2009
Mavericks Coffee House  Visalia, California
 

From Gary Brown:  

Mavericks Coffee House & Roasting Company
Exclusive Venue for Cowboy Poetry & Music
 

2009 Dates

March 7 - DAVE STAMEY - Mavericks 6th Anniversary Show - $25

March 28 - JOYCE WOODSON with RAY DOYLE - $25

April 24 -  HOTCLUB of COWTOWN - $35

April 28 - RW HAMPTON, $30

May 25 - IAN TYSON with CORB LUND- $35.
Due to these two Canadian western music performers, Ian being legendary western folk singer/songwriter and Corb, a hot new country and western singer/songwriter, the performance will be held at the Main Street Theater, 307 E. Main Street, Visalia, CA. Showtime at 7 PM. Call for tickets at 559 624-1400 45 days prior to the concert. For further information call Gary Brown at 559 749-0420 or email him at montereycowboy@hotmail.com.
 

May 30 - KATY MOFFATT, $30

June 12 -  JUNI FISHER - $25

 

August 8 -  GILLETTE BROTHERS - $30

October 16 - "A Guy Named Joe" featuring JOE HANNAH of the Sons of the San Joaquin - $25. Joe will share his musical talent with Broadway show tunes, light opera, Gospel songs, old standard love songs, Celtic tunes, and of course - western music.

November 7 - SOURDOUGH SLIM & DAVE BOURNE - $30  SOURDOUGH SLIM returns with special guest DAVE BOURNE, the saloon piano player whose music was featured on the HBO Deadwood series. 7 PM. They make a great duo!!!

November 14 - DENNIS AGAJANIAN -25 the world's fastest flat pick guitar player and winner of multiple Entertainer of the Year and Musician of the Year, Christian Country Music awards

December 7 - TOM RUSSELL - $40 TOM RUSSELL closes out the season. He has just released a new critically acclaimed album Blood and Candle Smoke. Tom is a featured return guest on the David Letterman TV show on Oct. 1.
 

 

 

All shows at 7 PM. Tickets go on sale 30 days prior to the concert date. For tickets call 559 624-1400. Mavericks Coffee House & Roasting Company is located at 238 E. Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277

Updated 9/17

 

Back to Events page  

Monthly
Heritage of the American West  Spearfish, South Dakota
Live on the web, 7PM MT
 

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.

All shows:  6:00 PM: Exhibit & Reception
               7:00 PM: Show Time!
 

JANUARY 21: "Annual Cabin Fever Party!" Kenny Putnam and Hank Harris

FEBRUARY 18, 2009 "Cowboy Serenade" The Heritage Village Cowboys 

MARCH 18, 2009  "Out of Season" Keith Burden

APRIL 15, 2009  "Cowboy Poetry Week Celebration" Diane Tribitt and Paul Larson

MAY 20, 2009  "Americana" Paul Harris

JUNE 17, 2009  "Cowboy Jubilee" Double D Wranglers

JULY 15, 2009  "National Day of the American Cowboy" DW Groethe

AUGUST 19, 2009  "Anniversary Performance!"  Juni Fisher

The show ceased operation in August, 2009.

See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.

Updated 8/20

 

Back to Events page  

---

Third Sunday of each month
Western Music Association California Chapter  Los Angeles, California

From Lindalee Green:

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 3^rd 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 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027 – directly across from the LA Zoo.  Come one, come all! 

The remaining dates for 2009 are:

February 15
March 15
April 19
May 17
June 21
July 19
August 16
September 20
October 18
November 15
December 20 – Jam only

We will also have 3 fundraisers: confirmed dates so far are:

June 14, 2009
TBA
December 6, 2009

As well as 3 workshops, which are planned at the Autry National Center in 2009:

        May 2, 2009: “Songwriting Workshop” given by Michael Fleming
        June 20, 2009: “Guitar Workshop” given by Raul Reynoso
        July TBA:  “Banjo Workshop” given by Walt Richards
 

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 1/26
 

Back to Events page

---

June-September, 2009
Scofield's Cowboy Campfire at 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 cowboy music, poetry, and story telling in an 1880's setting. In addition to Ron's traditional brand of old cowboy standards, special guest performers contribute their unique style of western wit, wisdom, satire, and song.
 

June 13 - Juni Fisher and Harold Roy Miller
June 27 - Old West Trio and Gary Lowe
July 11 - Tony Ilardi and Johnny Walker
July 25 - Dave Stamey and Jim King
August 1 - Sourdough Slim and Helen Haas
August 22 - The Cowgirls (Eli Barsi, Joni Harms, Doris Daley)
August 29 - Old West Trio and Jim & Karen Ross
Sept 12 - Old West Trio and Mark Twain
 

Dinner is served at 6:30pm. Entertainment begins at 7:30pm with a break for intermission and dessert. After lots of music and poetry, it's "Happy Trails" around 10pm.

Total event cost per person is $45
 

Scofield's Cowboy Campfire, P.O. Box 12, Fiddletown CA 95629; cowboycampfire@gmail.com; (209)-296-4519
www.scofieldscowboycampfire.com

Posted 3/11

Back to Events page
 

---

---

January 17, 2009
RATTLE Cowboy Poetry  Santa Monica, California

An afternoon of tall tales, rhymed couplets, and big belt buckles. A group of contributors to RATTLE's Cowboy/Western issue will read their own work and classical poetry.

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00p.m.
Cost: donations at the door, no one turned away
Contact: Timothy Green
Phone: 818-505-6777
Location: Church in Ocean Park (map)
Address:
235 Hill St
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Posted 9/24

Back to Events page  

---

January 17, 2009
Western Heritage Trail Drive Celebration  Fort Worth, Texas

From Mark Miller:

 

WESTERN HERITAGE TRAIL DRIVE CELEBRATION

Saturday, Jan. 17 2008

This free, fun family event tells the story of Fort Worth's heritage from 1849 to the present. Featured events include performances by national
recording artists, authentic Native American folk dancing, chuck wagon cooking, Western storytelling and more.

The event will take place immediately following the annual Stock Show Rodeo Parade at noon at the Two City Place parking lot on the corner of Belknap,Taylor and Weatherford streets.

The celebration is designed to educate the public to have an awesome appreciation of the city's rich Western heritage and its values.

In addition, Score A Goal In The Classroom and the Cowtown Committee will honor Pam Minick with the Fort Worth Cowtown Legend Award and John Merrill with the Western Heritage Trail Boss Award. A former Miss Rodeo America, Ms. Minick is a rodeo champion and the marketing director of Billy Bob's Texas, located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Mr. Merrill, the grandson of a trail driver, is a third-generation rancher and the former director of TCU's Ranch Management Program.

Score A Goal In The Classroom is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt educational incentive program designed to encourage and motivate students, kindergarten through 12th grade, with positive rewards and an opportunity to raise grades, achieve better attendance and become more responsible citizens.

For more information,
Contact: Ernie Horn
817-429-4024
info@scoreagoal.org
www.scoreagoal.org

This information was passed along to you by the good folks at Jackson Hole Texas!  http://www.myspace.com/jacksonholetexas

Posted 12/3
 

Back to Events page  

---

January 24, 2009
Wyoming Wintercamp Cowboy Poetry Gathering   Powell, Wyoming

The gathering will take place on Sat. Jan. 24th,2009, at the Park County Fairgrounds in Powell, WY.

The Open Mic sessions will run from 10:00 A.M. till Noon, then from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M..
The night show will start with a Warm-up at 6:30 P.M..
The Feature Show will run from 7:00 P.M. to approx. 9:30 P.M.

Super 8 motel has special room rates for attendees and they are sponsoring a Friday night Jam Session at the motel. Reservations can be made by phone at 307-754-7231 or toll free 866-769-7878.

For more information contact Ken Chrissley at 307-754-0183 or 307-254-0726.

Posted 11/26

Back to Events page  

---

January 24, 2009
2nd Annual Gila River Heritage Round-Up   Thatcher, Arizona
 

From Linda Schell-Curtis:

The 2nd Annual Gila River Heritage Roundup will take place on Jan 24, 2009, at the Graham County Museum in Thatcher AZ, free performances all day long with a BBQ lunch.  Sat eve. concert at Eastern AZ College, Lee Little Theater, Thatcher AZ @ 7pm.  We are pleased with our outstanding lineup of great artists: Sam DeLeeuw, Randy Huston, Jack DeWerff, Joe Baer, Steve Lindsey, Mary Abbott, Buckshot Dot and Neil Abbott doing the MC.

Posted 1/16
 
 

Back to Events page  

---

January 26-28, 2009
13th Annual "Campfire Tales" at the Fort Worth Stock Show  Fort Worth, Texas
 

From Charles Williams:

The West Arena at the Ft. Worth Stock Show will be the scene for the 13th Annual Campfire Tales this January 26th, 27th and 28th. The Monday through Wednesday Show will once more feature the finest in Cowboy Poetry, Cowboy Music and Western Swing—with a tale or two thrown in for good measure. Contact Charles Williams at www.cewcbpo8@sbcglobal.net or (214)750-1362 if you want further information—or would like to join us for this Big Time in Cow Town.

Among the performers are Tom and Donna Hatton, Jay Snider, "Straw" Berry, Judy James, The Texas Trailhands, Miss Devon, Bob and Johnie Terry, "Curly" Butts, Buck Helton, Sourdough Myers, BJ Giles, The Bremmer Family, Linda Kirkpatrick, Lanny Joe Burnett, Phil R. Monic and the Stock Show Orchestra and Chorus, Diane Tribitt, The Ackermans, Teresa Burleson, The Cowtown Opry Buckaroos, Paul Harris, and more to come.

Ralph's Back Porch radio will be broadcasting live on the internet from the event.

 Updated 1/9

 

---

Back to Events page  

---

February 20, 2009
15^th Annual Cowboy Campfire  Flagstaff, Arizona

From Tony Norris:

15^th Annual Cowboy Campfire: Three Tenors on Horseback

 

Friday, February 20, 2009 7:30-10:00pm

The Zane Grey Ballroom of The Weatherford Hotel

23 North Leroux Street, Flagstaff, AZ

www.weatherfordhotel.com

 

Tickets $12 children and FFOTM members, $15 general admission.

Available at The Weatherford Hotel 928-779-1919 or from Tony Norris at 928-526-6684 or tony@tonynorris.com or Bill Vernieu at 928-525-3001 or bv4@mindspring.com.

In the old days local cowboys would tie their horses out back on a Saturday night and rent a room at The Weatherford. Then they would proceed to the ball room to celebrate - with a neat shot of rye or a glass of foam by the crackling fireplace. Soon they would be singing the sad songs of lost dawgs and the brown eyed beauties of Oldtown. A crowd would press in as one cowboy sang about his family back home. One would recite a fragment of a remembered poem while another stretched the truth till it snapped like a wire fence in a stampede. It was a cowboy campfire.

Join Tony Norris, Bill Vernieu and Warren Miller at 7:30 pm on Friday, February 20, 2009 as they gather for Three Tenors on Horseback: The 15^th Annual Cowboy Campfire. This event for all ages has become one of the best attended and most celebrated shows of the month-long Flagstaff Winterfest.

Tony Norris is a veteran of the cowboy music and poetry festivals. He has appeared on the stages of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, The Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium in Ruidoso, New Mexico and The Arizona Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Prescott, Arizona. He is host of the cable TV show Letter From Home, and his songs and stories are featured weekly on the local web/TV show Flagnews. His rich tenor voice, big Martin guitar and savvy singing of Western songs and his wry, funny stories of the Southwest will delight the whole family.

Bill Vernieu is versatile on mandolin and guitar. His encyclopedic knowledge of cowboy songs and boyish good looks charm all comers. He’ll make grandpa cry when he recites "The Buckskin Mare" and last year, Aunt Pearl dropped her false teeth when he told about the first time he bought a bra.

Warren Miller returns to the campfire with a great collection of new songs and poems. He was one of the fellers that started it all as a founder of the National Cowboy Gathering in Elko, Nevada 25 years ago. He was the director of the Arizona Cowboy Poetry Gathering for 20 years. He is recognized across the country as an authority on the folklore of the cowboy. An excellent musician, singer and reciter of the old poems, he’ll warm your heart.

Seating at The Zane Grey Ballroom is limited so don’t delay getting your tickets. Tickets are available February 1 at The Weatherford Hotel, 23 N Leroux, 928-779-1919 or by calling Tony at 928-526-6684 or Bill at 928-525-3001

Posted 1/22

Back to Events page  

---

February 27-March 1, 2009
1^st Annual Texas Crossroads Cowboy Gathering  Van Horn, Texas

From Bob Kinford:

The Great American Cowboy Talent Show

1^st Annual Texas Crossroads Cowboy Gathering

 

            Desk bound city slickers with romantic ideals of the cowboy lifestyle flock to cowboy poetry gatherings across the west like kids to Christmas candy. Musicians, cowboy poets, and cowboy storytellers keep their “wannbe” City Slicker fans entertained with music from the old west or poems and stories right off the range.

            With the growing popularity of these events comes the daunting task of supplying authentic cowboy entertainers.  Entertainment committees are flooded each year with applications and a short audio sample of each hopeful entertainer. In order to keep their audience coming back, gatherings are faced with the decision to try someone new based on a three-minute tape, or hire someone with a proven track record. Taking the safe bet, few, if any, new performers are added to the featured entertainers for the next year.

            Truly living the cowboy life means one is living below the poverty line. For these cowboys to attend a gathering to participate in the open mic (hoping to be noticed) winds up costing several hundred dollars, or nearly half a month’s wages. This limits most up and coming entertainers to only attending one or two gatherings a year. Add to this gatherings that don’t allow these entertainers to sell their books or audio and you have a system that deters new talent from being discovered.

            Out of the West Texas dust comes a solution for gatherings looking for new talent, and the talent waiting to be discovered. The theme for the first annual Texas Crossroads Cowboy Gathering is The Great American Cowboy Talent Show. Tentative dates for this event are February 27,28 and March 1.

            The concept for this event is to have several representatives from different gatherings observing cowboy entertainers perform in several different locations over the course of two days. These representatives will pick which entertainers will perform on the main stage on Saturday night. After the Saturday night show, the representatives will select an act to appear at their next gathering as a featured performer.

            Anyone participating in this competition will be allowed to sell their books, tapes and cd’s to help recoup their expenses.  The first five entertainers to sign up will be performing in front of the judges at Friday nights JAB (Judges Appreciation Banquet).

            If your gathering  would like to send a representative, or if you are an authentic cowboy performer, please visit  http://texascrossroadscowboypoetry.org  

For more information email Bob Kinford at info@texascrossroadscowboypoetry.org

Posted 11/13

 

Back to Events page  

---

February 27-March 1, 2009
23rd Annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering   (Sul Ross) Alpine, Texas
 

From Linda Kirkpatrick:

Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering

"Preserving the traditions of the American West in words and music...each year in the spring"

Alpine, Texas and Sul Ross State University will once again see an influx of cowboy poets and musicians as they host the 23rd Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This year's event kicks off on Friday, February 27, 2009 and closes with Cowboy Church on Sunday, March 1, 2009.

An authentic chuck wagon breakfast in Poet's Grove gets everyone off to a great start on Friday and Saturday mornings. Show up there at 7:30 am with $5.00 and enjoy hot campfire coffee, eggs, and cowboy biscuits all cooked over an open fire.

Open mic sessions begin at 9 am and end at 9:50 on Friday and Saturday in the University Center. Joel Nelson presents a program at 9am titled "Let's Talk Poetry," a great presentation for all of those simply wondering about cowboy poetry.

Sul Ross President Dr. R. Vic Morgan will welcome everyone at 10 am on Friday in the Auditorium and a special show with Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Jividan with presentations by poet Doris Daley; musicians Michael and Dawn Moon and Dave Stamey; and a special tribute to Marty Robbins by Jeff Gore and Washtub Jerry.

At 1pm, "Preview to the Gathering"—with Master of Ceremonies, Don Cadden; poets Jerry Brooks and Jack Sammon; and musicians Rod Taylor and Andy Wilkinson—will kick of an afternoon of sessions that you will never forget. Nine
sessions will run simultaneously from 2 pm until 4:50 and they are all free!

The Friday night show at 7 p.m. in Marshall Auditorium will be hosted by Joel Nelson. It will feature Doris Daley, Rod Taylor and others. The Saturday evening show, hosted by Michael Stevens, will feature Jack Sammon and Dave Stamey. The cost for each show is $10.00 each.

Saturday is an expanded version of Friday with the addition of the opening of the "Trappings of Texas" in the Museum of the Big Bend. This is a must see event.

The Saturday day time sessions begin at 10:00 am and end at 5:00 in the evening, followed by the night show at 7:00pm.

The Sunday morning Cowboy Church is hosted by Michael's Mountain Ministries.

Check the web site www.cowboy-poetry.org for more information, a list of all the performers for this year, contact and
area lodging.

Ya'll Come!!

Posted 2/5

Back to Events page  

---

March

---

March 5-8, 2009
Fifth Annual Lee Earl Memorial Cowboy Gathering   Lewiston, Idaho

From Smoke Wade:

The 5th Annual Lee Earl Memorial Scholarship Cowboy Gathering will take place on March 5-8, 2009 at the Lewiston Elks Lodge, 3444 Country Club Drive, Lewiston, Idaho 83501.  

 

The event will feature four days of socializing, cowboy poetry, western music, tall tales, youth poetry and western art & gear vendors. Proceeds fund a scholarship program for graduating seniors that will major in English or music.

 

The event is held each year in memory of local cowboy poet and event organizer, Lee Earl. Earl was not only a fine cowboy poet, but was very active in the youth poetry and music program. He organized cowboy poetry and western art competitions in the Lewiston area schools 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, 2007 and 2008. 
 

The 2009 event will continue with the established "Woodstock" style of non-stop poetry and music over the for-day period. More than 100 performers are expected to participate again in 2009. There will be several school assembly performances on Friday, March 6, 2009, as well as live radio performances on the Western Heritage Show, KRLC 1350 AM.

The event will kick off on Thursday night, March 5, with a no-host social at 6:00 p.m. for fans and performers at the Clarkston Moose Lodge, 814 6^th Street, Clarkston, Washington. Day sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. And there will be a dinner show at 6:30 each evening followed by a cowboy dance.

Highlights of the event will include the Lil’ Cowpokes youth session at noon on Saturday followed by the Tall Tales session. The popular People’s Choice Awards show will take place at 8:30 on Saturday night with awards going to the People’s Choice for Poet, Musician, Musical Group, Teller of Tall Tales, Lil’ Cowpoke Poet, Lil’ Cowpoke Musician, and Western Artist/Vendor. The event will close with a Cowboy Church at 9:00 a.m. Sunday.

Join Jinny Lowe, publisher of Happy Trails, AWA award winning dj Toe Tappin' Tommy Tucker, Smoke Wade, Jimmy Bullard and the Lee Earl Family for an unforgettable weekend of cowboy poetry and western music.

Performers contact: Smoke Wade, (208) 746-7652 email: smokewade@clarkston.com

Vendors contact: Virginia Earl, PO Box 88, Asotin, WA 99402 (509) 243-4312 email: rhymn@tds.net

 

Read more about Lee Earl in our feature here, where there are links to reports from past events.

Posted 6/5
 

Back to Events page  

---

March 7, 2009
Texas Independence Day Celebration and Cowboy Gathering  Jackson Hole, Texas

From Mark Miller:

Jackson Hole Texas presents:

"The Texas Independence Day Celebration & Cowboy Gathering"
          Saturday March 7, 2009


Live Texas & Western Music; Cowboy Poetry; Chuckwagon Cook-off

$10. a person at the gate
$10 per Camp Site

Western Music Featuring: Brian Burns, Mike Blakely, Billy Cate, Tommy Alverson, Fletcher Jowers, Brett Watts

Western Poets- Charles Williams, and others TBA

Lots of activities for you and the kids:

Good Food, Western & Native American Gift Stores, Hay Rides, Carriage Rides,
Miniature Train Rides, Horse Shoes, Washers Contests; Pony Rides, Petting
Zoo, Venders, Face Painter, Antiques, Music, Hiking

Directions: 40 minutes south of DFW, South on US67 at Venus, Texas (between
Midlothian & Alvarado) turn West at Ozro Rd. Left at Smith Rd.-- OR: 3 miles
North of Maypearl, Texas off FM 157

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=458+Smith+Road,+Maypearl,+TX+76064

Randy May is organizing the Chuckwagon Cookoff. Rlmay57@aol.com

See us at: http://www.myspace.com/jacksonholetexas
 

Posted 8/15
 

Back to Events page  

---

March 8, 2009
Cowboy Songs Concert  Saratoga, Wyoming

From Hank Cramer:

There will be a cowboy music concert at the Platte Valley Community Center in Saratoga, Wyoming on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 pm. Featured performers are Hank Cramer, Rob Thran, and Ed Kramer.

Contact is (307) 326-7822. Physical address is 210 W Elm Avenue, Saratoga, WY 82331.

Tickets will be sold at the door. It's $10 adults, $8 seniors/youth (6-16), little kids free.

Posted 2/16

Back to Events page  

---

March 12-15, 2009
13th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival  Kamloops, British Columbia
 

From Mike Puhallo:

What Recession? After a dozen years of lousy cow prices, border wars, mad cows, and political interference in the agricultural marketplace...the current, financial meltdown, seems like a walk in the park to most country folks!

Maybe that’s why advance ticket sales for the 2009 Kamloops Cowboy Festival are running about twenty percent ahead of last year’s pace.

Over the years the Kamloops Cowboy Festival has built a solid reputation as one of the finest cowboy cultural events in the world. Our main stage and dinner theatre shows feature the best in contemporary cowboy poetry and western music. In addition to our two main stages we also have two open mic stages and The Country 103 Rising Star Competition to encourage emerging artists. The Friday Night Feature Concert also includes The BC Cowboy Hall Of Fame Inductions.

The Art of the West, juried saddle and art show draws custom saddle makers, painters and sculptors from as far away as Colorado and California. The Western Art and Gear, Trade Show features the finest in custom made equipment and apparel for horses, riders and those who just want to look the part.

New this Year: Buckles, Boots and Black Tie! (We were just kidding about the tie!) Pull on your hat, dust off your boots and shine up your buckle! South Thompson Inn and Guest Ranch, is hosting a Kamloops Cowboy Festival Kickoff party. Thursday March 12, 2009 Cocktail hour starts at 5:00Pm with live entertainment. Dinner at 6:30 followed by even more lively entertainment featuring cowboy poet, Mike Puhallo and Horse Crazy, a three piece cowgirl band from Winthrop Washington. The dance floor will be open. The evening will wind up with Western Art Auction. We are still ironing out some of the details at this time. Admission, meal and entertainment just $30.00 To reserve call South Thompson Inn and Guest Ranch (250) 573-3777 www.stigr.com email theinn@stigr.com. Shuttle Service available for Cowboy Festival Pass holders. Presented by the South Thompson Inn and Guest Ranch, The BC Cowboy Heritage Society and The Horse Barn. Profits from the Art Auction support the BC Cowboy Heritage Society Scholarship Fund.

The Canadian cow market has been in the toilet for a dozen years but the spirit of the West is alive and well at The Kamloops Cowboy Festival. It takes a darn site more than some pissant global financial meltdown to keep a good cowboy down!

Come see what makes a cowboy tick!

For more information on the 13th Annual Kamloops Cowboy Festival and the BC Cowboy Heritage Society take a peek at our website www.bcchs.com or call Mike Puhallo 1-888-763-2224, mikepuhallo@direct.ca

Posted 2/4

Back to Events page  

---

March 18, 2009
Heritage of the American West  Spearfish, South Dakota
Also live on the web, 7PM MT
 

From Francie Ganje:

Heritage of the American West Presents "Out of Season"

With a show theme of "Out Of Season," the Heritage of the American West Performance Series presents South Dakota original singer/songwriter, Keith Burden.

The western singer-songwriter has recorded five CD’s of original music, much that involves South Dakota and Western history. Historic originals include a song "Saving The Buffalo" about Scotty Philips; a song about "Three Toes," the last rogue wolf in southeast Montana and northwest South Dakota; songs about legendary pioneer trappers John Colter and Hugh Glass; a song about the paddlefish of the Missouri River; and songs about life in the Badlands of South Dakota.

Born in the Black Hills where he still resides near Custer, South Dakota, Keith Burden has spent his life writing songs about the western experience—past and present. He is an accomplished musician in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, dobro, piano, and percussion, and has performed on South Dakota Public Radio, at numerous cowboy western gatherings,and is a member of the Black Hills Film Resource Council.

