about
Following are descriptions that are linked from event listings on the Events page.
We keep up previous years'
descriptions here to help give an idea
of what goes on at the various gatherings.
There are also reports from
those who have attended events,
and those are linked from the Events page, too.
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Venues with Monthly and Multiple Dates
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Venues with Monthly and Multiple Dates
June - September, 2008
Cowboy Campfire at Scofield's Red Mule Ranch Fiddletown, California
Ron and Marie Scofield are your hosts for an evening of old-time cowcamp entertainment under the stars at the Red Mule Ranch in Fiddletown, California. Enjoy a chuck wagon tri-tip dinner and a variety of cowboy music, poetry, and story telling in an 1880's setting. In addition to Ron's traditional brand of old cowboy music standards, special guest performers contribute their unique style of western wit, wisdom, satire, and song. The Old West trio will be there (on all dates except July 9 and Sept 3) to share old and new cowboy ballads, three-part harmony, and yodeling tunes.Reservations are required. See the web site for reservation information.
2008 Dates:
June 7 - Sourdough Slim
June 14 - The Cowgirls (Eli Barsi, Joni Harms, and Doris Daley)
June 28 - Juni Fisher
July 12 - Old West Trio & Jim King
August 16 - Old West Trio & Bob Christensen
September 6 - Old West Trio & Jim and Karen Ross
September 27 - Old West Trio & Mark Twain
Posted 2/5
Second Saturday of each month
Emerald Valley Opry
Eugene, Oregon
Visit our web site, www.emeraldvalleyopry.com, for photos of past performers and the folks performing next month.
The Opry is a show we've been doing for several years to raise funds for the local schools' music departments.
Our average attendance is 500 fans. The Opry puts on the show the second Saturday night of every month.
Last year, we raised enough to buy eight new guitars for the high school's guitar class, bought a new 32-channel mix board and several high end mic's.
The Opry has a house band to assist any performers who want it and to backup the folks who just wish to sing but do not play an instrument.
We charge the fans $5.00 or $4.00 if they're over 55 years old.
The Opry Band plays for the opening and then we have five acts that get 30 minutes each to perform. It's a heck of a deal. The folks get to see and hear six groups/acts for $5.00 or less. All of the seats are padded for added comfort and we have a clock on the stage for the performers to know when their 30 minutes are up.
Since we raise money for the schools, we do not pay performers. However, the CD sales are fantastic.
The last two years, we've given out two $2,000.00 scholarships and will do the same in 2008.
We are very proud of our Opry. The fans helped us send over seventy boxes of care packages to the troops in Iraq. Our Christmas show raised over 900 pounds of food and $800.00 in cash for the local mission to feed and shelter the homeless.
Check out the Emerald Valley Opry web site. It's been fun for the past three years I've been involved with the Opry. And yes, we even have cowboy poetry. But, it's mostly country- and bluegrass-driven.
2008 Dates:
January 12, 2008
February 9, 2008
March 8, 2008
April 12, 2008
May 10, 2008
June 14, 2008
July 12, 2008
August 9, 2008
September 13, 2008
October 11, 2008
November 8, 2008
December 13, 2008
Posted 2/5
March-December, 2008
Mavericks
Coffee House Visalia, California
From Gary Brown:
Updated 5/15Mavericks Coffee House & Roasting Company
Exclusive Venue for Cowboy Poetry & Music
238 E. Caldwell Ave. Visalia, CA 93277
Call 559 624-1400. Limited seating.
Ticket sales begins 30 days before concert date.
ALL SHOWS @ 7 PMMarch 15 - $25 Dave Stamey (Mavericks 5th anniversary show) This multiple award singer/winning songwriter helps celebrate our 5th anniversary.
March 29 - $20 J Parson- A working cowboy from Bakersfield who writes and sings. J was a big hit at Elko in 2007.
April 19 - $25 Gary McMahon - Singer, songwriter, comedian, yodeler. Baxter Black recommends him if he's busy.
April 24 - $30 The Quebe Sisters Band - 3 sisters,Texas state Fiddle champs & sing like the Andrew Sisters.May 23 - $25 Skip Gorman- A heralded singer of old time cowboy music and plays, guitar, fiddle & mandolin. Old Time Cowboy Songs & Fiddle Tunes We've been trying Skip to come West for 5 years. He is true to the original cowboy music when the Victrola preceded the IPod. His music has been featured in two Ken Burns PBS documentaries including the Lewis and Clark special. My vehicle always has a Skip Gorman CD in the queue.
June 13 - $30 Eli Barsi, Doris Daley, and Joni Harms' California Tour - Two great western singers and a wonderful cowgirl poet. These three
special ladies have all won awards for their craft. Doris is a poet and Eli and Joni are singer/songwriters. You may also hear a yodel or two. This is the first time that they have toured together. This will be a great show!June 17 - $40 Michael Martin Murphey - Major, multi talented entertainer who sold a 1 million+ cowboy album. This is a rare opportunity to see Murph play in a small, intimate venue, up close and personal. He has probably done more than anyone else to resurrect the interest in western music. Murph is a fantastic musician and a great humanitarian. He was the first in the genre to sell a million copies of his first cowboy songs album. Sherrill and I had the pleasure to have seen Murph play solo, years ago at the Crazy Horse Saloon in Orange County. He is truly a professional performer of the first caliber. I've also had the opportunity to know his brother Mark Murphey and seen him perform many times in Ashland Oregon's Shakespeare festival. He is a fine actor and a nice person....it must be genetic.
June 20 - $30 Don Edwards - Don is someone special and a dear friend. His music helps keep this genre alive. Don never crossed over to the dark side and remains true to western music. No one knows more about western music and its origins than anyone else. When it comes to the musicology of the cowboy song, just call him Dr. Edwards. He si Jack Thorp and John Lomax mixed together and then some. Jordan Brown plays Don's tribute to Marty Robbins continually at Mavericks...it is his favorite album.
June 27 - $25 Juni Fisher - Our valley cowgirl who has gained critical acclamation from the western music world. It seemed like it was only yesterday, when Juni was a "who is she....never heard of her" to "why don't you have her on your show?" This talented story teller, songstress and musician is known by everyone in the western music genre. Her Gone to Colorado CD is being highly acclaimed by her peers and fans alike. Last year, Juni and my Visalia buddy Joe Hannah won the WMA Song of the Year for "I Hope She'll Love Me" penned by Juni. She placed hers on her mantle along with all the other awards she has won. Due to the song's success, Juni being a reborn capitalist, she and Joe are working on a sequel - "I Hope He'll Leave Me." Just kidding. Come on out and meet her mother, sisters and 32 cousins...yes. she is a Big Valley gal. I am proud she calls me Uncle Gary
July 7 - $30 RW Hampton - This is the only time that RW will be in California this year. Come join in and congratulate him on his recently winning his second Wrangler award from the Cowboy Hall of fame for the Western Music album of the year. He is is indeed more than a hat...he's the real deal, cinch em up and set tall in the saddle cowboy. Those performers who are self assured as to their own talents and are not jealous...except for Pat Richardson...all say he has a special God given talent. His friend and my favorite nephew Dave Stamey, once introduced RW in Monterey as the "voice"! That about sums it up. I'm proud to have been involved on four of Dick's albums. He is a special guy.
