Every Labor Day weekend, Houston's NFL team, the Texans, have a "coming out" party at the Kemah Boardwalk (near where we dock Cut Time) featuring players, cheerleaders () and the Texan's Pep Band, which is composed largely of area high school and college band directors and instructors. To be honest, I wouldn't give a damn, except for the fact that my son-in-law, Donnie, plays in the band and the band members have the chops to play fast, hard and loud - enough to peel the skin off your face if you stand too close.

Here are some shots I grabbed this year with my - as Rupert would say - toy camera, which to my mind was a far preferable alternative to a heavy SLR bag on a ferociously hot day.

Jer

Striking up the band:



Donnie (number 98) blows his own horn:



Drum line:



Boogie time:



Donnie's performance being critiqued by my wife, Connie (she'll find him faultless but I'm generally not that lucky):

[Bob Harris]

Fun photos to view my friend, bet that was a loud gathering and those Texans are sure doing well this year. You should of gotten up there and joined in Jer.

[loco]

Nice images! The Texans look might good so far!

[slowpez]

Texans always do things in a big way. Thanks for sharing these Jer. Enjoyed looking at them.

[cardinal43]

Well done! Donnie is smart getting "critiqued" by his M-I-L. My M-I-L was terrific. Cool that he plays trumpet -- I played trumpet for years (including college and a dance band), but haven't touched one in at least 40 years.

[daacon]

I love it Jer - I have been to Reliant Stadium once - very nice place. Looks like the band was rocking and a fun day.

[Sailor]

Fun photos to view my friend, bet that was a loud gathering and those Texans are sure doing well this year. You should of gotten up there and joined in Jer.

Loud doesn't describe it, Bob.

Jer

Nice images! The Texans look might good so far!

Thanks, Lori.

Jer

Texans always do things in a big way. Thanks for sharing these Jer. Enjoyed looking at them.

I'm glad you liked 'em, Susan.

Jer

Well done! Donnie is smart getting "critiqued" by his M-I-L. My M-I-L was terrific. Cool that he plays trumpet -- I played trumpet for years (including college and a dance band), but haven't touched one in at least 40 years.

Thanks much. Donnie plays well and is good middle school band director and teacher - the Texans gig doesn't pay much, but he certainly enjoys it.

Jer

I love it Jer - I have been to Reliant Stadium once - very nice place. Looks like the band was rocking and a fun day.

It was rockin' buddy. The second set - which was after dark - was really smoking, but I didn't have my trusty K-5 to capture the action.

Jer

[tessfully]

Whoa, great shots that really convey the sound and flurry of the day! That little camera sure works great on bright days!