Cowboy Poetry and Western Life

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Events and Festivals

Venues with Monthly and Multiple Dates

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Below are descriptions that are linked from event listings on the Events page. 

These items are linked also from here on the front-page news menu.

There are also reports from those who have attended events, 
and those are linked from the Events page, too.


Back to Events page . . .
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See our complete Events list here.

 

Submission information:

We welcome your event information about cowboy poetry and Western music events. Information details get posted in our news and in links from our Events calendar.

We regret that we can't list individual performers' or groups' shows or "shows" that have just one or two performers or groups, including house concerts; those are too numerous for us to maintain. (We do welcome information for established venues with a roster of regularly-scheduled programs, even if those programs feature just one or two performers. The season's schedule is welcome, at least several weeks before the season begins.)

We sometimes include other events of interest, such as rodeos and art shows.

Email us if you have questions about the inclusion of your event.

Please send the announcement in plain text, not in graphic or pdf format. You can send a logo, photo or small graphic for our front-page news link. Those will be re-sized and posted at a height from 58-77 pixels.

Please send information at least several weeks before your event.

Be sure to include date, times, ticket information, a description, and performers' names, along with contact information: a phone number, email address, or web link that can be posted.

Email us your announcement.

We do our best to provide accurate information, but please confirm dates directly with gathering organizers.

Help spread the word!

Email us us for a supply of handout postcards about CowboyPoetry.com for your event.

Two CowboyPoetry.com information postcards are available for 2010 (and some previous cards remain available).

One is the image selected as the cover for the 2011 CD, The BAR-D Roundup: Volume Six.  It depicts legendary fiddler and cowboy Frankie McWhorter (1931-2008) and his dog, Hank. Frankie McWhorter was the father of cowboy and poet Larry McWhorter (1957-2003) and grandfather of reciter Abi McWhorter. The photograph was taken in about 1986 by Kris Erickson ( www.hankthecowdog.com):

Another features Duward Campbell's painting, "Pilgrim," chosen as the image for the 2011 Cowboy Poetry Week poster. "Pilgrim" is a painting of cowboy and poet J.B. Allen (1938-2005) and his horse, Pilgrim. The painting is also the cover of J.B. Allen's book, the circle:

The reverse sides of the postcards have information about the Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry and CowboyPoetry.com.

Find larger views, the reverse-side text, and previous years' cards here.

Thanks to the following gatherings, organizations, and individuals for helping to spread the word by making CowboyPoetry.com information cards available to date and for providing space for them:

The Heritage of the American West show; the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Saddle Up! in Pigeon Forge, Sierra Vista's Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering, Wyoming Wintercamp Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Chadron State College Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Red Rock Writers, Montana Cowboy and Ranchwomen Dinner Show, Montana Country Poets and Pickers Annual Gathering, Festival of the West, Alpine Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, Nara Visa Cowboy Gathering, National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, Kamloops Cowboy Gathering, Estes Park Cowboy Poetry and Music Round-Up, Wyoming's Grand Encampment Cowboy Gathering, Lee Earl Memorial Scholarship Gathering, Oklahoma Cowboy Poetry and Songs, Kane County Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Dollarwatch Cowboy Show, Gila Valley Poets Spring Gathering, Idaho City Gathering, Booth Western Art Museum, Los Rios Rancho and Muir Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Cowboy Culture Corner, Truckee Western Week and ProRodeo Cowboy Poetry and Music, Conifer Trails and Tales, Triple Creek Ranch, Eldorado Running of the Bull, Oklahoma Centennial Covered Wagon Rendezvous, Annual Reno Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering, Friends of Marty Robbins, Southwestern Idaho Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Visalia Fall Roundup, Annual Grand Union Gathering, Badger Clark Hometown Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering, Old West Days, Pinedale Roundup, Grand Junction Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Grass Valley Elks' Cowboy Poetry, Annual Gila River Heritage Round-Up, Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny, Spirit of the West, Annual Bosque County Chuckwagon Cookoff & John A. Lomax Music Festival, Annual Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry, Music & Art Gathering, and First Annual Utah, Arizona, Nevada (& Neighbors) Cowboy Poetry Gathering & "Old Timers" Get Together, First Annual Golden Spike Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, Annual Missouri Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Boys Town Nevada, Songs, Stories, and Cowboy Poetry—Celebrating the American West, Chama Cowboy Days, South Dakota Spirit of the West, Steppin' Back Guest Ranch, Cowboy Culture Extravaganza, Them Cowboys is Headin' Downtown, Riding 4 the Brand Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Rhymers Rodeer, Missouri Cowboy Poets Association An Evening in the West, Texas Independence Day Celebration and Cowboy Gathering, Annual Tyrone Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering, Southern Oregon Farm Festival, The Very First Ojai Valley Cowboy Show, Benicia Cowboy Poetry and Music Relay for Life Benefit, and Benefit Concert for the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy, Third Annual Historic Ritzville Days Western Art Show, Rileys at Los Rios Rancho, White Mountains Roundup of Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art, San Juan Western Heritage Festival, East Texas Wild West Fest, Open Range Magazine Cowboy Dinner Show, Them Cowboys is Trailin' North, Permian Basin Poetry Society, Cowboy Boot Camp, Wild West Days at Rough Cut, Annual Columbia Gorge Cowboy Gathering, Campfire Tales at the Ft. Worth Stock Show, Texas Crossroads Cowboy Poetry Gathering, KBHB radio, Vinton Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Scofield's Cowboy Campfire at Red Mule Ranch, Pincher Creek Cowboy Gathering, Durango Cowboy Gathering, Annual Bear Lake Cowboy Gathering, "This One's for the Cowboys," and A Montana Christmas, Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous, Cowboy Concert Series, Rapid City Public Library, Echoes of the Trail, Lost 'n Lava Cowboy Poetry Gathering, High Country Summer, and CSU Equine Teaching & Research Center; and Tom Morgan, Jeri Dobrowski, Smoke Wade, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Susan Parker, Ken Cook, Linda Kirkpatrick, DW Groethe, Gwen Petersen, Janice Coggin, Sandi and Jay Snider, Nika Nordbrock, Karen Neurohr, Jo Lynne Kirkwood, Lauralee Northcott, Kathy and Van Criddle, Doris Daley, Tex Tumbleweed, Laurali Noteman, Alfred Janssen, Hal Swift, Diane Tribitt, Ann Blackford, Doc Stovall, Bobbie Hunter, Jim Hawkins, Al Mehl, Don Hilmer, Geff Dawson, Mick Vernon, PJ and Dallas McCord, Carla Bell, Jim Runge, Tom Cole, Linda Record, Cheryl Park, Lowell Moore, Jon Chandler, Jerry Brooks, Juanita Buckley, Almeda Terry, Ronna Lee Sharpe, Laura and Tony Argento, Sr., Ralph Smith, Steve Conroy, Donnette Engebrecht, Fred Liese, Harlo Birkholz, Mark McMillan, Beth Bender, Kay Duke, Jackson Mackenzie, Francie Ganje, Pat Richardson, Sam Jackson, Stan Tixier, Tom Weatherby, Jennie Cummings, Maryanne Patterson, Mike Moutoux, Cimarron Sue and Nevada Slim, Ted Flaum, Rick Nagle, Christopher Martinez, Janice Gilbertson, Cass Swanson, Jan Billups, Thayne Beard, Larry Krause, Kathryn Trigg, Bill Henderson, Don Collop, Mark Miller, Sally Smith, Laurel Paulson-Pierce, Terri Taylor (STAMPEDE!), Woody Woodruff, Pete Kennedy, Mikki Dennis, Joe Baker, Kathy Barlow, Diane Tribitt, Paul R. Hirdler, Denise Keary, Gari Merendino, Stephen McFadden, Rose Sanders, Jo Baeza, Doc Davis, Clark Crouch, Larry Krause, Kat Copeland, Jim Moore, Shawn Gannon, Duane Nelson, Jim Cardwell, Cindy Quiqley, Buck Helton, Bob Kinford, Betty Ramelli, Steven Spalding, Thomas Scofield, Martyn Hill, Linda Mannix, Arden Gailey, Laura O'Connor, T.J. Casey, Rod Miller, Dale Major, Rod Miller, John Pappas, Jerry Schleicher, Judy Howser, Payson Reese, Vi Tara, and Chuck Peterson.

Email us if you or your event should be on this list, and if you'd like a supply of cards.

Email us for a free supply for your event, shop, or places in your community that would welcome the information.