"This show marks that time," says director Francie Ganje, "where everything is waiting for a new season to emerge. It's an 'out of season' time of year but with the certainty of new days dawning." To tell that story, there is no one better than Keith Burden. "While his voice and instrumental talents are phenomenal, his storytelling in song is like reading an epic novel, only hearing it in song."

The 128th performance of the Heritage of the American West is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish. Show time is 7:00 p.m. (MT) with a live audience and is also available on regional radio stations and the web at www.livewithjt.com.

See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.

Posted 3/11

Back to Events page  

---

March 20-21, 2009
23rd Annual Vinton Cowboy Poetry Show   Vinton, California

THE 23RD ANNUAL VINTON COWBOY POETRY SHOW

To be held at SIERRA VALLEY GRANGE HALL
              92202 HIGHWAY 70
              VINTON, CA   96135
(Just 30 miles from Reno, Nevada)

Performers:  Musicians George Dickey and Richard Elloyan
Poets:  Chris Isaacs and Larry Maurice

Shows:  Friday 7:30 PM
        Saturday 1 PM Matinee and 7:30 PM
        Cost:  $18 for adults and $6 for 12 & under

Dinners:  Friday 5 - 7 PM Corned Beef & cabbage
        Saturday 4 - 7 PM Roast Beef
        Cost:  $12 for adults and $6 for 12 & under

Contact Info:
Betty Ramelli
Event Organizer
Phone 530-993-4692
E mail:  bramelli@gotsky.com

Posted 1/5

 

Back to Events page  
 

---

April

---

April 4, 2009
Songs of the Cowboys  Cody, Wyoming

From Leslie Keltner:

On April 4, 2009, in the great cowboy community of Cody, Wyoming, Runumuk Cowgirl Productions will present "Songs of the Cowboys," a one-day festival celebrating the music, poetry, and lifestyle of the cowboy.

Open mike sessions will be held all day at Cassie's Supper Club, with spotlight presentations at businesses throughout the downtown area. Two different concerts will be held at Wynona Thompson Auditorium, one at 3:00 p.m. and another at 7:00 p.m.

Performers scheduled to appear include Bill Chiles, Rex Rideout, Bob Lantis, Otto Rosfeld, Gwen Petersen, Georgie Sicking, Pop Wagner, Open Range, John Shreve, Jim Garry, Larry Thompson, Yampa Valley Boys, Glenn "Ike" Hall and Leslie Keltner, with more to be confirmed.

For further information, contact Leslie at 307.587.1558, or email her at cowpoet@vcn.com.

Posted 2/13
 

Back to Events page  
 

---

April 4, 2009
17th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival: Western Songwriters  Nashville, Tennessee

Through the efforts of the National Day of the Cowboy organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) 17th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival will include Western songwriters for the first time in its history. Top Western songwriters Joyce Woodson, Juni Fisher, Michael Martin Murphey, and Jon Chandler will be a part of the event, appearing on April 4, 2009. 

Tin Pan South, the world's largest all-songwriter festival, is an annual fundraiser; the 2008 event featured nine venues, twice each night, hosting over 350 songwriters performing 80 shows for over 9,000 fans in 2008.

From Bethany Braley, publisher, of the National Day of the Cowboy:

The National
Day of the Cowboy
Presents Western Songwriters at
Tin Pan South Songwriter Festival

Each year for the past sixteen years, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has hosted its renownedTin Pan South Songwriters Festival, in Nashville, Tennessee. An annual fundraiser for NSAI's work on
behalf of songwriters, last year's Festival featured nine Nashville venues, twice each night, hosting over 350 songwriters performing 80 shows. Tin Pan South is the world's largest all-songwriter festival, drawing over 9,000 fans in 2008.

And yet, while March 31, 2009, will mark the opening of the 17th annual event, it will also mark the first time this prestigious festival will include a round of our very own Western and Cowboy songwriters.

Each fall, since 2005, the National Day of the Cowboy organization has sent a request in to NSAI, asking them to include Western music in this event because we believe western music should be promoted and shared in wider
circles than just those that are typically characterized as "western." We're also convinced that Western music deserves to be at the table with all the other wonderful genres of music which are traditionally an integral part of
this popular festival.

This year, NSAI accepted our request, and I'm thrilled to announce that Cowboy and Western music will be represented at the 2009 Tin Pan South Songwriter Festival, by four of the very finest, multi-award winning,
singer/songwriters of today's Western music; Joyce Woodson, Juni Fisher, Michael Martin Murphey, and Jon Chandler.


Western Songwriter Round Details

WHO: Joyce Woodson, Juni Fisher, Jon Chandler, Michael Martin Murphey
WHERE: The Station Inn, Nashville, Tennessee
WHEN: Saturday, April 4, 2009
START TIME: 6:30 PM
END TIME: 8:15 PM

NSAI's Tin Pan South Festival begins Tuesday, March 31, and ends on Saturday April 4, 2009. If you can make it to Nashville, I know all of the talented songwriters who participate would love to have you come out and support
this extraordinary event! If you can attend our Western round and you've never been to a show at the world famous Station Inn, you are in for a real treat to your ears and your music lover's soul.
 

Find the most current information about the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and other news at the National Day of the Cowboy MySpace.

Posted 3/4

Back to Events page  

---

April 8, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Conifer Library  Conifer, Colorado ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Colorado musician Rex Rideout (Time Travel Music), always an active participant in Cowboy Poetry Week, takes part in four events celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week, including:

April 8, 2009 at the Conifer Library, 7:00 PM; Conifer Library, 10441 Highway 73, Conifer, Colorado

Posted 3/6

Back to Events page  

---

April 10-12, 2009
6th Annual Columbia River Cowboy Gathering  Kennewick, Washington

From Smoke Wade:

It’s a Cowboy Easter! The 6th Annual Columbia River Cowboy Gathering will take place April 10-12, 2009 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick, WA. The fund-raiser event is organized by Ed Dailey of the Legends Of Country syndicated radio show of Tri-Cities, WA. Several organizations will benefit from the proceeds.

Scheduled daytime performances will be presented on Friday and Saturday, April 10 – 11, 2009, from noon to 6:00 p. m. There will be open mic sessions throughout both days. Headliner Shows will take place at 6:00 p.m. each evening.

New this year will be a contest for both poets and musicians. All open mic performers will be judged throughout the weekend with a $100.00 prize and trophy for first place. This event is for amateur poets and musicians. To take place in the open mic sessions, show up and sign up.

Smoke Wade, will host a special contest. From the applicants, four poets and four musicians will be selected to perform a 15-minute set each day including a special appearance on the Friday night show. The top two poets and top two musicians will have one final performance on the Saturday night show, followed by an awards presentation. First place winners in both divisions will receive $200.00 prize money and a trophy. Second place winners will receive $100.00 prize money and a trophy. Poets and musicians interested in applying for the contest should contact: Smoke Wade – smokewade@clarkston.com Mail: 3117 5^th St #3, Lewiston, ID

The Friday night show will feature Wylie & The Wild West, Shiloh Sharrard, Sourdough Slim, Rod Erickson and Smoke Wade along with selected poetry and music contestants.

The Saturday night main show will feature Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue, Sourdough Slim, Rod Erickson, Johnny Counterfit in "The Johnny Counterfit show," and Smoke Wade along with the contest finalists. "The Johnny Counterfit Show" features 20 to 30 voices and impersonations of country music’s biggest stars of the past. Other performers may be added at a later date.

Other featured performers include Bodie Dominguez, Hank Cramer and others. There will be an Art & Gear show as well as food vendors on site.

A special cowboy Easter Sunrise service will take place Sunday, April 12, 2009, 6:00 – 7:30 a.m.

For information regarding advance ticket sales, RV parking or special Motel rates visit www.cowboygettogether.com or contact Ed Dailey: legendsofcountry@cs.com or ed.dailey979@yahoo.com; (509) 947-5785; or mail to: Columbia River Cowboy Gathering, P.O.Box 6438, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Posted 2/18

---

April 11, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Leslie J. Savage Library  Gunnison, Colorado  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Colorado musician Rex Rideout (Time Travel Music), always an active participant in Cowboy Poetry Week, takes part in four events celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week, including:

From Nancy Gauss, Director of Library Services:

The Leslie J. Savage Library, Western State College of Colorado, Gunnison, CO is pleased to host poets Rex Rideout and John Nelson for an evening of poetry and song, Saturday, April 11, 7:00pm. Please contact the library, 970-943-2278, for further information.

 

Posted 3/6

 

Back to Events page  

---

April 17-19, 2009
African American Western Experience  Concan, Texas
 

From Jan Billups:

STEPPIN’ BACK GUEST RANCH ANNOUNCES
HISTORICAL GRAND OPENING EVENT

CONCAN, TX, APRIL 17, 18, 19, AND 2009: Located in the Texas Hill Country, Steppin’ Back Guest Ranch will hold a historic event by introducing guest to the western life through the African American experience. The purpose is to allow the visitors to experience the diversity of African American western culture.

“We invite you to come and experience a weekend full of events,” owner Jan Billups says. “We will have square dancing, Kiddie Kowboy Korner events for children, displays, presenters and much more,” she continues.

Visitors will also be able to learn exciting historical facts, visit the vendors to purchase collectable memoirs, and enjoy the savory taste of great western dishes.

The full itinerary is available at www.steppinbackguestranch.com. More information can also be obtained by emailing info@steppinbackguestranch.com.

Posted 1/14
 

Back to Events page  
 

---

April 17-18, 2009
22nd Annual St. Anthony Cowboy Poetry Gathering   St. Anthony, Idaho

From Bobbie Hunter:

22nd Annual St. Anthony Gathering
Come one, come all! Experience the excitement that is St. Anthony! If you're anywhere near southeast Idaho on April 17 and 18, drop in at the Roxy Theater for a weekend of powerful pleasin' poetry and music—you'll be glad you did!

Day sessions begin at 10:00 a.m., leading on to night shows jam-packed with dynamic Western entertainment.

Contact: Layle Bagley, 208-356-3524, layeb@gmail.com

Posted 2/9

Back to Events page  
 

---

April 18, 2009
Frio Canyon Chamber Appreciation Dinner  Leakey, Texas ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

In Celebration of Cowboy Poetry Week

Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Announces
The Annual Community Appreciation Banquet
April 18th, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Leakey, Texas

Local cowboy poet Linda Kirkpatrick will present cowboy poetry and information on the history of cowboy poetry and the role that it plays in the history of the west.

Tickets ($10.00) are on sale at Hondo National Bank, First State Bank Frio Canyon Branch and Pioneer Real Estate or call 830-232-5222.

Posted 3/30

Back to Events page  
 

---

April 20, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Ogden Valley Branch Library  Huntsville, Utah  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

From Stan Tixier:

Utah poet Stan Tixier and musician Robin Arnold present a Cowboy Poetry Week program on April 20, 2009, at the Ogden Valley Branch Library in Huntsville, Utah, from 7-9 PM.

Posted 1/20

Back to Events page  

---

April  21, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Colorado School of Mines Arthur Lakes Library  Golden, Colorado ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Colorado musician Rex Rideout (Time Travel Music), always an active participant in Cowboy Poetry Week, takes part in four events celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week, including:

April  21, 2009 at the Colorado School of Mines Arthur Lakes Library 12:00 noon; Arthur Lakes Library, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado

Posted 3/6

Back to Events page  

---

April 21, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Prescott Library  Prescott, Washington   ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Prescott Library event at Prescott Lions Hall, Prescott, Washington, 7 PM, featuring Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue and Jessica Hedges. 

Josh Westbrook, Prescott Library Manager/District Technology Manager, Walla Walla County Rural Library District, adds:

The Prescott Library in Washington State participated in the Rural Library Program for Cowboy Poetry Week last year—and we are gearing up for our event this year! We have an event planned on April 21st featuring
Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue (www.nevadaslim.com) and cowboy poet Jessica Hedges (www.jessicahedgescowboypoetry.com).

Here's a small gallery of photos from last year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcwestbrook/sets/72157616479200730/detail/

Updated 4/13
 

Back to Events page  

---

April 21, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week Dinner Show  Gold Hill, Nevada  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry

From Tom Weatherby:

Cowboy Entertainers Celebrate National Cowboy Poetry Week at Gold Hill Hotel

Look for a high energy performance featuring cowboy poetry, song, guitar and harmonica licks, rib tickling humor and buckaroo banter when singer songwriter “Texas” Tom Weatherby and range poet Dennis Golden kick off  National Cowboy Poetry  Week at the historic Gold Hill Hotel, Tuesday, April 21st. 

Appropriately located in Gold Hill, a mile south of Virginia City on Highway 342, Nevada’s oldest hotel will feature a special buffet dinner after which the cowboy duo will perform both original and traditional poetry and song as part of the Comstock hotel’s popular Tuesday night entertainment series. 

The sing’in sidekicks say they dare folks to come out and try to have more fun than they do as they josh each other and the audience between presentations of both their original material and traditional renditions of cowboy poetry and western song.

A Texas native, Weatherby grew up singing and playing in a family with a strong music tradition influenced by their neighbor Bob Wills.  An accomplished guitarist, his Texas accent lends authenticity to a great selection of cowboy songs.

Golden, grew up in the 40’s and 50’s in the small ranching community of Cedarville, in remote northeastern California.  His thought provoking and often-humorous original poetry on contemporary ranching is punctuated with hilarious poems from the past.

The special buffet dinner and show is $25.00 per person.  Buffet from 5:00 til 7:00 pm with entertainment beginning at 7:30 pm.  For information and reservations call: 775 847-0111.

Posted 4/28

Back to Events page  

---

April 22, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Night at the Touchet Community Library  Touchet, Washington   ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

From Carlotta Richardson:

We have scheduled April 22, 2009 for our Cowboy Poetry Night. It will be from 7-8:30 at the Touchet School. We will be having a poetry contest once more and inviting all who care to join in to recite their poetry. We are still in the planning stages.

Our address is Touchet Community Library, P.O. Box 166, Touchet WA 99360 (166 Hanson Road) Our phone number is 509-394-2329.

Everyone had a terrific time last year and we're gearing up for the same this year.

See a report from the 2008 event here.

Posted 3/4
 

Back to Events page  

---

April 22, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Bailey Pubic Library, Bailey, Colorado ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Colorado musician Rex Rideout (Time Travel Music), always an active participant in Cowboy Poetry Week, takes part in four events celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week, including:

April 22, 2009 at the Bailey Pubic Library, 7:00PM; Bailey Public Library, 350 Bulldogger Rd., Bailey, Colorado

Posted 3/6

Back to Events page  

---

April 23, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Dayton Memorial Library  Dayton, Washington   ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Dayton Memorial Library, Dayton, Washington, 6:30 PM. Featuring Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue with Hank Cramer

Posted 3/19

Back to Events page  

---

April 22-26, 2009
16th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival  Santa Clarita, California
 

2009 Performers: Baxter Black, Hot Club of Cowtown, Don Edwards, Sons of the San Joaquin, R.W. Hampton, Joni Harms, Syd Masters and the Swing Riders, Sourdough Slim, Dave Stamey, Randy Rieman, Gary Robertson, The Booher Brothers, and Joe Herrington.

And: Adrian, Benny Martinez, California Cowboys, Dave Bourne, Dave Thornbury, Dave Rainwater, Diane Tribitt, Whit Haydn, The Band of the California Battalion, Gordy Ohligher, Horse Crazy, Michael Tcherkassky, and The Messick Family.

 

April 2009 newsletter:

Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

 

Here’s the latest Cowboy Festival news!

 

Ticket sales are still going very well. Several events are already sold, however….

 

You can still purchase tickets for the Chuckwagon Dinner Show, (April 23) with Sourdough Slim, the Rancho Camulos lunch/show with Dave Stamey, and the Art at Hart Quick Draw (April 25) where you can watch artists create their masterpieces in one hour or less. Afterwards, The Friends of Hart will auction the paintings. Artists who will be painting are:
 

Nancy Degan
Jay Wegter
Toni Haih
Frank Rock
Reine River
Deborah Kunic
Serena Kunic
Nadia Littlewarrior
Laura Wambsgans

 

At last count we’re almost sold out of our Friends of the Festival tickets. This package is a great deal ($150) that includes preferred seating for all 8 shows at the Melody Ranch Stage, a free festival t-shirt and poster and all weekend access to our VIP Bunkhouse with food and beverage. Another great bargain is the Two Day Weekend Pass which gets you into the Festival at Melody Ranch both Saturday and Sunday for the low price of $30.

 

 

http://www.cowboyfestival.org/tickets.asp

 

Remember, shows on our 5 stages first are come first serve and are included in the price of admission. If you’d like to see who is performing where at what time please go to:

 

www.cowboyfestival.org/schedules_2009.asp

 

Please remember that we are using a new in-house system for Cowboy ticket sales. It looks a little different than the past few years but will achieve the same result. You’ll be happy to know that there will be NO PROCESSING FEES for online sales. You’ll be asked to create a LOGIN NAME and PASSWORD before processing your purchase.

 

www.cowboyfestival.org/ticketing_help.asp

 

On another note, please be aware of street name changes that affect travel to the Festival Shuttle Site and other Festival events. San Fernando Rd. at the 14 Freeway has been changed to Newhall Ave. To get to the Shuttle site from I-5 you will take Lyons Ave. to Railroad Ave. and turn left to 13th St. for a right turn to the Shuttle Site.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

 

For more information please visit www.cowboyfestival.org or call (661) 286-4021

 

February 2009 newsletter:

 

Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

 

Here’s the latest Cowboy Festival news!

 

Ticket sales have been going very well. Several events are already sold out such as the Behind the Scenes Tours and the Movie Night at Melody Ranch. However….

 

Tickets are still available but going fast for the Day at the Autry tour, (April 23) which includes personalized tours of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, a catered lunch and a viewing of the Cisco Kid. A chartered bus will take guests to and from Santa Clarita and the Autry Museum. You can still purchase tickets for the Chuckwagon Dinner Show, (April 23) with Sourdough Slim, the Rancho Camulos lunch/show with Dave Stamey, (April 23) and An Evening with Don Edwards at William S. Hart Mansion (April 24). Saturday night, April 25, you can tour the Hart Mansion followed by the Art at Hart Quick Draw and watch artists create their masterpieces in one hour or less. Afterwards, The Friends of Hart will conduct an auction of the paintings.

 

At last count we’re almost sold out of our Friends of the Festival packages. This package is a great deal ($150) that includes preferred seating for all 8 shows at the Melody Ranch Stage, a free festival t-shirt and poster and all weekend access to our VIP Bunkhouse with food and beverage. Another great bargain is the Two Day Weekend Pass which gets you into the Festival at Melody Ranch both Saturday and Sunday for the low price of $30. To purchase tickets go to:

 

http://www.cowboyfestival.org/tickets.asp

 

Remember, shows on our 5 stages first are come first serve and are included in the price of admission. If you’d like to see who is performing where at what time please go to:

 

www.cowboyfestival.org/schedules_2009.asp

 

Please remember that we are using a new in-house system for Cowboy ticket sales. It looks a little different than the past few years but will achieve the same result. You’ll be happy to know that there will be NO PROCESSING FEES for online sales. You’ll be asked to create a LOGIN NAME and PASSWORD before processing your purchase.

 

www.cowboyfestival.org/ticketing_help.asp

 

We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

 

For more information please visit www.cowboyfestival.org or call (661) 286-4021

 

 

February 2009 newsletter:

 

Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

 

Here’s the latest Cowboy Festival news!

 

Ticket sales have been going very well. Several events are already sold out such as the Behind the Scenes Tours and the Movie Night at Melody Ranch. However….

 

Tickets are still available but going fast for the Day at the Autry tour, (April 23) which includes personalized tours of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, a catered lunch and a viewing of the Cisco Kid. A chartered bus will take guests to and from Santa Clarita and the Autry Museum. You can still purchase tickets for the Chuckwagon Dinner Show, (April 23) with Sourdough Slim, the Rancho Camulos lunch/show with Dave Stamey, (April 23) and An Evening with Don Edwards at William S. Hart Mansion (April 24). Saturday night, April 25, you can tour the Hart Mansion followed by the Art at Hart Quick Draw and watch artists create their masterpieces in one hour or less. Afterwards, The Friends of Hart will conduct an auction of the paintings.

 

At last count we’re almost sold out of our Friends of the Festival packages. This package is a great deal ($150) that includes preferred seating for all 8 shows at the Melody Ranch Stage, a free festival t-shirt and poster and all weekend access to our VIP Bunkhouse with food and beverage. Another great bargain is the Two Day Weekend Pass which gets you into the Festival at Melody Ranch both Saturday and Sunday for the low price of $30. To purchase tickets go to:

 

http://www.cowboyfestival.org/tickets.asp

 

Remember, shows on our 5 stages first are come first serve and are included in the price of admission. If you’d like to see who is performing where at what time please go to:

 

www.cowboyfestival.org/schedules_2009.asp

 

Please remember that we are using a new in-house system for Cowboy ticket sales. It looks a little different than the past few years but will achieve the same result. You’ll be happy to know that there will be NO PROCESSING FEES for online sales. You’ll be asked to create a LOGIN NAME and PASSWORD before processing your purchase.

 

www.cowboyfestival.org/ticketing_help.asp

 

We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

 

For more information please visit www.cowboyfestival.org or call (661) 286-4021

 

---

December, 2009 newsletter:
 

Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival…
 

 

Tickets go on sale January 5, 2009 !!

Just a friendly reminder that the 16^th annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is once again coming to Melody Ranch™ Motion Picture Studio and other venues April 22-26, 2009. Special thanks to the Veluzat family for welcoming us to their spectacular venue. We will be mailing out Festival brochures the last week of December so make sure that you’re on our mailing list ahead of time by going to www.cowboyfestival.org to sign up.

There are many more events the week of the Festival we’re sure you’ll find enjoyable. A brief description of these events is below but you can visit our website for detailed schedule information:
 

 

Festival Schedule of Events

 

On Wednesday, April 22, The Riders in the Sky will perform at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, a beautiful, 900 seat theater with great sight lines and acoustics. April 23, we’re offering a bus trip to the Autry National Center in Los Angeles featuring private tours, lunch, and a screening of Gene Autry’s film, The Cisco Kid, filmed at Melody Ranch. That night The Chuckwagon Dinner show with Sourdough Slim will take place at Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park in Santa Clarita.

 

Friday, April 24, you can travel back in time by spending the afternoon at Rancho Camulos for lunch and an intimate show with award winning songwriter, Dave Stamey and Friday night, Don Edwards will be in concert at the William Hart Mansion. A brand new event this year is Melody Ranch Movie Night. Your ticket will allow you to shuttle out to Melody Ranch on that Friday and enjoy a catered dinner on  Main St. and a showing under the stars of, The Virginian, filmed at Melody Ranch with Joel McCrea. Saturday night you can tour the Hart Mansion followed by the Art at Hart Quick Draw and watch artists create their masterpieces in one hour or less. Afterwards, The Friends of Hart will conduct an auction of the paintings.

Remember…tickets go on sale Monday, January 5, 2009 . We look forward to seeing you at the 2009 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

For more information please visit www.cowboyfestival.org or call (661) 286-4021

Posted 12/19

 

 

---

April 23, 2009
Cowboy Poetry Week at the Weber County Washington Heights Branch Library  Huntsville, Utah  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

From Stan Tixier:

Utah poet Don Kennington and cowboy music group Coyotee Moon present a Cowboy Poetry Week program on April 20, 2009, at the new Washington Heights Branch Library (Weber County) at 7PM.
 

Posted 1/20

---

April 23, 2009
Black Forest Cowboy Poetry  near Colorado Springs, Colorado  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

From Jane Morton:

Poets Jane Morton and Dick Morton, Black Forest cowboy singer Roger Stone, and local poets bring their talents to the Black Forest Community Hall near Colorado Springs, Colorado for an evening of cowboy poetry, Thursday, April 23, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

Free and open to the public, the program, sponsored by the Black Forest Community Club, celebrates Cowboy Poetry Week.

Posted 4/20
 

---

April 24, 2009
West Word Ho!  Cochrane, Alberta ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week
 

Top cowgirl poet Doris Daley presents West Word Ho!, a cowboy poetry writing workshop in celebration of Cowboy Poetry Week at Alberta's Cochrane Library (Friday, April 24, 2009, 6-8 pm), sponsored by the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association.

