SPOKES N RODS
HOTROD AND BLUES FESTIVAL
By Eric Lindegren
What started out as a small get together in the Tower District to support Terry’s House has now grown into a full-fledged, fresh, new and exciting event, one that has never been seen or attempted here in the Valley. Hotrods, Motorcycles, Daredevils and Rocking Blues Music has made the first annual Spokes -N- Rods event one of the most talked about hotrod events of the summer. Over three hundred of the best hot rods are set to be on display, to be judged in numerous categories, the car and bike club that has the most participants will even be enshrined for life at Terry's House, as Spokes -N- Rods will donate $1,000 dollars in their clubs name, placing them on the donors wall as they help unite the Central Valley for Terry’s House, June 9th, 2012.
Spokes-N-Rods have an all-star lineup which will feature the amazing American Daredevil Bubba Blackwell as he attempts to jump a fleet of semi-trucks. Bubba Blackwell has thrilled scored of audiences around the country jumping cars, semi-trucks, and buses astride his star-spangled Harley-Davidson XR-750. Similar to his child hood idol Evel Knieval, when Bubba rides into view with his red, white and blue motorcycle and superhero style leathers, a real "Captain America" comes alive, his presence instantly electrifying any crowd or audience. Recently, The Boston Herald stated, "Bubba Blackwell is the only official Harley-Davidson daredevil to bring back the nostalgia and human drama of the stunt jumping made popular by the great Evel Knievel.” Bubba has a saying, “every man dies, but not every man lives,” this philosophy has propelled Bubba to break a few bones and all of his childhood idols records in the process. Come see Bubba as he attempts his first ever jump here in the Central Valley.
Not only will you experience the thrills of the stunts, music lovers will be in for a treat. Central Valley party favorites the MOFO Party band will be playing live along with 2010 BB King Blues Artist of the Year Tommy Castro. Tommy is on a non-stop mission to bring his blistering rocking blues, soulful vocals and stellar band to as many people as possible. Between his fiery shows supported by his Blues Music Award-winning band and his leading role in The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, Castro is succeeding beyond all expectations. In May 2010, he won four 2010 Blues Music Awards including his second B.B. King Entertainer of The Year Award (the highest award a blues performer can receive) plus Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year and Contemporary Blues Album of the Year. Blues Revue says, “Tommy Castro can do no wrong…soulful, heartfelt vocals, and exquisite, stellar guitar work with a seamless blend of blues, gospel-flavored R&B, soul and roadhouse rock.”
Enjoy the rocking blues music as you stroll through “vendors’ alley” where we anticipate having over one hundred vendors on display. Even a live showing of the worlds fastest Indian will make an appearance. Hotrod show, bike show, amazing stunts, killer music, you don’t want to miss this!!! A great event to benefit a great cause here in the Valley!
Most might not know exactly what Terry’s House is and are asking themselves why they should help and support this event. After learning about how much they offer the community it is easy to see why this event is so important. It’s not just about Terry's House. It’s about all the people that have been helped and continue to be helped by what they provide. It all starts with the high level of care available at Community Regional Medical Center that brings patients to downtown Fresno from a 15,000 square-mile region that spans nine counties. The most critically sick and injured can be hospitalized for weeks or months. It's natural and encouraged for families and loved ones to be bed-side as the patient recovers, but being far from home can make it difficult for loved ones to stay strong themselves. Many can’t afford hotel rooms and restaurant meals for long stretches of time, especially when faced with unknown medical expenses. Some families have been forced to sleep in chairs by the bedside, in waiting rooms or in their cars. Thanks to the generosity of people like Friends of Terry’s House Fresno, families now have Terry’s House, a hospitality home across the street from Community Regional. Terry's House is a place where families can eat; sleep, cook and shower, helping them stay strong for their loved one in the hospital. All proceeds from Spokes -N- Rods will benefit Terry's House in downtown Fresno, CA. The sustainability of Terry’s House is entirely dependent upon private gifts and contributions and they need our help.
Spokes -N- Rods will take place June 9th, 2012 at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Events are set to begin at 12 noon. Ticket prices are $20 dollars for adults and $10 dollars for children 10 and under. Enter your hotrod or bike for $35 dollars which includes entry into the show. The tickets can be purchased online or at Mathews Harley Davidson in Fresno, CA. For more information and to see your car or bike club immortalized for life, visit the Spokes -N- Rods website at www.spokesnrods.com or send an email to info@spokesnrods.com. Vendors and Sponsors can reach the Spokes -N- Rods staff at (559) 269-9535.
By Eric Lindegren