The LA County Fair Vs. Fellini's Satyricon; If Loving Al Green is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right

Saturday was opening day of the 2009 LA County Fair in Pomoma, about an hour's drive from us. We had no great interest in attending, but The Rev. Al Green was doing a show that night. I've been an Al Green fan since the height of his pop career in the 70s, so it seemed like a good idea to go see him. More on The Good Reverend a bit later.

Avie had the general atmosphere of the Fair right - it was an American version of Fellini's Satyricon. Hunter S. Thompson would have described the scene as one of fear and loathing.

Of course, there were copious amounts of bad food. Lots of barbecue. Lots of sugar. Lots of fat. Lots of alcohol. And a majority of the people wandering around the grounds looked like they'd indulged for quite some time. OK, I admit that some of the barbecue smelled good.

But for me, the whole thing had a bad taste.

Perhaps it was a poor attempt to recreate a part of America that no longer exists.

There was something foul and ugly beneath the surface.

No, this wasn't the town carnival I remember from my youth.

In some of these photos, smoke from the current wildfire on the LA foothills is visible.

Fortunately, we had Al Green to see. First, we were treated to a much-to-long set by The Spinners, who did a good job at recreating their 70s hits, but played way too long. There followed a pretty long set-up period as well.

But then Al Green took the stage and all was forgiven. He smiled, he laughed, he rolled on the floor til his suit was dusty. He passed out roses to the ladies in front of the stage. He loved us, and we loved him. He passed out more roses. He gave one woman his "100 dollar silk handkerchief." His band was tight, and his voice was in as good a form as ever. He soared for the high notes and hit them. He did his hits, and did bits from classic R&B songs. He sang like an angel - he is, after all, a messenger from god. Al Green's god is OK with me. Let's stay together.