Doris writes the workshops is "...geared for youth and adults, you don't have to have any experience to come. Just be someone with
an enthusiasm for the English language, a sense of fun, and a willingness to put the 'try' into poetry."

Find more information at the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association web site.

Posted 4/13

---

April 24-26, 2009
12th Annual Missouri Cowboy Poetry Gathering  Mountain View, Missouri ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week
 

One of the largest cowboy poetry and music events in the Midwest returns to Mountain View, Missouri, on April 24-26, 2009, when nearly two dozen performers from five states are expected to participate in the 12th annual gathering of the Missouri Cowboy Poets Association.

Held at the Mountain View Community Center, the annual festival attracts cowboy musicians, singers and recording artists, cowboy poets, storytellers, country humorists, chuckwagon cooks and rope spinners from throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas.

The three-day event kicks off Friday afternoon, April 24, with a special performance for Mountain View Elementary students, followed by a "Supper with the Cowboys" dinner and show beginning at 5:00 p.m. Performances that evening will also feature the winners of the Mountain View Elementary 5th grade cowboy poetry competition. Dinner/show tickets are available at the door for $12 per person, or show tickets only for $6.

Saturday morning, April 25, will feature performances for residents of the Mountain View Health Care Center, and a free show for the public at the Community Center. At 1:00 p.m., the public is invited back to the Community Center for a free afternoon show.

At 7:00 that evening, all performers will present a "grand finale" cowboy poetry and music show at the Community Center. Tickets will be available at the door for $6 per person. On Sunday morning, April 26, the poets and musicians will conclude the event with Cowboy Church at the Mountain View Methodist Church.

Mountain View is located in south-central Missouri, about 100 miles east of Springfield. The Missouri Cowboy Poetry Festival is organized by Jennie Cummings, Director of the Mountain View Arts Council, and is underwritten by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council.

For more information: Jennie Cummings, 417-934-2213, cowboypoet50@centurytel.net.

Posted 2/23

Back to Events page  

---

April 25, 2009
Second Annual Tyrone Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering  Tyrone, New Mexico ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

We are starting to plan for our second annual show. It will be held on April 25, 2009.

Shows all day, 10 AM to 5 PM and the all-star night show at 7 PM.

Vendor booths for food and western items.

Featuring Eddy Harrison, Mike Moutoux, Jim & Nancy Sober and many others.

Tyrone Community Center, 50 Malachite Ave., Tyrone New Mexico.

Contact Pete or Dianne Kennedy, P O Box 621, Tyrone NM 88065, 575-534-0741, petedianne@comcast.net.

Posted 8/27
 

Back to Events page  

---

April 25, 2009
Second Annual Cowboy Poetry Celebration  Hooker, Oklahoma ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week
 

The Olive Warner Memorial Library is planning their 2nd Annual Cowboy Poetry Celebration for Saturday, April 25th at 2:00 pm in Hooker, Oklahoma.

A Poetry Contest for 4th grade through Adults is open to folks residing at a Hooker, Oklahoma mailing address, since the town was named for that famous early day Cowboy; John "Hooker" Threlkeld. Winners will be invited to share their poem with the group that day.

Guest Speakers will be the authors Gary and Margaret Kraisinger who wrote the big book The Western: Greatest Cattle Trail from Texas. Books will be available for sale. The Library group is hoping their featured authors of last year's celebration will also be on hand; Janet Eggleston, author of Horses, Hats and Heroes, and Chimp Robertson, who wrote Killin' Time. An art contest is also open to Hooker residents for the best representation of Hooker Threlkeld, his life, or his work in any media.

From the 2008 event description:

Library Director Carolyn Blackwelder writes that she is always glad for an opportunity to clarify the origins of her city's name, and shared some information from Lost Trails of the Cimarron by Harry E. Chrisman.

"The Legend of Hooker Threlkeld"

John “Hooker” Threlkeld was so nick-named after General “Fighting Joe” Hooker of Civil War fame, some say. Others say he received his name after an old cattleman on the Beaver River whose name was Hooker. Still others say he received his name by being such a “Hooker—of cattle”—that is, a top roper. Wherever he received that nickname, we know how the town of Hooker, got it’s name for it was named after John “Hooker” Threlkeld. Hooker was born in Kentucky, November 134, 1846. He came west with his parents to Missouri. On May 15, 1864, he joined up with a freight outfit and bullwhacked west from Omaha to Virginia City, Montana with his two brothers. In 1873, Hooker came to No Man’s Land where he spent the next thirty years in the saddle. He was foreman for the OX Ranch many years. When the OX withdrew to Montana after the disastrous blizzards of 1886, Hooker was given their side camp on the Frisco, later the Tom Stratton Ranch. That year Hooker married Hannah Davis of Greeley, Kansas. When Hannah’s folks came to that region, Hooker yielded his ranch, the XX Frisco, they called it, to her parents, and he and Hannah went to open up a new place farther up the Frisco. They called the new ranch the Hooker Ranch. He hauled lumber for his new home from Dodge and also built outbuilding of sod and stone....

Old cowboys who have seen Hooker in action described him as one of the really great ropers of the day, a man who could ride quietly into a heard, drop a tight, small, and fast loop from either side of his mount and catch calves standing beside or under their mothers. This type of roping, more so than the sensational run and catch kind, accomplished the day’s work on the range with speed and without ostentation. It was the sort of roping most highly regarded by the cowmen themselves..... He died December 5, 1939 at Redondo Beach, California.

For more contest rules or more information about the event, please email the library at OWL73945@yahoo.com or write PO Box 576, Hooker, Oklahoma 73945 or phone 580-652-2835 Tue or Thurs 11:00 to 6:00 pm.

Posted 3/18
 

Back to Events page  

---

April 25, 2008
Cowboy Poetry and Music  Prescott, Washington ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

Cowboy Poetry and Music by Nevada Slim & Cimarron Sue (www.nevadaslim.com), Tuxedo Bar & Grill, 6-8PM, Prescott, Washington. 509-849-2244

Posted 3/19

Back to Events page  

---

April 25, 2008
Cowboy Poets of Utah Annual Heritage Dinner  Payson, Utah  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

The Cowboy Poets of Utah hold their annual Heritage Dinner, in celebration of Cowboy Poetry Week, on April 25, at the Mi Rancharito Restaurant, in Payson (85 E. Utah Ave), starting at 3PM. The annual Heritage Award will be bestowed on a member. President CR Wood writes, "We'll share good food, good ideas, give out some awards, and hear from folks who'll help us widen our exposure...Plan to share a poem, song, thought or tribute."

Contact Jan Erickson by email or Jo Lynne Kirkwood (email) for information or to sign up.

Posted 4/2
 

Back to Events page  

---

April 25-26, 2009
Southern Oregon Farm Festival  near Eagle Point, Oregon  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

From Kathy Barlow:

The Lake Creek Historical Society is working with an 1870's Antique Farm House organization and hosting a Farm Festival the last weekend in April, April 25 & 26, 2009. The location is the Walter Wood House property, on 36 acres right beside Hwy. 62, north of Eagle Point, Oregon.

Farm Festival Events - Cowboy Poetry, Antique Tractor display, Draft Horse and Implements display & sales, Cast Iron Cooking, Sheep Herding Demo's,  Horse and Carriage show, Western Music and Western Artist Display.

The Farm Festival is located in So. Oregon, just 30 minutes from the California boarder. We hope that folks from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California will participate.

For more information please contact me at e-mail trooperkit@charter.net or  phone (541)324-0972.

Update 3/27/09:

Southern Oregon Farm Festival
Location: 12988 Hwy. 62, Eagle Point, OR.
Admission: Adults $3.00/Seniors & Children $2.00
Open: Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-4pm.

In celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week, the Southern Oregon Farm Festival is host to Cowboy Poets: Kathy and Van Criddle, Duane Nelson, Richard Schmidt, David Wahl, Diana and Harold Roy Miller. Other events: Early Gas Engines & Tractors, Sheep Herding, Dutch Oven Cooking, Windmill Restoration, Beekeeping, Black Smith, Stage Coach, Western Artist & Photographer, So. OR. Extension-Farming & Ranching, Grange, Children's Wild West Games, and more. Parking Attendants & Shuttle Service-FREE/ Food Vendors on site.
 

Updated 3/27
 

Back to Events page  

---

April 26, 2009
Between Fences  Sturgis, South Dakota  ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

The Sturgis Friends of the Library presents a program featuring Cowboy Poet Yvonne Hollenbeck, 2:00 pm at the Sturgis Community Center.

The event is a part of the Sturgis Area Arts' Council's Between Fences events, which take place April 6 - May 19, 2009. From the Sturgis Area Arts' Council's web site:

Sturgis Public Library

“Between Fences” is a Museum on Main Street exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Sturgis is the only west river community in South Dakota to be able to host this exhibit. “Between Fences” is about our homes and the land on which they’re built. It’s the story of the settling of the United State and the creation of communities. It’s about different kinds of fences, where they’re used, and the materials used to make them. It’s about why people build fences. It’s about intimacy and conflict, creativity and industry. Between Fences is about defining ourselves as Americans—our philosophies, our lifestyles, our values and beliefs, our national ethos, and our national borders. For more information, please visit the Smithsonian's Between Fences website at: http://www.museumonmainstreet.org/exhibs_fences/fences.htm. Between Fences is s part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and the SD Humanities Council. This Exhibit, as well as many of our Between Fences related events, are sponsored in part by the SD Humanities Council.

Find details about the many Between Fences programs at the Sturgis Area Arts' Council's web site.

Posted 3/17

Back to Events page  

---

May

---

May 1-3, 2009
Cowboy Song & Poetry Camp  Winthrop, Washington

From Kit McLean and Hank Cramer:

COWBOY SONG & POETRY CAMP

A three-day Cowboy Song & Poetry Camp will be held in Winthrop, Washington on the first weekend in May. The camp will feature performances, workshops, panel discussions, and jam sessions focused on the music, stories, and humor of the American cowboy.

The headline performer for the event is Don Edwards, nationally-acclaimed balladeer from Hico, Texas. He will kick off the weekend with a concert at The Winthrop Barn on Friday evening, May 1, and then lead a workshop on "Saddle Songs." The camp is hosted by Winthrop cowboy singer Hank Cramer and his wife Kit McLean, wrangler for Miller-Blue Outfitters. Among the camp leaders will be Smoke Wade, cowboy poet from Hells Canyon and a favorite MC at festivals throughout the West. Also on staff is Toe Tappin' Tommy Tucker, music director of Lewiston's KRLC Radio, and past winner of the Academy of Western Artists' "DJ of the Year." Local talent is represented
by Malott's cowboy poet Paul Steuermann, and Winthrop's cowboy songwriter and open-mike host, Rob Thran.

Although there will be plenty of music and poetry shared at the camp, it will be different from most cowboy gatherings because much of the time will be devoted to instructional workshops. Topics such as stage presence, song selection, instrumental accompaniment, "MC" duties, booking gigs, radio airplay, and microphone techniques will be explored by knowledgeable leaders in those fields. (The workshop on microphones and stage sound will be led by Mark Iler and Rob Folsom, professional sound engineers from the Puget Sound area).

Saturday's activities will include a chuckwagon steak dinner and wagon ride at Sun Mountain Lodge, followed by cowboy songs around a blazing campfire.

The camp is based at the Winthrop KOA campground. Registration for the three-day event is $200, and is limited to a total of 50 campers. For those who prefer motel lodging, the Winthrop Inn will offer a special rate to camp participants, and is in easy walking distance from the KOA. Details are available on line at www.cowboysongcamp.com, or by calling Hank & Kit Cramer at (509) 996-3528.

For more information, e-mail kitcramer@mac.com

Posted 1/20
 

Back to Events page  

---

May 2, 2009
11th Annual Cowtown Society Of Western Music Swingfest  Mineral Wells, Texas

From Joe Baker:

Holiday Hills Golf & Country Club, Hwy 180 E, Mineral Wells, Texas
Choice Hotel: Best Western Hotel, 940-325-2270 $69.00. Mention “CSWM”

 Official 2009 Heroes Induction List

*****

Gene Niven
Buddy Hrabel
Clint Cozart
Chuck Cusimano
Chuck Jones
Jack Brown
Johnny Boatright
Rick Langford
Jimmy Young
Buddy Emmons
Jerry Tatum
Howard Higgins
Jay Riley
Dayna Wills
Dugg Collins
Hugo Chambers

Presidents Choice Award – Brady Bowen
Disc Jockey Of The Year: Tracy Pitcock, KNEL, Brady, Texas Howard Staub, KOTS, Deming, NM (Posthumous)
Publication Of The Year: Joe Baker’s Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter
Venue Of The Year: Church Of Western Swing, Turkey, Texas
Rising Star Of The Year: Jess Meadors
Fans Of The Year: Buddy & Darlene Thornton
Lifetime Achievement Award For Western Music Promoter: Lynn Carter-Morgan
(New Category) Creative Achievement Award Of The Year: Etienne (A-10) Etcheverry
 

Posted 2/18

Back to Events page  

---

May 7-9, 2009
In the Company of Cowgirls Invitational Western Art Show  Pendleton, Oregon

From Denise Smith:

The art show is a first-time event for Pendleton during the Second Annual Cattle Barons Weekend, May 7-9, 2009.

Poet A. Kathy Moss from Canyon City, Oregon will perform at our artists reception. She will give a slide presentation along with Billie Flick from SE Oregon that highlights some of their poetry and vision.

From the In the Company of Cowgirls Invitational Western Art Show web site:

A Western Woman works alongside her husband this beautiful fall morning in Oregon, doing what she's done most every day of her working life, working as a buckaroo. First, a herd of about 300 head of cattle are brought in, then she and he quietly and efficiently separate cows with slick-eared calves from the herd for the day's work of branding. But the real magic comes when, for the first half hour or so of the branding, they are by themselves to head and heel the calves and drag them to the fire. Expertly and with total precision, one throws a long loop that softly whirrs and whips, quietly settling over the head of a calf, then the other swings around behind to pick up the heels with a quick, practiced flip. It is clear by their efficiency that these two have roped thousands of calves together in their lifetime. It is doubly clear by the way they handle their young horses, they are expert trainers of top quality working ranch stock.

This Western Woman lives in Oregon beneath the shadow of hauntingly beautiful Hart Mountain, and keeps busy year around working for neighboring ranchers. It's big, wide open Great Basin desert country and she has to be
tough and skilled to survive the hard work and long hours of the buckaroo life in this region.

This Western Woman is the kind of ranch woman being honored by the showing of western art titled "In the Company of Cowgirls" created by some of Oregon's best women artists.

In the Company of Cowgirls

"In the Company of Cowgirls," May 7-9,2009, is an invitational Oregon Women Western Artists' Showing of work that celebrates Oregon's 150th Birthday and honors women's place in our agricultural, ranch, and rodeo heritage; a unique view of our west thru their eyes. Happy Birthday Oregon!

Some of Oregon's best Women Western Artists will submit work for a juried and judged special showing of Art. The Western Art will have awards for Best of Show, Cattleman's Choice, a Hard Twist Award, (Artists will judge this) and People's Choice. Original works in Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Graphite, Mixed Media, Sculpture, and Photography will all be for sale. The work of the invited Artists shows the variety of viewpoints there are for interpreting women's involvement in the agricultural/ranch/rodeo heritage of Oregon.

The show will be held in Hamley's Cattle Barons Ballroom. Notification of the images selected by the juror will be mailed to the Artists on April 20, 2009.

"In the Company of Cowgirls" organizer, Denise Smith, herself a working cowgirl and artist, enlisted an outstanding juror for the show, Michael Booth. Mr. Booth is the head of the Art Department at the College as well as an accomplished sculptor and painter, from Pendleton, Oregon. The best of submissions will be chosen from the twenty invited artists from around the state. What sets this show apart is the authentic nature of the viewing experience. Paintings, sculpture, photographs and other media were carefully chosen to capture the heart of the cowgirl experience. In many cases, the artists themselves, have been or are cowgirls too.

An artist's reception will be held Thursday, May 7, 6-9 pm at Pendleton's renowned Hamley's Steakhouse in the Cattle Barons Ballroom. It will kick off Cattle Baron's Weekend, an event featuring a Western Classics Gelding Sale and preview, and for the first time, ranch bronc riding. Also included in the events are mutton bustin', championship Dutch-oven cook off, saloon crawl, & Calcutta. The Cattle Barons Weekend, now in its second year, is on its way to becoming a well established event. Crowds from all over the Pacific Northwest are expected to come.

This will be an exceptional show, certainly worth traveling long distances to see.

From more information at the In the Company of Cowgirls Invitational Western Art Show web site.

Posted 4/10

Back to Events page  

---

May 8, 2009
Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree  Winthrop, Washington

From Lauralee Northcott:

Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree

www.HorseCrazyCowgirlBand.com

Post Office Box 276

Winthrop, Washington 98862

Phone: 509-996-2404

Email: Lauralee@HorseCrazyCowgirlBand.com

What do you get when you cross the best in cowboy entertainment with the old west town of Winthrop? An evening of delightful laughter! There are two such nights planned for 2009. The Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree will be presented Friday May 8 and Saturday Sept. 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium, sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market.

 

Friday, May 8, 2009

Friday, May 8, 2009 49er’s Weekend
Winthrop Barn Sat 7 PM
Winthrop, Washington

Friday Night’s Jamboree stars Rockin HW. This great group combines the talents of Michael Whitaker, Alan Halvorson & Morry Walter in their performance of traditional and original Cowboy Poetry and Western Song. Striving to preserve the Cowboy tradition and Western life, these Cowboys amble down the trail of the Old West and gallop across the open range of the Modern Day Cowboy.

Horse Crazy cowgirl band will also be on hand. This dynamic western musical trio can rock the house and take the audience with them into moments of musical magic. These gals are wonderful musicians with warm engaging personalities.

No Dollar Watch would be complete Dave McClure cowboy poet and humorist. His antics and original humor light up any stage.

Mary Milka as Martha Star Route will be featured and don’t forget the Elbow Coulee Cast of Characters: Forest Stump, Girl of the Golden West, Jingle Queens of the San Joaquin and a perhaps surprise guest. These folks will remind you what it means to be entertained!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

 

Saturday, Sept 12, 2009

Winthrop Barn Sat 7 PM

Winthrop, Washington

September DWCJ is going to be a real humdinger! The show will star Eli Barsi. Eli is driven by her passion for music, committed to giving her best, and strives for excellence on and off stage. For the past 22 years Eli has been working as a professional musician. Eli is a proud Canadian who was hired to perform with the legendary Sons of the Pioneers in the year 2002, and since this show, she has been based out of Branson, Missouri. Eli is a diverse artist that shares a large variety of genres in her shows such as: Western Roots, Gospel, New Country, Bluegrass, Classic Country & Folk.

Horse Crazy, that totally fun cowgirl band will be on hand along with Dave McClure, cowboy poet and humorist. Don’t forget the Elbow Coulee Cast of Characters: Forest Stump, Girl of the Golden West, Jingle Queens of the San Joaquin and perhaps a surprise guest. These folks will remind you what it means to be entertained!

Horse Crazy and Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree

PO Box 276
Winthrop, Washington 98862
Phone: 509-996-2404
Email: Lauralee@HorseCrazyCowgirlBand.com

Updated 2/19

 

Back to Events page  

---

May 8, 2009
Second Annual Golden Spike Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival  Ogden, Utah
 

From Stan Tixier:

This year's event—at Browning Auditorium at Weber State University—is scaled down for economic reasons, with the BAR-J Wranglers and an opening act to be announced. In 2010, the event hopes to go back to the full 2-day, 3-night program with vendors and youth poetry.

7 PM; Tickets, $20

Find more information at www.ogdencowboypoetry.com.

Posted 1/22

Back to Events page  

---

May 8-9, 2009
Seventh Annual Motherin' Up...Gathering of Poets and Pickers   White Sulphur Springs, Montana 
 

The seventh annual Motherin' Up Gathering of Poets and Pickers in White Sulphur Springs, Montana will be May 8-10, 2009.

For more information contact Margaret Wilhelm at Box 888, White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645; 405-547-3563.

 

Back to Events page  

---

May 9, 2009
Alberta's Men and Women of Country Music  Hoadley, Alberta

From Dianne Brandson:
 

Alberta's Men and Women of Country Music 2009
 
May 9th 1-9pm
 
Hoadley Community Hall (corner of #20 and #611)
 
Admission $20 in advance or $25 at the door
Concession and supper available
 
Call Shirley 1-403-843-6004 for tickets and info

Check out www.diannebrandson.com for show info and list of artists performing.

Al Owchar and Pat Hastherly both of Calgary will be receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Posted 5/4

---

May 20, 2009
Heritage of the American West  Spearfish, South Dakota
Live on the web, 7PM MT

From Francie Ganje:

Heritage of the American West Brings "Americana To The Stage

Srom near Little Rock, Arkansas, hails one of the most original cowboy western sounds to be found anywhere. You can hear performer Paul Harris at the Heritage of the American West performance on Wednesday, May 20 at the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish.

"Paul's range of cultural expressions in music is the reason the show title is 'Americana'," says Director Francie Ganje. "This performer's voice and lyrics range from traditional and non-traditional western music, bluegrass, folk...and everything in between. He personifies in song and poetry what we think of as a living, performing piece of Americana."

A member of the Western Music Association, Harris regularly performs around the country at poetry and western entertainment gatherings and "any place that'll let me get up and play." He has started writing cowboy poetry as well. "It is a new and exciting thing for me. I am really enjoying writing poetry and I am always trying to improve my writing."

Rick Huffs of Best of the West reviews writes, "Singer/songwriter and bootmaker Paul Harris is obviously out to show that coming from a Country and Bluegrass background doesn't have to be a hindrance in Western! Harris' "Rancher's Daughter" is a fine up tempo romance novel of a song. His "Molly" is an uptempo Cowboy and Bluegrass romp and his more Country tracks still bear the Western brand. Ranging from contemporary to electrified "frontier" in feeling, it's a happy new entry into the Cowboy and the Country catalogs."

The doors open at 6:00 p.m. at the High Plains Western Heritage Center with a floor exhibit that features Western Americana and also a book signing with author June Harvey. Her new book, An Incredible Life, traces the story of the  pioneering Riggs family in the Black Hills. Show time is at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door and are $5 for seniors and children 12 and under and $10 for adults. The show is also broadcast on radio and the web.

Posted 5/18
 

---

May 22-24, 2009
Third Annual Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show  Ritzville, Washington

Waddie Mitchell, Wylie Gustafson, Juni Fisher, Rockin’ HW, and Cimarron Sue and Nevada Slim

From Stephen McFadden:

The third annual Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show promises to showcase a wide variety of artists and mediums, complimented by an amazing lineup of western entertainment in historic downtown Ritzville on May 22-24, 2009.

The art show is held in conjunction with the 104th Ritzville High School Alumni Banquet and seventh annual Historic Ritzville Days, which was formed to complement the banquet while focusing on celebrating the history of the city and its people.

This year’s show will feature the finest western and wildlife artists from throughout the Pacific Northwest. More than 45 artists are registered for this year’s show, including a full contingent of Cowboy Cartoonists International (CCI), Inc. artists.

An impressive roster that includes nationally acclaimed artists Mike Scovel, Lynnette Johnson, Zella Strickland and Ted Foulkes joins returning high-profile artists such as Hulan Fleming, Fred Oldfield, Cameron Blagg, Gabe Gabel, Jack Fordyce and Jim Lisk.

CCI artists Anita Klein, Mike Scovel, Zella Strickland, Ted Foulkes, Jim Lisk, Jack Fordyce will be corralled in an "old western town" constructed of barn board in Pioneer Plaza where each will display their humorous artwork.

A highlight of the weekend is the unveiling of two more paintings featuring Ritzville’s history to be added to Mike Scovel’s Historic Downtown Series. Scovel portrayed two historic scenes of Ritzville prior to the 2008 show, donating one of the originals to the Ritzville Museum Volunteers as a fund-raiser.

Prints of the 2008 paintings are available at his Web site, http://www.mikescovel.com/HistoricDowntownSeries.htm.

This is his newest project and is a tribute to historic downtowns across the country. The new series, titled "Remember When," includes scenes from Bastrop, Texas; Meeteetse, Wyoming; and now Ritzville.

Scovel has captured the humor of everyday people for more than three decades and has been featured in the Saturday Evening Post, American Cowboy, Southwest Art and Western Horseman. He is the highest selling artist of Leanin’ Tree cards, having more than 300 paintings used by the Colorado company since 1979.