September 12 - $25 Dennis Agajanian - This will be Dennis's third visit to Mavericks. He is a house favorite. There is no one else who can play the William Tell Overture with a flat pick and play it like Dennis. He has won about every award from the Christian Bluegrass group...Musician of the Year, Entertainer of the Year and has opened for Billy Graham and Franklyn Crusades for years. Besides singing Gospel songs of his faith, Dennis loves western music. I've know him for years and am thankful that he was a Police Chaplain for the San Clemente Police Department when I was there. Come and be amazed at his musicianship, however if you want a front row seat, make sure you wear OSHA approved safety goggles, in case one of those strings break.December 1 - Tom Russell
December 12 - COWBOY CHRISTMAS SHOW featuring Belinda Gail and Curly Musgrave
Third Sunday of each month
Western Music Association
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027 – directly across from the LA Zoo. Come one, come all!The Western Music Association’s CA Chapter would like to invite everyone to attend our Jam and Meeting at the Autry National Center, in Los Angeles, California. It is held every 3rd Sunday of the month. This event is very well received and has had up to 18 performers and 80 in attendance in the most recent past.
The Autry National Center is located at
The remaining dates for this year are:
April 20
May 18
June 15
July 20
August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16
We will also have 3 fundraisers: June 29th, September 28th and December 14th, 2008.
For further information please contact Lindalee at LindaleeGreen@earthlink.net or 661-297-5955. The Autry National Center’s website is www.autrynationalcenter.org and the Western Music Association’s website is www.westernmusic.org
Posted 4/29
January 16, 2008
Heritage of the American West Spearfish, South Dakota
Live on the web, 7PM MT
Annual Cabin Fever PartyFeaturing: The Cambria String Band of Newcastle, WyomingBluegrass ensemble, winners of the 2007 Wyoming State, 5 String Banjo Competition.Larry Roetzel on banjo, Peter Wooten on bass, and Doug Thomas on guitar.The band takes its name from history unique to the Newcastle, Wyoming area....Cambria Inn: http://flyingvcambriainn.com/history.htmlAnna Miller Museum: http://www.newcastlewyo.com/anna.htmlCambria and the Cambria Fuel Company: http://www.newcastlewyo.com/anna.htmlPopular broadcaster Jim Thompson and Creative Broadcast Services present Heritage of the American West, with "music and poetry of the great American Cowboy" on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM (MT). Produced and hosted by Francie Ganje, the show brings top talent from across the West to an appreciative audience. The show takes place before a live audience at the High Plains Heritage Center in Spearfish, South Dakota and is broadcast simultaneously on the web (archived web broadcasts are available).
Visit the Heritage of the American West web site.
See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.
Posted 1/4
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January 21-23, 2008
Fort Worth Stock Show Fort Worth, Texas
Eleventh Annual "Campfire Tales" presented by Texas Cowboy Poets Association - West Arena
From Charles Williams:
The Eleventh Annual Ft. Worth Stock Show Campfire Tales takes place over three days: January 21-23, 2008. We have another outstanding show lined up, with old favorites such as Jay Snider, Janet McBride, Lanny Joe Burnett (who is co-producing with me this year), Judy James, Dan Roberts, Devon Dawson, Bob and Johnie Terry and the Phil R. Monic Orchestra and Chorus; new favorites such as Gail T. Burton, Lavern "Straw" Berry, Bob Campbell, Fletcher Jowers and the Phunky Phiddlers; and some newcomers, such as John Pelham, Chelsea Beck, and The Ackermans. The expansion to three days has allowed us to give more people more time, and we are grateful to the Stock Show for giving us the extra day.
Shows start at noon in the West Arena.
For more information, contact Charles Williams: 214-750-1262 or cewcbpo8@sbcglobal.net.
Updated 1/5
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January 25-26, 20081st Annual Gila River Heritage Round-Up Thatcher, ArizonaThe 1st Annual Gila River Heritage Round-Up, sponsored by the Graham County Historical Society will be held at the Society's museum and Eastern Arizona College Lee's Little Theater, both located on main street in Thatcher.Allan "Hook" Hill and Kip Calahan are the headliners for this event.
Other invited performers include: Mike Dunn, Rolf Flake, Steve Lindsay, Larry Shiflet and local Gila Valley entertainers.For information contact Ralph Smith ralphmsmith30@msn.com or Linda Schell-Curtis at lscfromaz@yahoo.com.Posted 11/1
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January 26, 2008
Wyoming Wintercamp Cowboy Poetry Gathering Powell, WyomingFrom Ken Chrissley:
The Wyoming Wintercamp Cowboy Poetry Gathering at the Park County Fairgrounds, in conjunction with Reaching Hands Ranch, an organization that rescues horses and mentors at-risk youth. in Powell, Wyoming, January Jan. 26, 2008.
Open mic sessions start at 10:00 A.M. and go until 4:00 P.M.
There will be a pre-show warm-up at 6:30 P.M. with the night show from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Contact Ken Chrissley, 307-754-0183 or kswqh@tctwest.net
Posted 1/18
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January 29, 2008
Cowboy Poetry Express to Elko Emeryville, California to Elko, NevadaFrom organizer Todd Barrett:
For a few fortunate individuals, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering will begin a day early: Tuesday, January 29th. These are people who will board the specially restored railcar, the Bella Vista, in Emeryville, California, at 7:00 AM which will be the last car on the Amtrak train heading for Elko, Nevada.
They will enjoy the beautiful ride up through the Sierras in the company of poet Pat Richardson and vocal/guitarists Scott Wilburn and Ray Doyle of Wylie and the Wild West (www.wyliewebsite.com), eating three sumptuous meals prepared by an award-winning chef upstairs in the scenic dome, attended by a steward with access to a full bar and superb wines. Train food never tasted like this!
Stand on the open platform at the rear of the car and watch the rails disappear behind you. Gather in one of four drawing rooms for a game of Texas rummy, tackle a jig-saw puzzle or recline on a day-bed and take a nap. Watch DVDs of past NCPG performances on the big screen in the dome. Or, just sit and watch the world go by, and feel yourself decompress, preparing for the next four days at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko!
The trip will cost approximately $1,000 per person and include everything on the train: entertainment, meals, beverages, and tips.
As the train will be passing back through Elko at 4:00 AM, this will be a one-way excursion. Passengers may want arrange flights back home from Elko on Sunday, as boarding the normal Amtrak train in Elko at 4:00 AM is a bit rough.For more information, contact: niceparty@sbcglobal.net
Posted 12/20
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January 31-February 2, 2008
Montana Country Poets and Pickers 14th Annual Western Heritage Roundup Chinook, Montana
From Fred Liese:
The Chinook High School FFA is again hosting the Montana Country Poets and Pickers for their annual FFA
fundraiser. This 14th annual Western Heritage Roundup will be held Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 for three evening
performances at the Chinook High School Auditorium, Chinook, Montana beginning at 7:00 p.m. Cost will be
$8.00 at the door. Free Jam sessions will be held at the Chinook Motor Inn following the performances.
Friday and Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m., the Poets & Pickers will provide free entertainment throughout
the day at the Chinook Motor Inn.Sunday, Feb. 3 at 10:00 a.m., Cowboy Church will be held at Chinook Motor Inn.