Venues with Monthly and Multiple Dates

 

Monthly
 Heritage of the American West Performance Series   Spearfish, South Dakota

Reception at 6PM
Showtime at 7PM

Thursday, January 19, 2012 "CABIN FEVER PARTY"
Jami Lynn ... folk/acoustic/bluegrass, Rapid City, SD
6:00PM Cowboy Song Tradition Exhibit & Reception
7:00PM Show Time!

Thursday, February 16, 2012 "A PATYSY CLINE EXPERIENCE"
 Patsy InCLINEd, Rapid City, SD
6:00PM Love Letters from the Cattle Trail Exhibit & Reception
7:00PM Show Time! 

Thursday, March 15, 2012 "COWBOY IRISH"
 Cornbeef Cowboys, Denver, CO
6:00PM Cowboy Life: The Letters of George Phillips Book Signing
7:00PM Show Time!

Thursday, April 19, 2012 "RHYTHM & RHYME"
6:00PM Cowboy Poetry Week Exhibit & Reception
 Yvonne Hollenbeck, Clearfield, South Dakota
Presentation of "The Badger: Excellence in Cowboy Poetry"
7:00PM Show Time!
An evening with the most awarded cowboy poet in the country is the centerpiece for the Heritage of the American West Performance Series celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week, April 15 - 21, 2012. An officially
designated recognition by Congress and many states and communities (including South Dakota and Spearfish) the event marks the legacy of the oral tradition of the cowboy; storytellers in rhyme of generations of western history and contemporary country living.

Yvonne Hollenbeck, a two-time Will Rogers Medallion Award winner and the best among cowboy poets from the Western Music Association, Academy of Western Artists and multiple invitations to the National Cowboy Poetry
Gathering, will perform on the Heritage Stage, Thursday, April 19th at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish, SD. "From laughter to tears, you will find yourself connecting your own experiences with Yvonne's story telling—whether you were/are ranch raised or not," says Francie Ganje with the Heritage Series. "An authentic voice is capable of reaching across age and lifestyle boundaries to connect with all people. That bests describes an evening with Yvonne Hollenbeck."

The event opens at 6:00pm with the exhibit "Cowboy Song Tradition", an exhibit from the George B. German Music Archives in Mitchell, SD. It portrays the rich tradition of the cowboy song in a series of panels which include photographs, sheet music, and historical accounts of the lives and music of Charles Badger Clark, Tex Fletcher, George B. German, Rusty Holman, Lloyd Prichard, and Ben Stoller. The exhibit includes the recently restored video-documentary, Ride Around Cowboy, created by the Music Archives in 1980.

Also on display will be official proclamations noting Cowboy Poetry Week from Governor's in five states, the official U.S. Congressional Resolution autographed by its sponsors, the proclamation from the City of Spearfish, and historical cowboy poetry books on loan from private collectors.

Show time is at 7pm with the talent of Emily Jerde on the 1913 M. Schulz Upright Grand Piano in the Theatre. A country girl from Reva, SD., she is a classically trained pianist and violinist currently studying songwriting and music production at Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. She will open the performance with vintage Western music.

Also joining the show are two award winning orators from Elm Springs Elementary Country School, in Meade County. Jacob Linn and Carter Elshere, both 7th graders, will present cowboy poetry by world famous
cowboy poet Badger Clark, who lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Their performance introduces "The Badger: Excellence In Cowboy Poetry," presented each year by the Heritage Series to the cowboy poet who best represents the art form in published works, audio and video programming and recording, public appearances and mentoring. This year's recipient is Yvonne Hollenbeck, Clearfield, SD.

Doors open at 6pm with $12 admission that includes the "The Cowboy Song Tradition" exhibit, the live stage performance, free admission to the Heritage Museum, and complimentary pie at Perkins Family Restaurant,
Spearfish, SD. Contact the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish, SD at 605-642-9378 for tickets.

Find details on the Heritage of the American West Facebook page.
 

Thursday, May 17, 2012 “WOMEN OF THE WEST”
 Laurie & Cora Wood  Saratoga, Wyoming
6:00pm Displays ~ 7:00pm Show Time

 Thursday, June 21, 2012 “HOMEWARD BOUND”
Barry Ward - Elbert, CO
6:00pm Displays ~ 7:00pm Show

Thursday, July 19, 2012 "RIDIN' FOR THE BRAND"
R.J. Vandygriff, Dallas, TX
6:00PM National Day of the Cowboy Exhibit & Reception
"Read A Cowboy" program for youth
7:00PM Show Time!

Thursday, August 23, 2012 "ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE"
Juni Fisher, Franklin, TN
6:00PM Exhibit & Reception
7:00PM Show Time! 

September
TBA  

Thursday, November 15, 2012 "CHRISTIMAS ON THE HIGH PLAINS" ....a fundraising performance
Sweethearts In Carhartts
Jean Prescott, Ovalo, TX
Yvonne Hollenbeck, Winner, South Dakota
6:00PM Social & Shopping Heritage Gift Store
7:00PM Show Time!
8:00PM Calcutta for the Western Arts 

Thursday, December 20, 2012 "YOUNG GUNS VOLUME III: The Next Generation of Music & Storytellers of the West!
Musicians and orators ages 5-20 perform music and poetry of the West.
6:00PM Exhibit & Reception
7:00PM Show Time!

Tickets are available at the High Plains Western Heritage Center, Advance tickets $9; Day of show $12

The 90-minute live stage show also airs later on KBHB 810AM Five State Ranch Radio, Sturgis, South Dakota and KBFS 1450 AM & KYDT 103.1 FM The Country Twins, Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Also find all of the monthly shows' schedule here at the High Plains Western Heritage Center web site.

For more information about the Heritage of the American West, contact Francie Ganje at Francie@rushmore.com and visit the Heritage of the American West on Facebook.


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

Updated 11/2

February and March, 2012
National Council for the Traditional Arts Don't Fence Me In   Washington, Oregon, California

The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA)—America's oldest folk arts organization—presents Don't Fence Me In; Songs, Music, and Poetry of the American West in performances in February and March, 2012 in California, Washington, and Oregon. Performers include Wylie & the Wild West, North Bear, Los Texmaniacs, The Quebe Sisters Band, and Paul Zarzyski.

From the NCTA announcement:

Few places in the world capture the imagination like the American West. From the range, ranch, reservation and roadhouse, from the valley of the Rio Grande to the Bitteroot Mountains, Don't Fence Me In: Songs, Music and Poetry of the American West explores the region's celebrated musical and oral culture. Cowboy songs and poetry, high plains yodeling, western swing fiddle and vocal harmonies, lively Tex-Mex polkas and rancheras, and Northern Plains pow-wow drum and song are performed by an assemblage of exceptional artists...

Find more information  here on the NCTA site.

Sat, Feb 18
Washington Center for the Performing Arts - Olympia, WA

Mon, Feb 20
Craterian Ginger Rogers Theatre - Medford, OR

Tues, Feb 21
Kate Buchanan Hall, Humboldt State Univ., CenterArts - Arcata, CA

Wed, Feb 22
Napa Valley Opera House - Napa, CA

Thurs, Feb 23
Bankhead Theatre, Livermore Perf. Arts Center - Livermore, CA

Fri, Feb 24
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts - Santa Rosa, CA

Sat, Feb 25
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts - Modesto, CA

Mon, Feb 27
Mandeville Auditorium, UC San Diego - San Diego, CA

Wed, Feb 29
University Ballroom, Cal State Univ., Monterey Bay - Seaside, CA

Thurs, Mar 1
Clark Center - Arroyo Grande, CA

Fri, Mar 2
Campbell Hall, UC Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara, CA

Posted 11/7

 

June-September, 2012
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 1880s 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 30 - Dave Bourne and Jim King
July 7 - Juni Fisher and Pat Richardson
July 14 - Sourdough Slim

July 21 - Old West Trio & (poet to be added and announced)
August 4 - The Gillette Brothers

August 18 - Dave Stamey

 August 25 - Old West Trio and Jim & Karen Ross

Sept 8 - Old West Trio and Mark Twain
 

Find information for all performers at www.scofieldscowboycampfire.com.

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 1/23

April-October, 2012
Fifth Annual Big Hat Promotions House Concerts   Altadena, California

From Bob and Marie Mann:

Our events will be held in our backyard here in Altadena, California.

As always, complimentary food and beverages will be served to our guests who attend the shows.

Your generous donations for our performers are greatly appreciated.

Please make your reservations early by emailing big.hat@sbcglobal.net.