The 2009 event features an expanded free entertainment schedule that includes nationally known, top-name entertainers.
A full range of entertainment is on tap for the 2009 event as cowboy poetry, traditional cowboy and western music, humorous renditions and a cross between the Texas shuffle and The Bakersfield Sound mingle with artists in businesses and on the streets of downtown Ritzville.

Headlining the weekend is Waddie Mitchell, known as the Buckaroo Poet, performing two free shows on Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24.

Nationally recognized for his work as a cowboy poet, Mitchell is a true ranch hand, having managed a 36,000-acre ranch in Lee-Jiggs, Nev.

Singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman and the world-famous Yahoo!^® yodeler, Wylie Gustafson will lend his amazing vocal talents to the show.

Gustafson’s performance schedule has included the Spirit of the West Gathering in Ellensburg as well as the Library of Congress, Richmond Folk Festival and live performances at the National Finals Rodeo.

Juni Fisher, the Western Heritage Museum’s 2009 Wrangler Award for Most Outstanding Traditional Western Album recipient, will also perform.

Rockin’ HW, a trio that strives to preserve the Cowboy tradition and Western life through performances of traditional and original cowboy poetry and western song, will also perform

Don’t miss your chance to chat with Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday while at the show! Members of the Ritzville Community Theatre troupe will serve as ambassadors during the show, portraying a specific character from the ‘wild west,’ including Black Bart, Virgil Earp, Big Nose Kate, Kitty Leroy and Calamity Jane.

Cimarron Sue and Nevada Slim, “Minstrels of the Old West,” will make a return appearance, strolling through the venue delivering a spirited interpretation of traditional western music and the music of early country legends.

Regional and local artists Diane Culley, Frank de Leon, Molly Kubist, Paul Langston and Julie Van Sant join art show veterans Jim Bauer, Sheila Bledsoe, Bob R. Stem, Dawnel Hutsell, Carol Ann Schwisow, Miles Athey, Dan Jordan, John Rankin, Harland Eastwood and Ned Fox of Spokane for an event sure to please every art aficionado.

A Web site dedicated to the art show was launched earlier this year and includes extensive biographies of each participating artist, author, artisan and entertainer as well as information about the Art in Education program sponsored by the Ritzville Downtown Development Association to bring art into the schools.

Find galleries of photos from previous shows, MP3s showcasing the entertainers, directions and more at http://www.ritzvilledowntown.com/artshow.htm. More information is available by contacting the RDDA at info@ritzvilledowntown.com.

Posted 5/11
 

---

May 23-24, 2009
19th Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children's Cowboy Festival  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
 

From the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum:

CHUCK WAGON GATHERING & CHILDREN’S COWBOY FESTIVAL
AT THE NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK— One of the nation’s greatest family friendly festivals is back at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.  The Museum will be celebrating the 19^th Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival presented by Dogwood Foundation, May 23 and 24, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Children can participate in numerous outdoor activities including pony rides, rope making, bandana designing, horseshoe pitchin’, leather crafting and many more. Stagecoach and covered wagon rides around the festival grounds are a family favorite. Photo opportunities are abundant and pictures taken with Oreo, a Texas Longhorn steer, are popular. In the storytelling tent, guest Rodeo Clown will share Charley & Amanda Meet Rusty the Rodeo Clown.

The food is fantastic! Ten chuck wagon crews cook such delicious fare as stew, brisket, sourdough biscuits, beans, cobblers and rice pudding for visitors to sample. Recipes are prepared hourly at a demonstration wagon by sisters Sue Cunningham and Jean Cates, award-winning cooks from the C Bar C Ranch, Hartley, Texas. The Cunningham wagon is still used during spring and fall roundups. Demonstration recipes are free to the audience and cookbooks are available for purchase at The Museum Store wagon.

Western musical entertainment is scheduled on two separate stages. Don Edwards will be on stage Saturday, May 23. Edwards’ career as a balladeer, guitarist and composer has spanned more than three decades, enriching audiences with his authentic Western music and his extensive knowledge of cowboy lore. He played the role of Smokey, Robert Redford’s best friend, in the motion picture “Horse Whisperer.”

Red Steagall, who will perform Sunday, May 24, has performed at the Chuck Wagon event since 1991. The official Cowboy Poet of Texas is a master songwriter, recording artist, author, actor, radio personality and rancher. His career spans more than 25 years of performances at rodeos, major fairs, poetry gatherings and worldwide tours. Steagall was inducted into the Museum’s prestigious Hall of Great Westerners during the 2003 Western Heritage Awards ceremonies. He has received eight Wrangler Awards throughout the years for outstanding Western albums. Brother Danny will be accompanying Steagall on guitar.

Rich O’Brien, well-known throughout the Western music world, will perform on Sunday with Steagall. O’Brien has been involved as a guitarist and producer on more than 150 recordings. He has received 13 Wrangler Awards, more than any other person in the history of the Museum’s Western Heritage Awards.

Chuck Milner, cowboy singer, poet and songwriter will entertain as well as introduce other performers on the platform stage at the south end of the festival grounds. Milner, who has performed at many Western events across the country, has entertained at the Museum’s gathering since its inception 19 years ago.

Joining Chuck Wagon entertainment again this year is A Bar Bunkhouse Band, an all-youth Western swing band. These four talented boys range in age from 14 to 21 and have been individually recognized with several awards from music writing to instrumental and vocal music competitions. These four boys are also members of the popular group Oklahoma Stomp. The director of Oklahoma Stomp believes one of the most important ways to keep traditional Western swing alive is to encourage young people to listen and play it. The boys enjoy the music and the opportunity to carry on the Western swing tradition of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.

New to the entertainment stage this year is Devon Dawson with Outlaw Jessie Del and Brooke Wallace. Miss Devon, rhythm guitarist/vocalist, noted for her very rhythmic vintage swing style has received top AWA and WMA nominations for instrumentalist and female performer. She is the singin', yodelin' voice for Jessie, The Yodelin' Cowgirl on the Grammy Winning CD “Woody's Roundup featuring Riders In the Sky” released by Walt Disney Records in August 2000.

Other festival entertainers include talented Oklahoma Flyin’ Fiddler Wayne Cantwell, who plays Celtic, old time and bluegrass; cowboy singer Jim Garling; and working cowboy Gary Pratt accompanied by bass player Doyle Ellis and Susanne Woolley, violin & harmonies. Pratt has performed for the RFD-TV series “Best of America by Horseback,” and has appeared in “The Black Marshall” and “Trail End” with actor Barry Corbin for which he wrote the title song.

Dr. H.P. Hedgethicket III, Esquire will hawk his many “remedies and cures” during a hilarious Old West Medicine Show. Lisa Sorrell, Guthrie, Oklahoma, will demonstrate boot making. Also returning is Oklahoma City Blazers hockey coach Doug Sauter’s Express Clyde and Pony Show +1 featuring the Clydesdale Blazer, donkey Redhawk and miniature horse Taxi.

When it’s time to cool off, families can take kids up the hill to the Museum’s indoor Children’s Cowboy Corral which offers plenty of hands-on entertainment. “Please touch” is the mantra often heard in the children’s building where activities include mounting real saddles, dressing up in cowboy gear and pretending to cook at a real chuck wagon camp. From howling coyotes atop a 20-foot rock mountain to oversized puzzles of Museum paintings and interactive computer games, the Three C’s Ranch is a fun place to be.

One of the best bargains of the day is the chance to visit the Museum’s fascinating galleries that tell the story of the West. Not only do children love the activities at the festival and the Children’s Cowboy Corral, they love to step back in time and walk down the streets of the Museum’s turn of the century old Western town, Prosperity Junction. A popular gallery with the adults, the Western Performers Gallery, evokes fond memories of movie stars from the silent era to the present. One of the most charming components of the gallery is a 1930s replica theater where a short film, narrated by Sam Elliott, captures the eventful history of Hollywood Westerns.

Chuck Wagon activities, along with a tasting bowl and Museum admission, are included in the price of festival admission: adults $14, students with student I.D. $12, seniors 62 and above $12, children 6-12 $5. Children five and under are admitted free, as are members of the Museum. Two-day passes are available for adults $21; seniors and students $18; children 6-12 $7.50. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Museum remains open until 5:00 p.m. No discounts or coupons will be redeemable during the festival.

The festival with its mouth-watering food, activities for children, musical entertainment for the entire family and opportunity to browse the nation’s premier Western heritage museum attracted the attention of the Food Network which featured the festival on its “Top Five: Summer Sensations” program.

Dogwood Foundation presents the 2009 Chuck Wagon Gathering in cooperation with The Oklahoman, KKNG 93.3 FM and Great Plains Coca-Cola, with support from Museum Partners Devon Energy Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation and the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation.

The National Cowboy Museum, America's Premier Western Heritage Museum™, is supported through memberships and private and corporate donations. The Museum offers annual memberships that include year-round admission for six people, including the Chuck Wagon Gathering, subscription to the award-winning, quarterly publication Persimmon Hill and discounts for events and at The Museum Store. Nationally accredited, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District at the junction of I-44 and I-35. For more information about the Museum or for a calendar of events, visit www.nationalcowboymuseum.org or call (405) 478-2250.

Posted 5/14

---

May 23, 2009
"Every 15 Minutes" Fundraiser  Burns, Oregon

From Ty McNab:

"Every 15 Minutes" Fundraiser with Dave Stamey
Harney County Fairgrounds, Burns, Oregon

*Tradeshow 5pm *Concert 7pm

Dave Stamey will be performing his classic hit songs with local cowboy singer-songwriter Levi Harris, who opens with his hit songs such as "Angel" and others

$5 per person

Contact: (541) 493-2641 ext. 8 Superintendent Mrs. Sharp

The tradeshow will include local cowboy artisans and others.

Food and beverages will be on site at the concessions.

"Every 15 Minutes" is a drinking and driving awareness program (www.every15minutes.com).

Posted 5/5

---

May 23-25, 2009
Cowboy Legends Memorial Day Celebration  Antelope Island, Utah

Cowboy Legends Memorial Day Celebration, May 23, 24 and 25, 2009 at Utah's Antelope Island State Park.

12:00 noon to 5:00 pm (each day) Dinner show Saturday night, 6:00 pm

Bring  your family & friends, some lunch and stay a while! Bring your ponies and stay the weekend!

Enjoy the beauty and serenity, explore the old buildings at the ranch or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful park and the wild life while listening to the music and stories of the old west.

Six hundred bison, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, big-horned sheep and millions of birds roam the island. The ranch interprets life on Utah's oldest ranch.

The Fielding Garr Ranch is nestled on the east side of Antelope Island 12 miles from the causeway.

Featured Performers:

Music by: The Drifter & Miss Judy (Judy and Jan Erickson), Coyotee Moon, Marcia Knorr, Richard Lee Cody, Johnson Creek Band, Michael "Boots" Robinson, JC Needham.

Poetry by: Stan Tixier, Paul Bliss, Sam Deleeuw, Jo Lynne Kirkwood

For more information, call 801-725-4866 or see www.cowboypoetsofutah.com

Posted 5/11

---

May 31, 2009
Benefit Concert for the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy  Woodside, California

Come join us on May 31, 2009 at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, 880 Runnymede Rd. in Woodside, California.

12:00 to 4:00

Benefit Concert with Dave Stamey (headliner) folk and blues by Family Lines and the Coastside Cowgirls, Equestrian Drill Team.

$40.00 for adults with kids, under 12 free, Concert and BBQ included Contact Rosi Fordwood 650-851-2271 extension 1# for tickets or go to www.nceft.org.

Posted 5/5

 

---

June

---

June 6, 2009
First Annual Aztec Restaurant Poetry Contest and BBQ  Aztec, New Mexico

 From Krista Anderson:

The First Annual Aztec Restaurant Poetry Contest and BBQ will be held at the Aztec Restaurant in Aztec, New Mexico during our annual Fiesta Days in Aztec, New Mexico on June 6, 2009, Saturday at 6:00 pm.

There will be a $25 entry fee for all participants. The contest will have three categories to choose from:  Poetry in the form of Song, Art, or A formal reading. All poetry submitted must be the original work of the participant.  Prizes will be given to the top three participants in each three categories. Admittance fee will be $15 for all who want to attend which will include a BBQ dinner. 

For more information contact;  Krista Anderson at (505) 334-9586 or email: krista775@q.com or write: 107 NE Aztec Blvd. Aztec, NM 87410. 

Posted 3/17

Back to Events page  

---

June 6, 2009
The Very First Ojai Valley Cowboy Show  Ojai, California

The Very First Ojai Valley Cowboy Show, featuring Dave Stamey with Jon & Betsy Elliott, is a spirited and public way to celebrate and preserve the cowboy culture and the historical, but vanishing, ranching tradition of California. Come see The Show Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 6 pm, Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Road, Ojai, California. Proceeds benefit the National Search Dogs Foundation and programs supported by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Ojai. Visit the website www.OjaiCowboyShow.com for details and to purchase tickets.

Posted 4/13

Back to Events page  

---

June 6, 2009
Gleeson Benefit   Kamloops, British Columbia

From Mark McMillan, BC Cowboy Heritage Society, www.bcchs.com

Frank and Betty Gleeson, Burned out!

Frank and Betty Gleeson lost their home to a fire last [read more here]. Frank is one of Canada's favorite cowboy poets and the official Poet Laureate of Williams Lake. He has performed at cowboy poetry gatherings throughout western Canada and the U.S. Frank says that he is thankful that he and his wife Betty got out of the fire unharmed. They did however, loose everything and, although they had insurance they are finding now that they were seriously under insured.

A group of fellow performs have organized a benefit concert for Saturday June 6, 2009 at the Calvary Community Church on Rodgers Way in Kamloops at 7:00 PM. Admission will be by donation at the door.

Featured performers will include; Gary Fjellgaard, Hugh McLennan, Tom Cole, Rob Dinwoodie, Dave Longworth, Butch Falk, Matt Johnston, and Mike Puhallo.

A relief fund is being set up through the BC Cowboy Heritage Society. Cheques may be made out to Frank Gleeson or to BCCHS re: Frank Gleeson and can be mailed to:

BCCHS
(Frank and Betty Gleeson Fund)
PO Box 137
Kamloops BC
V2C 5K3

Updated 4/18
 

Back to Events page  

---

June 16, 2009
Hill Family Benefit with Michael Martin Murphey and Waddie Mitchell  Roy, Utah

From Stan Tixier:

Michael Martin Murphey (www.michaelmartinmurphey.com) and Waddie Mitchell concert for Sylina and Brenn Hill, to help with their huge medical expenses for little 3-year old Briggs Hill.

Roy High School Auditorium, Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 7PM.

Roy High School,  2150 W 4800 S, Roy, UT 84067 (suburb of Ogden)

For more info contact Stan Tixier, 5538 E 2300 N, Eden, UT 84310; 801-745-4121.

Tickets available from Rockin' Double H Sales 801-731-7604 or 801-627-2388, 1339 N 1200 W, Ogden, UT 84404, rockinhh@gmail.com

updated 5/15
 

Back to Events page  

---

June 12-14, 2009
13th Annual Echoes of the Trail Cowboy Gathering   Fort Scott, Kansas
 

From Judy Howser:

A nostalgic weekend of cowboy tales and music is coming to the Fort Scott Community College June 12-14, 2009. The 13th annual Echoes of the Trail Cowboy Gathering starts Friday, June 12th at 7 p.m. with Johnny Kendrick and Sons, Richards, Mo., Kendrick is one of the founders of Echoes of the Trail, and began his singing career in Branson, Mo. His sons have inherited their dad's talent and now appear with him at the annual gathering. Johnny is an authority on and writer of authentic cowboy music, and performs his own and traditional cowboy music. He wrote "Echoes of the Trail," the event theme song, and has been nominated for Academy of Western Artists awards.

Saturday, doors are open at 9 a.m., and entertainment begins at 10 a.m., with a dozen talented cowboys telling funny and mournful tales, singing, playing guitars, and more on two stages.

The halls of the FSCC Academic Building will be filled with fine horse tack, deer hide braiding, original western and southwestern art, CDs, books, clothing, jewelry, and everything western. Outdoors, chuck wagon cooks Denny and Donna Williams of Neosho, Mo. will dig pits in the ground and cook up authentic trail "grub" for a noon meal Saturday and Sunday morning breakfast. Mexican food, including breakfast, will be available in the snack bar by Jeannie Rowland's Chili Diablo, Taste of the West. Erie's Bridget Becker plans to bring her barbecue, funnel cakes, and more, which she will serve up outdoors.

At 3 p.m. Saturday, the winners of the student cowboy poetry contest will read or recite their poems. For the rest of the hour, the microphone will be open to anyone who wants to read or recite cowboy poetry or stories; or sing or play cowboy music.

Saturday night at 7 p.m., event founders Johnny Kendrick and Arnold Schofield will open the show along with cowboy poet/singer Cliff Sexton, followed by six of the best cowboy poets and musicians in the four-states. Also Saturday evening, the silent auction of western art and decorative items will culminate. Proceeds go toward next year's gathering, according to event organizers.

This year, Echoes welcomes back cowboy poets/musicians Gerry Allen, Harold Carpenter, Richard Dunlap, D. J. Fry, Joe Lester, Donna Penley, Ron Ratliff, Steve Spalding, Neal Torrey, and Jake White. Most of Echoes performers are members of the Missouri Cowboy Poets Association and live in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Many raise livestock today, have worked on ranches or in rodeo, and have performed all over the United States and Canada. Sam Kiefer actually graduated from the FSCC rodeo program and is a present day cattleman. Last year he touched hearts with his poem about rodeo coach Dan VandeWynkel, now deceased.

The family-oriented trip back to the old West will end Sunday morning at 10 a.m. with inspirational poems and hymns by our performers during Cowboy Church, and a hearty chuck wagon breakfast following. Bring your lawn chairs.

For more information, including a detailed schedule and information on the performers, log onto http://echoesofthetrail.com. The telephone contact is 620-223-0736. Tickets will be available at the door and are now at Country Cupboard on Main Street, Fort Scott. For all shows, cost is $15. Kids 12 and under admitted free. Senior Citizen pricing is 2 tickets for $20. Chuck wagon food asks only a free will offering. Again this year, the entrance will be on the south side of the FSCC Academic Building.
 

See our feature about Echoes of the Trail here.

Posted 5/18

 

Back to Events page  

---

June 26, 2009
Western Folklife Center Benefit  Bozeman, Montana

From the Western Folklife Center:

Wally McRae, Paul Zarzyski, Wylie & The Wild West and Stephanie Davis have graciously offered to perform a benefit concert for the Western Folklife Center and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman, Montana, Friday, June 26, 2009.

If you live in southwest Montana, this is a no-brainer. If you don't, it's not too late to plan a long weekend or a trip to Yellowstone combined with a night of your favorite poets and musicians in beautiful Bozeman.

Tickets will be $25 and  will go on sale starting May 6 at www.westernfolklife.org or by calling 888-880-5885.

For more information or if you are interested in being a local  volunteer for the concert, contact Darcy Minter at 406-522-3906, 775-340-4240 or dminter@westernfolklife.org.

Posted 3/31
 

Back to Events page  

---

July

---

July 3-5, 2009
Michael Martin Murphey's Mile High Rendezvous  Henderson, Colorado

Join Michael July 3-5, 2009 at the Mile High Marketplace Event Center for Michael's newest western event. Plenty of western traders, cowboy poets and the like for a weekend of western traditions, music, food and family fu, including a fireworks
extravaganza on July 3rd.

ENTERTAINERS PERFORMING:

Michael Martin Murphey
Don Edwards
Riders in the Sky
Pat Flynn
Fred Hargrove
Carin Mari & The Pony Express
Halden Wofford & The Hi-Beams
Carmen
Oakhurst
Sorela

Acres of shopping and entertainment, kiddie rides and family fun for  everyone at the west's largest outdoor marketplace.

ADMISSION TO THE MILE HIGH MARKETPLACE IS ONLY $3 PER PERSON. PARKING IS  FREE!

FESTIVAL HOURS
11 AM - 10 PM ON FRIDAY, JULY 3
11 AM - 7 PM ON SAT & SUN, JULY 4,5

LOCATION:
Mile High Marketplace Event Center
7007 East 88th Avenue
Henderson, CO 80640
(I-76 & 88th Avenue, just minutes from downtown Denver)
Event Phone: 303-289-4656, 800-861-9900
Event Web Site: www.milehighmarketplace.com
Event Email: info@milehighmarketplace.com

Celebrate your independence western style with Michael Martin Murphey and  friends at the Mile High Rendezvous Fourth of July weekend and Old West Trader's Camp. Meet your favorite western artists at the daily "Artist Meet & Greet Autograph Session"

BEST OF ALL - Rendezvous and Grand Opening activities and concerts are FREE with a Marketplace admission!

Posted 4/27
 

---

July 12, 2009
22nd Annual California Rodeo Cowboy Poetry Gathering "Cowboys and Cabernet"  Salinas, California

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

Wine tasting 1:00 PM - Silent Auction

Show starts at 2:30 PM - Open mic 1:45PM

Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St, Salinas


Presenting a Cowboy Entertainment Gathering, featuring music and poetry.

Performing will be the Sons of the San Joaquin, Juni Fisher, Pat Richardson and our own poet laureate and funny man Clem Albertoni will wrangle the event. Also performing are Monterey County Free Library Youth Contest Winners. Proceeds benefit the Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries.

Tickets: $30 – Adults / $5.00 – Kids12 and under

Wine Tasting tickets sold separately ($10 – commemorative glass & 4 tasting tickets)


Tickets on sale at Rodeo Box Office (1034 N. Main St, Salinas), over the phone at (800) 549-4989 or www.carodeo.com

Posted 5/13

---

 

July 15, 2009
Heritage of the American West  Spearfish, South Dakota
Live on the web, 7PM MT

From Francie Ganje:

Heritage of the American West...
Western Entertainer Brings "A Cowboy Thing" To The Stage

Spearfish, SD - The 132nd performance of the Heritage of the American West is set for Wednesday, July 15, 2009 with a show theme that celebrates a western legacy that is home to this region and that also attracts hundreds
of thousands of visitors every year in search of the American Cowboy.

"A Cowboy Thing" opens at 6 p.m. at the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish with a pre-show exhibit and reception that will include, "many things, "cowboy," according to show director Francie Ganje.

In the Founders Hall at the Heritage Center expect to see and  visit with organizers of the Day's of 76 Rodeo (set for July 21-25 in Deadwood, SD) Tough Enough To Wear Pink Program.

In addition, rodeo clowns, bullfighters and barrelmen who are set to appear in the Black Hills during the National Reunion of Rodeo Entertainers the week of July 20th, will be represented at this performance, promoting the
Campfire Series Program they will be a part of on Wednesday, July 22 at the Heritage Center where over 40 rodeo athletes are scheduled to appear.

Round it all off with memorabilia on display and information available on the National Day of the American Cowboy and the program that will be held on Saturday, July 25 at the Heritage Center, and it becomes an evening full of "cowboy things."

"This show brings a lot of cowboy events and activities happening in the Black Hills area to the forefront.  We're pleased to have the opportunity to showcase them with this performance that brings a nationally known western entertainer to the stage," says Ganje.

DW Groethe is a musician, songwriter, poet, historian and performer whose work is a reflection of his life as a cowboy in the far northeast corner of Montana.  His works include both cd's and books; he has  been featured in international magazines such as American Cowboy; he has been an invited guest to the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, and the National Folk Festival and to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering...six times.

"If you don't think songs and poems can have magic, listen to a bunch of authors recite or sing their work and then ask to see it on the written page. That's usually when the craft of the thing is laid bare and you can't
believe the performance took you in. That is strange magic," write organizers of the Stony Plains Cowboy Gathering in Canada, describing a performance by Groethe.

"DW Groethe's poems and songs work both in performance and on the page. It may sound simplistic but that's rare, that's fine craftsmanship, and most of all, that's good magic. What makes DW peerless in today's big herd of cowboy poets and wannabe writers? He's 25 percent rainbow trout (colorful and quick), 25 percent draft horse (every line and every word has a job to do),  25 percent Sea Biscuit (totally one-of-a-kind) and 25 percent Painted Lady (relax-it's a breed of butterfly, quite delicate and sensitive).

"From Carhartt gals to cackleberry fruits, from empty loops to empty homesteads, he takes the ordinary and the extraordinary and wordsmiths it into art."