For fun country-style music, poetry and all out family entertainment; we'll see you in Chinook.For further information call: Dale Mailand at 406.353.2383
Posted 1/23
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February 1-3, 2008
16th Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering Sierra Vista, ArizonaFrom Steve Conroy:
The 16th Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering
The year is 1874 and the Arizona Territory is exploding with people, towns and new enterprises. Many of the original Spanish Land Grant Ranches have been sold to enterprising new Americans. John Horton Slaughter bought the San Bernardino Ranch and became a very prominent cattleman in Cochise County as well as a most famous Sheriff. During the mid-1800s, the western range cattle developed from the descendants of the Spanish longhorn cattle that had crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico. English newcomers brought their breeds to the United States, introducing the Angus (Black and Red), Hereford (Horned and Polled) and Shorthorn. Ranchers used the shorthorn bulls to improve the longhorn cattle; then they used Hereford bulls in the late 1870s, followed by use of the Angus.
In 1519, Hernan Cortez sailed from Spain in search of great wealth, eventually landing in Mexico, and there re-introduced the horse into the New World. The Colonial Spanish Horses are direct descendents of those first animals.
In 1874, ranges were open and fences were few, which allowed cattle to drift naturally to their feed and water. This was the ideal setting to provide work for a new breed of men – the cowboy.
The great cattle drives from the southwest to Kansas increased the availability of beef to the Eastern markets, which generated a greater demand for beef over the next 20 years. Then, in 1892 and 1893, a great drought caused the cattle market to collapse. The hay day of the great cattle drives was finished.
As we revisit that history and recount it in poetry and song, we invite you to join us in Sierra Vista for the 16th Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering as we celebrate this rich heritage. Our theme this year is “Horses and Cattle – The Cowboy’s Life.” The Gathering will be held the weekend of 1-3 February 2008 at the Buena Performing Arts Center. It is a family affair, so bring everyone to see some great wholesome entertainment!
The headline performances on Friday and Saturday are at 7:00 PM with jam sessions at the Windemere following each performance (around 9:00 PM). The matinee on Sunday is at 1:00 PM (won’t interfere with the Super Bowl XLII). We have a super lineup of great performers for every performance this year! On Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, over 50 poets, musicians, storytellers and musical groups will entertain for free. These are the artists that go into the county schools that participated in the Poetry program. They perform for the children on Friday, and they perform for the general public on Saturday. We have six rooms with 7 sessions each featuring three participating artists or groups per room. We also have two rooms with 6 sessions each for walk-ins (new people who want to practice or demonstrate their poetry or music skills) and those are as much fun as the others.
On Saturday, all the Youth Poetry Contest Winners will perform their poetry at 10:00 AM, and at 11:00 as part of the Sing-along, our Music Contest Winners will perform their entries.
Featured Artists for the 2008 Gathering are: Van Criddle, Daughters Of The Purple Sage, Sam DeLeeuw, The Desert Sons, Bunny Dryden, Due West Trio, Rolf Flake, Dennis Gaines, Andy Hedges, Jim Jones, Nona Kelley Carver, Liz Masterson, Ken and Lyn Mikell, Shad Pease, Jean Prescott, Trails & Rails and Joyce Woodson. The Participating Artists are: Mary Abbott, Trey Allen, Jan Choate, Dean Cook, Jack DeWerff, "Buckshot Dot", Jim Dunham, Mike Dunn, Elliott Family, Ken Graydon, Kerry Grombacher, Larry Harmer, Sue Harris, Allen "Hook" Hill, Eldon Housley, Katy Creek Band, Kay Kelley, Steve Lindsey, Peggy Malone, Jon Messenger, Jane Morton, Mike Moutoux, Tim Nolting, Tony Norris, Gregory Scott, Jay Snider, Jim and Nancy Sober, Ann Sochat, Gail Starr, Rhonda Stearns, Doc Stovall, Bud Strom, Washtub Jerry and Way Out West.
To get a copy of the full schedules for the Featured Performances and for the Saturday Day Schedule, check our website at http://www.cowboypoets.com/.
Tickets are on sale at our website, at in Sierra Vista at Spur Western Wear, Safeway, Ace Hardware, and the Sierra Vista Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tickets for the performances are $17.00 for general admission, $15.00 for seniors and military (active/retired) and $6.00 for children (grade 1 through 12). Come join us!
Posted 11/12
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February 9, 2008
The Happy Trails
Breakfast Club Victorville, California
From Larry Maurice:
The Happy Trails Children’s Foundation has announced the first Happy Trails Breakfast Club, a special fund raising event to benefit the abused children served by the foundation. This inaugural event will commemorate the lives and careers of legendary cowboy stars Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, the King of the Cowboys and Queen of the West.This is an event you do not want to miss. Tell your family, friends and neighbors and bring your kids and grandkids to this wholesome family event. Call today.The Breakfast Club will provide an opportunity for Roy and Dale’s fans, Western film fans, and especially fans of old B-Westerns to come together in an informal way to enjoy a breakfast buffet, meet a special celebrity guest, enjoy live music in the tradition of the Sons of the Pioneers, and see a Roy Rogers double feature on the big screen. There will be door prizes, a trivia contest, and a question and answer session with the celebrity guest. Fans will have an opportunity to reminisce and tell about your personal experiences of growing up with Roy and Dale or perhaps meeting them in person. The theme for this inaugural event is “I Wish I Were a Kid Again.”
The special celebrity guest will be actor Ben Cooper. Ben began his career as a child actor on the stage and radio in New York. He later moved to Hollywood where he appeared in numerous feature films and TV shows. He has had a long and interesting career and is a fan favorite at festivals and other gatherings. Musical guests will be the Tumbling Tumbleweeds, a group of young men who were a big hit at the Western Music Association Festival in Albuquerque this past November. There will be other special guests present including members of the Rogers family, vendors and special displays of memorabilia.
The Happy Trails Breakfast Club will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, February 9, at the Ambassador Hotel in Victorville, located at the Palmdale Road exit on I-15. The cost is $25 per person with a 10% discount for Happy Trails Trailblazer Club members. You do not have to be a member of the Trailblazer Club or any other organization to attend. All are welcome. Reservations are required so that the cooks will know how much breakfast to fix. We invite you to come in costume, western or casual dress. For reservations, tickets, or more information, please call the Happy Trails Children's Foundation, (760) 240-3330. If you do not get an answer, please leave your name, phone number and a brief message and your call will be returned. We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA.
Happy Trails Children’s Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization. All donations are fully tax deductible under the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501 (c)(3).
Posted 1/25
February 9, 2008
Cowboys at Heart Wilcox,
Arizona
DATE: Saturday, February 9, 2008From Bethany Braley:
The
National Day of the
Cowboy and the
Rex Allen Museum
501(c)3 organizations are co-hosting
Cowboys at Heart, a fun
and educational event to benefit both organizations. Part of the
festivities will celebrate rodeo through the showing of the Emmy-nominated
documentary, Let ‘er Buck, at the historic
EVENT SCHEDULE
Tickets for the movie/dinner package are limited to 200
due to the capacity of the
CONTACT:
Bethany Braley, 162 N Railroad Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643 - 520-766-6362
info@nationaldayoftheocowboy.com
Delcie Shultz, 150 N Railroad Ave, Willcox, AZ 85643 – 520-384-4583 www.rexallenmuseum.org
Posted 1/18
February 10-17, 2008
Cruising the Roots of the West
Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
Poet Mike Puhallo is hosting a cruise that will include cowboy singer/songwriter, Matt Johnston and cowboy/humorist/chuckwagon cook, Kent Rollins. Uniglobe Freedom Travel is now taking reservations for this 7 night cruise along the Western Caribbean departing from Galveston Texas February 10, 2008.