Find complete information for all events at www.BigHatOnline.com

Doors Open at 5:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm except where noted

Bob and Marie Mann founded Big Hat Promotions as a way to promote Cowboy poetry and Western music to a new audience through a series of intimate backyard house concerts. They knew that in order to accomplish this goal, they must present the very best artists the genre had to offer. Big Hat Promotions’ 4th Annual Summer Series is no exception.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.bighatonline.com or email big.hat@sbcglobal.net.
 

April 15, 2012  

Juni Fisher returns as we partner with Altadena Stables in a matinee performance on Sunday, April 15. 

June 3, 2012
           Whistle Stop Ranch Summer Serenade  Acton, Calfornia
         Featuring Sourdough Slim and Michael Tcherkassy.
         Find more below.

June 23, 2012  

Juni Fisher

July 7, 2012  

Dave Stamey

July 21, 2012

RW Hampton

October 27, 2012
        
       4th Annual Whistle Stop Ranch Fall Cowboy Roundup  Acton, California
       Featuring Dave Stamey, Gary Robertson, Eddie Villalobos, and Michael Tcherkassky.
       Find more below.
 

Reservations are required for all of our 2012 events. Email big.hat@sbcglobal.net to make reservations or to request to be added to our mailing list.

www.bighatonline.com 
 

Posted 3/22

Back to Events page

 

January

January 7, 2012
When the Work's All Done This Fall  between Belle Fourche and Spearfish, South Dakota

From Robert Dennis:

After being on stage together at the 21st Annual Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Old West Days, four of us—Marty Blocker, Ken Cook, Robert Dennis and Paul Larsen—decided to try doing a show together in the Northern Black Hills area.

It will be held at the time of the year when the work's all done, so we named it after that grand old poem, "When The Works All Done This Fall." We are trying to pay honor to the cowboys and ranchers and ranching traditions of this country.

It will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Beslers Cadillac Ranch, between Spearfish and Belle Fourche, SD. There will be an afternoon show at 2 pm.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 605 985 5419

$5 for adults, kids in free, for the afternoon performance

$8 per person for the evening performance

(This event was originally scheduled for November 18, 2011, but was postponed because of weather.)

Updated 11/23
 

January 20-21
 Cowboy Up at Winter Camp  Miles City, Montana

Preliminary information from Jane Bower:

~  Cowboy Up at Winter Camp ~

Miles City's 1st Cowboy Poetry & Pickers Gathering
Friday, January 20th and Saturday, January 21st, 2012
Hosted by The Historical Olive Hotel
 
 


Friday 12:00  Performance at the Community College cafeteria for the rodeo team and guest.


 Friday evening   Performance at the Country Club for the Chambers Award Dinner


 Saturday:  Hosted at The Historic Olive Hotel

Registration with name tags for performers.
Tickets sold for gathering events.
Hand out welcome gift bags

8:00 a.m. A full chuck wagon country breakfast with music, served up at The Olive, will kick off the festivities.

 10:00 - 12:00 Take pleasure in historical and artful exhibits. Poetry, storytelling & music throughout the lobby of the Historic Olive Hotel.

 1:00 - 5:00  Breakout rooms with storytelling, poetry, a "how to write cowboy poetry workshop" and musicians performing. Visit with a cowboy poet and learn about the roots of cowboy poetry.

   Enjoy exhibits set up throughout the Olive.

   Poet and storyteller Gwen Peterson

   Poet, storyteller and musician Leslie Keltner

   World renowned bull rider Lloyd Ketchum will exhibit awards and speak of his adventures

   Bill's Leather will exhibit leather wares including leather-bound journals.
 
   Ronnie Reed will exhibit hand made spurs, bits, and more
 
   "How to Write Cowboy Poetry Workshop" hosted by Gwen Peterson

   Local poets gather for recitations and entertainment.

 5:00  Dinner

 7:00 - 9:00  The Night Show - location yet to be decided (Fairgrounds)

   Opening the show will be Gwen Peterson, poet and storyteller and Leslie Keltner, poet and singer.

   Performance by Ken Overcast, distinguished cowboy poet and musician

 9:00  After Show Burner Party and Jam Session at the Olive Hotel Bar, where poets, storytellers & musicians let loose their talent and go free style.


The Historic Olive Hotel
501 Main St.
Miles City,   Montana  59301
406-234-2450  x 209
products2discover@hotmail.com

Posted 11/14
 

January 26, 2012
16th Annual Will Rogers Cowboy Awards  Fort Worth, Texas

From Academy of Western Artists Director Bobby Newton:

The 16th Annual Academy of Western Artists awards will be held in conjunction with the Fort Worth Livestock Show in Fort Worth, Texas January 26, 2012. The event will be held at the Casa Manana Theater which is on the northeast corner of the Will Rogers Complex. We are extremely pleased to be associated with such a prestigious and cowboy event as the premier stock show in the country in the Cowboy Capitol of the World, Fort Worth, Texas. We are still working on the details and they will be forthcoming. For more information, please email working_cowboy@hotmail.com.

Posted 7/14

January 28-February 4, 2012
The 28th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Elko, Nevada

The Western Folklife Center has announced information for the 28th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, January 30 to February 4, 2012, in Elko, Nevada.

Excerpts from their August 3, 2011 newsletter:

The 28th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering will include a focus on the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. This special programming is in recognition of the centennial of statehood for both states, which were admitted to the Union in 1912. Also integral to the American Southwest is West Texas (People in New Mexico like to call that part of Texas "far eastern" New Mexico, and Texans like to call eastern New Mexico "far west" Texas), so it will also be included in our Southwest programs, which will feature poets, musicians and other artists from the region, and an exhibition of Southwest ranching culture in our Wiegand Gallery.

Poets and musicians performing at the 28th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering are: Amy Hale Auker; Mike Beck & the Bohemian Saints; Baxter Black; Dave Bourne;Jerry Brooks; Ken Cook; Doris Daley; Stephanie Davis; John Dofflemyer; Ramblin' Jack Elliott; Rolf Flake; Dick Gibford; The Gillette Brothers; Skip Gorman, Connie Dover & the Waddie Pals; DW Groethe; R.W. Hampton; Carol Heuchan; Yvonne Hollenbeck; Hot Club of Cowtown; Jess Howard; Tim Hus & The Rocky Mountain Two; Ross Knox; Marley's Ghost; Michael Martin Murphey & The Rio Grande Band featuring Pat Flynn; Wally McRae; Waddie Mitchell; Andy Nelson; Joel Nelson; Rodney Nelson; Glenn Ohrlin; Vess Quinlan; Henry Real Bird; Pat Richardson; Randy Rieman; Ronstadt Generations; Martha Scanlan; Georgie Sicking; Sourdough Slim; R.P. Smith; Jay Snider; Dave Stamey; Gail Steiger; Rod Taylor; Ian Tyson; Dick Warwick; Andy Wilkinson & Andy Hedges; Wylie & The Wild West; and Paul Zarzyski.

Find more about each of the performers here at National Cowboy Poetry Gathering web site.

Also from the newsletter:

Early in the week of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, we offer hands-on workshops where people can learn a skill or craft such as rawhide braiding, leather carving, writing poetry or cooking a traditional dish. People who participate in workshops at the Gathering have a unique experience that connects them personally to the artistic traditions of the West. They meet new people and make lasting friendships and return home with a new skill and usually a piece of art that they can enjoy for years to come.

Visit the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering web site for more information, the schedule of ticketed events (available the week of August 8)  and for ticket information (tickets are available to Western Folklife Center members starting September 6, to non-members on October 6).

Posted 8/4

 February

February 3-5, 2012
18th Annual Montana Country Poets & Pickers Gathering Chinook, Montana

From Fred Liese:

The Montana Country Poets & Pickers will be holding their 18th annual gathering on February 3-5, 2012 at the Chinook Motor Inn and the Chinook High School Auditorium in Chinook, Montana. Any poets, musicians & storytellers who are interested in performing are asked to contact:

Dale Mailand
P.O. Box 472
Harlem, Montana 59526

Phone: 406.353.2383; mailand@itstriangle.com; mtpoetsnpickers@yahoo.com

We hope to see you there!

Posted 10/13

February 16-19, 2012
 8th Annual Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering Ellensburg, Washington
 

Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering is proud to present the finest in western entertainment this coming Presidents Day Weekend, February 16 – 19, 2012, in Ellensburg, Washington.

Concerts featuring Michael Martin Murphey, Dave Stamey, Bar J Wranglers, Brenn Hill, Sourdough Slim, Chris Isaacs, Adrian, Gary Allegretto, Carin Mari and the CWU Symphony Orchestra will be held at the CWU Concert Hall and the Kittitas Valley Event Center.

