Rocky & The Rollers - Brownwood 12/30/13
 

I just returned from Brownwood and seeing Rocky & The Rollers. We just stayed for the first set. The band was excellent as always with great music and singing. Good sized crowd was present, too.

It was kind of a rude crowd, though. Most people had set up chairs and were seated in them. Latecomers (around 4:50 pm) decided to set their chairs up in a couple more rows in front of those who had been in their seats for around an hour. Words were exchanged between some folks. Later, during the first set, more latecomers decided to make an extra row between the first 2 rows that were already set up and have a very crowded venue. That was not well received, to say the least.

I also went walking around the square to see if I could see any of the marauding gangs of Wildwood 'utes that seem to scare many Villagers. Didn't see anything scarier than the long lines at the beverage stations.

Had a very good time.

We were there too. Unbelievable energy in the crowd. The dance floor was packed. We've been to Rocky and the Rollers numerous times and I think this was the best performance - they just fed off the crowd. Fortunately everyone was friendly, in a festive mood, and we saw no problems. Great fun and a beautiful night.

The bleachers were full when I was there 5:15 - 6:15 tonight. I don't think the late comers making new rows in front had much of a view except for a lot of shaking going on. How can they see the band with all the dancers just a few feet away.

Lake Sumter Landing is a better venue for the bands, I think. The dancing area seems larger, no bleachers, better sound system, and the view of Lake Sumter!

However, Paddock Square was very nice and is a nice change of pace from Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing.

Definitely, Rocky and the Rollers are the best group!!!

Do you think the rude behavior was related to over consumption of alcohol? :beer3:

The reason I ask; I would think most people that have been on this earth for 50 to 60+ years should understand basic social decorum.

No, the rude behavior had nothing to do with drinking. It was before the concert started and people were setting up chairs in front of those who had arrived early to make sure they had a prime spot. I did not see anyone who was tipsy.

Yes, most people have the social decorum not to do that. It was not everyone but enough to make lots of the early arrivals angry. Were these latecomers snowbirds who did not care? Were these non-Villagers who did not care? Were these just those who think they can do whatever they please and rules apply to the other guy? I don't know but quite a few of the early arrivers let it be shown that they were upset with the latecomers.

We've gone to the Paddock Square about 20 times so far in 2013 and I think the reason the bleachers are the seat of last choice is because they have no backs. I don't understand why they would spend all that money building such a nice pavilion, which has come in handy during rain storms, and yet not spring for a few dollars more.

Unlike at Lake Sumter, the folding chairs used at the Paddock are not hard plastic but are made from a soft rubber material which is very comfortable to sit on. Given the choice for a comfortable seat nearer the stage or the hard bleachers without a back, most choose the folding chair. Also where LSL has vast areas that are covered in hot sunlight until it sets which forces everyone to sit near the sides, the grandstands at the Paddock helps block the sun and allows for sitting near the dance area during daylight.

If I had the ability to made improvements. One would be to add backs to the bleacher seats at the Paddock and the other would be create some form of canvas roof covering the open area of LSL and provide much needed shade.

Those are excellent suggestions! Hope someone in charge takes them into consideration.

Setting up chairs in front of the ones that were there first is rather rude I would say - this happened to us at The Church on the Square also for a concert that was sold out - you would think there would be a line on the ground indicating no chairs beyond the line or why not have a Community Watch oversee the square when Rocky and Rollers are playing - everyone knows the square will be packed when they are there!

While we're "fixing" things... How about no smoking on the ENTIRE square. You cross the street without the cig. The smoke wafts into the crowd when smokers are allowed on the "outskirts"...and it smells like s#it.

And I agree with the problem with latecomers. They arrive late and take up the best positions by weaseling their way in. I agree...lines on the ground...no chairs past that point...ENFORCED.

chairs
 

We were sitting a couple of rows back when the late comers made their own rows. Their is a smaller dance floor and my suggestion is they have a line painted which would show where the dance floor starts and the chairs end. Or they should have someone from the rec. dept. there on busy nights to monitor where people are setting up chairs. Other than rocky and maybe uncle bobs rock shop, i have never seen a problem. My biggest complaint goiung to brownwood is driving on those very dark cart paths and that little round-about is very confusing in the dark, and thats before alcohol. They need relectors on that whole path fromm 466a to brownwood. Either one reflector in the middle or one on each side.

Where do I find the web cams of the town squares?

Go to thevillages.com and click on the temperature. Or, click this link and see all 3 squares at the same time.
The Villages

No real need for a lot of discussion on this topic. The squares do not get overcrowded unless it is Rocky and the Rollers or Uncle Bob. For the mediocre talent, there are fewer people and for the not very good talent, the squares are pretty empty.

The lines indicating the beginning of the dance area is a great idea.