Mike Puhallo writes, "In addition to pickin', poetry and wild west stories we will be offering informative workshops. There is also lots of other entertainment available on the ship and we will be stopping at a half dozen fun spots along the way....A week of tropical sea breezes, sunny beaches, funny stories and great music would sure make a nice break from from feeding cows and stoking the woodstove."
You can find the details at the Uniglobe web site.“Cruising the Roots of the West”
February 10-17, 2008
Voyageur of the Seas
7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise From Galveston
Featuring the talent and fun of Mike Puhallo,
Matt Johnston, Kent Rollins (from Oklahoma)
seminars, jam sessions, cowboy poetry and much more fun!
In support of the British Columbia Cowboy Heritage Society
Total Air and Cruise Package Price
Inside Cabin $2153.80, Oceanview Cabin $2307.80
Balcony Cabin $2447.80, Superior Balcony Cabin $2537.80
Check our web site www.uniglobefreedomtravel.com
For more information
Book by June 22 for Best Prices and reserve your Cabin!
Prices above are based on airfare from Vancouver Canada. For bookings or more information call:
Rhonda Kopp, CTC, ECC
Uniglobe Freedom Travel
242-1320 West Trans Canada Hwy
Kamloops, BC V1S 1J2
Phone 250 372-0544
Fax 250 372-2355
Email rhonda.uniglobe@telus.net
Travel protection and medical insurance is highly recommended.
Posted 5/2
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Events page
From Beth Bender: Ellensburg, WA – Tickets to the 2008 nationally
acclaimed Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering in Ellensburg, WA
are now available. The Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering brings the
best traditional cowboy musicians, poets, and artist together to
celebrate the western tradition of ranching and cowboy life. Featured
will be nationally known entertainers—many of whom have performed at
Carnegie Hall, Grand Old Opry, on National Public Radio, and numerous
other venues around the world. The 2008 event includes performances by
Don Edwards,
Wylie & the Wild West, Waddie Mitchell,
Brenn Hill, Jack Gladstone,
Doris Daley, The Dreyer Brothers,
Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue, Sourdough Slim, Rockin’
HW and numerous more musicians and poets. A limited number of tickets are available for the
President’s Day weekend event February 14th through 17th,
2008. During the weekend participants can enjoy a variety of events,
including four concert performances at the Central Washington University
Music Hall. The Friday evening concert at 6:00 pm will feature Don
Edwards, Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue, Doris Daley,
Brenn Hill, and is hosted by Rockin’ HW. The Saturday
afternoon concert at 1:00 will be hosted by Wylie Gustafson with
Sourdough Slim, Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue, Doris
Daley, and Brenn Hill. The Saturday evening concert at 6:00
will feature Don Edwards, Waddie Mitchell, Jack
Gladstone, and Rockin’ RW with hostess Doris Daley.
Our performance on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 features hosts Nevada
Slim and Cimarron Sue with Waddie Mitchell, Dryer Brothers,
Wylie and the Wild West, and Sourdough Slim. Concert
performance tickets are $30 per person. Other events are the Spirit of the West Round-up at
the Quality Inn on Thursday, February 14th at 7:00, Friday
night dance with music by the Dreyer Brothers at the Kittitas
Valley Event Center from 9:00 to midnight, and a dance Saturday evening
at KVEC with music by Wylie and the Wild West. A Sunday dinner
show for $40.00 will be held at KVEC with a Dutch oven dinner by Three
Peak Outfitters and entertainment by Waddie Mitchell, Jack
Gladstone, and Rockin’ HW. The winners of the Elementary
School Art and Poetry contest will be presented at the dinner show.
Opportunities abound for guests to see local and
regional cowboy and cowgirl poets and crooners share rhymes, stories,
and songs in Historic Downtown Ellensburg. Downtown venue passes are
available for $20.00. The Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering also hosts
a Gear & Art Show at the Kittitas County Event Center featuring western
wear and art for sale, a series of workshops and demonstrations, Dutch
Oven Cooking, Open Mic sessions, Western Dance lessons, an autograph
session, and Cowboy Sunday. County schools are also treated to special
assemblies by the performers, and this year SWCG will add local Senior
Living Facilities to their schedule.
New this year will be the Kid’s Korral with activities for
children. Don’t forget to visit the Kittitas County Historical Museum. Visit the
Spirit of the West
Cowboy Gathering web site for detailed schedules and more
information. Posted 2/4 Back to
Events page
February 17, 2008 From Ken Cook: The Gathering is being produced as a fundraiser by the Martin PEO
Chapter CV, which is actively involved in promoting the education of
women.The PEO Chapter sponsors scholarships annually to Bennett County
female graduates and continuing education scholarships. Featured entertainers for this event include
Yvonne
Hollenbeck, Vanessa Heese, Dan Hines, Otto Rosfeld,
Bill Hines, and Ken Cook. Western Music Association Female Cowboy Poet of the year, Yvonne
Hollenbeck performs throughout the United States and is one of the most
published cowgirl poets in the West. Yvonne was a featured artist at the
2008 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. Western music sensation Vanessa Hesse is a championship award winning
singer, guitar, mandolin and upright bass player who ranches with her
husband Dale and 10 year old son Jesse south of Winner, South Dakota. Dan Hines is currently working with his Dad ultrasounding cattle and
learning embryo transfer. Dan is making his first stage appearance, Otto Rosfeld is a native of the Sandhills of Nebraska and one of
Nebraska's premier Western Arts Entertainers. Since 1975 he has
performed his original poetry and music for audiences of all ages. Bill Hines and his wife Jeanie have recorded three CD's ranging from
original work to old time gospel and bluegrass music. Bill wears more
than one hat in his hometown. He is a veterinarian, rancher and pastor.
His musical talents include the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. Ken Cook will round out this years gathering. Ken's poetry cuts a
wide path from the "who'd a thunk it" mishaps involving kids, cattle and
horses, right down an emotional trail reliving the years he has spent
ranching. He has had the privilege of entertaining folks at the
Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering as well as the National Cowboy Poetry
Gathering in Elko, Nevada. Contact: Ken Cook 605-685-6749 or
ken@kencookcowboypoet.com. Posted 2/7 February 20, 2008
Popular broadcaster Jim Thompson and Creative Broadcast Services
present Heritage
of the American West, with "music and poetry of the great
American Cowboy" on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM (MT).
Produced and hosted by Francie Ganje, the show brings top talent from
across the West to an appreciative audience. The show takes place before a
live audience at the High Plains Heritage Center in Spearfish, South Dakota
and is broadcast simultaneously on the web (archived web broadcasts are
available).
Visit the Heritage
of the American West web site. See our feature about the
Heritage of the American West here.
Posted 1/25 Back to
Events page
February 14-17, 2008
Spirit of the West
Cowboy Gathering
Ellensburg,
Washington
1st Annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Show Martin,
South Dakota
P.E.O. Chapter CV presents the 1st Annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Show
At the Inland Theatre Martin, South Dakota
Sunday, February 17th, 2008 5:00p.m.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
presenting some of his original poetry written while guiding hunts in
the mountains of Wyoming.
Heritage
of the American West Spearfish, South Dakota
Live
on
the web, 7PM MT
Cowboy at Heart
Featuring: Montana singer and songwriter
Bob
Petermann
February 21-24, 2008
8th
Annual Saddle Up! Celebration Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
PIGEON FORGE CELEBRATES THE ‘COWBOY
WAY’
DURING SADDLE UP!