A number of our western entertainers perform at downtown venues providing free entertainment on Friday and Saturday, as well as a Western Gear & Art Show, Rodeo Cowboy Reunion, Chuck Wagon Cook Off, Fiddle Contest and a Western Dance Saturday night featuring The Saddle Cats.

For more information, go to our website: www.EllensburgCowboyGathering.com or call 1-888-925-2204.

Come experience our brand of western hospitality in Ellensburg, Washington!

Posted 12/7

February 23-26, 2012
 12th Annual Saddle Up! Celebration Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
 

From Donnette Engebrecht:


 Saddle Up For A Western Weekend In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. - The Smoky Mountain town of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., will present the 12th annual Saddle Up, Feb. 23-26, 2012. The four-day event is a tribute to the American West and is filled with concerts by cowboy musicians and poets, a chuckwagon cookoff and other activities for the entire family.

Saddle Up is part of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, a four-month season of  activities that begins in November and continues through February.

Performers for the 2012 event include R.W. Hampton, Stephanie Davis, Cowboy Celtic, Saddle Cats, Andy Nelson, Ray Doyle, Chuck Pyle and Kent Rollins. Concerts at Tennessee Shindig Theater (3 & 7 p.m. on Feb. 24; 6 p.m. on Feb. 25) are $15 each.

Two "Intimate Evening" dinner shows are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 23. A four-course dinner at Partridge & Pear restaurant will be followed by a performance from R.W. Hampton, the newest member of the Western Music Association Hall of Fame. Tickets are $50. Montana singer/songwriter Stephanie Davis, a newcomer to Saddle Up, will entertain at Mama's Farmhouse Restaurant, following a family-style meal that includes steaks prepared by the Red River Ranch chuckwagon team from Texas. Tickets are $40.

"Stories & Strings," Feb. 24 at 11 a.m., is a concert that features some of the elite musicians attending the event. Each will talk about musical influences, demonstrate personal styles and share favorite tunes. The $15 concert at Smoky Mountain Guitar Shop will include Dutch oven-baked cinnamon rolls and beverages beginning at 10 a.m.

A competitive chuckwagon cookoff, is slated for Saturday, Feb. 25. Sponsored by Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association, chuckwagon cooks prepare lunch for  guests and evaluation by a panel of judges. Lunch tickets are $10. Beginning at 9 a.m., prior to the cookoff at Clabough's Campground, visitors can hear cowboy entertainers and participate in cowboy-related activities free of charge.

A Cowboy Dance (tickets are $5), with music by Stephanie Davis and the Roadrunners, is Saturday night at Spirit of the Smokies Condo Lodge Ballroom. Cowboy Church, a non-denominational service at Stages West, is Sunday morning at 10 a.m. It is preceded by a chuckwagon breakfast that begins at 8:30. Breakfast tickets are $5; Cowboy Church is free.

Saddle Up tickets will be sold online at www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup.

Posted 11/16
 

February 24-25, 2012
 Mesquite Western Round-Up Mesquite, Nevada

From Russ Westwood:

Cowboy Poetry Coming in February to Mesquite Nevada

The Mesquite Western Round-Up featuring cowboy music and poetry has been scheduled for February 24, 2012 at 7 pm and February 25 at 1 pm at the Mesquite Community Theatre, in Mesquite Nevada.

The event formally known as the Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny will include music and poetry and guest performers in addition to the local experienced poets.

Leading the lineup of participants will be singer Mary Kaye, the 2010 Western Music Association Female Artist of the Year.

Jo Lynne Kirkwood, 2009 Female Cowboy Poet of the Year, will serve as MC.

Popular cowboy poets from Utah and Nevada will perform including Marleen Bussma, Lee Kimberlin, Barb King, Ken Marshall, Hap Stuart, Bill Taylor, and Russ Westwood.

Old time music will be provided by the Mesquite Strings N' Things band. The Mesquite Toes, popular senior dance team, will perform clogging numbers.

The program is being directed by Russ Westwood and sponsored by the Mesquite Cowboy Poetry Group and the Mesquite Arts Council. Miss Rodeo Nevada, Ann Clemmitt, will also be on hand to greet visitors.

Tickets for the event are $10 per person and includes a drawing for door prizes. All seats are reserved. Tickets are now on sale at the Mesquite Community Theatre Box Office. Hours for the Box Office are Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 12 noon. They are also available by phone at 702-345-4499. For additional information contact Russ Westwood at 702-346-0703

Posted 1/26
 

February 24-26, 2012
 26th Annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering (Sul Ross) Alpine, Texas

From Bill Brooks:

26th Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering Kicks Off this Month at Sul Ross State University


ALPINE, Texas – Cowboy poets, singers and musicians, and storytellers from near and far will gather later this month for the 26th annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine. The event kicks off on Friday morning, February 24, at 10 a.m. in the Marshall Auditorium.

The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering is renowned for its dedication to authenticity. Those folks invited to participate are working cowboys and cowgirls, ranchers and ranch hands.

The event is funded without excessive commercialism. Donations by local businesses and sponsorships of performers are the primary sources of income.

West Texas National Bank is the title sponsor of the Gathering and the City of Alpine is a significant underwriter.
Daytime sessions to the event are all free. These sessions are held in classrooms on the campus. Each session will feature several performers for 50 minutes. Ten concurrent sessions are held at various locations on the campus.

Admission to the night shows Friday evening and Saturday evening is $12.50 for adults and $5 for children.

The traditional campfire breakfasts at Poet’s Grove are back this year. Come rain or shine the breakfast of scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy will be served 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. both Friday and Saturday mornings. Cost is $5 per plate.

Clay Cravens has hand crafted a beautiful pair of spurs to be raffled for $10 per ticket. Jack Sammon has donated another kangaroo hide stock whip to be raffled as well. All proceeds from the raffles go to the perpetuation of the Gathering.

Tapes, CDs and books by the participants of the Gathering will be available for sale on the second floor of the Morgan University Center. Sales begin late Friday morning and will continue until the close of the event Saturday evening.
Tickets for the shows and breakfast and raffle tickets, as well as programs, go on sale at noon Thursday on the second floor of the Morgan Center.

Additional information is available at the Gathering website at texascowboypoetry.com.

Posted 1/31

 
 

March

March 1-4, 2012
 Second Annual Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous Hyrum, Utah
 

From Dale Major:

It’s time again for the Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous, a reunion of cowboy poets, musicians, and artisans to be held March 1st through 4th at Mountain Crest High School in Hyrum, Utah.

This year’s event will begin Thursday evening, March 1st with a concert featuring Michael Martin Murphey, Dave Stamey, Ernie Sites, Sam DeLeeuw, and Paul Bliss.

Doors to the main event will open Friday, March 2nd at 5:00 p.m. with two stages for invited performers, one open mic stage, lots of western vendors and dutch oven cooking. Friday will also include an evening concert featuring Dave Stamey, Mary Kaye, Stan Tixier, and CR Wood.

Saturday has a full day of performances beginning with a youth poetry contest poetry and music all day with a "songwriter’s circle" late afternoon in the auditorium. Saturday evening will conclude with a Cowboy Family Dance with Michael Martin Murphey and the Rio Grande Band featuring Pat Flynn.

There will be lots of good food, good fun, and good friendships all around as we celebrate our western heritage through verse and song. This whole event will conclude by giving thanks at Cowboy Church, Sunday morning, March 4th, in the Livery Stable at the American West Heritage Center in Wellsville, Utah. Cowboy Poets of Utah Chaplain Marion Manwill will officiate.

All are welcome to come participate with us, and remember: spurs and chaps are optional.

Find more at cachevalleycowboyrendezvous.com.

Posted 1/18

 

March 2-3, 2012
 Lewis Clark Cowboy Entertainment & Western Arts Festival  Lewiston, Idaho

From Kathy Camden:

Lewis Clark Cowboy Entertainment & Western Arts Festival
March 2,3, 2012
Red Lion Hotel
Lewiston, Idaho
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or email me
Ckcamden@yahoo.com 
208-937-9899

Western Entertainers, and a full art and gear show.

Posted 1/5

March 17-18, 2012
 Sierra Valley Grange Cowboy Show  Vinton, California

From Rich Moore:

Our next event is March 17 - 18, 2012.

Our entertainers are Belinda Gail, George Dickey and poet Diane Tribitt.

More details to come as we finalize the event.

