Troy “The Wild Child” Lerwill July 7-8 That Troy Lerwill’s nickname is “The Wild Child” should say something about what’s in store in his act. Hint: it usually involves motorcycles. The Payson, Utah, native started his rodeo career before he reached puberty and was competing on a motorcycle by age 10. By age 18, Lerwill was the top ranked professional motocross rider in Utah. Now he’s moved on to safer sports, like bullfighting. Lerwill started his bullfighting career in 1994, first as a barrelman. But his lifelong love for motorcycles took over, and he quickly incorporated them into his acts. In 1998, The Wild Child was born. Now celebrating his two-wheeled act’s 18th year, Lerwill has performed at rodeos across the country, including the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, bringing his high-flying, wheel-spinning fun to crowds wherever he goes.
Mark Swingler/Bobby Kerr’s Mustang Act July 14-15 If there’s one thing about Mark Swingler’s act, it’s that the audience is assured to stick around to the end. “Mine’s a gotcha act,” says the Austin, Texas, native. “We lay a storyline in front of everyone, and it all comes together at the end. People even bring their friends back to see what their reaction is.” One of the PRCA’s best, Swingler has been with the PRCA for more than 20 years and has been a rodeo entertainer for 27. This year marks his seventh visit to Steamboat. “I love coming to Steamboat with the cool weather in the summer,” he says. “I’m wearing a jacket at night while it’s 120 degrees back home.” Joining him this year is the Bobby Kerr Mustang Act. A horse trainer for more than 40 years, Kerr comes to Steamboat with his trusty steed, Poncho, and plenty of backfiring jalopies. The founder of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Kerr is a multi-time Fan Favorite award winner, a finalist for PRCA’s Specialty Act of the Year and he’s even appeared with Poncho on Good Morning America.
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Matt Tarr July 21-22 Growing up around rodeo and livestock all his life, Matt Tarr, 33, of Cody, Wyoming, is a natural fit for clowning. Roping by age 3, he fought bulls for seven years before trying his hand at clowning, and he hasn’t looked back since – except maybe to escape a bucking bull or bronc. “I grew up wanting to be a rodeo cowboy,” he says. “Then, when I was working as a bullfighter at one rodeo, the clown couldn’t make it, so the stock contractor threw me a microphone and said, ‘Go be funny, see you in two hours.’ That’s how I got started.” Fans love Tarr’s quick wit and passion for making people smile and laugh. His act is honed by countless appearances at his hometown Cody Nite Rodeo, the only nightly rodeo in the country. He’s since taken his act on the road to rodeos throughout the country. Striving to be a great role model for all ages, he says his act ideas come from all walks, from bumper stickers to items at a store – “whatever I think I can make an act with,” he says. “I try not to go into the arena with jokes to tell. I make it more of a what’s happening now show. It makes it more relatable for people and makes them a part of it instead of just being spectators.” As for performing in Steamboat, it’s as close to home setting-wise as he can get. “My family and I are very excited to come to Steamboat,” he says. “It will be like we are home in the mountains.”
Scott Cameron/Tomas Garcilazo July 28-29; Cameron only Aug. 4-5 Get ready to be wowed by some fancy rope work. Mexico’s Tomas Garcilazo has studied floreo de reata (rope artistry) from an early age and was raised in his family tradition of la charreria, a skill performed by charros, who take pride in their horsemanship and roping abilities.Garcilazo incorporates his mastery of both into every performance, bringing audiences to their feet. Unlike most charros who only compete in Mexican rodeos, Garcilazo takes his show worldwide and has won several PRCA awards, most notably Specialty Act of the Year in 2007, 2012, and 2013. Part of Disney’s Wild West Show in France, he’s also toured with Linda Ronstadt and the Tony Award-winning Will Rogers Follies. Joining Garcilazo July 28 and 29 is veteran clown and bull fighter Scott Cameron, who also performs Aug. 4 and 5. Get ready for some banter with the audience. “If you talk to me long enough, I’m going to say something stupid, so I don’t really need to rehearse,” he says. “I’m situational. If something happens in the arena, I’ll comment about it.” Also look for acts involving his horse, which often play off the Triple Crown, and yes, chainsaws. “I know three horses that lay down and let you stand on top of them while firing up a chainsaw, and I’ve owned all of them,” he says.
2017 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
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