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Saddle Up!, a Pigeon Forge celebration of the American West, returns to this East Tennessee town for the eighth year, Feb. 21-24, 2008. The event brings some of America’s finest western musicians and cowboy poets on a rare visit east of the Mississippi River.
Featured entertainers for the 2008 event include Wylie & the Wild West, Sons of the San Joaquin, Gary and Jean Prescott, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Sourdough Slim, Chris Isaacs, Kent Rollins, and Jeff Gore & Silver Valley.
Wylie & the Wild West have performed on stages around the world, fronted by yodeler, rancher and world-famous “Yahoo-er” Wylie Gustafson. Sons of the San Joaquin are a trio of singers who share their love of western history and sweet harmony.
Yvonne Hollenbeck is one of the most published cowgirl poets in the West, while Jean Prescott has been honored by the State of Texas for contributing to the preservation of Texas music and history.
In addition to singing cowboy music, Jeff Gore is a rancher and the founder of Jeff Gore Ministries. Sourdough Slim combines singing, yodeling and comedy with accompaniment on accordion, ukulele and more!
Chris Isaacs and Kent Rollins will lend their storytelling talents and be the head wranglers of a Dutch Oven Cooking Competition.
A Cowboy Symphony returns for a second year on Thursday, Feb. 21, and will feature the Sons of the San Joaquin at Country Tonite Theatre.
Additional Saddle Up! activities include a Saturday night Western Swing Dance to the music of Wylie & the Wild West; and Sunday morning Cowboy Church followed by an authentic chuckwagon lunch.
Concert venues are Country Tonite Theatre and American Jukebox Theater. The dance will be at Pigeon Forge Middle School, and Cowboy Church will take place at Stages West.
Weekend passes, excluding the Cowboy Symphony, are $50 plus tax. Day passes are $30 plus tax. Tickets for Cowboy Symphony are $20 plus tax. Ages 17 and younger are admitted free.
Weekend passes and Cowboy Symphony tickets will be available in advance at Country Tonite Theatre, 1-800-792-4308, or onsite on Thursday, Feb. 21. Day passes for Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be available onsite at American Jukebox Theater. Admission to the dance is $5 per person age 18 and older (17 and younger are admitted free) with proceeds benefiting the Pigeon Forge Middle School. Cowboy Church is free and will be followed by the chuckwagon lunch where a $5 minimum donation will benefit Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.
During Saddle Up!, on Feb. 22 and 23, visitors also can enjoy the Chuckwagon Jamboree at Fiddlers’ Feast in Pigeon Forge. Information and tickets will be available at 865-908-3327.
Saddle Up! has been named a Top 10 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. More information is available from the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at 865-429-7350 or at www.pigeonforgesaddleup.com.
Posted 5/11
Back to
Events page
February 29-March 2, 2008 Lee Earl was not only a
fine cowboy poet, but was very active in the youth poetry and music
program. He organized school cowboy poetry and western art competitions in
the Lewiston area that eventually grew to involve over four hundred school
children each year. Though Earl died in 2004, his memory lives on through
the Lee Earl Scholarship Fund. The Fund presented two one thousand dollar
scholarships to area students in 2005, 2006 and 2007. This was made
possible by over 75 western performers donating their time to the
gathering in Lewiston each year. Update from Bodie Dominguez: This year's event will continue with the established "Woodstock" style
of
non-stop poetry and music over the three-day weekend. There will be
several
school assembly performances on Friday, February 29, 2008, in which all
are
encouraged to perform. Featured performers include,
Horse Crazy, Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue,
The
Rockin' HW (Michael Whitaker
and Alan Halvorson), Shiloh Sharrard, Dave McClure,
Van Criddle, The High
Strung Band, Stampede!, Sam DeLeeuw,
Sam Mattise, Brian "BJ" Smith,
Howard Norskog,
Bear
Grass, Hank Cramer, Billy Rose,
Bodie Dominguez, Jim Aasen and many
more. Join Jinny Lowe, publisher of Happy Trails, AWA
award-winning dejay, Toe Tappin' Tommy Tucker,
Smoke Wade, the Lee Earl
family, and Performers contact:
Smoke Wade, 355 W. Mesquite Blvd. #D-30, PMP
#404, Mesquite, Nevada
smokewade@clarkston.com Read more about Lee Earl in our feature
here, where there are links to reports
from past events. Updated 12/27 Back to
Events page
Cowtown Opry-Gala Comments Posted 1/11 Celebrating 150 years as Canada's Original
Cowtown. Posted 11/20
Booth Western Art Museum to Host
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. – The 5th Annual
Southeastern Cowboy Gathering,
hosted by the Booth Western Art Museum and presented by Comcast,
will be held March 6-9 at the Booth Western Art Museum and the Grand
Theatre, both located in historic downtown Cartersville, Georgia.
Highlights include the Southeastern Chuck Wagon Cook-off, an evening
concert by Red Steagall, an
old-time fiddle contest, children’s activities, a poetry-writing
workshop, Dutch oven cooking contests, and a presentation by
featured artists Paul and Chris Calle.
The Cowboy Gathering officially begins Thursday
evening March 6, at 7:00 p.m., when featured artists Paul and Chris
Calle, present highlights of their careers and show examples of
their work in the Booth Theatre. Guests are also invited to a Meet
the Artists Reception for Like Father, Like Son: The Art of
Paul and Chris Calle and A Time and Place: Landscapes
by Ken McClesky from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Doc Stovall
and the Tumbleweed Cowboy Band will also
be performing Western music in the Museum atrium from 5:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m.
On Friday evening, March 7, at 7:00 p.m., guests are
invited to experience The End of the Trail Supper and Concert, which
will include a barbeque dinner served on the Booth Museum grounds
amongst the wagons gathered to compete in the Southeastern Chuck
Wagon Cook-off. Cowboy poets Andy
Hedges, Kent Rollins,
and Jim Hawkins along with
several cowboy poets from around the state of Georgia will entertain
guests around the campfire. Tickets are $15 for Booth Museum members
and $20 for not-yet-members.
Saturday starts early as teams of cooks prepare
beans, meat, potatoes, bread and desserts just as they did on the
cattle drives of the late 1800s in the Annual Southeastern Chuck
Wagon Cook-off. Visitors are invited to watch as teams use authentic
ingredients and cook over an open fire to prepare lunch for the
public. Lunch tickets
are $12 and should be purchased in advance at the Museum. Lunch will
be served at noon.
Throughout the day Saturday, top musicians from
around the Southeast will compete in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and
banjo contests at the Grand Theatre. The contests will begin with
mandolins at 10:00 a.m., followed by banjos at 11:00 a.m., guitars
at noon, a junior fiddle division (under 18) at 1:00 p.m. and an
open fiddle division at 2:30 pm. Musicians wishing to compete should
call 770-387-1265 for details.
A host of family activities and entertainment will be
offered throughout the weekend inside the Booth Museum. Children’s
activities including story time in the Museum Store and hands-on
activities where children can make their own Western art
masterpieces will be offered from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on
Saturday and noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. There is a nominal fee for
some activities. Adults will have the opportunity to participate in
a Cowboy Poetry Writing Workshop at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. The
Youth Cowboy Poetry Contest will be held throughout the day on
Saturday and will feature contestants ranging from grades five to
12. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy storytelling,
open mike cowboy poetry sessions, and Western music in the Booth
Theatre.
