MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
ABBYVILLE, Kan — The role of music at a rodeo goes far beyond just filling silence between events. According to longtime rodeo music director Jesse Knudsen, the right music can energize a crowd, support performers and help create the atmosphere that keeps fans entertained throughout the night.
Knudsen, who is serving as music director for this weekend’s Abbyville rodeo, said rodeo has been part of his life from the beginning. His father competed as a bull rider while his mother served as a rodeo queen, giving him early exposure to the sport and the culture surrounding it.
Over the years, Knudsen has worked in multiple areas of rodeo, including bronc riding, bull riding, bullfighting and announcing before eventually transitioning into music direction. He said the growing emphasis on entertainment and atmosphere at rodeos over the last decade helped expand the importance of the music director role.
Knudsen compared his job to that of a wedding DJ, explaining that success depends on “reading the room” and reacting to what is happening in the arena. He said music selection often changes based on crowd energy, the success of competitors and interactions with the rodeo announcer and clown.
“If we see a good ride or a good run, you want to add something from the music that helps enhance what we just watched,” Knudsen said during the interview. “You need to read what’s happening because if it’s not entertaining or interesting, people are flipping the channel or scrolling through their phone.”
He added that music can play a major role in keeping crowds involved, especially during slower portions of a performance.
“The music is just as important to the rodeo as the clown or specialty acts,” Knudsen said. “If that atmosphere is not correct, it makes it a long night.”
Knudsen said he will work 47 rodeo weekends this year, traveling across the country to performances ranging from Kansas to Montana.
When discussing rodeo traditions, Knudsen highlighted the unique culture found at long-running rodeos. He pointed to Abbyville’s pie tradition, barbecue dinners and Sunday church service as examples of traditions that help distinguish the community’s rodeo from others across the country.
Asked about his favorite event, Knudsen quickly pointed to bull riding.
“It’s the ultimate David versus Goliath story,” he said. “You’ve got a 150-pound cowboy versus an 1,800-pound bucking bull.”
Knudsen also emphasized the teamwork required between the music director, rodeo clown and announcer, comparing the coordination to a quarterback and wide receiver working to perfect their timing.
This weekend’s rodeo will feature multiple events along with vendors, concessions, pony rides and entertainment for families. Knudsen said fans can also expect to see award-winning PRCA clown John Harrison, along with competitors who have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo.
Saturday’s activities will also include the traditional parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Abbyville. Knudsen said community support for the parade remains strong, even as similar traditions have disappeared at some rodeos around the country.