The performance, which is also broadcast on radio and the web, gets underway at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, First Western Bank and Creative Broadcast Services, Inc. all in
Spearfish, and are $5 for seniors and kids and $10 or adults.

For more information, contact CBSI at 605-722-2511.

    See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.

Posted 7/9

---

 

July 17-19, 2009
7th Annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering   Encampment, Wyoming
 

From Laurie Wood:

Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering July 17-19, 2009
Living history, stick-horse rodeo, music and poetry on tap

ENCAMPMENT, WY - The Seventh Annual Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering will be held July 17-19 in Encampment, Wyoming, with activities ranging from a stick horse rodeo and melodrama to cowboy music and poetry.

An evening concert on Saturday, July 18, features Jean Prescott, award-winning Texas singer/songwriter, STAMPEDE!, a cowboy musical group from Utah, and cowboy poets Andy Nelson of Pinedale, Wyoming and Chuck Larsen of Saratoga, Wyoming. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Encampment School. Tickets are $15 and are available in advance or at the door. Cowboy Gathering memberships are also available with prices beginning at $25.

The Gathering opens on Friday, July 17 with a new even this year, a Dutch oven cookoff. Contestants will compete in three categories: main dish, bread, and dessert. All ages are welcome to participate. There is no entry fee and cash prizes will be awarded to the winning entries in each of the categories. Cooking will be held at Grand View Park in Encampment with judging at 6 p.m. That evening the Grand Encampment Opera Company will present a melodrama at the Grand Encampment Opera House at 7 p.m. followed by a campfire poetry and music jam session at Grand View Park.

The Grand Encampment Museum will hold a book signing at 10 a.m., on July 18. The Cowboy Outfit will hold the annual Stick Horse Rodeo for kids of all ages beginning Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m., at Grand View Park in Encampment, cowboy music and poetry will be presented on the stage in Grand View Park beginning at 1 p.m. with performances by Daron Little, Ken Kreusel, Laurie and Cora Wood, Steve Moulton, and more. Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon show is Jerry Paxton.

The Encampment-Riverside Lions Club will serve lunch at the park beginning at 11:30 a.m..

Following evening events informal music and poetry jam sessions will be held by the campfire in Grand View Park. Anyone interested in sharing music or a poem is encouraged to attend.

On Sunday, July 19, events include a cowboy breakfast to be served from 7 to 10 a.m. at on the museum grounds. Cowboy church will be conducted by Ken and Becky Kreusel in Grand View Park beginning at 10 a.m. Jean Prescott will present "Ranch Women, Then and Now—Their Stories in Verse and Song" at the Grand Encampment Museum at 11 a.m.

Other living history activities will be taking place at the museum during the weekend, with special programs and all buildings open on Sunday, July 19. During the day volunteers will engage in pioneer activities and crafts. This year's Museum theme is "Winter of '49" and everyone is encouraged to dress like a 49'er (either 1849 or 1949), or perhaps arrive in their 1949 model automobile.

The Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering is organized by ranchers, musicians, poets and writers living in the area as a way to help preserve and promote ranching and cowboy culture and lifestyle. It is co-sponsored by the Grand Encampment Museum with assistance from the Town of Encampment, Town of Riverside, the Carbon County Visitors Council, and many businesses and individuals in the Platte Valley. Jean Prescott's appearance at the event is supported in part by a grant from the Western States Arts Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information on any of the events contact the Saratoga-Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce at 307/326-8855 or visit the Cowboy Gathering Web site at www.grandencampmentgathering.org.

Posted 6/17

---

July 18, 2009
KRLC Benefit for the Hill Family  Lewistown, Idaho

Toe Tapping Tommy Tucker, Academy of Western Artist's award-winning deejay, and host of the AWA & Western Music Association award-winning Western Heritage Show, KRLC 1350 AM, Lewiston Idaho, has announced that the 2009 KRLC listener appreciation picnic will also act as a fund-raiser benefit for Briggs Hill. The picnic and western entertainment show will take place at 3:00 p.m. on July 18, 2009, at Pioneer Park in Lewiston, ID.

The KRLC customer appreciation picnic is an annual event with entertainment provided by the musicians and poets that have been featured on the Western Heritage Show. Bring you lawn chairs and enjoy all the performers at the park's bandshell. Hot dogs and cold drinks will be available.

To date, the following performers have offered to donate their time and talents for the fund-raiser: Smoke Wade, Nevada; Coyote Joe Sartin, Oregon; Bodie Dominguez and Jim Aasen, both of Washington; and Shiloh Sharrard and Rod Erickson, both from Idaho.

For more information on the picnic and fund-raiser show, contact Toe Tappin' Tommy Tucker at tommy@idavend.com.

Briggs Hill, two-year-old son of Sylina and Brenn Hill, had surgery for the removal of a massive brain tumor in early November, 2008. Briggs continues to undergo treatment. Brenn Hill, Utah, is a popular western songwriter and singer and he has performed in the Lewiston area on several occasions.

Posted 6/1

---

July 24, 2009
Cowboy Poetry and Music Relay for Life Benefit  Benicia, California

6:00 PM
American Cancer Society  Relay for Life Benefit

Benicia Yacht Club
400 East Second Street
Benicia, California

An evening of cowboy poetry and music with Paul Zarzyski, Susan Parker, and Mick Vernon.

Ticket information: $20 in advance; $25 at the door

Seating is limited; advance tickets are recommended. Contact: Denise Keary rivendellfor2@aol.com

Update 6/8 from Susan Parker:

We're ready to ride! 

Tickets are now available for purchase to Benicia's Evening of Cowboy Poetry and Music. This will be a night to remember with some excellent cowboy/western poetry and music.

Paul Zarzyski (www.paulzarzyski.com) from Great Falls, Montana; Mick Vernon from Pacific Grove, California;, and Susan Parker ( www.susanparkerpoet.com ) from Benicia, are saddlin' up to wrangle words to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. All proceeds will go the American Cancer Society.

Local businesses and friends of the event are donating some interesting items for the silent auction, such as: a tug boat ride for 2; original works of art; dinners at local restaurants; ladies private shopping event at Piccolo; $100 bottle of wine; cowboy poetry CDs; autographed first edition of a medieval romance novel; and many more unique items.

Gather up your friends, send in your checks, and prepare yourself for a great evening of fun! This will be a "sold out" event and seating is limited so don't delay!

Updated 6/8

---

July 24-25, 2009
Circle C Cowboy Church National Day of the Cowboy/Rusk County Youth Expo  Henderson, Texas

Circle C Cowboy Church of Rusk County, Texas
Presents The
National Day of the American Cowboy
July 24th & 25th, 2009

RUSK COUNTY YOUTH EXPO
3303 Fm 13 West
Henderson TX, 75654

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS

Events:

Ranch Rodeo
8:00 pm Friday & Saturday Night
(Choose to participate Fri or Sat)
5 Man Team
Top Hand/ Top Horse Award
- Team Event Award -
Mugging ~ Wild Cow Milking ~ Saddle Bronc ~ Doctoring & Sorting

Mutton Bustin
Friday @ 6:30 pm & Saturday @ 3:00 pm & 6:00 PM

Calf scramble
Saturday @ 2:00 PM

Karaoke Contest
Saturday

Chuckwagon Cooking
Saturday All Day

Western Reenactments
Saturday

JoJo The Rodeo Clown's
Mock Rodeo for Kids
Saturday

Concert After Ranch Rodeo
Friday & Saturday

Church Service
Friday Night
Saturday Morning & Saturday Night

Event Winner Awards

For more Information
Call 903-363-2244 or
Email: ndac@circleccowboychurch.org 
or visit our event page online:
http://circleccowboychurch.org/ndac.html 

Circle "C" Cowboy Church
PO Box 22
Henderson, TX 75653
http://circleccowboychurch.org 

Posted 3/19
 

Back to Events page  

---

July 24-25, 2009
Battle Mountain Music Festival   Battle Mountain, Nevada

From Larry Maurice:

Join us July 24 & 25 in the heart of the northern Nevada high desert in Battle Mountain, Nevada. We’ll have five great bands plus cowboy entertainers John Tyson and Larry Maurice. Friday gates open at 5:30 pm, music until 11 pm.

Saturday gates open at 11 am, music noon until 11 pm. For more information call 775.635.1112 or go to www.battlemountain-arts.org.

Posted 7/20

---

July 24-26, 2009
4th Annual White Mountains Roundup of Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art  Show Low, Arizona
 

From Jo Baeza:

 

White Mountains Roundup headin' out

It's breakin' day. The wrangler's corralled the remuda.
Catch your pony and hang a morral on his head.
Take one last swaller of coffee in camp before saddlin' up,
then tighten your cinch and get ready to ride—
It's time for the White Mountains Roundup!

The 4th Annual White Mountains Roundup of Cowboy Poetry, Music & Art is proud to be in Show Low, Arizona, July 24, 25 & 26 this year. All events will be at the Show Low School Campus, 400 Old Linden Road.

Come celebrate our American Cowboy heritage in Arizona's cool pine country! As always, our show is dedicated to the men and women who serve in the U.S.armed forces. All active duty military personnel are welcome free of charge if they show their ID at the ticket window.

The festivities open Friday with Steve Taylor's free 3-day Western Art Invitational that showcases the best Western visual artists in the region. This year Steve is expecting up to 20 artists. The Mountain Saddle Band will
entertain you while you're looking over the art. The art show is open: Friday, 12-6; Saturday, 10-9; and Sunday 12-4 in the multipurpose room in back of the auditorium.

Friday night from 6-8 p.m. enjoy a real chuck wagon supper cooked by real cowboy Dave Wood of Snowflake. Famous for his authentic dutch oven camp cooking, Wood's menu will consist of barbecued beef and pork, basil-buttered sweet corn, pinto beans, cole slaw and rolls. You get all this mouth-watering fare for $25 a ticket. Our roster of performers will be on hand to entertain you while you eat in the beautiful new Hampton Inn on Hwy.
260 south. Dining space is limited to 100, so get tickets early.

On Saturday, the National Day of the American Cowboy, there will be two big shows in the auditorium. "Chris Isaacs Presents!" features Chris Isaacs, Jesse Smith, Juni Fisher, Andy Nelson, and Jerry Hall & Trick Shot. The same poets and musicians will perform at both shows, but the shows will be different, as cowboy entertainment is spontaneous and unrehearsed. The matinee runs from 2-4 p.m., the evening performance 7-9 p.m. There will be a valuable door prize at each show, and giveaway copies of American Cowboy and True West magazines while they last.

Tickets to the performances are $15 per person per show ($12 advance by July 6), and $5 kids 12 and under. Tickets are available on line at our website: www.whitemountainsroundup.com. They may also be purchased at the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside chambers of commerce, the Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside public libraries, and the Show Low Historical Society Museum. For more information, call 1-866-532-400, email us at:
whitemountainsroundup@yahoo.com, or write White Mountains Roundup Inc., PO Box 3558, Show Low AZ 85902.

The Book and CD Sale and Signing starts at 4 p.m. Saturday. Follow the signs. Local authors expected this year include: Miles Gilbert, Bison Slaughter; Cathy Ellis and Jan Huso, Show Low; Gary Holdcroft, Walking
Through the Ashes; Carol Pennington, High Altitude Cooking; Gene Luptak, Top O' the Pines and Fish Catches Man; Mary Stuever, The Forester's Log; and Jo Jeffers, Ranch Wife.

Your Western Weekend in Arizona's High Country will wind down Sunday at 10 a.m. with an inspirational Cowboy Church service in Show Low City Park New Pavilion. Steve Harrington and the Mountain Saddle Band will preside over an old-time worship service with lots of authentic cowboy music. Donations accepted.

The White Mountains Roundup, Inc. is a nonprofit cultural heritage event run entirely by volunteers from our communities. Take time to visit the Show Low Historical Society Museum on the Deuce of Clubs in Show Low. It will be worth your while.

Posted 7/2

Back to Events page  

---

July 25, 2009
Soul of the West  Buffalo Gap, Texas

Official announcement:

An outdoor musical drama...of this land made for you and me...by Red Steagall, Andy Wilkinson (www.andywilkinson.net), and Anne Lockhart. In partnership with the West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Perini Ranch is proud to present the history of Charles Goodnight and the Goodnight Loving Cattle Trail. Barry Corbin portrays Charles Goodnight, Buck Taylor brings Buffalo Bill to life, Michael Horse portrays Quanah Parker, and many more performers will tell the story of the history of this part of Texas.

Tickets are on sale now at 800.367.1721 at $125.00 per person, proceeds benefit West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Reserved tables of 10 are also available, call for details.

Posted 7/2

Back to Events page  

---

July 31-August 2, 2009
5th Annual Coast Fork Cowboy Festival  Creswell, Oregon

From PJ McCord:

Dallas and I would like to invite you to the 5th Annual Coast Fork Cowboy Festival this year in Creswell, Oregon. We are celebrating the 100th birthday of Creswell and 150 years of statehood for Oregon by inviting only Oregon performers. On our Saturday night show we are featuring  Joni Harms from Canby, and the High Strung Band from Cove. There are poets and musician traveling from all over Oregon to help us celebrate.
 
The proceeds from the show will go back to the community with donations to Creswell HS music departments, FFA, Equestrian Club, Creswell Historical Society, Creswell Library and Creswell Chamber of Commerce.
 
There will be a Street Dance/Salsa Tasting Challenge, downtown Creswell (2nd and Oregon Avenue) on July 31 sponsored by the Creswell Chamber of Commerce to kick off CFCF this year. (Last years dance was a great success.) There will be food vendors, cowboy town with a "bull" to ride and rope, games and lots of good music. We are in the planning stages of an Art Show this year, at the Community Center featuring western, Oregon and Creswell artists and artwork.
 
Saturday, August 1 moves the Festival to Holt Park (5th & A Street) from 10am-5pm. with cowboy poetry, music, games, food and family fun. There will benefit performances at the Historical Museum and Library to raise extra awareness and funds for those services.
 
The night show will start at 6pm in the Community Center on Second Street, featuring Joni Harms, the High Strung Band, the Criddles and McCords, Coyote Joe and more. There is a $10 per person charge for the concert.
 
Sunday August 2 is our Cowboy Church (corner of Danstrom and Rodgers Rd. watch for the signs) being held at the Cloverdale Chapel and Meetinghouse at 9am.
 
We hope that you will be able to attend one or more of these events. Bring a friend. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for your support for the community of Creswell.

Posted 5/5       

Back to Events page  

---

July 31-August 2, 2009
Virginia City Cowboy Gathering  Virginia City, Montana
 

From Jamie Baker:

VIRGINIA CITY COWBOY GATHERING

You are hereby invited to join us for the Virginia City Cowboy Gathering!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AS FOLLOWS

FRIDAY, JULY 31ST

1:00p.m to 4:30 - Open Sessions starting on the hour at The Bale of Hay Saloon with events on the patio, under the tent.

Evening - Sing for your supper!

Jam and Dance

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST

10:00a.m - 4:30p.m. Open Sessions, on the hour at the Bale of Hay.

Open Sessions, on the hour at the VC Elks

5:00p.m. - Dinner for performers

7:00p.m

NIGHT SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA

Virginia City Elks

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND

8:00a.m. - Cowboy Church, Bale of Hay patio

CONTACT JAMIE AT (406) 596-5297 or jamiebakermzkwrtr@yahoo.com

TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE

Posted 6/18

---

 

August

---

August 1-2, 2009
Wild Wild West Weekend at Squaw  Squaw Valley, California
 

From Larry Maurice:

Cowboy Poetry around the campfire at the top of the tram.... come on out. World Famous Squaw Valley Ski Area is a great place to spend a Cowboy weekend....It will be coooool and you can bring yer golf clubs!

Find more information at: http://www.squaw.com/wild-wild-west-weekend-squaw-0

Don't miss this great family weekend at High Camp!

Enjoy live music, western games, square dancing, cowboy poetry and more.

All activities and performances are free with a Cable Car ticket (there is a charge for the BBQ)

Posted 7/20

---

August 5-9, 2009
June Lake Mountain Music Festival  June Lake, California

From Larry Maurice:

... June Lake, California (near Mammoth Lakes) Music Festival at the famous "Double Eagle Resort and Spa" Come on out and we can slip in a trail ride at Frontier Pack Trains...or maybe a couple of days in the back country?

Website:

http://www.junelakemusic.com
 

In conjunction with the Annual Fireman's Bar-B-Q, the June Lake Loop proudly presents its first annual Mountain Music Festival at locations around "The Loop" (Highway 158) from Wednesday August 5th at 1:00 p.m. through Sunday August 9th, 2009. Profits generated will support "The June Lake Women's Scholarship Fund."

These 5 days of fantastic musical performances will feature homegrown High Sierra and visiting musical artists across many genres—bluegrass, folk-rock, blues, old-timey dance music, cowboy dancing & poetry, as well as a special songwriters showcase. Bands and performers include: Lava Moon, Blue Heaven and the Rainbow Girl, Larry Robinson, Award-winning Cowboy Entertainer Larry Maurice, Jeff Lee & Oh! Ridge and many others. Performances will take place at 3 venues across town: Trout Town Joe, Eagles Landing Restaurant at Double Eagle Resort & Spa and Sierra Inn's T-Bar.
 

These 5 days of fantastic musical performances will feature homegrown High Sierra and visiting musical artists across many genres – bluegrass, folk-rock, blues, old-timey dance...

Posted 7/22

---

August 8-9, 2009
Fourth Annual Montana Wild West Fest  East Helena, Montana

From Val Jaffe:

The Fourth Annual Montana Wild West Fest will be held August 8 and 9, 2009 at the historic Kleffner Ranch in East Helena.  The Fest will be a two day celebration of Montana Frontier Heritage and a showcase for “All Things Western.”

Lush green fields along the Prickly Pear stream and the largest historic barn in Montana provide the background for The Festival events.  

The Fest emphasizes the Montana cowboy era (1860 – 1920).  Attractions include the largest gathering of Montana gunfighters in one place.  Over 50 re-enactors will be on hand for the daily shootouts at the Prairie Dog Town outdoor theater. National and local western entertainers will provide performances at the open-air stage.   

There will be various Living History Exhibits including blacksmithing and goldpanning.  The U.S. Second Cavalry will man Camp Courage, their historically accurate military encampment.   

Western vendors coming from several States will showcase a variety of merchandise for sale.  Food, ice cream and drinks, at reasonable old-fashioned prices are available at The Chuckwagon Café and Snakebite Soda Shoppe.

 The public is invited to participate in judging the Chili-Cookoff, Quilt Show and Victorian Fashion show.  They can also big on items in the large, silent auction.  Enjoy a leisurely horse drawn wagon ride or for the more adventurous, actually ride a horse.

The Fest is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.  The day fee for admittance is $6 for Adults, 18 and older; $3 for Youths, 5 to 17 and Children under 5 are free.   Once you are through the gate, all daytime activities at the Fest are free.  Evening activities include the Western Bar-B-Q and Frontier Ball.  These are ticketed separately.

The big Western Bar-B-Que begins at 5:00 p.m., Saturday. Tickets ($10) are limited to the first 150 guests and are purchased in advance. The Frontier Ball begins at 7:30 p.m. The AM String Band will provide the music for this gala event and participants are encouraged to wear period appropriate clothing. Tickets to the Ball are $10 per person and $3 for Youth under 12.

For more information about the Fest and a schedule, look at the website www.montanalivinghistory.org or call (406) 458-3700.  

Posted 6/1

---

August 14-15, 2009
22nd Annual Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering  Prescott, Arizona
 

From Phoebe Ritter:

June 30, 2009

The 22nd Annual ARIZONA COWBOY POETS GATHERING will be held, Friday and Saturday, August 14 & 15, 2009 on the Yavapai College Campus, 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott, Arizona 86301.

The Gathering will present a fascinating blend of contemporary and traditional works from more than 50 poets, who keep alive the working cowboy’s oral traditions by writing, reciting and singing about their lives on the ranges of the Southwest. Our poster artist is Shawn Cameron, who is from a 4th generation Yavapai county ranching family. This year’s theme is: “Ropin’ the Future”

Daytime sessions are FREE of charge and run Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These sessions will feature traditional, contemporary and humorous poetry, old time singing and cowboy yodeling. A Yavapai County ranching family will also be featured sharing their stories of then and now.

Evening Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each day. Friday night will feature musical guest Don Edwards and Saturday night will feature The Desert Sons, from Tucson, Arizona.

Both evenings will include guest poets.

Tickets are $16 each. Advanced tickets may be purchased by mail from the Yavapai College Community Events Box Office, Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Box 6001, Prescott, AZ 86301. Or by phone 928.776-2000 or toll-free number at
877.928-4253 or order on the website: www.yc.edu/communityevents.

We are partially funded by the Arizona Commission on the Arts through funding from National Endowment for the Arts, and Prescott Arts & Humanities Council, City of Prescott.

For additional information and photos about the Gathering, visit our website www.azcowboypoets.org. 

Posted 7/27
 

---

August 14-16, 2009
Third Annual Ride A Horse Feed A Cowboy  Hulett, Wyoming
 

From Chanda Snook:

We are getting ready for the 3rd annual Ride a Horse Feed a Cowboy and we are so excited! This year it is Summit National Bank's 25th anniversary and to celebrate, the local ranchers will have the opportunity to put their brands on the bank. We will have live bands both Friday and Saturday nights. We also have moved the dates of the event to August 14th,15th & 16th so that hopefully everyone will be done harvesting and ready for a little breather before school starts and the gathering of cattle off their summer pastures. Again this year we will be giving prizes to the riders young and old. The calcutta poker tournament was a big hit last year, be sure and get your seat reserved again this year. So saddle up and ride to town. There will be trailer parking available at the Rodeo grounds or in town. Hulett will also have hitching posts, livery stables, and stock tanks available for the cowboys. This event is not just for cowboys and riders, it's for everyone, so please come and join us for a fun filled weekend.

If there is anyone interested in performing or would like to get into the Cowboy & Indian Trade Show please Contact us for information (csnook@wbaccess.net)

Ride A Horse Feed A Cowboy is a non-profit organization. We started this project for a community gathering. This is an event for the whole family, the ranchers and the towns people. Our first year in 2007 we had approximately 50 people ride in to the small town of Hulett. Anyone who rode a horse to town the Chamber gave them Hulett Bucks and bought them supper. That same night the Chris Ledoux Memorial Foundation was in town for a Memorial Golf Tournament to be held the next day. A mixer was held at the Ponderosa with appetizers and drinks. A great time was had by all.

Find more information, contact information, and reports and photos at the Ride a Horse Feed a Cowboy web site.

Updated 3/19 

Back to Events page  

---

August 15, 2009
Hill Family Benefit  Fremont, Utah

From the event organizers:

WHAT: Combination Benefit Concert and Fund-Raiser Auction for Briggs Hill and his parents, Sylina and Brenn Hill of Hooper, UT

WHY: Medical bills for little Briggs following his brain cancer surgery and follow-up treatments are astronomical.

WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 3009, from noon to 9:30 PM more or less.

WHERE: Fremont High School, 1900W 4700 W in Plane City.

WHO: The Best Western Entertainers, Cowboy Poets and Musicians, in Utah and surrounding area.

TICKETS: None needed. Voluntary contributions accepted.

CONTACT: Rockin' HH Ranch Store, 801-731-7603


Briggs Hill is a bright and courageous 3-year-old son of Brenn and Sylina Hill of Hooper, Utah. Brenn is a popular, nationally known western singer and song-writer. Briggs has a 7-year-old "big brother," Quayden, and a 3-month-old baby sister, Cambridge. Until late in 2008, the Hills were a normal, happy young family, with Brenn "on the road" performing his music to entertain audiences all around the country.

Their world was turned upside-down when little Briggs, then 2 yearsold, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Surgery was successful but not all the cancer could be removed. Since then Briggs has "lived" at Primary Children's Hospital (PCH) in Salt Lake City undergoing a series of treatments and procedures to combat the remaining cancer. It has been a virtual roller-coaster for Briggs and his parents with alternating encouraging and discouraging prognoses.

Their support system has been amazing with both sets of grandparents caring for Quayden and then baby Cambridge while Brenn and Sylina focused their attention on Briggs' needs. Other relatives and family friends provided additional help as needed.

In fact, Briggs has a "TEAM" of supporters. Literally hundreds of people regularly read the "care pages" from PCH on the internet with daily updates from Brenn or Sylina. "TEAM BRIGGS" is large and growing.

Obviously, medical expenses have been overwhelming, compounded by the fact that Brenn's income as a performer was essentially cut off.