Featured entertainer for this year’s Cowboy Gathering
is Red Steagall, famed Western
singer, songwriter, poet, and guitarist. A native of Texas, Steagall
has entertained audiences all around the world and has been called
“a singing scholar of the old West” by James Earl Jones and “The
best of the best” by Rex Allen. Tickets for the Saturday night
concert at the Grand Theatre are $25 for adults, $20 for Museum
members and $10 for students and can be purchased at the Booth
Museum, Grand Theatre box office or by calling 770-387-1300. A CD
signing will follow the performance in the Encore Room, adjacent to
the Theatre.
Cowboy Church will be held in the Booth Theatre on
Sunday at 11:00 a.m. This is a non-denominational church service
with a Western flair and is free for everyone. Following the
service, top cooks from around the southeast will compete in the
Dutch Oven Cooking Contest on the Museum grounds. Cooking will begin
at 11:00 a.m. Judging for breads will take place at 1:00 p.m.,
followed by main dishes at 2:00 p.m. and desserts at 3:00 p.m. After
the judges have sampled the entries, cooks will serve samples to the
public. Winners in each division will be announced at 4:00 p.m.
The Southeastern Cowboy Gathering is designed to
celebrate the rich heritage in songs and poetry celebrating the
Western experience and is a unique opportunity to enjoy the West
without leaving the South.
“Looking at the paintings and sculpture contained in
the Booth collection you can almost imagine what it might have been
like to be a cowboy out on the range,” said Booth Museum Executive
Director Seth Hopkins. “Exposure to cowboy poetry and music can
further enhance enjoyment and understanding of our collection. While
this will be a fun and entertaining event, we also want to emphasize
the educational aspect of the Cowboy Gathering.”
For more information on the 5th Annual
Southeastern Cowboy Gathering, including admission prices and
schedule, visit
www.boothmuseum.org or call 770-387-1300.
The Southeastern Cowboy Gathering has held a Youth
Cowboy Poetry Contest in previous years, open to students in its
county and neighboring counties. This year it is opened up statewide
to students in grades 5 -12. The top fifteen finalists in each of
the three grade categories will compete at the Booth Western Art
Museum on Saturday, March 8, 2008 as part of the Cowboy Gathering.
Three finalists will then return to the Booth to compete for cash
prizes in the final competition on Saturday, April 19, in honor of
Cowboy Poetry Week.
About the Booth Western Art Museum
The Booth Western Art Museum, an Affiliate of the
Smithsonian Institution, is an 80,000 square foot museum located in
Cartersville, Georgia, where guests are invited to explore the
American West through contemporary Western artwork. The Museum also
houses a Presidential Gallery, Civil War art gallery, and Sagebrush
Ranch – featuring hands-on art activities and areas for
role-playing, storytelling and reading, all with a Western flair.
Visitors to Booth Museum also enjoy the intimate downtown setting
with unique specialty and antique shops, boutiques and nationally
featured restaurants all within walking distance of the Museum. Open
since August 2003, the Booth Museum is the only museum of its kind
in the Southeast and is the second largest art museum in the state
of Georgia. To learn more about the Booth Western Art Museum, visit
www.boothmuseum.org.
See our feature about the Georgia gathering
here, which includes a report
on the 2007 event, and find more
details about
the event at the
Booth Western Art Museum web site.
Posted 1/22
March 9, 2008
The Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary will be celebrating the
14th anniversary of the Cowboy Jubilee and Poetry, March 9 at the
Carson City Community Center Theatre, 851 E. William Street.
Sourdough Slim and the
Quebe Sisters will appear, and other performers will be announced.
Posted 11/13
Back to
Events page
March 13-16, 2008 From Janice Coggin: 2008 DOOR PRIZE TICKETS TO BE DRAWN AT EACH PERFORMANCE. 11:30 - 12:00, 12:30 - 1:00, Friday, March 14 11:30 - 12:00, 12:30 - 1:00, Saturday, March 15 11:30 - 12:00, 12:30 - 1:00, Sunday, March 16 11:30 - 12:00, 12:30 - 1:00, Jane Morton Posted 2/7 Back to
Events page
March 14, 2008 "Old West" Cowboy Poetry and musical slideshows with
poets Susan Parker, Frank
Thornburgh, and Lynn Owens, and the work of photographer
Andreas Koch. The event is a potluck dinner;
please contact Heidi Koch if you are planning to attend.
Location: Alamo Womens Club, 1401 Danville Blv. Alamo, CA 94507 The San Ramon Valley Horsemen are
"BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN...." with our SECOND ANNUAL COWBOY TALES AND
POETRY / MUSICAL SLIDESHOW AND POTLUCK on Friday, March 14th,at 6:30
at the Alamo Women's Club in Alamo.
This year we will be even bigger (and
better if that's possible...)and are able to offer you five performers
with various presentations Updated 2/19 Back to
Events page
March 14-15, 2008 Posted 9/12 Back to
Events page
March 14-15, 2008
4th Annual Lee Earl Memorial Cowboy Gathering
Lewiston, Idaho
The 4th Annual Lee Earl Memorial Scholarship Cowboy
Gathering will be held at the Elk’s Lodge in Lewiston, Idaho,
on February 29 - March 2, 2008. The event will feature three days of open
mic sessions, night shows, Peoples' Choice Awards, Cowboy Church, art and
craft vendors, Tall Tale contest, youth sessions and school assembly
performances. The gathering will be a fundraiser with the intent to award
scholarships to graduating high school seniors that will major in English
and music.
all the performers, for an unforgettable weekend of cowboy poetry and
western
music.
Vendors contact:
Virginia Earl, PO Box 88, Asotin, WA 99402 (509) 243-4312 rhymn@tds.net
March 1, 2007
From Richard Linnartz:
Fort Worth's tribute to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
March 1, Saturday, 7PM
Texas Independence Day Gala at Texas Cowboy Hall of
Fame, Ft. Worth Stockyards
The Cowtown Opry presents Roy and Dale hits and special
music and poetry of their lives. Cheryl Rogers Barnett, daughter, will
stand in and recount memoris of bein gin the Rogers family.
See: www.cowtownopry.org and
reserve $55 plate/$440 for table of 8 today--call Jack 817-233-5068
and/or make a donation for youth scholarships to learn Roy and Dale's
favorite music to carry it into the next generation--it can help as it
did for many of us.
The Cowtown Opry is a 5013c non profit organization
since 1994, preserving, promoting and performing Ranch Heritage music
as Roy and Dale loved so dearly. They mentor youth to learn and
perform this music as well. LeAnn Rimes is one of their former youth.
Information 817-366-9675-Don't miss this awesome show.
March 6-9, 2008
For those not able to attend this exciting gala, it will be fun! Send
a letter or note to Cheryl and the Rogers family as to the memories
you have of Roy and Dale and how they impacted your life and career.
These will be presented at the gala. Send to:
131 E. Exchange Ave.
Fort Worth Texas 76106
12th
Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival Kamloops,
British Columbia
From Mike
Puhallo:
In 1858;
· The Crown Colony of British Columbia was established,
· The Cariboo Gold Rush began.
· BC's Cattle Ranching industry was born.
· Kamloops established its place as the hub of British Columbia's
Ranching industry.
The Kamloops Cowboy Festival began a dozen years ago, as a
celebration of this heritage. It has gone on to establish a reputation
as one of the most prestigious Western Heritage events anywhere,
attracting visitors, artists and entertainers from across North
America and beyond!
