Braun Brothers Reunion 2007 Challis, Idaho

Concert review: Braun Brothers Reunion 2007 Challis, Idaho • Aug. 9-11
Michael Deeds / mdeeds@idahostatesm an.com

Cross Canadian Ragweed rocks the golf course. 3,200 fans attended Aug. 11.

By Michael Deeds - mdeeds@ idahostatesman. com Edition Date: 08/17/07CHALLIS — Judging from the name, the Braun Brothers Reunion is a family event. Judging from the number of folks who streamed into this tiny mountain town, the Brauns are one big family. A yearly excuse for singer and organizer Muzzie Braun to trade songs with his Austin, Texas-based sons, his relatives and friends, the Braun reunion has become an annual destination for thousands of Idahoans. Braun clan acts (Reckless Kelly, Micky and the Motorcars) and Braun clan buddies (Cross Canadian Ragweed, Robert Earl Keen) delivered energetic country-rock sets that climaxed during a marathon Saturday. The first Braun Brothers Reunion, started by the late Musty and his sons Muzzie, Gary and Billy, took place in Stanley in 1979. Over the years, it has evolved — this year, exploded — into a music festival with the pluses (and occasional minuses) that a Wild West Lollapalooza brings. Beaming on stage, Muzzie Braun oozed pride and joy. But he seemed caught off guard a little
by the masses. Attendance was up 35 percent over 2006, peaking at 3,200 fans on Saturday. Parking overflow drew the attention of local authorities. And you couldn't blame the occasional gal seen squatting in tall mountain grass off in the distance; for a couple of hours, the on-site portable toilets were having, um ... issues. In other words, the Braun Brothers Reunion was mostly one hell of a good time. Small-town girls strutted in short shorts and high-heeled cowboy boots. Oversized belt buckles were common but outnumbered by sandals and lowback chairs. Concert security was strapped with handguns yet somehow seemed about as threatening as meter maids. The opening-night street dance, held on the main drag through Challis, provided a down-home taste of what was to come during the weekend. Excited young fans elbowed to the front to scream for heroes Micky and the Motorcars, who delivered a solid set despite a new guitarist still feeling his way. Between songs,
beer-drinking fans walked into a bar, surveyed the dead critter heads on the wall, ordered a drink and carried it out into the street. Annoyances such as roped-in beer gardens don't exist in friendly Challis. The same could be said for the main stage. Unlike typical controlling, commercial amphitheater shows, the Challis Community Stage at the town golf course had few rules about bringing food and alcohol into the venue — unless it was in coolers. Those weren't allowed Friday. On Saturday, fans could purchase a cooler pass for $10 or $20 — then haul in the entire Coors Brewery. (Or just waltz in with a bottle of tequila for free.) The spirits definitely flowed, which may have made the music sound even better than it was. But big-voiced honky-tonker Dale Watson didn't need any help Friday night, delivering authentic Texas tunes and making folks laugh with references to "chickens--t bingo." Although there were fiery moments, headliner Reckless Canadian Motorcar — a
collaboration from members of Reckless Kelly, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Micky and the Motorcars — was probably more fun for the musicians than most fans. Bottom line: Jams tend to wear thin, even during familiar songs such as the closing cover of the Beatles' "Revolution. " Saturday was ablaze with non-stop entertainment. Muzzie traded acoustic guitar songs with sons Micky and Willy. (He scored big laughs singing a tune about a large woman who was gifted at, among other things, chili-triggered flatulence.) But the afternoon partying truly started raging for Cross Canadian Ragweed, an Oklahoma band that brought a surprisingly dedicated following. Frontman Cody Canada has it all: rock-star looks and blazing electric guitar skills. Tons of Idahoans would be floored to discover this rowdy country-rock band. Respected songwriter Robert Earl Keen (a coup for this event) unveiled a festive side that, at least philosophically, wasn't unlike a roots-rockin' Jimmy Buffett. While
fans whooped, danced and spilled beer, he summed up the Braun Brothers Reunion: "The road goes on forever," he sang, "and the party never ends." Although the Motorcars delivered their strongest performance on Saturday, Reckless Kelly proved why it deserved the headlining slot. Party-hearty tunes such as "Wiggles & Ritalin" got the crowd roaring, while the occasional cover kept things interesting even for the Kelly-uninitiated. Muzzie Braun says he was "thrilled" with this year's crowd. But, next year, the Braun Brothers Reunion will sell advance tickets, he adds — and, possibly, set a cap on attendance. It's the sort of problem that promoters at Red Rocks or The Gorge (which really aren't that much more scenic than Challis) would love to have. • The next Braun Brothers Reunion will be Aug. 7-9, 2008.