Friends and supporters have worked hard to help defray the ever-increasing medical bills with a series of fund-raisers in Hooper, Elko, Jackson Hole, Farr West, Ogden, Woodruff and Roy, among others. The next one is scheduled for AUGUST 15 at Fremont HIGH SCHOOL, just west of Ogden at 1900 North 4700 West in Plane City.

The upcoming fundraising event will be a combination auction and cowboy gathering. A wide variety of auction items will be on display and available. This exciting event will take place on Saturday afternoon and evening, August 15 with concurrent auction (a silent auction, direct sales of the entertainers' wares such as CDs and cowboy poetry books an "opportunity drawing" and finally a live auction) in the vestibule and western-style entertainment in the auditorium. An outstanding food vendor, Garrett’s Good Stuff, will be there also for the convenience of those attending. Entertainment will feature the very best western musicians and cowboy poets from Utah and surrounding states. There will be "no-charge" per se for the entertainment (all the performers will be donating their time and talent) but a contribution jar will be available for those wishing to support this most worthy cause.

Those who attended the Michael Martin Murphey - Waddie Mitchell benefit concert at Roy High School on June 16 enjoyed a wonderful show while contributing to a worthy cause. Now, fans of western music and cowboy poetry have another opportunity for outstanding entertainment Fremont HIGH SCHOOL, SATURDAY AUGUST 15 while providing much needed help for Briggs and his family for their medical bills. By attending and participating in the various auctions, you will be an important part of "TEAM BRIGGS."

Circle August 15 on your calendar for a great show and an exciting auction at Fremont High. See you there!

For the latest information on how Briggs and the family are doing, click on this link www.carepages.com.

Please be generous with your donations to assist the Hill family with the escalating medical expenses.

We are looking for more items for the silent and live auctions. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Beck Hougaard at 307-248-0252. Any items will be welcome! Or, if you would like to make a direct donation directly to the Hill family, please click on this link www.teambriggs.org.
 

Posted previously:

From Stan Tixier and Sam DeLeeuw:

The original intent of our little Ogden area committee of Western Music Association and Cowboy Poets of Utah members to organize a significant fundraiser to help Sylina and Brenn Hill deal with major medical expenses for their little 3-year-old son, Briggs, was to hold a combination concert and silent auction with Utah talent and perhaps a headliner if a good one was available. Early on we raised our sights and decided to go after a really big-name entertainer to maximize our fund raising efforts. We struck gold when Michael Martin Murphey (www.michaelmartinmurphey.com) agreed to donate his time and talent to come put on a one-man concert. Roy High School made their 1800 seat auditorium available at no charge. Then Waddie Mitchell decided to join Murphey and the program was set. Flyers are out and tickets are printed for that event and we hope to fill every seat. However the Murphey-Mitchell schedule allowed for only a week night concert (Tuesday, June 16, 2009), so the silent auction and Utah entertainers participation were not feasible. The logical solution was to hold a second event.

Freemont High School is making their 1000 seat auditorium available to us at no charge along with vestibule and entry area for the silent auction. Rather than a ticked event, we plan to have a "contribution box" for the concert portion and try to attract as many supporters as possible to enjoy the entertainment and also participate in the silent auction. THE DATE IS AUGUST 15, 2009, A SATURDAY starting at noon and going on into the evening.

We need to put a schedule together showing when each entertainer, group or individual, will perform. That way, fans of a specific musical group or cowboy poet will know when their "favorite" will be on stage and can plan accordingly—and—participate in the silent auction.

We've all done "benefits" before and Brenn Hill has done as many as any of us. Now we have the opportunity to help one of our "brother entertainers"' by participating in this event. If you would like to be part of the show, please contact Sam DeLeeuw at 435-851-0852, samcowgalpoet@aol.com or Stan Tixier 801-745-4121 or cell 801-710-1888, j.s.tixier@pineviewinternet.com telling of your availability, time of day preference and possibility of doing more than one set.

One more thing: If you would like to provide an item or two for the silent auction please let us know. For example we understand Stacy Bliss will be making a quilt that she and Paul plan to donate. Also if you want to bring some books or CDs to sell please do so. ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE HILLS FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES.

Thanks a lot! We hope to hear from you soon, by the end of June if possible, so we can get a schedule put together and get some flyers printed.

                                                                                                                              Sam and Stan

Updated 7/28
 

Back to Events page  

---

August 15-16, 2009
Riley's at Los Rios Rancho Old West Weekend  Oak Glen, California

Old West Weekend and Cowboy Chuckwagon Supper & Show

August 15th and 16th, we'll have a bang-up Old West Weekend, with a cowboy encampment, Old West gambling tent, sutlers* (that's vendors, for you city folk), Western music, Western authors, plus a whole lot more. Get yourself a new hat, check out the latest in shootin' irons from EMF Company, see period clothing from Daughters of Eve, or find a passel of other cowboy (and cowgirl) goods while you stroll our Old West camp. It's fun for the whole family, and admission's free.

If you're looking for even more cowboy fun that weekend, there's our Chuckwagon Supper & Show on the 15th. There’s no finer way to spend a warm August evening than sitting under the stars, listening to "Riley's Regulators" pick and sing cowboy tunes by firelight, and eating a whole bellyfull of cowboy vittles served right off the tailgate of a chuckwagon. You’ll whoopee-ti-yi-yo all the way home!

For information, call (909) 797-1005 or visit www.losriosrancho.com.

Posted 6/11

Back to Events page  

---

August 22, 2009
Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song  Lubbock, Texas

Andy Wilkinson's (www.andywilkinson.net) acclaimed Western opera, Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song, will be presented in a fundraiser for the Ranching Heritage Association, August 22, 2009, in Lubbock, Texas. Those performing in the special event include the original cast, Waddie Mitchell, Red Steagall, Andy Hedges, and others.

From the announcement:

A rare, 10-year reprisal of the musical Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song by Andy Wilkinson will be staged Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at the National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth Street in Lubbock. The event is the annual fundraiser for the Ranching Heritage Association...The concert is comprised of more than 15 songs with full band. Poetic narration explains each song, which lead listeners through the life of the famous cattleman/trail driver...

With Wilkinson on stage and in the recorded project were talented friends who helped as vocalists, background voices and musicians bringing historic characters to life. Most of the original cast members will be back for the concert’s reprise, with a few additions. Joining with Wilkinson will be TV/movie actor Barry Corbin, singer/poet Red Steagall, Grammy Award winning producer Lloyd Maines, historian Byron Price, plus Kenny Maines, La Tronda Maines, Terri Hendrix, Rod Taylor, Brian Griffin, Emily Wilkinson-Arellano, Alan Munde, Donnie Maines and Richard Bowden.

Goodnight (March 5, 1836 – Dec. 12, 1929) was a cattle rancher in the American West, likely the best-known rancher in the Panhandle of Texas. Essayist and historian J. Frank Dobie said that Goodnight “approached greatness more nearly than any other cowman of history.”

All of the songs and poetic transitions in “Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song” were written by Wilkinson, who is a look-alike descendent of his distant uncle, the man who helped establish the Goodnight-Loving Trail. Goodnight ranched in the Palo Duro Canyon area, where Wilkinson staged the first-ever showing of his now-classic musical.

Material for the musical comes from true stories of Goodnight’s life, real events and people of the West, white, black and red, who were his friends. More than drawing inspiration from these stories, Wilkinson thoroughly researched each song and poem, making personal trips to the same places where Goodnight traveled, lived and worked. He devoted hours to research in a number of libraries and museums and conducted interviews with people who had an affiliation with Goodnight.

Last staged at the NRHC in August 1999, the concert was accompanied by a CD and book, both of which reaped numerous awards. In all, the project is unique in the world of music.

Activities begin with a patio reception at 7 p.m., including complimentary bar and food courts plus a silent auction and raffle. The concert will get under way at 8:15 p.m. on a full stage constructed for the event in the National Ranching Heritage Center’s historical park.

Admission is $75 each, with tables for six $650 and for eight $1,000. Table sponsors and underwriters will receive premier, reserved seating at the reception and concert and a copy of the “Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song” CD, which can be autographed by the cast that evening.

Make reservations online here or call Tim Bynum at the RHA, (806) 742-2498.

Posted 8/4

Back to Events page  

---

 

September

---

September 2-18, 2009
Alan Harris-Cross That River  Durango, Colorado

From Beth Roberts:

Allan Harris: Cross That River at the Henry Strater Theatre a groundbreaking and stunning portrait of the American West.

This empowering and uplifting story is one that everyone should experience. Take a journey through compelling
storytelling and heartfelt music that ranges from Blues, country, bluegrass, rock gospel, and soul. Come and celebrate the
important role of America’s black cowboys. As seen in the New York Times, and heard on NPR’s All Things Considered.

September
2nd - 18th
(Dark on Mondays and Tuesdays)

Doors open at 7:15 PM
Show at 7:45 PM

Children $20
Students/Seniors/Groups $20
Adults $25
Box Seats $30

Dinner and Theatre Packages available

Henry State Theatre
699 Main Ave
Durango, Colorado
970-375-7160
www.strater.com

Allan Harris:  allanharris.com

Posted 9/8

---

September 5-6, 2009
Americana Music Weekend: Cheyenne Heart of the West Festival and Magic City Bluegrass Festival  Cheyenne, Wyoming  
 

From the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau:

Cheyenne celebrates Americana Music Weekend with two festivals:
 

Cheyenne Heart of the West Fest and the Magic City Bluegrass Festival

 

Labor Day weekend performances by bluegrass and cowboy musicians, poets, storytellers

 

Cheyenne, Wyo.—Cheyenne is the place to be for fans of Americana music this Labor Day weekend with two separate music festivals offering a variety of bluegrass and cowboy entertainment. 

 

The Cheyenne Heart of the West Festival showcases folk art, cowboy poets, western musicians, storytellers, and artisans Saturday and Sunday ( Sept. 5-6, 2009 ) at the Plains Hotel, the Cheyenne Depot, and the Atlas Theatre.  The festival celebrates historic traditions of the authentic Old West through concerts, pioneer roundtable discussions, and living history presentations, vendors, and a cowboy church service.  

 

The Magic City Bluegrass Festival features four top-notch bluegrass bands performing Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 5-6) at Cheyenne ’s Lions Park Amphitheater.  In addition, the festival will feature a hands-on workshop where audience members can learn from the musical talent from the bands.  All performances and activities are free.

 

 

Saturday, September 5, 2009

 

Heart of the West Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Historic Plains Hotel and Cheyenne Depot.  Tickets required.

 

Plains Hotel Ballroom—Musical performances by Vic Anderson, Bill Barwick, and Bryan Ragsdale, in addition to a performance by western poet “Sam” Deleeuw.  Includes a Patriotic Tribute Concert, emceed Bryan Ragsdale who has done seven USO shows.

 

Plains Hotel Wind River Room—Pioneer Round Table Discussions by descendents of pioneer and ranching families telling tales passed down through generations.  Discussions of home and of the pleasures of operating a Wyoming retail business in the 1800s.  By John Roedell, Patty Clayton, John Bell, Ray Delgado, Bryan Ragsdale, and Vic Anderson.

 

Depot Stage—Living History Presenters allow participant interaction on subjects like the following:  Buffalo Soldiers, an African American history and photo display; I See by Your Outfit, clothing, saddles, and cowboy paraphernalia dating back to the late 1800s; Cattleherds & Campfires and Family Ranching Histories, photography, bits and tack displays.

 

Evening Concert at Historic Atlas Theater—7 to 10 p.m. Award-winning singer-songwriter Jon Chandler performs with other top-name guests to be announced.

  

Magic City Bluegrass Festival 10 a.m.–9:45 p.m. at the Lions Park Amphitheater.  Free.

 

Featuring four top-notch bluegrass bands performing Saturday and Sunday.

 

10 a.m.-12 noon  Public Workshop – Hands on training for banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass- BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS!

 

12-12:45 p.m.              The Spinney Brothers

1-1:45 p.m.                  High Plains Traditions

2-2:45 p.m.                  Finders & Youngberg

3-3:45 p.m.                  Lonesome Travelers Blue Grass Band

3:45-6 p.m.                  Break

6-6:45 p.m.                  Lonesome Traveler Blue Grass Band

7-7:45 p.m.                  Finders & Youngberg

8-8:45 p.m.                  High Plains Traditions

9-9:45 p.m.                  The Spinney Brothers

9:45-10 p.m.                Finale

High Plains Tradition is a Denver-based bluegrass band that styles their music after the forefathers of bluegrass, with a little Rocky Mountain flair thrown in. Finders & Youngberg is an awesome quartet that plays folk, bluegrass, and country. Lonesome Traveler is a six-piece Loveland, Colo.-based band featuring tight harmonies and a myriad of musical styles. Hailing from Nova Scotia, the Spinney Brothers feature the distinctive sounds of mandolin, trombone, euphonium, tuba, fiddle and guitar.

 

Sunday, September 6, 2009

 

Cowboy Church—9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Historic Plains Hotel Ballroom. Free.

 

Cowboy Brunch—10:30 a.m. at the Plains Hotel.  A full offering of cowboy grub to close out the Heart of the West Festival. $15.95.

 

Bluegrass & Gospel—10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Lions Park Amphitheatre. Free.

10-10:45 a.m.              Lonesome Traveler (Gospel music)

11-11:45 a.m.              High Plains Tradition (Gospel music)

12-12:45 p.m.              Finders & Youngberg

1-1:45 p.m.                 The Spinney Brothers

           

The Cheyenne Heart of the West Festival is sponsored by the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Historic Plains Hotel, and the Cheyenne Depot.  The Magic City Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by the City of Cheyenne, Holiday Inn, and Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tickets for the Cheyenne Heart of the West Festival are available by calling the Depot Visitor Center 307-778-3133.  The Magic City Bluegrass Festival is free.

  

For more information on the American Music Weekend, please visit www.cheyennemusic.org.  

 

The Historic Plains Hotel is located downtown at 1600 Central Ave., Cheyenne, Wyo.  866-2-PLAINS (866-275-2467) or 307-638-3311.  www.theplainshotel.com.

 

The Atlas Theater is located at 211 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, Wyo. 307 635-0199.

 

Lions Park Amphitheater is located at 4603 Lions Park Drive, Cheyenne, Wyo.

 

Posted 5/12

---

September 6, 2009
Devils Tower 12th Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering   Devils Tower National Park, Wyoming 

From Robert Dennis:

On Sunday afternoon, September 6, 2009, the Devils Tower Cowboy Poetry Gathering will take place.

Performers will be Daron Little of Colorado, Marty Blocker of Nebraska, Elizabeth Ebert of South Dakota and Robert Dennis of South Dakota, who will perform from 1pm until 4 pm.

Bring your coolers and picnic lunch and lawn chairs, set in the shade  below the Tower and enjoy an afternoon of cowboy poetry and music, performed by this crew.

The only charge is a small fee for admission to the park. (It was $5 per car, last year; http://www.nps.gov/deto/)

Posted 5/4

Back to Events page  

---

September 9-12, 2009
62nd Annual Tri-State Rodeo  Fort Madison, Iowa

2009 RODEO PERFORMANCES

September 9 - 10 - 11 – 12, 2009

800-369-3211

319-372-2550

This year’s entertainment is Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton and Loverboy.

Also included in the weeklong event is Lil Spurs Rodeo, Special Kids Rodeo and Miss Rodeo Iowa Competition.

Web site is www.Tri-State-Rodeo.com

Posted 8/4

Back to Events page  

---

September 12, 2009
Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree   Winthrop, Washington
 

From Lauralee Northcott:

The Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree rides again with great music, zany humor and the best in western entertainment.  The town of Winthrop hosts its award winning Auto Rallye weekend with classic cars and fun events throughout the town.  Then later, settle back for a truly hilarious evening. You can't beat The Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree!

Eli Barsi will headline on Saturday night. Singer, songwriter, musician and yodeler with 10 CDs, 11 Canadian Charted Radio Singles, 3 CMT videos, and winner of the Academy of Western Artists Female Vocalist of the year for 2006 along with the Crescendo Award for Best New Artist by the Western Music Association that same year! We are in for a treat!

Eli Barsi is driven by her passion for music, committed to giving her best, and strives for excellence on and off stage. For the past 22 years Eli has been working as a professional musician. Eli is a proud Canadian who was hired to perform with the legendary Sons of the Pioneers in the year 2002, and since this show, she has been based out of Branson, Missouri. Eli is a diverse artist that shares a large variety of genres in her shows such as: Western Roots, Gospel, New Country, Bluegrass, Classic Country & Folk. With a 3, 4, or 5 piece band, or on stage alone with her guitar, Eli is a crowd pleaser!

Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band will open the show with the very best in western swing, orginal music, and fun-loving cowboy songs.  These cowgirls are truly a treat.  Their new album, Daughters of the West, just hit #2 on the western play list and they are flying high, touching down just long enough to yodel a tune. 

Dave McClure, cowboy poet and humorist, is an authentic cowboy, rancher and lunatic.  His antics and orginal humor will have you smiling.  Dave is a one-of-a-kind talent.  

Mary Milka, as Martha Star Route will join the cast with her stand-up country humor.  She knows how to use those sagebrush hills to make savory treats no one in their right mind would want!  We have a little surprise for you and for MARTHA!

These folks will remind you what it means to be entertained!

Horse Crazy and Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree
Post Office Box 276
Winthrop, Washington 98862
Phone: 509-996-2404
Email: Lauralee@HorseCrazyCowgirlBand.com
        

Updated 8/11

 

Back to Events page  

---

September 10-12, 2009
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo   Montrose, Colorado
 

The 2009 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo will be held September 10-12 2009, in  Montrose, Colorado. The rodeo will team up with Tough Enough To Wear Pink and the San Juan Healthcare Foundation to raise money for the local cancer center. 

From Sam Jackson:

The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo will be held this coming September 10^th,11^th,12^th, In Montrose Colorado.
 

              Win

Silver Buckles

Trophies

$6,000 in prize money

12 months of braggin'  rights                

                         Perform in the Headliner shows.

 Support a world class charity

 

             While

Vacationing in one of America's most spectacular western landscapes

 

All proceeds from the rodeo will be donated to the San Juan Colorado Health Care Foundation, to help in the fight against Breast Cancer.

 

For information on Montrose Colorado  www.visitmontrose.net

 

If interested in signing up or for more information, please contact:

 

Sam Jackson
Producer, National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
4675 E. Vermillion Ave.
Kanab Utah, 84741
 

(435) 644-5446 evenings

644-5444 days

899-1100 anytime (just about)

last2camp@kanab.net

UPDATE 2/16: Read Sam Jackson's "A Premier Workshop" here.

Updated 2/16

Back to Events page  

---

September 10-12, 2009
Miles of Memories Country MusicFest  Hastings, Nebraska

Sept. 10, 11 & 12, 2009, Hastings, NE, Adams County Fairgrounds

Cowboy and country music by such artists as Les Gilliam and KG & the Ranger are featured along with theme shows, workshops and fellowship. Check www.texandmary.com  for more information.

Posted 6/8

Back to Events page  

---

September 11-12, 2009
San Juan Western Heritage Festival   Montrose, Colorado
 

Media release:

San Juan Western Heritage Festival &
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo

The San Juan Western Heritage Festival will be held September 11 and 12, 2009 at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive in Montrose, Colorado. The Festival will feature the 12th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, live entertainment, and western Colorado arts and specialty products.

Friday, September 11, highlights the world's only Cowboy Poetry Rodeo from 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Thirty cowboy poets from 13 Western states and Canada will compete for $6000 in prize money, silver buckles, trophies and a year's worth of bragging rights. Poets compete, on stage, in a stock rodeo format. With numbers on their backs, judges and a rodeo announcer, the poets spur their "rides" (their poems) as they compete in 9 different events. There will be a Friday night show featuring cowboy poets and musical acts, many from western Colorado.

Saturday, September 12, the top 50 percent of the competing cowboy poets advance to the final round starting at 8:00 a.m. at the event center. Following the finals, a Cowboy Poetry Shoot-out will be held, as top ranked cowboy poets compete for the title, "Best in the West." Poets interested in registering for the NCPR may contact Sam Jackson, last2camp@kanab.net  (435) 644-5459 or (435) 899-1100.

A headliner and awards show will take place on Saturday evening featuring the winners of the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo along with country singer, Gary Lear and his Nashville Band. www.garylearmusic.com

While in Montrose, participants will enjoy the Western Colorado Experience (Black Canyon, Ute Indian Museum, Ouray - Switzerland of America). Many will take home memories and localhand made products. There will be a raffle on a Western quilt. And no rodeo or western festival would be complete without taking home a handmade stick horse made and painted by a local artist.

The San Juan Healthcare Foundation is the major sponsor and the fundraiser proceeds will go to Caring Friends Fund for patients at the San Juan Cancer Center.

For more information go to www.sjwesternfestival.com, fsmiles@bresnan.net, or call Francie Smiles, (970)-252-2814. 

Find a feature about the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo here.

Posted 7/1

 

Back to Events page  

---

September 18-20, 2009
Western Spirit Celebration: A Cowboy Gathering  Duncan, Oklahoma

Western heritage celebration includes a longhorn cattle drive, chuck wagon cook-off, Western artisans, children’s Western games and cowboy poets.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center
1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway
Duncan, OK  73533
cova@texhoma.net
580-25-6692
Contact:  Cova Williams

Posted 2/19

Back to Events page  

---

September 19, 2009
Echoes of the Trail benefit  Fort Scott, Kansas

From Judy Howser:

Echoes of the Trail is sponsoring a concert Sept. 19th at 7 p.m. in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas.

The performers will be Johnny Kendrick and his sons, who now call themselves "The Branchy Boys," and the headliner will be a newcomer named "Adrian." Adrian is only 17, but writes like the oldest of cowboy poets. She is a real cowgirl and has a wonderful voice also.

All proceeds will go toward Echoes of the Trail 2010, which will be June 11-13, 2010. See http://echoesofthetrail.com for more information, and http://buckaroogirl.com for info on Adrian. Adrian also has a presence under "Music" on myspace.com.

See our feature on Echoes of the Trail here.

Posted 9/15 

Back to Events page  

---

September 23-27, 2009
Gene Autry Oklahoma Film & Music Festival  Gene Autry, Oklahoma

Sept. 23-27, 2009 Held at the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum in Gene Autry, OK (near Ardmore)

Cowboy music, poetry and films are all part of this family-style get-together that pays tribute to the singing cowboys of the B-Western films of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Entertainers this year include singers Les Gilliam and Call of the West and cowboy poet Yvonne Hollenbeck. Check our website for more info: www.geneautryokmuseum.com.

Posted 6/8

Back to Events page  

---

September 24, 2009
2nd Annual Open Range Magazine Cowboy Dinner Show  Glenrock, Wyoming

From Clark Crouch:

This year featuring Concert in the Barn & Cowboy Poetry Dinner Show with Michael Martin Murphey (www.michaelmartinmurphey.com) plus cowboy poets Mason Tibbs, Dave P. Fisher, and Clark Crouch performing at the Arrow S Arena in Glenrock.

Social hour at 6:00pm, dinner at 6:30pm, cowboy poets at 7:30pm, and Michael Martin Murphey in Concert at 8:30pm. Information at 307-436-5447.

See the event poster at Clark Crouch's web site: http://poetry.crouchnet.com:80/Poster.jpg

Posted 8/31

Back to Events page  

---

September 25-26, 2009
12th Annual Badger Clark Hometown Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering  Hot Springs, South Dakota

From Slim McNaught:

Chosen as a “Reader’s Choice Top 3 Poetry Event in America” by American Cowboy magazine, the Badger Clark Hometown Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering will again put on a great roundup September 25 and 26, 2009.

Held in Hot Springs, South Dakota, this gathering boasts a fabulous lineup of events and performers.

Friday at 7:00 pm will be the second annual “Bunkhouse Tales” emceed by Robert "Jinglebob" Dennis. This highly popular event will be held at the Branding Iron Restaurant and Lounge. Jinglebob and his cohorts packed the house last year.

Saturday will see events start at the Mueller Civic Center at 9:00 am with a Cowboy Poetry Workshop hosted by Doris Daley and Slim McNaught. It’s free, but reservations are requested. This workshop had a standing-room-only session last year.

At 1:00 pm the Cowboy Poetry Shootout Contest will provide some of the best entertainment in the area with folks watching cowboy poets compete for a first, second, or third place win.