Not only does The Kamloops Cowboy Festival attract individuals, it
also attracts other events. This year both The Canadian Professional
Rodeo Assn.( West Of The Rockies Tour) and the BC Rodeo Assn. will be
holding Spring Committee Meeting in Kamloops so their delegates can
also attend the Cowboy Festival. The Kamloops Art Gallery and The
Kamloops Museum and Archives each plan to host events in conjunction
with the Festival.
Bus Tours; There are three tour bus companies from Alberta offering
all inclusive Kamloops Cowboy Festival packages.
Parsons Holiday Tours Ltd
Tours Depart Lacombe with pick ups en route.
Parsons Holiday Tours Ltd 1-800-590-9983 or (403)782-6341
Box 6111, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1X5.
parsonsh@telus.
www.parsonsholidayt
Anderson Vacations Call Centre
Tours Depart Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary with pick ups in between.
Anderson Vacations Call Centre Phone: (403) 245-6200 Toll Free:
1-866-814-7378
Email:
fitres@andersonvaca
A-Star Tours
Tour Departs Edmonton with departures en route to and including
Calgary.
Edmonton: (780) 465-9114 Calgary: (403) 262-9234 Toll Free:
1-888-883-9114
Email: info@a-startours.
The Kamloops Cowboy Festival currently uses both Calvary Community
Church and Forsters Convention Centre to host; four feature concerts,
three days of nonstop cowboy poetry and western music, an Invitational
Western Art Show, A Western Art and Gear Trade Show, A Cariboo Country
Film Festival, The BC Cowboy Hall Of Fame induction Ceremonies, and a
couple of special performances for volunteers and weekend pass holders
only. There is also a variety of workshops and Jam Sessions.
It is a jam packed weekend!
Advance ticket sales taking off already! At this moment most of the
acts appearing at this year's festival have been booked but none of
the schedules drawn up yet. So no announcements have been made as to
who will be appearing or when, but we already have approximately 200
weekend passes presold through the tour bus companies and our host
hotel!
.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2008 Kamloops Cowboy Festival
Available at The Horse Barn on Mt Paul Way in Kamloops or order by
phone;
Kamloops area call 579-5667 toll free within Canada 1-888-763-2224
Outside Canada call; 1-250-579-5667 or visit our website
www.bcchs.com
March 6-9, 2008
5th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering
Cartersville, Georgia
From the Booth Western Art Museum:
5th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering
More about the Youth Cowboy Poetry Contest
14th Annual Cowboy Jubilee and Poetry Carson City, Nevada
Reserved tickets can be purchased by calling 775-883-1532.
Performances will be at 4 and 8 pm. Between the shows, attendees
can enjoy authentic western tri-tip barbeque donated by the Nevada Beef
Council, which will be served from 5 to 8 pm. Entertainment during the
barbeque will be provided by the Back Forty.
Tickets are $25 for Campfire (reserved) seating and $20 for Range (gen.
admission) seating. Barbeque tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for
children under 12.
The Cowboy Jubilee and Poetry is an annual fundraiser for the
Carson-Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary.
Hole in the
Wall Gathering at the Festival of the West Phoenix,
Arizona
The Hole in the Wall
Gathering
Featuring Cowboy Poets and Musicians
Appearing in the Moonshine Room
Festival of the West
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Admission is Free
Thursday March 13
1:30 - 2:00, 2:30 - 3:00
3:30 - ??
Rolf Flake
Andy Hurlbut
Lyle Suttell
Lon Auston
1:30 - 2:00, 2:30 - 3:00
3:30 - ??
Dean Cook
Jim and Ellie Cook
Sue Harris
Doc Rolland
1:30 - 2:00, 2:30 - 3:00
3:30 - ??
Jan Corey
Ted Newman
Doc Jordon
Diane Merrill
1:30 - 2:00, 2:30 - 3:00
3:30 - ??
Dick Morton
Ken Whitecotton
Diane Merrill
Second Annual San Ramon Valley Horsemen's
Association Cowboy Poetry Alamo,
California
6:30 social and potluck dinner, 7:45 Cowboy Poetry.
SRVHA members $ 8, nonmembers $10
info and RSVP Heidi Koch
fancyexpress@sbcglobal.net
We are proudly announcing that our very successful "Old West" event
from 2007 is back by popular demand from the community, from
equestrians near and far, nature lovers, hikers, real -life ranchers
and cowboys, Bonanza-dreamers and more. If you attended the event last
year - we're sure you'll want to come again. If you missed it in 2007,
you now have another opportunity to experience a very special evening
- you will not be disappointed! Read an article about last year's
memorable event here.
that will delight you. We are very fortunate to be able to present you
well known and successful performers (some of them you can check
out on their own website), all with a busy performing schedule locally
and nationally, all in one evening.
You will also love the wonderful exhibit of Old West collectables
brought in by Lynn Owens, the "Oat-Couture" collection of exquisite
and unique leather art from Donna and Goldie and a table with books,
CD's and DVD's.
Coming back will be the much loved cowboy poets LYNN OWENS and SUSAN
PARKER (www.susanparkerpoet.com),
new will be joining us FRANK THORNBURGH (http://web.mac.com/r.dustyrhodes)
well known for his tales and poems. Also, an aspiring local junior
cowboy poet, Morgan Hunter, will get a chance to perform one poem.
Cowboy poetry has been around for a long time and is a piece of
history from our American West - today it is a way to preserve, honor
and promote our western heritage with poems and stories that will let
you have a peek into ranch and cowboy life, that will entertain and
captivate you - make you laugh and touch your heart.
Back again will also be well known photographer ANDREAS KOCH (www.akdesigninc.com)
with his newest musical slide shows. His
pictures combined with music are a breathtaking and touching tribute
to the hidden treasures of our open space and a delightful display of
nature for equestrians and non-equestrians alike. A special highlight
will be the "Roundup," produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of
Diablo Ranch and the Brumleve family.
This is a perfect event to bring your non-horsey spouse, friend and
neighbor along—a true community event where everybody is welcome.
Please do RSVP to enable us again to be ready for a big crowd. Contact
us also if you have questions or if you need a ride (Heidi
Koch 925 743 1576 or
fancyexpress@sbcglobal.net).
22nd Annual Vinton Cowboy Poetry Show
Vinton, California
VINTON COWBOY POETRY SHOW
SIERRA VALLEY GRANGE HALL
92202 Highway 70
Vinton, Calif. 96135
March 14 & 15, 2008
Featuring: Belinda Gail,
Curly Musgrave, and Tony Argento, Jr.
Shows: Friday evening 7:30 PM
Saturday 1 PM and 7:30 PM
Dinner: Both days 4 - 7 PM
Show tickets $18
Dinner tickets $12
Contact:
Betty Ramelli, Event Organizer
(530) 993-4692
e mail: bramelli@gotsky.com
5th
Annual Bosque County Chuckwagon Cookoff & John
A. Lomax Music Festival
5th Annual Bosque County Chuckwagon Cookoff & John A. Lomax Music Festival
March 14-15, 2008
Bosque Bottoms in Meridian, Texas
For more information call (254)435-6113
Email ncbc9414@sbcglobal.net ...
