Atkins wows huge crowd at Round-Up Happy Canyon Concert
 
PENDLETON, Ore. – More than 80 percent of the tickets were sold for the concert which kicked off Round-Up week at the Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton. Reckless Kelly, an energetic group with roots in Bend opened for award-winning country star Rodney Atkins.
 
Pendleton resident Wendy Sorey, wife of roper Tom Sorey, and her family sat close to the action and she came away with several photos she shared with the Round-Up Association. Sorey said she thoroughly enjoyed the concert.
 
“During a couple of songs, he looked right at Trent (her son) and gave him the thumbs up,” she said. “He talked about someone that interviewed him once and asked him why he didn’t sing love songs. Then, referring to his hits — “These Are My People,” “America,” “Watching You” and “Going Through Hell” — he said they’re all love songs.”
 
Sorey said the crowd was receptive to the singer.
 
“I loved the crowd involvement — like the shooting of the T-shirts using the nitro gun. He was willing to touch the people at the stage and threw dozens of guitar pick souvenirs.”
 
The Happy Canyon Arena will continue to be filled with energy Monday and Tuesday as the meanest bulls meet the toughest cowboys for the U.S. Bank/Pendleton PBR Classic. Tickets are still available for all the Round-Up and Happy Canyon events. To order, call 800-457-6336 or 541-276-2553 weekdays or visit www.ticketmaster.com.