After a Chuckwagon Supper at 6:00 pm, the evening entertainment will start with some of the top performers in the country. The Circle B Cowboys, a Black Hills tradition since 1976, is always a crowd pleaser, and Doris Daley of Turner Valley, Alberta, Canada, is an award-winning cowboy poet with an impressive list of accomplishments. Eli Barsi, based out of Branson, Missouri, is a singer, songwriter, and a multi-award winning recording artist. Gale Patzlaff from Alexandria, South Dakota, will bring the house down with his hilarious poetry. Emcee Robert Dennis of Red Owl, South Dakota, has been emceeing events and performing his own style of music and poetry across several states for many years. He has emceed this event for over ten years.

There will be no doubt in your mind why this gathering was chosen as the Reader’s Choice Top 3 Poetry Event in America. For information call 800-325-6991 or visit www.hotsprings-sd.com. To purchase tickets or make reservations call 800-325-6991.

Posted 4/15
 

Back to Events page  

---

September 25-27, 2009
Seventeenth Annual Nara Visa Gathering  Nara Visa, New Mexico

From Diane Thompson:

The Nara Visa Cowboy Poetry Gathering will be held at the Nara Visa Community Center September 25, 26 and 27. The event begins at 5:30 pm (Central Time) Friday, September 25 with a cake and ice cream reception to meet performers, artists and vendors. Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 7:00 pm. Many jam sessions, lots of food and fellowship are features of the event.

Contact Karen Bell 575-633-2960; Renee' Rinestine 575-633-2272; Allen & Diane Thompson 806-235-3781

Posted 7/16
 

Back to Events page  

---

October
 

October 2-4, 2009
3rd Annual Grand Union Gathering: Cowboy & Country Poets & Pickers   Fort Benton, Montana

From Almeda Terry:

Round up your gang and head for Fort Benton this October 2, 3 and 4 to the 3rd Annual Grand Union Gathering western poets and pickers, singers and storytellers. Return to the birthplace of Montana, once the "toughest
town in the west," for a weekend celebration of western heritage. Talent-filled night shows Friday and Saturday, plus free day sessions and Sunday "Cowboy Church" ... all at the historic Grand Union Hotel. Walk the streets, see and hear the echoes of a glorious past, enjoy fine dining and bring your whole family to the 3rd Annual Grand Union Gathering in Fort Benton, Oct. 2,3,4. Sponsored by the Chouteau County Performing Arts, Grand Union Hotel, Fort Benton Chamber of Commerce and CIA.

FRIDAY OCT. 2 "WOMEN OF THE WEST" Humorous poet Gwen Petersen, multi-award winning yodeler Miriam Dreher, poet and author Bette Wolf Duncan and singer/songwriter Almeda Terry, plus more will headline the Friday night show each sharing their unique experience and perspective of life as women in the American West.
 

SATURDAY OCT. 3 "AGRARIAN GENTLEMEN & RANCHING REDNECKS" Humorous poet Dale Mailand, poet author Arnold Hokanson, poet Ken Blacklock, singer/songwriter Pol Haldemann and more headline the Saturday night show with stories and songs of the Cowboy Western Way.

Both shows start at 7:00 PM at the Grand Union Hotel. Admission is $10 all ages.
 

DAY SHOWS begin on Saturday with special sessions:

10:00 AM Poetry & Story with Bette Wolf Duncan

10:30 AM Yodeling with Miriam Dreher

11:00 AM Cow Camp Fiddle with Almeda Terry

All special sessions held in the GUH dining room. Admission: Free will offering.
 

DAY SHOW regular poet sessions:

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM in the Grand Union Hotel Conference Room. Admission free.

COWBOY CHURCH

10:00 AM in the Grand Union Hotel Conference Room. Admission free.

SING/RECITE FOR YOUR SUPPER

Poets and singers will be performing in the following Fort Benton restaurants during the 12:00 - 1:00 PM lunch hour and the 5:30 - 6:30 PM dinner hour:

FRIDAY DINNER: Grand Union Hotel - Almeda Terry & Kyp Lybeck

Bob’s Riverfront - Ken Blacklock & Miriam Dreher

The Banque Club - Bette Wolf Duncan & Dale Mailand

SAT LUNCH: Bob’s Riverfront - Bette Wolf Duncan & Dale Mailand

Wakeup Coffee - Almeda Terry & Kyp Lybeck

The Club House - Ken Blacklock & Miriam Dreher

SAT. DINNER: Bob’s Riverfront - Kyp Kybeck & Lloyd & Meryl McKenna

The Banque Club - Ken Blacklock & Miriam Dreher

The Club House - Bette Wolf Duncan & Dale Mailand

Contact: Almeda Terry 406-672-2728 Cell 406-348-3282 Home; email: almedam2b@nemont.net

Updated 9/21

Back to Events page  

---

October 3, 2009
4th Annual Pinedale Cowboy Roundup   Pinedale, Wyoming
 

Pinedale Cowboy Roundup

The entertainment has been set for the fourth annual Pinedale Cowboy Roundup (PCR) and you will want to make plans early to attend this year.

In keeping with the tradition of bringing in only the world's best cowboy performers, the PCR is proud to announce the return of crowd favorites Jerry Hall and Trick Shot and world class cowboy poet Chris Isaacs, along side seasoned cowboy poets and Sublette County Wyoming residents Jesse Smith and Andy Nelson. New to the gathering this year as a headline performer is award winning cowboy singer/songwriter R.W. Hampton.


Event Date and Time:

Saturday October 3, 2009, 7:00 PM

Location:

Pinedale High School Auditorium101 East Hennick, Pinedale WY. Turn north on Sublette Street and go to the end.


Ticket Information

Tickets are available at the door or by calling (307) 367-6710


For a Great Cause

All proceeds are donated every year to the Small Miracles Foundation and Kickin' Cancer in Sublette County.
 

www.pinedalecowboyroundup.com

Posted 7/15

---

October 10, 2009
Cowboy Music and Poetry at Emandal   near Willits, California
 

From Tamara Adams:

Join us for dinner and a show featuring top singer/songwriter Dave Stamey (www.davestamey.com) and poet Susan Parker at Emandal, an historic Mendocino County farm.

In 1908, Em and Al Byrnes opened up their home to friends and acquaintances in the Bay Area who wished to vacation on the magnificent Eel River and get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of city life. (Yes, there was hustle and bustle in 1908!) All the fruits and vegetables served in their dining room were grown on the farm, as were the meat and eggs. Em baked all the bread.

 

Since 1946 the Adams family has continued the tradition of country vacations with farm grown and home cooked meals. Today Tamara Adams, following in the footsteps of her in-laws, Clive and Jessie Adams, and her late husband, Clive Adams, Jr., operates Emandal... 

Read more about its history and its many activities and events at emandal.com.
 

Dinner is at 6 PM, the show begins at 7:30. Cabins are available for an overnight stay.

 Advance tickets only, $30, include dinner and show.

 Contact: Tamara Adams, (707) 459-9252,  cowboypoetry@emandal.com

Posted 8/4

---

October 10-17, 2009
The NILE Stock Show, Pro Rodeo and Western Expo   Billings, Montana

From Almeda Terry:

Western Entertainment Stage: October 14-17, 2009   in the Montana Pavillion of the Metra Park   10:00AM - 6:00PM  featuring poets and pickers, singers and storytellers, cowboy church, square dancing, clogging, old time fiddlers, bluegrass music and living history demonstrations. For more information contact Almeda Terry  406-348-3282 or 406-855-8191 or almedam2b@nemont.net

 

CALLING ALL ENTERTAINERS: You are invited to be a part of the first annual NILE Western Expo  in Billings MT, October 14-17. Contact Almeda Terry for more information and scheduling. Same contact info as above.

Posted 8/3

---

October 16-17, 2009
Six Rivers Western Festival  Fruitland, Idaho

Six Rivers Western Festival will be held on October 16-17, 2009, at the Olde School Community Center in Fruitland, Idaho.

This event will feature some of the best talent west of the Great Divide! Mark your calendar as you won't want to miss this.

Tickets will be available at the door.

Contact: Allan or Corean Romriell at 208.642.9610 cromriell@msn.com
Bobbie Hunter 208.365.4748 bhunter@speedyquick.net 

Posted 6/22

Back to Events page  

---

October 17, 2009
Whistle Stop Ranch Fall Cowboy Roundup Acton, California
 

Update from Paulette and Mike Tcherkassky and Bob and Marie Mann, September 8, 2009:

Hi Everyone. It's just a few weeks away...

Fall Cowboy Music, Poetry and Grub Roundup

Saturday, October 17, 2009
3:00PM TO 10:00PM
Acton, CA

Presented By
Mike & Paulette Tcherkassky's Whistle Stop Ranch in Acton, CA
In Association With Big Hat Promotions

Featuring:


Dave Stamey, 2008 WMA Entertainer of the Year
Pat Richardson, AWA Cowboy Poet of the Year
Mike Tcherkassky, Favorite Cowboy Balladeer
Walt "Bimbo" Cheney, Cowboy Poet and Storyteller
and...Manflo Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner!


** OPEN MIC SETS FROM 3:30 TO 5:00PM

The Open Mic session is limited to the first 6 poets and singers to sign up. Please email big.hat@sbcglobal.net to be added to the list.

Dinner at 5:00PM - Show at 7:00PM

$45.00 per person suggested donation includes a hearty cowboy chuckwagon dinner and beverages.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED - MAKE YOURS NOW!

- RESERVATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 12 -

You may make reservations now by sending an email to big.hat@sbcglobal.net.

If you have previously made reservations, please confirm them by sending us an email.

We're looking forward to seeing you.

Mike and Paulette Tcherkassky
Bob and Marie Mann

Big Hat Promotions
big.hat@sbcglobal.net
www.bighatonline.com

The previous announcement:

October 17, 2009
Whistle Stop Ranch Fall Cowboy Roundup Acton, California

Music—Poetry — Grub — Fun

Dave Stamey, 2008 WMA Entertainer of the Year
Pat Richardson, AWA Cowboy Poet of the Year
Mike Tcherkassky, Favorite Cowboy Balladeer
Walt "Bimbo" Cheney, Cowboy Poet and Storyteller
Plus Special Guests and...ManFlo Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner!


This party is shaping up to be a major event.
Let us know that you are interested in attending by sending an email to big.hat@sbcglobal.net.


Visit www.bighatonline.com for additional information and updates.
 

Updated 9/9

---

October 17-18, 2009
Ranching & Mining Music Festival 2009  Peeples Valley, Arizona

From Nancy Ruybal, forwarded from Carol Pearse of Whistlestop Family Bluegrass:

Thank you to all those who participated and made Ranching & Mining Festival 2008 a HUGE success. So many wonderful people and musicians made this weekend special in many ways. Peeples Valley/Yarnell Historical Society are the primary hosts of this event. They are using the proceeds to restore their old school house and save it for future generations. The music is focused on supporting AZ and Southwest local acoustic musicians. The music encompasses bluegrass, country, old-time, folk, cowboy, and cowboy poetry.

The weekend has a FUN family focus with venues such as: roping, pie eating contest, teepee display, homemade ice cream, multiple music workshops, miniature horse shows, and more.

DATES: ---October 17th & 18th, 2009 (Saturday evening will be expanded to 10:00PM.)

We are adding an open auditorium on Friday October 16th from 6:00-10:00PM for jamming and a band scramble.

CAMPING: ---RV camping will open on Wednesday October 14th and remain open until Sunday afternoon. Ad- mission into the festival for the weekend is free. There is $30 charge for dry camping for the weekend. Most who attended the 2008 event commented on the beautiful location.

WORKSHOPS: ---Were very successful last year. A lot of positive feedback was received from workshop hosts and attendees. We will be expanding the number and types of music workshops.

Please come out and help spread the love of home grown acoustic music to our community.

Find more information at:  http://www.peeplesvalleyyarnellhistory.org/RNMF-2009.htm

Posted 6/30

Back to Events page  

---

October 22-25, 2009
7th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Festival and Symposium  Cartersville, Georgia

From the Booth Western Art Museum:

Celebrate Western Heritage during the 7th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Festival & Symposium at the Booth Western Art Museum. Visitors will enjoy a Western art symposium, live entertainment, re-enactments, and more.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, October 22, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with meet the artist reception for featured artist Buck McCain. At 7:00 p.m., McCain will present a special lecture followed by a signing of the official event poster.

For Western art enthusiasts, Friday, October 23, features a Western art symposium. This year Western art scholars from around the country will look at the current state of Western art, Western art’s place within American art history and current trends in exhibiting Western art. The symposium begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Booth Museum Theatre. Friday also presents the opportunity for artists to spend a day with Buck McCain in an artist workshop at the Booth Art Academy.

Visitors will have the opportunity to attend three concerts during the weekend. Featured entertainer Baxter Black will perform at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at the Grand Theatre in downtown Cartersville. Black, a former large animal veterinarian, is a cowboy poet known for shining a spotlight on the flaws and foibles of everyday cowboy life. On Friday evening, October 23, Sisters of the Silver Sage will perform in the Booth Ballroom at 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, October 24, Doc Stovall and the Tumbleweed Cowboy Band will do a special family performance in the Booth Ballroom.

On Saturday and Sunday, guests will experience the West. Re-enactors will recreate the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Big Mountain Family will demonstrate Indian dances. Guests can shop for Western art and collectibles and enjoy continuous entertainment on two stages including cowboy music and poetry, fast draw competitions, and more. History will come alive in Campfires and Canteens featuring Civil War and pioneer encampments and in the East Meets West Indian Village. Sunday activities will include a traditional cowboy church service.

Booth Western Art Museum

The Booth Western Art Museum is an 80,000 square foot museum 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. To learn more, visit www.boothmuseum.org.

Posted 8/3

 

---

November
 

---

November 6-7, 2009
Western Writers of America at 15th Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair  Heber City, Utah
 

The Western Writers of America will take part in the Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair, in Heber City, Utah in November. From their media release:

Several award-winning professional writers will participate in readings, presentations, and panel discussions at the Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair, November 6 and 7. The programs will appeal to both aspiring and accomplished authors, as well as readers of Western literature and film.

“We have talked with the Cowboy Poetry Gathering organizers for several years about doing this,” says Johnny Boggs, president of Western Writers of America. “The Gathering is a major event, attracting thousands of people interested in the culture of the American West, so it seemed like a natural fit for WWA to get involved.”

Tom Whitaker, founder and president of the Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair, now in its fifteenth year, agrees. “Our mission is to promote Western heritage and culture. Western writing—history, fiction, poetry, songs, movies, television—that’s all part of it. Since Western Writers of America represents hundreds of authors in all those areas, we wanted the organization to be part of our event.”

WWA will have a dedicated lecture room, the Campfire Stage, Friday and Saturday at the Gathering. Among those scheduled to appear are screenwriter Kirk Ellis, winner of Emmy, Golden Globe, Wrangler, and Spur Awards for his work in movies and television, including the miniseries Into the West and John Adams, and “Ranger Doug” Green, of hall-of-fame musical group Riders in the Sky, who is also author of several books on music history and many magazine articles.

Other notable authors on the schedule include award-winning Utah historian Will Bagley, who both writes and edits books considered definitive works in Western History, including Blood of the Prophets and the series Kingdom in the West; Johnny Boggs, a New Mexico freelance magazine writer, prolific novelist, and winner of numerous Spur and Wrangler Awards; Jon Chandler, Colorado singer, songwriter, novelist, and recipient of several awards in both music and literature; Candy Moulton, Wyoming author of a Spur Award-winning history of Chief Joseph as well as other historical books and magazine articles; Michael Zimmer, Utah author of five historically accurate novels about the West, the fur trade, and buffalo hunting; Wyoming archeologist and author Terry Del Bene, whose work includes numerous museum and roadside exhibits as well as the popular Donner Party Cookbook; and Rod Miller, Utah author of numerous poems, magazine articles, two books of history, and a Western novel.

“We’ve put together a lineup with broad appeal,” says WWA president Boggs. “Our featured writers’ expertise covers practically all forms of Western literature, from Kirk Ellis’s work for film and television to Will Bagley’s critically acclaimed histories. Western fiction, nonfiction, poetry, song—it’s all there. And, with notable performers “Ranger Doug” and Jon Chandler scheduled to appear, WWA programs should be entertaining as well as informative.” Boggs says books and CDs by the featured authors will be available for sale at the Gathering, with the writers on hand for autographs and signings.

According to event organizers, the author appearances promise to deliver insights into the writing process, Western subjects on movie and television screens, research techniques for both fiction and nonfiction, inside information about publishing and marketing, adapting writing skills to multiple genres, as well as tips and advice for both readers and writers.

Entrance to WWA events is free with paid admission to the Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Buckaroo Fair. Schedule and ticket information are available online at www.hebercitycowboypoetry.com. Information about Western Writers of America is found at www.westernwriters.org.

---

Friday, November 6, 2009

Western Writers of America Campfire Stage

10 a.m. – Cowboy Music – Steve Moulton
10:30 a.m. – Writing Poetry About the West – What writers can learn from Cowboy Poets, Part I – Rod Miller
11 a.m. – Writing the Truth about the West: Researching History to Write Fiction – Michael Zimmer
12 noon – The Future of Western Nonfiction – Will Bagley, Candy Moulton, Rod Miller, Terry Del Bene
1 p.m. –  Writing About the History of the West – Will Bagley
2 p.m. – Western Music and Writing Music and Books of the West –“Ranger Doug” Green of “Riders in the Sky”
            and Jon Chandler
4 p.m. – The Changing Face of Western Movies – Kirk Ellis
6 p.m. – Literature of the West Roundtable Discussion – Rod Miller and WWA members

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Western Writers of America Campfire Stage

10 a.m. – Western Music and Poetry – Jon Chandler, Rod Miller, and Steve Moulton
11 a.m. – Writing About the West: Novels and Magazine articles – Johnny D. Boggs
Noon – Western Trails and Tales – Will Bagley, Candy Moulton, Terry Del Bene, and Michael Zimmer
1:30 – Writing Poetry About the West – What writers can learn from Cowboy Poets, Part II – Rod Miller
2 p.m. – So you want to be a writer? Tips from the Pros – Kirk Ellis and WWA members
3 p.m. – Researching History to Write Fiction – Michael Zimmer, Jon Chandler and Johnny D. Boggs
4 p.m. – Writing Nonfiction and Magazine Articles about the West – Will Bagley, Terry Del Bene, Candy Moulton,
            Rod Miller, Johnny D. Boggs
5 p.m. – The Future of Western Film – Kirk Ellis, Johnny D. Boggs
6 p.m. – Literature of the West Roundtable Discussion – Candy Moulton and WWA members 

Schedule subject to change including additional programming and presenters

WWA Presenters:

Kirk Ellis
Winner of numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, Writers Guild of America Award, a Wrangler, and a WWA Spur, screenwriter Kirk Ellis wrote and produced the award– winning series Into the West, and the critically acclaimed, award– winning, and highly rated HBO miniseries John Adams. Currently in the works are a feature film based on the Kit Carson story as told in Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides, and an HBO miniseries based on David McCullough’s 1776.

“Ranger Doug” Green
“The Idol of American Youth” writes, sings, yodels, records, and entertains with Riders in the Sky, the two– time Grammy– award– winning western quartet and member of the Western Music Hall of Fame. Doug Green is also a well– known and widely respected music historian, the author of Singing in the Saddle: The History of the Singing Cowboy; Country Roots: the Origins of Country Music; and Classic Country Singers.

Will Bagley
Historian and author Will Bagley is best known for his pivotal book on the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Blood of the Prophets, winner of the Spur Award, Bancroft History Prize, Westerners International’s Best Book Award, the John Whitmer Historical Association’s Best Book Award, and the Western History Association’s award for the year’s most distinguished book. His most recent book is Always a Cowboy: Judge Wilson McCarthy and the Rescue of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Johnny D. Boggs
Winner of three WWA Spur® Awards and a Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Johnny D. Boggs is also President of Western Writers of America. In addition to his many novels, including award winners Desperate Cañon, Camp Ford, and Big Fifty, and the recently released Soldier’s Farewell and Rio Chama, Boggs writes short fiction and his work appears frequently in American Cowboy, True West, Wild West, Persimmon Hill, and other periodicals.

Jon Chandler
Two–time Spur® Award winner, most recently for his song “Linwood” and previously for his debut novel, The Spanish Peaks, Jon Chandler was named “2009 Best Living Western Musician” by True West magazine. Recording artist, performer, and writer of songs about the historic and contemporary West, he is also a contributor to several magazines and author of Wyoming Wind, a fictionalized account of the legendary Tom Horn.

Terry A. Del Bene
An officer and teacher for the Cultural Interpretation and Living History Section of the National Association for Interpretation, Del Bene has worked throughout the West on cultural interpretation and archaeology projects. He is the author of The Donner Party Cookbook—a history of the ill-fated overland party replete with nineteenth-century recipes—he also has essays in Echoes From the Bluffs and co– authored Green River: Images of America. His work protecting emigrant trails earned him a Distinguished Service Award from the Oregon– California Trails Association.

Rod Miller
A prolific writer of poems about cowboys and the West, Miller’s poetry has appeared in American Cowboy, Western Horseman, Range, and The Big Roundup. His essays on poetry have appeared on CowboyPoetry.com and in the literary journal Rattle: Poetry for the Twenty– First Century. He also writes short fiction, including Spur Award finalist “A Border Dispute,” and is author of a Western novel and two history books, most recently Massacre at Bear River: First, Worst, Forgotten.  

Candy Moulton
Candy Moulton’s books include the Spur® Award-winning Chief Joseph: Guardian of the People and Steamboat: Legendary Bucking Horse. She has also written and produced interpretive films and documentaries, and writes for American Cowboy, Persimmon Hill, Wild West, True West, The Fence Post, the Casper Star– Tribune, and other publications.

Michael Zimmer
Michael Zimmer has written five novels. His historical epics Where the Buffalo Roam and Fandango are based on careful research into the ways of the Old West. Known for his vast knowledge of the fur trade and mountain man era, Zimmer is also an authority on freighting in the West as well as the buffalo and hide hunting era.

Steve Moulton
As the creator of the Spur® and other awards presented by WWA each year, Steve Moulton is certainly a friend of the organization. He is also an accomplished musician who has performed before at the Heber City Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This ranch manager has recently released his first CD, Cowboys & Campfires.

Posted 10/20

---

November 6-7, 2009
22nd Annual Rhymers Rodeer  Minden, Nevada
 

22^nd Annual Rhymers Rodeer at the Carson Valley Inn

Cowboy Poetry and Music

 

(Minden, NV)  Cowboy poetry, lively music, tales of the trail, stretch-the-truth yarns and good old-fashioned cowboy fun are all part of the 22^nd Annual Rhymers Rodeer in the Carson Valley Inn's Shannon Ballroom on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, 2009.  Performing are cowboy poets Walt "Bimbo" Cheney, Rod McQueary and Janice Gilbertson. The Rush Creek Quartet provides the music and the event is hosted by the always-clever, and sometimes irreverent, McAvoy Layne as Mark Twain.

 

The Rhymers Rodeer weekend includes a cocktail show on Friday, an open mic session for "all comers" Saturday morning and a dinner show on Saturday night. Ticket prices for 2009 remain the same as last year. The Friday evening show is $25 with no-host cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 7:30 p.m.  Saturday evening's dinner show is $50 with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m. and show time at 7:45 p.m.  An open mic session will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. All performances are non-smoking.

 

Rhymers Rodeer information is available on line at www.cvinn.com/rodeer  including an easy-to-use form for ordering tickets and making hotel reservations at special Rhymers Rodeer rates. Information is also available through the Carson Valley Inn Sales Department at 775-783-6679.  Advance ticket purchases are a must. The event is produced by Kay Fanning and Jim King.

 

The Carson Valley Inn (www.cvinn.com) is located on U.S. Highway 395 in Minden, NV near the intersection of State Highway 88. The popular hotel, casino and RV resort built its reputation by providing fun and memorable experiences through the smiles and friendly service of its 450+ employees. Amenities include 152 hotel rooms, a 75-room motor lodge, 59 RV sites, a casino, sports book, poker room, three dining facilities, two lounges, nightly live cabaret entertainment for listening and dancing, 6,000+ square feet of convention and banquet space, the Chapel at the Inn, an indoor pool/spa/fitness facility, Spa at the Inn massage and facial therapy, a Home Treasures gift shop, a Shell gas station & convenience store and more. The Inn is 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe's south shore and 45 minutes south of Reno. 

 

For more information on activities, recreation, history and shopping in the Carson Valley area, see www.visitcarsonvalley.org. 