Posted 1/15
Back to Events page
March 19, 2008
Heritage of the
American West Spearfish, South Dakota
Also live
on
the web, 7PM MT
"Ranchers, Rounders & Ropers"
Robert "Jinglebob" Dennis - South Dakota rancher, cowboy poet and writer
(The title of the show is taken from Robert Dennis' book, Ranchers, Rounders & Ropers)Paul Larson - South Dakota cowboy Singer/Songwriter
6:00 PM: Exhibit & Reception
7:00 PM: Show Time!!!
Held in the Bruce Miller Theater at the High Plains Western
Heritage Center in Spearfish. Visit the show's
web site for more information.
See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.
Posted 3/6
Back to
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March 22, 2008
Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny Mesquite, Nevada
7 PM at the Mesquite Community Theatre, 150 N. Yucca, 702-346-1338
Contact Smoke Wade: smokewade@clarkston.comFrom Harlo Birkholz:
Cowboy Poetry in Mesquite
When Butch Burkholder suggested starting a cowboy poetry workshop in Mesquite, in 2006, he already had a rich history of that marvelous form of poetry under his cowboy belt buckle. Butch had a small book full of poems he had written and had been a judge at the yearly Western Legends Cowboy Poetry roundup in Kanab, Utah, in 2006. Working with his neighbor, Linda Faas, they started workshop sessions in the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, twice a month, and were delighted to find cowboy and cowgirl poets virtually coming out of the woodwork of Mesquite and surrounding areas.
The first, and most obvious question, is just what is cowboy poetry? Butch defined it as poetry that has a rhythm, has a pastoral theme and has a story with a punch line. Limerick doesn't fit at all because of its tightly controlled format and brevity. Cowboy poetry is more lyrical, something you can tap your foot to and has a story that may bring a smile, tears or outright laughter. The competitive rules for cowboy poetry are a bit more extensive, but Butch wasn't worried about grooming poets for competition, he just wanted to have fun.
The group had so much fun, Butch told them they were going on stage with their new talents and then set about orchestrating Mesquite's first annual Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny, held on April 7, 2007. With the addition of singers, dancers and musicians to add a little variety to the show, the first Hootenanny played to a sell out crowd and Cowboy Poetry as an entertainment media was born in Mesquite. The second annual Hootenanny is scheduled for March 22, 2008 at the Mesquite Community Theatre, 150 N. Yucca, at 7 pm.
The cowboy poetry workshops are held every other Monday at the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, 15 W. Mesquite Blvd., and are free to all participants. You don't have to wear boots to be a cowboy poet, but you'll have to have stories to tell and be willing to do some homework by writing your stories into a cowboy poetry format. The workshops will show you what that format is and if you can say, "Ya'all" and it sounds the same whether to a friend or to a crowd, you already sound like a cowboy. The workshops will teach you to use a microphone and to have stage presence and, most important, to have a lot of fun with a great group of characters who call themselves cowboy poets. It should be noted, the term cowboy when used with Cowboy Poetry has nothing to do with gender and is a definition of the type of poetry, not the poet.
Unfortunately, Butch will not be reciting at the next Hootenanny. Butch passed away last September and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He may not be reciting, but his memory will be with those of us who will be. Butch knew he was getting on in years and started the workshops as a way to be sure Cowboy Poetry would get started and go on in Mesquite. He was, it did, and it will. There isn't a workshop that doesn't talk about him in loving terms and with admiration for the character he was.
Butch never claimed to be a cowboy. He did write cowboy poetry, a lot of it. He did look like a cowboy and he usually called himself a cowboy in tennis shoes because he couldn't wear boots.
Truth is, a lot of Cowboy Poetry is written by writers who are not, in the true sense of the definition, cowboys, but the good poetry is always written by someone who knows what they're talking about. The point is, if you didn't grow up on a ranch, you can still write cowboy poetry if you're willing to get familiar with your topic and learn the terminology. This is the kind of information anyone attending the workshops will be given and is part of the syllabus of Smoke Wade.
Smoke Wade is, hands down, the most accredited cowboy poet in the area. Beyond that, he's darn good as indicated by the vast number of awards and titles he's picked up through the years. And, Smoke lives in Mesquite, well, sometimes. When he's in Mesquite, he helps with the workshops, sharing a wealth of knowledge about Cowboy Poetry with anyone willing to learn. Because of his vast experience and status as a world traveler, Smoke is a walking storehouse of information every cowboy poet and wanna-be poet can learn from. Smoke's stage and mic experience is something he teaches about in the workshops. His help at last year's workshops made the first Hootenanny an entertaining success and as much fun for the audience as it was for the performers. Smoke recited some of his award winning poetry at the first Hootenanny and he's returning to recite some more and MC the March 22 show as well.
Cowboy Poetry is alive and well in Mesquite. An enthusiastic bunch of poets ranging from fledgling writers to published poets meets twice a month at the Gallery. They're getting ready for the Second Annual Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny on March 22 and they're all having a good time working together and learning writing and stage skills. Anyone willing to join in the fun is welcome. Details of the workshops can be gathered at 702/346-1338.
Posted 1/24
Back to Events page
March 22, 2008
17th Annual Tribute to
Marty Robbins
Wilcox, Arizona
The 17th Annual Tribute to Marty Robbins in Wilcox, Arizona, March 22, 2008.
From 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM, things happening all day for your fun and enjoyment.
Two shows: 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, both taking place at the Wilcox High School Auditorium,
Additional information is forthcoming.
The Friends of Marty Robbins is a 501 C 3 Organization "Keeping Marty's Music and Memory Alive": www.friendsofmartyrobbins.org
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March 28-29, 2008
5th
Annual "Them Dang Cowboys" Domain,
Manitoba
From Diamond Doug Keith:
The Domain Legion #208 and Aux. in Manitoba, Canada, are once again presenting an evening of Cowboy Poetry, Music and Story Tellin' entitled "Them Dang Cowboys" (are acting like a bunch of 5 year olds). The night celebrates the 5th anniversary this unique event. Two big big shows. Friday, March 28th and Saturday March 29th, 2008 (that always sell out fast) will take place at the historic "Dead Dog Saloon" (aka The Domain Community Hall) once again this year.
This year commemorates the 5th anniversary and we're returnin' OL' UGLY once again for the show. As well, Big Ray Martin, formerly of the Foster Martin Band and a fan favorite in these parts will appear. Also the musical duo of Chris and Sharky Schauer of Sundre Alberta. Formerly Ian Tyson's guitar and dobro player, Sharky, and Chris are wound up for the round up to put on a great show. All the events will be hosted by our own Diamond Doug Keith and his co-hosting daughter Cody Anne. There will also be a Cowboy Church Service in the Hall Sun. the 30th at 11:00, and all are welcome.
Tickets are $30.00 for the show and a King Cole Catering supper. They're available by calling: Shirley at 736-2936 or Rhonda at Central Veterinary Services at 275-2038. (Tables of 8 to 10 may be reserved, however single tickets are also available).
More info is available under the heading "Upcoming Events" on the web site www.diamonddougkeith.com (click on the link to see the poster). More extensive info is also available on the FACEBOOK Group page 'Cowboy Poetry and Cowboy-Toons are keepin' the West Wild' under Events.
Posted 2/27
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Annual poetry slam and contest 2-8:30 PM. Cowboy poetry entries encouraged; Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue (www.nevadaslim.com) special guests at 7 PM. 509/382-4131
Updated 3/13
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April 4, 2008
Songs of Yellowstone and Tetons concert
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
April 5, 2008
Songs of Yellowstone and Tetons concert
Bozeman, Montana