Rich Moore  svgcbpoetry@yahoo.com

831-345-9840

Sierra Valley Grange Hall
92202 Highway 70, Vinton, California

Posted 11/7

March 31, 2012
 15th Annual Cowboy Poetry Night Gateway, Colorado

From Peggy Malone:

COWBOY POETRY NIGHT
March 31, 2012 @ 5:00 p.m.

Gateway Community Center
Gateway, Colorado

Admission $4.00/person
Kids under 12 - free


Beef Stew Dinner Served at 5:00 p.m.
$3.00/Person

The Gateway Merry Mixer 4-H Club is hosting their 15th annual Cowboy Poetry Night March 31 with some great cowboy poetry and western music.

There will also be a Silent Auction.

Come and join the fun and help us raise money for our 4-H scholarship program.
For more information call Linda Moores 970-931-2803

Posted 3/7

April
 
 April 7, 2012
 Benefit for White Mountains Roundup of Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art  Show Low, Arizona

From Jo Baeza:

Juni’s comin’ to the White Mountains!

Award winning singer/songwriter Juni Fisher is coming to the White Mountains Easter weekend for a spring concert. The dinner and show will be April 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Show Low. The event is sponsored by the White Mountains Roundup, Inc., a local nonprofit Western Heritage organization.

Chris Isaacs will be the emcee.

The Western Music Association named Juni the “Entertainer of the Year” in 2011. She is in demand all over the country, but has agreed to stop off here for a one-night-only concert on her way through northern Arizona to another engagement. She says, “Thank you so much for keeping me in your family of performers. You all make me feel so at home in the White Mountains!”

The evening will start with a dutch oven buffet at 6 p.m., cooked and served by the LDS 1st Ward youth and their advisors. Juni’s performance starts at 7. Juni will lift your spirits and make you smile! Come join us for an evening of old-fashioned fun.
Seats are limited to the first 150 people, so get your tickets early. Tickets are $40 each. For ticket information call Jo at 928-367-0240 or email jobaeza@cableone.net.
 

Additional information from Joe Baeza:

The White Mountains Roundup of cowboy poetry, music & art has been cancelled for 2012.

“The Outfit” is in the process of reorganizing, and is planning its 2013 production that is tentatively scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30 & 31 next year. Information will be posted on www.whitemountainsroundup.com as it is available.


There will be a public meeting to recruit new members on Saturday, March 17, 2012, from 10-11 a.m. at the Show Low City Hall, 180 N. 9th Street, across from the Show Low Library. Anyone interesting in helping us preserve and celebrate our Western cowboy heritage through poetry, music and art is welcome to attend and learn more about our organization. We will provide coffee, water and cookies, have a brief presentation, question-and-answer session, and signups. Come on over if you want to work on an authentic Western event, and let us know what you’d like to contribute.

Over the past six years, “The Outfit,” as we call ourselves, has sponsored internationally known Western performers of cowboy poetry and music. Cowboy poet Chris Isaacs of Eagar has assembled casts of award-winning artists from all over the United States. Chris’s shows have included great talents such as Waddie Mitchell, Dave Stamey, Juni Fisher, Gary McMahan and Randy Rieman. Everything about our show is authentic; all of the entertainers have been working cowboys and cowgirls, and some still are.

The two-day Western Invitational Art Show produced by artist/performer Steve Taylor of Show Low complements the music and poetry event, and features some of the finest cowboy and Western artists in the Southwest.

The White Mountains Roundup, Inc. is a nonprofit organization. Its mission is to contribute to the preservation of the region’s cowboy heritage. We are an all-volunteer group, funded by donations, sponsorships and ticket sales.

Posted 3/19

April 13-15 2012
 9th Annual Columbia River Cowboy Gathering and Western Music Festival  Kennewick, Washington
From Smoke Wade:

The 9th Annual Columbia River Cowboy Gathering and Western Music Festival will take place April 13 -15, 2012 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick, WA. The event is organized by Budd & Judy Massengale along with the Columbia River Cowboy Gathering and Western Music Festival Board of Directors.

News on featured performers, open mic sign up and special events will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead. Visit the website, www.columbiarivercowboygathering.com.

Scheduled daytime performances will be presented on Friday and Saturday, April 13 – 15, 2012, along with open mic sessions. The headliner shows featuring Grand Ole Opry legends, Helen Cornelius and Jim Ed Brown, will take place at 6:00 p.m. each evening. A cowboy church will be held on Sunday morning following the gathering.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be the 4th Annual Cowboy Idol competition for both poets and musicians hosted by Smoke Wade. There will be trophies along with $500.00 for first place and $200.00 for second place in both the poet and musician competition. In addition, all open mic performers will be judged throughout the weekend for the People's Choice Award with prize money and a trophy to the winner. Cowboy Idol contest applicants may contact Smoke Wade smokewade@clarkston.com  (208) 746-7652

For information regarding advance ticket sales, RV parking, special Motel rates, or vendor & performer applications, visit the website: www.columbiarivercowboygathering.com 

Or contact: Budd Massengale, budd@horsesrun.net (509) 851-4288 or Judy Massengale (509) 851-4287.

Posted 1/26
 

April 19-22, 2012
 19th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Santa Clarita, California
 

12/6: Greetings Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Fans!

Mark your calendars for the 19th annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival presented by Lockheed Federal Credit Union taking place April 19 to 22, 2012 at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio and other venues in the Santa Clarita Valley. This annual event promises to take you back in time to experience the sights, sounds and flavors of the West, which truly come to life at the ranch. A special thanks to the Veluzat family for welcoming us to their spectacular home on Saturday and Sunday.

The Cowboy Festival features the best in Western gear, food, clothing, and living history exhibits, as well as outstanding performers like The Quebe Sisters Band, Don Edwards, and Waddie Mitchell. Returning to the Main Stage are festival favorites like Jon Chandler and the Wichitones, Cow Bop, and Dave Stamey as well as award winning singer songwriters, R.W. Hampton and Brenn Hill. New to the Main Stage lineup are two outstanding young entertainers, Carin Mari & Pony Express and Adrian-Buckaroo Girl. Poets Doris Daley and Gary Robertson will spin tales of the West and the Battalion Band of California will return with their authentic 19th century Civil War music.

The Medicine Show Stage will host the Medicine Show Revue starring saloon pianist, David Bourne, magician Pop Haydn, banjo master John Reynolds and gun spinner Joey Dillon. The California Music Hall will feature many of the Main Stage acts, and the tradition continues with Heritage Stage featuring Western, Native American and Hispanic song and dance.

Check Out our Performer Page for More Information about this year’s impressive lineup.

The Cowboy Festival has gone paperless and won’t be sending out Festival brochures this year. However, patrons on our mailing list will receive a postcard with festival highlights. If you‘re not on our mailing list, visit our website and sign up today! However, everything you need to know about the 2012 Cowboy Festival will be available online, including a downloadable event schedule, show schedules, performer links and bios.

Tickets for the 2012 Cowboy Festival go on sale Tuesday, January 3, 2012, and can be purchased online or by phone. To purchase tickets, visit CowboyFestival.org  or call (661) 250-3537.

We look forward to seeing you soon at the 2012 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

 

12/15:  Greetings Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Fans!

Tickets for the 19th annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival presented by Lockheed Federal Credit Union go on sale Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Here’s an exclusive preview of the event line up for the Festival, taking place April 19 – 22, 2012 at Melody Ranch™ Motion Picture Studio and other venues in the Santa Clarita Valley:

Thursday April 19th
The Santa Clarita Valley Film Tour kicks off the weekend’s festivities with visits to some of the area’s most notable film locations. Cowboy Couture returns to the Festival at the Repertory East Playhouse showcasing high Western fashion and offering attendees a chance to pick up a great new outfit for the weekend. Also taking place on Thursday is the City of Santa Clarita’s monthly Senses street party on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, featuring live music, dancing, food trucks and Western vendors from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Admission is free!

Friday, April 20th
Start your day with lunch and a Don Edwards show at beautiful Rancho Camulos, and then hear fascinating stories about Glenn Ford from his son, Peter Ford at the Repertory East Playhouse. Friday night, Dave Stamey will perform at Hart Mansion at William Hart Park and Melody Ranch Movie Night features dinner and a showing of 3:10 to Yuma with Glenn Ford on Main Street at the Ranch.

Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd
Enjoy the award winning Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio where you’ll find great music and poetry, Western art, clothing, Cowboy gear and Chuckwagon cooking. But the fun doesn’t stop there…Saturday night R. W. Hampton will make a solo appearance at Hart Mansion, and Cowboy Cabaret will return to the Repertory East Playhouse to thrill music lovers with Western jazz and swing featuring Cow Bop and The Quebe Sisters Band.

Two new events have also been added for the weekend: A Tribute to Patsy Cline with dinner at Heritage Junction and an Old Town Hoedown in Newhall, featuring dinner and dancing with Cody Bryant of the Riders of the Purple Sage.

Visit us online to learn more about the schedule of events surrounding the 2012 Cowboy Festival.

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.cowboyfestival.org  or by calling our box office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at: (661) 250-3735.

We look forward to seeing you soon at the 2012 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

 

12/29: Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

Just a timely reminder that tickets for the 2012 Cowboy Festival go on sale:

Tuesday January 3, 2012

Our last message detailed all the great events lined up for the 2012 Festival, but here’s something film fans will be glad to know. Tour guide and film historian E. J. Stephens, along with his wife Kim, will host the popular event together. With two passionate Santa Clarita film and history buffs, tickets for the Behind the Scenes Tour of Melody Ranch have been doubled. Every year the tour is the first to sell out, so we are happy to offer the experience to a larger audience.

View Schedule of Events: http://www.cowboyfestival.org/schedule.asp

If you're looking for a great deal on your hotel room for the Cowboy Festival, consider a stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites or one of our other hotel partners:

Host Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites
(661) 286-1111

As Host Hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites offers a courtesy shuttle with free transportation between the hotel lobby and Melody Ranch for their hotel guests. All other attendees must board a shuttle at the Shuttle Bus Site for access to Melody Ranch.

Other Hotel Partners
Santa Clarita Motel
(661) 259-2800

Best Western
(661) 255-0555

Courtyard by Marriott
(661) 257-3220

Embassy Suites
(661)257-3111

Holiday Inn Express
(661) 284-2101

Hyatt Regency Valencia
(661) 799-1234

Tickets can be purchased on line at www.CowboyFestival.org  or by calling our box office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at: (661) 250-3735.

We look forward to seeing you soon at the 2012 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

 

1/26: Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival presented by Lockheed Federal Credit Union!
 

Thank you to all our loyal Cowboy Festival fans for your amazing support. Tickets sales are off to a great start.

Here’s the latest news on ticket availability for our special events taking place the week of the Cowboy Festival.

The Saturday, Behind the Scenes Tour of Melody Ranch on April 21st is close to being sold out but there are still plenty of tickets available for the Sunday tour, April 22nd.

Thursday, April 19, seating is still available for Cowboy Couture at the Repertory East Playhouse, and the Santa Clarita Valley Film Tour, embarking from Heritage Junction.

Tickets for the following Friday events are still available, including: the Don Edwards Show at Rancho Camulos; Glenn Ford retrospective with Peter Ford at the Repertory East Playhouse; Dave Stamey at William S. Hart Mansion; and Movie Night at Melody Ranch with dinner and showing of the original 3:10 to Yuma, starring Glenn Ford.

Two-Day and Friends of the Festival Weekend Pass for the Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio are also still available.

If you’re looking for something fun to do Saturday night after the Festival, tickets are still available for the exclusive R.W. Hampton Concert at Hart Mansion and Cowboy Cabaret at the Repertory East Playhouse, featuring The Quebe Sisters Band and Cow Bop.

Check out the Cowboy Festival website to learn more about these and other new events, like A Tribute to Patsy Cline Dinner Show at Heritage Junction and The Old Town Hoedown Dinner and Dance.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.cowboyfestival.org or by calling the box office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (661) 250-3735.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

2/23: Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival presented by Lockheed Federal Credit Union!

Here’s important news about a brand new event and the latest ticket update.

NEW EVENT!- An Evening with Joel Cox, Oscar Winning Editor of The Unforgiven 
Saturday, April 14 - 7:00 p.m. at Hasley Hall Theatre, College of the Canyons

Join Joel Cox, 2012 Walk of Western Stars honoree and editor of western classics The Outlaw Josey Wales, Pale Rider, and The Wild Bunch, for an inter-active discussion of his career in the film industry working with Clint Eastwood and Sam Peckinpah. A wine reception will precede the event, and proceeds will benefit The Cinema Program and the International Film Festival at College of the Canyons. Buy tickets.

View all events

The Saturday, Behind the Scenes Tour of Melody Ranch on April 21st is sold out but there are still plenty of tickets available for the Sunday tour, April 22nd.

Seating is still available for Cowboy Couture at the Repertory East Playhouse, and the Santa Clarita Valley Film Tour, embarking from Heritage Junction Thursday, April 19

Tickets are going fast for Friday events, including: the Glenn Ford retrospective with Peter Ford at the Repertory East Playhouse; and Movie Night at Melody Ranch with dinner and a showing of the original 3:10 to Yuma, starring Glenn Ford.

Two-Day and Friends of the Festival Weekend Pass for the Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio Melody Ranch are also still available.

If you’re looking for something fun to do Saturday night after the Festival, tickets are still available for the exclusive R.W. Hampton Concert at Hart Mansion and Cowboy Cabaret at the Repertory East Playhouse, featuring The Quebe Sisters Band and Cow Bop.

Check out the Cowboy Festvial website to learn more about these and other new events, like A Tribute to Patsy Cline Dinner Show at Heritage Junction and The Old Town Hoedown Dinner and Dance.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (661) 250-3735.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2012 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

3/22: Greetings from the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival presented by Lockheed Federal Credit Union!

We’re just one month away from the Cowboy Festival and there’s still time to get tickets to some of the signature events!

Still seating available for An Evening with Joel Cox, Oscar winning editor of The Unforgiven and editor of more than 30 Clint Eastwood films, Saturday, April 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hasley Hall Theatre at College of the Canyons. Join Joel Cox, 2012 Walk of Western Stars honoree and editor of western classics like The Outlaw Josey Wales, Pale Rider, and The Wild Bunch, for an inter-active discussion of his career in the film industry working with Eastwood and Sam Peckinpah. A wine reception will precede the event and proceeds will benefit The Cinema Program and the International Film Festival at College of the Canyons. This is sure to be an amazing behind the scenes look at an incredible film career.

View the Cowboy Festival Schedule

Tickets are still available for Cowboy Couture, a rousing evening of libations, fashion and entertainment, taking place Thursday, April 19 at the Repertory East Playhouse. Get your tickets by calling the Playhouse direct at (661) 288-0000. And don’t forget to join us that same night on Main Street in Old Town Newhall for the FREE Wild, Wild, West! Senses event. From 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. enjoy dancing, food trucks, Western clothing vendors and…hold on to your spurs…Mechanical Bull Riding!!!

If you hurry you can still pick up tickets for a couple of Friday’s events, including: the Glenn Ford retrospective with his son, Peter Ford and a showing of The Rounders at the Repertory East Playhouse; and Movie Night at Melody Ranch, which includes dinner and a showing of the original 3:10 to Yuma, starring Glenn Ford.

 Two-Day and Friends of the Festival Weekend Pass for the Cowboy Festival at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio are also still available, but going fast.

If you’re looking for something fun to do Saturday night after the Festival, make your reservations for the exclusive R.W. Hampton Concert at Hart Mansion.

 Check out the Cowboy Festival website to learn more about these and other new events, like A Tribute to Patsy Cline Dinner Show at Heritage Junction and The Old Town Hoedown Dinner and Dance.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (661) 250-3735.
 

Updated 3/22

April 20-22, 2012
 4th Annual Songs of the Cowboys Cody, Wyoming ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week

From Leslie Keltner

Runumuk Cowgirl Productions is proud to present the 4th annual "Songs of the Cowboys" festival in Cody, Wy April 20-22. Twenty-five musicians from 7 states will gather in the Bandana Room of the Holiday Inn to perform traditional cowboy music and poetry in three concerts, day sessions, and a Sunday morning gospel session. tickets are only $10.00 per concert,
$10.00 for the day sessions.

Late night jam sessions will be held at the Irma Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights.

Join a community wide celebration of cowboy music, poetry, and tradition. For info, call 307-587-1558 Leslie or e-mail cowpoet@vcn.com.

We are funded in part by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Park County Travel Council, and the Dude Ranchers Association.

Performers include: Larry Thompson, Glenn Ohrlin & the Bunkhouse Corral, Otto Rosfeld, Bob Lantis, John Shreve, Joe Bain, Rex Rideout, Pop Wagner, Gwen Petersen, Mike Hurwitz, John Sidle, Bruce South, Yampa Valley Boys, Jim Garry, Susan Park, Vic Anderson, Ike Hall, Leslie Keltner, Blue Prairie, Ken Ackerson, Norrine Linderman, and Larry Thompson Family.