 

Posted 6/17

Back to Events page  

 

---

November 7, 2009
Diamond Mountain Casino Cowboy Poetry and Music  Susanville, California
 

Diamond Mountain Casino in Susanville California will host cowboy poetry and music on Saturday, November 7th from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Featured will be poetry by Harold Roy Miller and Diana Miller, music by Johnny Walker, poetry and music by Jim Cardwell.

Cathy Morrison
Hotel Sales Manager
Diamond Mountain Casino & Hotel
900 Skyline Dr.
Susanville, CA 96130

530-310-1498
877-319-8514

cmorrison@diamondmountaincasino.com
www.diamondmountaincasino.com

Posted 10/22

---

November 7, 2009
Cowboy Christmas Concert Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona

From Jo Baeza:

Celebrate Cowboy Christmas Mountain Style

Join the people of the White Mountains in celebrating Arizona's Cutting of  the Capitol Christmas Tree November 7, 2009 by attending a "Cowboy Christmas Concert" in Pinetop-Lakeside.

The show starts at 7 p.m. in Blue Ridge High School Auditorium on Highway 260 across from WME Theatres.

Kick back and enjoy an old fashioned Western Christmas with an array of top cowboy performers, including MC Chris Isaacs, The Mountain Saddle Band, award-winning singer/songwriter Juni Fisher, and Arizona State Historian/Story Teller Marshall Trimble.

No advance tickets are being sold for this one. Come early, buy your tickets at the window and bring a non-perishable food item for the Love Kitchen. If you do, you will receive an extra door prize coupon. Tickets are
$10 age 12 and over, and $5 ages 5-11.

The Cowboy Christmas Concert is a fundraiser for the 5th Annual White Mountains Roundup of Cowboy Poetry, Music & Art Inc., a nonprofit Western Heritage event that will take place in Pinetop-Lakeside on the National Day
of the American Cowboy, July 23, 24 & 25, 2010.

Cowboy Christmas is being brought to you by the "The Outfit," the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Northland Pioneer College, Hon-dah Resort Casino, WME Theatres, Juni Fisher, Marshall Trimble, and the Mountain Saddle Band, with
many thanks to Blue Ridge School District.

As always, our program is dedicated to the men and women serving our country in the military. Soldiers on active duty admitted free of charge.

Posted 10/27

---

November 13, 2009
Them Cowboys is Trailin' North  Spruce Home, Saskatchewan

From Larry Krause:

"Them Cowboys is Trailin' North" will be held on November 13, 2009, at the Spruce Home Event Center, located on Highway #2, north of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Doors will open at 6:30, with the evening show beginning at 7:30.

Poets and performers for this years event include Doris Daley, Ol' Ugly and Audrey Neubhur, who is one of Western Canada's finest 'Minnie Pearl' tribute artists. The western music for the evening will provided by
recording artist, Larry Krause, featuring his well known style of Western music and cowboy ballads.

Proceeds from this event will go towards the Victoria Hospital Foundation and their project to purchase more wheelchairs for the hospital. As cowboys and cattlemen, we have all appreciated the value of those from time to time. For more information about the evening, or ticket sales, go to www.larrykrause.ca.

Posted 7/20

Back to Events page  

---

November 14, 2009
Poetry in the Basin  Odessa, Texas
 

From Kat Copeland:

"POETRY in the BASIN" at UTPB on Saturday, November 14, 2009 - FREE- FREE-FREE - EVERYONE WELCOME!!!

From 1:00 - 2:30 P.M. - COWBOY POETRY WORKSHOP led by Dr. Russell Goodyear of Midland College

-OR-

CRITIQUE FORUM, ANY FORM/ANY SUBJECT led by 2008 TEXAS POET LAUREATE LARRY D. THOMAS

3:00-5:00 P.M. - POETRY READINGS at J CONRAD DUNAGAN LIBRARY at UTPB FEATURED POET LARRY D THOMAS READING WEST TEXAS POETRY OTHER POETS:
COWBOY POETRY AND POETRY CONTEST WINNERS (find information here about the contest)
Music provided by Ron Eckert, "The Badman" CD (c)2008

Sponsored by ODESSA COUNCIL for the ARTS & HUMANITIES (OCA&H)
Sandstorm: UTPB's literary magazine
Midland College English Department
The Permian Basin Chapter of the Poetry Society of Texas 432-697-4205, kopykat@grandecom.net

Details on texaspoetryevents.info  under The Permian Basin Poetry Society.

Posted 8/24

Back to Events page  

---

November 13-15, 2009
4th Annual Arizona Cowboy Symposium  Sonoita, Arizona

From Ken Whitecotton:

The Arizona Cowboy Symposium Association is pleased to announce our 4th Annual Symposium, The Arizona Cowboy Symposium, from Sonoita, Arizona.  This event features 3 days of cowboy music, poetry and western
swing dances, November 13, 14 and 15. This is an American Heritage event and will feature 4 stages of continuous entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day provided by over 75 performers. Tickets will be $7
at the door, with under 12 free.

This event also features a full Western Mercantile and Trade Show, Cowboy Church on Sunday morning with a gospel sing, and Western swing dances on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets for the dances will be
$10 per person, with under 12 free.

For more information contact Mr. John Payne at 520-743-9328, or visit
our website at www.arizonacowboysymposium.org

Posted 10/19
 

Back to Events page  

---

November 14, 2009
1st Annual Cat Spring Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering  Cat Spring, Texas

From Cade Schalla:

Come join us at the 1st Annual Cat Spring Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering for some of the best cowboy poetry and music in Southeast Texas.

Tickets for this event are $29.00 and include a chuckwagon dinner. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Carol’s Restaurant in Cat Springs Texas http://www.blisswood.net/restaurant.html  or by contacting Cade Schalla at cade@cadeschallacowboypoetry.com


Name of event: 1st Annual Cat Spring Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Date: Saturday Nov 14th
Time: 5 pm - 9 pm
Location Blisswood Bed and Breakfast Cat Spring, Texas www.blisswood.net


Performers:

Scott Bumgardner – Houston native cowboy poet, story teller and Longhorn cattle breeder
www.texaslegacies.com

Cade Schalla – Local cowboy poet, columnist and former PRCA bull rider
www.cadeschallacowboypoetry.com/index.htm

Linda Kirkpatrick – Texas cowboy poet, writer and Texas historian
www.cowboypoetry.com/lk.htm

Joe Wells – Working cowboy and reciter and performer of classic cowboy poetry

Frank Roberts – Cowboy singer and songwriter

Prairie Moon Band - Cowboy band featuring cowboy music and western swing
www.prairiemoon.net/index.php

Posted 9/10

Back to Events page  
 

---

November 19, 2009
Heritage of the American West Performance Series  Spearfish, South Dakota
 

Thurs., Nov. 19th ~ Live Entertainment Show
"Christmas on the High Plains"
Cambria String Band
6:00pm Displays ~ 7:00pm Show Time
Admission: $12.00
Seniors (62 & better): $7.00
 

Heritage of the American West presents…..

Christmas on the High Plains with the Cambria String Band

 

Spearfish, SD—The stories in song of the opening of the northeastern Wyoming Territory during the 1800s include the tale of a canyon bottom where the Little Oil Creek ran.  Known by a number of names including Bloody Gulch, it would become the place known as Cambria; home to miners, cowboys, industrialists and investors from the East.

 

The Heritage of the American West features the music and song of that time with a band named after the history they represent; the Cambria String Band  blends the genres of country, folk, and gospel….. all performed with a bluegrass flair. Dynamic three-part harmonies and out-of-this-world picking make the music and history of the 1800s coal camp their named after come to life, on stage Thursday, November 19 at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish.  

 

“Developing shows where the back story is just as relevant as the stage entertainment is a part of what sets the Heritage of the American West Performance Series apart from other venues," says organizer Francie Ganje.  “Our goal is to tie those elements together. When they align like they have for this show, it’s fun, entertaining and informative. And a great way to tell the stories of the West.

 

“My thanks to the High Plains Western Heritage Center and the Anna Miller Museum in Newcastle, WY, both of which have provided insight,  inspiration and support to this performance.” 

And if you’re not a history buff, no worries. Cambria String Band’s contemporary play list includes original music and covers of Allison Krause, the Eagles, John Denver and Bob Dylan. Add the bands hilarious stories about growing up in the Black Hills and you’re in for an evening of great entertainment.

 

By 1887—and by some reports much earlier than that—coal mining was underway  in Cambria Canyon.  Meanwhile, construction of the railroad had come to a halt near Alliance, Neb., due to the high cost of providing eastern coal for the locomotives. But the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was ready to lay more steel to the West if there was a reason to. They found it in Wyoming in the form of coal. 

 

The first car of coal was loaded in 1889 with 2,700 tons. Up on the ridge, the Home Ranch provided food to a growing community and an idyllic place to house investors from the East. Miners and their families—some 1400 people—would eventually enjoy the use of a hospital (with electricity!) the company store, a hotel, railroad stations, a recreational hall with bowling billiards, schools, churches and an opera house.

 

But before that, entertainment in the coal and cowboy camps of Cambria was self-created with harmonicas and fiddles.

 

It’s all part of the show being presented by the Heritage of the American West, titled “Christmas On The High Plains.” The pre-show exhibit and reception that opens at 6:00 PM features well known regional authors, artists and photographers, among them Mick Harrison, Belle Fourche, an 2005 Art Spur designee at the Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry. The show uses his award winning art “A Christmas Tale” as its theme.  

 

Also in the lineup is Custer author and Black Hills historian Paul Horsted with his newest book, Crossing The Plains With Custer and cowboy and landscape photographer Les Voorhis, Spearfish. In addition, Gift Baskets & Beyond offers holiday creations and the Heritage Center’s Bookstore will be available for browsing for Christmas gift giving ideas.

  

Tickets are available at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, $7 for seniors/kids and $12 for adults. The show is set for broadcast on area radio stations with date/time to be announced.  Watch here for details along with the availability of the show online as a new website is developed.

 

For more information about the Heritage of the American West, contact Francie Ganje at Francie@rushmore.com.

See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.

Posted 11/16

Back to Events page  
 

---

November 20-21, 2009
Grand Junction Cowboy Poetry Gathering   Grand Junction, Colorado
 

2009

Grand Junction Cowboy Poetry Gathering

November 20 & 21

 

Whitman Educational Center,

4th & Ute

Downtown Grand Junction

 

Friday, November 20

 

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ongoing poetry & music programs (Free)

7:00 pm

Evening performance ($5/person)

 

Saturday, November 21

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Ongoing poetry & music programs (Free)

7:00 pm

Evening performance ($5/person)

 

If you happened to be in the audience last year when 99-year-old Clarence Carnal took the stage you were probably amazed, like the rest of us, by his sharp memory and his wonderful delivery of some of the old classic cowboy poems.   If you missed the experience, don’t worry, we’ve invited him back this year!  Clarence celebrated his hundredth birthday this fall, and according to his daughter, he has learned a few new poems for this year’s gathering...  Over the years, our cowboy poetry gatherings have brought us some great surprises like Clarence.  What will we turn up this year?

 

Gather around and enjoy some of the finest cowboy poetry and music from Colorado, Arizona and Texas! There’s plenty of variety in store from the great old classics to recent original poems and songs. Hear firsthand about everyday life on the ranch and the range, laugh at some adventures that might not have been all that funny at the time they happened, listen to stories about the old-timers and the way things used to be, and tap your toes to some wonderful music. Drop by for an hour, come for the day, enjoy an evening performance. Just don’t miss this year’s lineup of great folks. We’ll see you there!

 

Colorado:           Al Albrethsen (Grand Junction)

                        Clarence Carnal (Grand Junction)

                        Nona Kelley Carver (Mesa)

                        Slim Farnsworth (Cedaredge)

                        Ray Lashley (Grand Junction)

                        Peggy Malone (Fruita)

                        Terry Nash (Loma)

                        Vess Quinlan (San Acacio)

                        Tom Sharpe (Loma)
 

Arizona:             Sally Bates

                        Audrey Hankins

                        Suzi Killman

 

Texas:              Joel Nelson (Alpine)

For information contact Ronna Lee Sharpe, 970/361-1136, rsharpe@westcomuseum.org

Posted 11/11

---

November 28, 2009
3rd Annual Columbia Gorge Cowboy Gathering  The Dalles, Oregon

From Duane Nelson and Lori Campanella:

At the historic The Dalles Civic Auditorium, The Dalles, Oregon

The Columbia Gorge Cowboy Gathering, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, will once again feature a free all-day show, with Western lifestyle vendors, and “Invited Entertainers” interspersed with “Open mic” sessions. Doors open at 11:00 AM, and close at 5:00 PM.

The Evening Show (tickets: $20.00, available at the door), will kick off with Barb Nelson, 2008 nominee for Western Swing album of the year, followed by cowboy poet Duane Lee Nelson (No relation!), 2nd place winner in “Reciter-Serious” division at the 2009 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo,, held in Montrose, Colorado.

We are proud to announce, however, that the star of evening will be Mr. Dave Stamey, the 2008 Western Music Association "Entertainer of the Year" and “Male Performer of the Year.” Dave has also been three-times nominated for “Songwriter of the Year” (winning the award in 2007) and puts on one heckuva show!

So come and join us for “Wild and Western Time!” at the Columbia Gorge Cowboy Gathering.

For more information, contact: Duane Nelson or Lori Campanella @ backatthe@hotmail.com.

Posted 10/7

Back to Events page  
 

---

November 21, 2009
7th Annual Royal Saskatchewan Museum Cowboy Poetry Event  Regina, Saskatchewan

From Margot Mack:

7th Annual Cowboy Poetry Event
Saturday, Nov. 21 - 2009
at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum
2445- Albert Street
Regina, SK

6 p.m. - Full meal deal, dinner entertainment with Kathy Stochmal and Don Modderman as well as an open mic opportunity for budding poets/musicians @ $30 +gst

8 p.m. - Stage show only with Ken Mitchell as MC and featuring Anne Slade, Doris Bircham and Larry Krause @ $15+gst

Tickets available at the RSM Gift Shop or by calling 757-5951 with a credit card.

Information at 787-8165 or www.royalsaskmuseum.ca

Posted 11/3
 

Back to Events page  
 

---

December

 

---

December 4-5, 2009
21st Annual Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering  Wickenburg, Arizona
 

From Julia Brooks:

Fri. - 6-7:30pm—Cowboy Reception at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum

Sat. - 7-9am—Cowboy Dutch-Oven breakfast - $5 - Community Center outdoors
         9am-3pm—Cowboy Poets day session - indoors - community center
         7:30pm—Featuring Baxter Black and Brenn Hill on stage at the Del E. Webb Center
                     for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg.

Sun - 9am-10:15am —Cowboy Church - non-denominational - inside community center
          12noon -4pm - Visit the Desert Caballeros Western Museum

Sat. Night Tickets $20 in advance/ $25 at the door. Available through the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce, 216 N. Frontier Street, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390

Tickets for Friday Night "Cowboy Cocktail Reception"-$15 per person.

Sat. Day sessions are free.

---

21st ANNUAL COWBOY CHRISTMAS POETRY GATHERING -DEC. 4-5, 2009

Cowboy poets, singers and musicians from across the Southwest will meet in Wickenburg for the 21st Annual Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering.  The gathering is not a contest - there are no prizes and no winners, rather it is a place and time when cowboys, ranchers and folks involved in raising and caring for cattle and horses get together to celebrate the present in poetry, songs and story, just as they did over 146 years ago.

Cowboy poets, will mingle with guests at a Cowboy Cocktails Reception from  6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4th.  Admission includes cocktails and appetizers at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, located at 21 North Frontier Street. Tickets for the reception are $15 per person.

Most of the action will take place on Saturday starting with a cowboy Dutch-oven biscuits n' gravy and cowboy coffee from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - $3 donation in the north side parking area of the Wickenburg Community Center, 160 N. Valentine Street in the historic district of downtown Wickenburg.   The Free Day Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and include Sessions of storytelling, cowboy poetry readings and singin' which are held every 30 minutes in the center.

The featured cowboy poet's performance is scheduled on Saturday, December 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the beautiful Del E. Webb Center, 1090 South Vulture Mine Road. Cowboy poet & humorist Baxter Black and musician cowboy poet, Brenn Hill are featured.  Admission: $20 advance tickets - $25 at the door.

Cowboy Christmas Gathering concludes on Sunday, December 6th  with a non-denominational Cowboy Worship Service at 9:00 a.m., held inside the Wickenburg Community Center.  Check out the Desert Caballeros Western Museum exhibits on Sunday, open to the public from 12 Noon - 4:00 p.m.  Admission required.

Tickets for the Gathering are available from The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce

MasterCard, Visa, & Discover are accepted.  Information by calling: 1-800-942-5242 or go to our website at:  www.wickenburgchamber.com

Posted 10/19

Back to Events page  

---

December 11-13, 2009
11th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival and Western Art and Gear Show  Monterey, California

Gathering media release:

Don’t miss the very special 11th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival and Christmas Art & Gear Show (www.montereycowboy.org) on Friday through Sunday, December 11, 12 & 13, 2009. The festival will be held at the Monterey Conference Center located at One Portola Plaza, in downtown Monterey, CA. This popular annual event for all ages celebrates Monterey’s contribution to our western heritage with cowboy poetry, music, and a first class Western Art and Gear show. The festival brings together people from all over the United States to enjoy and learn more about the “cowboy way of life,” including its history, current values and culture.

The festival features seven outstanding shows scheduled over the three days, plus a Jam Session on Friday night, a Christmas Western Art & Gear Show and Sale, and Silent Auction. There is also Sunday morning Cowboy Church to benefit The Salvation Army of the Monterey Peninsula and features many of the top performers of the weekend. The special entertainment lineup will include Lacy J. Dalton, Don Edwards, Hot Club of Cowtown, Sons of the San Joaquin, the Gillette Brothers, and Dennis Gaines from Texas, Doris Daley from Canada, Pat Richardson and his brother Jess Howard, Waddie Mitchell, Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, and many more.

Ticket prices range from $30 to $35, or $200.00 for an all-event pass. For more information, to become a sponsor, a volunteer, or to purchase tickets, visit the website at www.montereycowboy.org or call 1-800-722-9652.

The Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival also coordinates the popular Cowboys in the Schools Program. During the school year, volunteers work with local educators to introduce the concept of Cowboy Culture and the influence of the vaquero to a diverse group of elementary school students. This “Cowboy Way of Life” program helps to teach youth self-esteem, ethics and values, writing, art, and history. In addition to presentations at schools, the organization brings hundreds of students to Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club each year to see cowboys working with horses and cattle and many exciting live demonstrations by local volunteers. Young people also participate in the “Open Mic” event during the festival weekend.

The Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from The James Irvine Foundation, the Arts Council for Monterey County with support from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, and numerous local businesses, agencies, and festival fans.

Posted 4/22

---

December 17, 2009
Heritage of the American West Performance Series  Spearfish, South Dakota

From Francie Ganje:

The Heritage Continues with our next performance from two of western entertainment's most respected storytellers and songwriters. Both working ranchers, Bob Petermann from Montana and Ken Cook of South Dakota bring their own unique perspectives to the stage!

Exhibit & Reception: 6:00
Show Time! 7:00

 Call For Tickets! 605-642-9378

 

Bob Petermann and Ken Cook join the Live! With Jim Thompson Show on Thursday, December 17th at 1PM Mountain....just ahead of their evening performance at the Heritage of the American West!

 

From Francie Ganje 12/10/09:

 

Of Trains and Tales and Cowboys….
Heritage of the American West Performance Series Looks To A Brand New Year

All aboard the New Year Heritage Express when the Heritage of the American West Performance Series prepares to welcome in a New Year. 

Set for Thursday, December 17, 2009 at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish, “The Heritage Continues” features award winning cowboy singer/songwriter Bob Petermann, Wibaux, Montana and cowboy poet Ken Cook, Martin, South Dakota. Both entertainers  have produced multiple CD’s and books and have performed at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, presented by the Western Folklife Center.

“It was like getting an early present,” says Heritage show producer Francie Ganje.  “When both of these veteran cowboy entertainers said yes to performing together and in the midst of winter no less,  we’d be hard pressed to bring any greater talent to the stage to tell the story in cowboy music, poetry and song , of  new beginnings.” 

Discussions on the show theme brought the suggestion from Ken and his son to title it “The Heritage Continues.”  He notes, “Folks are putting their heads, hands and hearts together to keep this show on the stage and on the air; lending a hand is how we do things.  And we’re just ahead of a brand new year.  The title seemed to fit.” 

The pre-show exhibit and reception begins at 6:00 PM and explores the role of the steel rails in settling  the West and the Black Hills.  Visit with well known historians, collectors and authors and tour historic standing displays that are a part of the Center’s  early-day transportation collections.       

“Railroads were the artery in the settlement of the High Plains frontier,” notes Heritage Center Executive Director, Peggy Ables.  “They brought people West and supplies and  goods; those things that build a place.”

As the trains came West, it created and left lasting legacies along the way.  It would turn early day communities like Belle Fourche into the cattle shipping capitol of the nation for a time.  A diorama depicting that story can be viewed among the Heritage Center permanent exhibits. 

“The tale of railroads in South Dakota and the Black Hills is fascinating,” observes historian, collector and train set builder Bill Fuller, of Spearfish, South Dakota. “I swear, half of the towns out there (the Plains of South Dakota) are named after wives, sweethearts, lovers, or directors who sat on transportation boards ….all with some association to the Milwaukee Railroad.”  

A sampling of Fuller’s train sets will be on display including the 2010 New Year Heritage Express Locomotive. “It’s a festive passenger train,” says Fuller in his description,  “pulled behind an old steam locomotive that is absolutely guaranteed to reawaken the nostalgia of traveling by train across this part of the country up to the mid-20^th Century …. not to mention the excitement many will recall of a train set under the Christmas tree!”

Additional features during the pre-show event include displays for the 1880 Train (which uses a portion of the original Burlington track from the late 1800’s) and the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, (also see Featured Events at: www.hillcitysd.com) a new attraction that will open in Spring 2010.  Both are located in Hill City.

Also on hand will be wood artisan Lynn Hawkins, Sturgis,  whose original barbwire collector boards and stirrup clocks will be on display and available for purchase. 

The 90 minute live stage show (that  airs on radio stations) gets underway at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for seniors/kids and $10 for adults and includes admission into one of the region's premiere cowboy and pioneer museums.  Call the Heritage Center for tickets at 605-642-9378.

For more information on this performance and the 2010 Heritage of the American West Performance Series,  contact Ganje at 605-720-5968 or Email: heritageshow@gmail.com
 

 For more information about the Heritage of the American West, contact Francie Ganje at Francie@rushmore.com.

See our feature about the Heritage of the American West here.

Updated 12/10

---

December 18, 2009
Michael Martin Murphey's 15th annual Cowboy Christmas Ball at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum  Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From the museum's news release:

‘Tis the season for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum® in Oklahoma City to stage its 15th edition of Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas Ball. The yuletide dance will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18, with Murphey headlining an evening of entertainment for the entire family in the Museum’s Sam Noble Special Events Center. With its buffet dinner, visit from Santa Claus, dancing and Murphey’s live performances, the event harkens back to frontier traditions when neighbors gathered to dance, eat and celebrate.

“It’s a warm, old fashioned affair,” Murphey says. “It’s common to see grandmas dancing with grandsons, moms with sons, daughters and dads, even great-grandparents! Little kids go absolutely crazy about the event, and many get into clogging and step-dancing during the fiddle tunes.”

For the past several years, the event has been a sell-out, attracting guests from across Oklahoma and surrounding states. Regular attendees will notice that the event is one week later than in years past, landing on a date closer to Christmas.

Reservations can be made online via the Museum’s web site at www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

Presenting sponsor is Express Ranches and Express Employment Professionals. Supporting Sponsor is Standley Systems, with additional sponsors include Museum Partners Devon Energy Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation and E. L and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, with support provided by The Oklahoman.

For information on all Museum events visit www.nationalcowboymuseum.org or call (405) 478-2250, Ext. 219.

Posted 12/7

Back to Events page  

---

 

 

HOME

 What's New | Poems | Search

 Features | Events  

The BAR-D Roundup | Cowboy Poetry Week

Poetry Submissions 

Subscribe | Newsletter | Contact Us

  Join Us!

 

Authors retain copyright to their work; obtain an author's
permission before using a poem in any form.

 

CowboyPoetry.com is a project of the Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry, Inc., a Federal and California tax-exempt non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.  

 

Site copyright information