The actual Kentucky Derby takes place on May 1st this year. I remember some years ago, I played a gig down in southern Maine at Bentley's Saloon in Arundel, and it was Derby Day. It was interesting to be playing in what's known as a high-brow biker bar, and seeing all the women in big giant hats, drinking Mint Juleps.
I remember thinking it was a big deal when I was a kid. Which is funny, because I don't really think I've given too much more thought to horse racing of any kind since I was a kid. But really, it is the Super Bowl of the equestrian world. So I suppose it demands some respect.