Updated 4/12
 

April 21, 2012
 Doc Stovall Remembered: The Tribute Concert  Cartersville, Georgia

The Booth Western Art Museum will host a tribute concert for Doc Stovall, who died March 21 (see our announcement here). From the museum:

Booth Western Art Museum will honor the life, spirit and legacy of the late Doc Stovall with a Tribute Concert on Saturday, April 21. The event will celebrate the influence Stovall had in preserving the cowboy culture, and will include performances by members of his band, The Tumbleweed Cowboy Band, several people reciting cowboy poetry, and gun tricks and humor by Emcee Jim Dunham, who also serves as the Booths Director of Special Projects.

Doc Stovall was very influential in passing along the love and interest in cowboy music—and especially cowboy poetry, said Booth Museum Executive Director Seth Hopkins. This Tribute Concert is meant to honor him and the legacy he has left and also to allow those he influenced to share some of Docs favorite cowboy music and poetry. It will be an uplifting event, and we invite everyone interested in honoring his life to attend.

Free and open to the public, Doc Stovall Remembered: The Tribute Concert, will be held in the Booth Ballroom beginning at 2:00 pm on April 21.

For more information about Doc Stovall Remembered: The Tribute Concert, please contact Jim Dunham at 770-607-6362

Posted 4/6

April 22, 2012
Black Pot Cook Off and Cowboy Poetry Reading  Clovis, California ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week
 

From Old Town Clovis:

Old Town Clovis is having its first Black Pot Cook Off and Cowboy Poetry Reading on April 22nd! We are looking for Cowboy Poets to come out and read their poems, as well as cooks or teams of cooks for the Black Pot Cook Off.

PLEASE if you know of anyone who might be interested send them our way - (559) 298-5774 or info@oldtownclovis.org or www.oldtownclovis.org. Thank you!

Posted 4/11

April 26-29, 2012
3rd Annual Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival  Genoa, Nevada

From the organizers:

Round ‘em up!

Third Annual Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival Getting Close!

 
You can now call it a regular sign of Spring in Northern Nevada. The third edition of the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival will bring together an outstanding lineup of performers, artists and characters April 26th to the 29th.

Headliners committed to appear include award winning poets Waddie Mitchell and Paul Zarzyski, multiple entertainer of the year winners Dave Stamey and Juni Fisher, along with Mike Beck, Jim King, Cowboy Celtic, the Cross Town Cowboys, Mary Kaye and many more favorites. Alongside the entertainers, attendees will find a packed schedule of workshops and galleries of fine western art, a Native American Cultural and Historic Center, an old fashioned Town Hall dance and opportunities to shop for western clothing, collectibles, jewelry and tack.  

Headliner Concerts start Thursday night at the Official Host Hotel of the festival, the Carson Valley Inn, when Dave Stamey, Juni Fisher and Jim King take the stage. Friday and Saturday nights, the concerts return to the heated and enclosed Mormon Station Concert Tent. Friday night’s lineup of Award winners Waddie Mitchell, Paul Zarzyski, Cowboy Celtic and Mary Kaye is a Western powerhouse and Saturday night Mitchell and Zarzyski will be joined by Juni Fisher and Mike Beck. 

Attendees will have a difficult task in deciding when to take a break during the Festival. In addition to the featured nighttime concerts, Festival Day Passes open up a world of entertainment. Your Friday pass gets you into 29 different events, including day time Town Hall appearances by Juni Fisher, Cowboy Celtic and Mary Kaye, along with demonstrations on cowboy gear, Genoa’s Ghosts and visits from Mark Twain and Snowshoe Thompson. Saturday brings over 30 more Day Pass events, with saloon pianist David Bourne, Paul Zarzyski and Cowboys by Night, dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, Kit Carson and Sarah Winnemeucca with the Town Hall Dance thrown in as a kicker. Sunday’s lineup gets you Cross Town Cowboys, the Elliotts, Juni Fisher and Paul Zarzyski; and that’s just a taste of the lineup.  The Day Pass also gives festival goers access to the Native American Cultural and Historic Center and Genoa Courthouse Museum and tours of The Dangberg Ranch. The Day Pass is a spectacular value at only $15 per day for adults and $5 for kids (you can save more with a three day version for $30 and $10) and just as a kicker, any day pass or performance ticket gets you into Saturday night’s Town Hall Dance, featuring the Western swing stylings of the Cross Town Cowboys.

The Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is a wonderful blend of setting, heritage and western culture and entertainment.  Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada in Northern Nevada’s Carson Valley, historic Genoa, Nevada’s oldest settlement, is the site of the first ranch in Nevada and still has working cattle ranches literally steps from the town. From its 19th century beginnings, cowboys and ranching have shared work, words and music here. During the Festival, attendees will also be able to enjoy specials from all of the Genoa businesses, who are gearing up to join in the fun.

Day Passes Offer Amazing Value at Genoa Cowboy Festival

 While it’s headliners like Waddie Mitchell and Dave Stamey (and Paul Zarzyski and Mike Beck and Juni Fisher and Cowboy Celtic) that draw most of the attention at the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music festival, this year’s festival has an remarkable lineup of performances and workshops available to festival goers for a mere $15 a day or even less when a three day version is purchased. Need proof? 

Your Friday pass gets you into 29 different events, including day time Town Hall appearances by Juni Fisher, Cowboy Celtic and Mary Kaye, along with demonstrations on cowboy gear, Genoa’s Ghosts, a visit from Mark Twain and Snowshoe Thompson. Saturday brings 34 Day Pass events, with saloon pianist David Bourne, Paul Zarzyski and Cowboys by Night, dutch oven cooking, blacksmithing, Kit Carson and Sarah Winnemeucca with the Town Hall Dance thrown in as a kicker. Sunday’s lineup gets you Cross Town Cowboys, the Elliottts, Juni Fisher and Paul Zarzyski; and that’s just a taste of the lineup.

Take a look at the web site for the complete lineup, choose your favorites and get that day pass. They’re priced at $15 per day for adults, $5 a day for kids and the version that’s good for three days is just $30 and $10. While you’re browsing, you can select and purchase your seats for the headliner concerts at Carson Valley Inn on Thursday night and in the heated and enclosed Mormon Station Concert Tent Friday and Saturday nights.
 
The third annual Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is scheduled for April 26th through April 29th, 2012, in Genoa, Nevada. The festival is a wonderful blend of setting, heritage and western culture and entertainment. In addition to the scheduled performers, you’ll find craftsmen, artists, horsemen, cooks and folks who love to appreciate the West.
 
At this year’s Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, you’ll find concerts you’ll want to attend, collectibles you’ll want to own and some familiar names and faces of people you’ll want to know. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada in the beautiful Carson Valley, historic Genoa is the site of the first ranch in Nevada and still has working cattle ranches literally steps from town. From its 19th century beginnings, cowboys and ranching families have shared work, words and music here.
 
The festival--made possible by the Town of Genoa and countless volunteers and supporters—is proud to welcome accomplished , well-known poets and musical acts that are familiar faces in many cowboy poetry and music gatherings throughout the West.
 
Tickets for the 2012 festival and information about all of the festival offerings can be found by visiting www.cowboypoetrygenoa.com or calling the Town of Genoa at 775-782-8696.

You can find all the festival information at www.cowboypoetrygenoa.com and area information at www.visitcarsonvalley.org.  Day Passes and tickets for individual concerts and dinners may be purchased on line at the festival web site, by calling 775-782-8696 or visiting the Town of Genoa offices.

Posted 4/16

April 27-28, 2012
14th Annual Missouri Cowboy Poetry Festival  Mountain View, Missouri ~ Celebrating Cowboy Poetry Week
From Jennie Cummings:

Date: April 27 -28, 2012. Mountain View, Missouri, Community Center
24 Cowboy Poets - Presented by the Mountain View, Mo. Arts Council with a grant from the Missouri Arts Council.

Friday- April 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday - April 28, 2012 at 9:00 am - 10:00 p.m.

