and I went to see Lyle Lovett and His Large Band last night at the Santa Fe Opera.

We started off the evening with an SFO tradition, a tailgate party. Amy, Phoebe, and Jennifer packed up some fried chicken, corn casserole, chips, dips, brownies, beer, and wine and we enjoyed all of it out in the parking lot before the show. It was a bit overcast, but the view of the mountains was great and the people watching was even better.

The show started a bit differently than the previous three shows I've attended. Sweet Pea Atkinson and Sir Harry Bowen started off the set with their 80's hit "Walk the Dinosaur" and Francine Reed followed with "Wild Women." In the past, these songs come a bit later in the show and served as a break for Lyle.

We sat in the front row of the mezzanine level, center stage, and had a great view of the stage. As usual for Lyle Lovett shows, the sound was great. Lyle was bit more talkative than past shows and we laughed at his remarks on the typical "drink lots of water" advice locals here give to visitors here. Amy yelled out "and tequila" which got a response from Lyle :-)

Lyle also remarked on Santa Fe style in the area of fashion. Of course most nights at the Santa Fe Opera see tux's and evening gowns but last night was typical Santa Fe style which included everything from cowboy hats, boots, and Wranglers to Birkenstocks and tie-dyed t-shirts.

I suppose now, after seeing Lyle 4 times, I'd better learn how to do the Texas Two Step.