Mountain View, MO is 100 miles east of Springfield, MO and 100 miles west of Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Director: Jennie Cummings 417-934-2213
Linda Lewis at Chamber of Commerce 417-934-2794
Jerry Schleicher 816-741-2773

Posted 3/26

May

May 11-13, 2012  CANCELLED for 2012
 Fifth Annual Tyrone Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering Tyrone, New Mexico

 

June

June 3, 2012
 Whistle Stop Ranch Summer Serenade  Acton, California

From Paulette Tcherkassky:

Sunday June 3 - 2p.m. Matinee
WHISTLE STOP RANCH Summer Serenade Last of the Vaudeville Cowboys

Sourdough Slim
And our very own Michael Tcherkassky

Special Dutch oven lunch
Whistle Stop Ranch
Acton, California
Doors open at 11am - Show at 2pm

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY!
$30.00 Per Person Suggested Donation
Lunch and Refreshments Included

For More Information, Visit
www.BigHatonline.com
Or email WhistleStopRanch@Yahoo.com
Great Entertainers ~ Tasty Cowboy Grub

Posted 3/26

 

July
 

August
 

September

September 7-14, 2012
 Clear Out West (C.O.W.) Cruise   Alaska

The award-winning Clear Out West (C. O. W.) radio show with Andy Nelson and Jim Nelson is hosting a cruise to Alaska in September, 2012. From the C.O.W. boys:

That’s right, the COWboys are headed north to Alaska and you can come too! Join us on Celebrity Cruise Lines for the inaugural COW Cruise to the majestic inside passage of Alaska sailing in September of 2012. We’ll be sailing round trip from Seattle with stops in the salmon capitol of Ketchican, the state capitol of Juneau, and the home of the world famous gold rush, Skagway, with the trail of 98 and the White Pass Narrow Gauge Railway. We’ll also be sailing up the Tracy Arm Fjord to marvel at the Sawyer Glacier, with whale and wildlife viewing abundant throughout the whole trip. You’ll join your hosts Andy & Jim Nelson and other poets, pickers, and singers on an unforgettable vacation, and best of all, you will be sailing with a great group of like-minded folks from areas just like yours.

The package includes return air from Salt Lake City, Denver, or Boise, the seven night cruise, all meals onboard, entertainment each night, room service, ground transfers, special group excursions, a special gift package just for COW Cruise folks, and much, much more. This is sure to sell out, so book today with a refundable deposit and the final payment not due until June of 2012. For all the info and to book the COW Cruise, call toll free 1-800-530-0131, email Jim at Cruise Vacations jim@cruise-vacations.ca, or visit their website www.cruise-vacations.ca . We can’t wait to go north to Alaska with you!

Find more information here at the Clear Out West (C.O.W.) site.

Clear Out West (C. O. W.) radio is broadcast on many radio stations and past shows are available for listening on demand from the Clear Out West web site and as podcasts.

Posted 10/20   

September 14-15, 2012
Dakota Western Heritage Festival  Pierre, South Dakota
 

From Gary Heintz:

The festival is a two day event, providing a daily freedom stage where cowboy poets and musicians will perform on a scheduled basis. We hope to have up to 50 western vendors on hand, as well as several exhibitions such as saddlemaking, horseshoeing, mounted shooters and quick-draw artists. We hope to have vendors selling and displaying their art while answering questions about their craft. Artist and sculpture exhibits will be part of the vendors row.

Our goal is to celebrate the West, past and present, through music, poetry and art, and to use that celebration as a vehicle to raise money to support local 4-H clubs, rodeo clubs and FFA clubs on an annual basis. The proceeds will always be used as a benefit for a good cause.

 Don Edwards has agreed to help us kick off this startup event, and will perform two evenings in the Pierre Opera House. Yvonne Hollenbeck will open the show for him, so we feel we have the cream of the crop, so to speak, helping us do this right. The concert will be the evenings of September 14 & 15, with the ticket price being $20.00 per evening. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1800 568-4190, beginning in June.

There are many areas of interest in the communities, including the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center, the Verndrye Museum, the Oahe Dam, the Cultural Heritage Center and of course the South Dakota State Capitol building and grounds.

Those interested in vending, please contact Amanda Schmigten at Amanda.schmitgen@state.sd.us  for further information and applications.

Any questions about the event may be directed to Gary Heintz @ gary.heintz.b6fr@statefarm.com  or by calling 1 800 568-4190.

Posted 4/19   

 

October
 

October 27, 2012
4th Annual Whistle Stop Ranch Fall Cowboy Roundup  Acton, California

Featuring Dave Stamey, Gary Robertson, Eddie Villalobos, and Michael Tcherkassky.

Chuckwagon Dinner & Dessert

Please make your reservations early for this year's event.

$45.00 Per Person Suggested Donation At The Door

~ Cash Only, No Checks or Credit Cards ~

For reservations, email big.hat@sbcglobal.net

Big Hat Promotions
www.bighatonline.com

Posted 3/12
 

October 26-28, 2012
22nd Annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival  Fort Worth, Texas

From the organizers:

RED STEAGALL COWBOY GATHERING & WESTERN SWING FESTIVAL TO BE HELD OCTOBER 26-28
22nd Year to Feature Cowboy Music, Poetry and Rodeo Performances


FORT WORTH, Texas (April 19, 2012) – The 22nd annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival will ride into the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District October 26-28, 2012. The Gathering will feature countless family-oriented activities where visitors can experience the true west. This authentic western event will have Cowboy poets, western entertainers and an action-packed Ranch Rodeo where teams of ranch hands from 15 famous Texas ranches will compete for the coveted prize of being the best ranch at the rodeo.

“We are so proud to be able to bring the cowboy gathering back for an incredible 22nd year,” said Red Steagall, founder of the event. “Our hope is that everyone who attends will be able to experience a piece of the West and go home with a new perspective on true western living.”

The Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing Festival begins with a wagon train leaving Jacksboro, Texas on Sunday, October 21 traveling through Perrin, Mineral Wells, Weatherford and Azle. On Tuesday, October 23 the wagon train will overnight at the First Monday grounds in Weatherford. The public is invited to join the wagon train that night for an evening of cowboy music and poetry. The wagon train will arrive in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District on Thursday, October 26.

The weekend’s activities begin about 1pm on Friday, October 26 with the arrival of 20 authentic chuck wagons. The procession will begin at LaGrave Field and end on East Exchange Avenue in the Fort Worth Stockyards. After arriving, the chuck wagons will make camp and prepare for a true chuck wagon cook-off that is judged on Saturday, October 27.

The events continue with an authentic Ranch Rodeo where 15 Texas ranches will compete in traditional ranch events including wild cow milking, bronc riding, team roping, team doctoring, calf branding, maverick branding, mutton busting and team sorting. Other featured events include a cowboy trappings and trade show, Ranch Cutting Horse Association National Finals, cowboy church, cowboy music and poetry; a youth fiddle contest and chuck wagon cook-off, youth cowboy poetry contest, an invitational Tejas Vaquero and Ranchero Visitadores Team Roping and the annual Texas Trail of Fame induction ceremony.

On Sunday morning, there is a new addition to the weekend; a two-hour Cowboy Gospel Concert starring Don Edwards with special guests: Jean Prescott, Dan Roberts, and Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse. “The Cowboy Gospel Concert is a special addition to our weekend. This one-of-a-kind show will definitely mark history as one of your favorites,” said Steagall.

The weekend’s entertainment includes musical performances from Dan Roberts, Jean Prescott, the Burson Family, and The Quebe Sisters Band, as well as one of the country’s most popular cowboy singers, Don Edwards. “Don Edwards helped us found this event and has been pleasing crowds since the very beginning,” said Red Steagall. “We are thrilled to have so many performers join us year after year, to bring our message and pass on a piece of our history to new audiences.”

Additionally, the weekend will feature western swing dances with Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse, Leon Rausch and Bobby Flores and showcase cowboy poetry from Red Steagall, Chris Isaacs, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Jay Snider and Oscar Auker.
 

About Red Steagall

Born in Gainesville, Texas with a passion for the western lifestyle, Red Steagall competed in rodeos as a youth and learned to play the guitar and mandolin. After college, Steagall traveled to California to share western traditions and values with the rest of the world through songs, poems, books, television and movies. Although Red Steagall is best known for his Texas swing dance music, he is also highly respected by Texas cowboys for the lyrical way in which he writes about the western way of life; he was honored as the Poet Laureate of Texas in 2006. A world performer, he has only called one place home—Texas.


Tickets for the Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering - October 26-28, 2012, will be on sale May 1st and can be purchased by calling 1-888-COWTOWN (1-888-269-8696) or by visiting www.cowtowncoliseum.com. For more information on the event and a full schedule of events, please visit www.redsteagallcowboygathering.com.

Posted 4/26
 

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