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The unique National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo was conceived by and is produced by poet Sam
Jackson.
Sam Jackson believes in
"excellence through competition," which you can read more about in his
description of the event below.
photo by Susan Parker;
more about the 2011 event below
2011 Winners
Dick Warwick, B.J. Smith,
Orvil Sears, Keith Ward
C.R. Wood, Paul Bliss
The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo and its rules to govern
are protected by copyright, registered at the United States Copyright
Office. For permissions to use the name or rules or for more
information contact Sam Jackson, the copyright holder: 4675 E.
Vermillion Ave., Kanab, UT 84741,
last2camp@kanab.net
Read Andy Nelson's essay,
I Am a Convert,
about competition, inspired by the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, here
at the BAR-D.
|
Poetry
Rodeo
It takes a lot of cowboy-tuff to step out
of a chute
Competing for a buckle and a chance to win some loot.
You scan the crowd with wary eyes, because deep down you
know
That every word and every rhyme could cost you the
short-go.
Five judges watch with pen in hand and
timers sit close by.
It's time to start reciting, but your mouth is awful dry!
Your words spill forth to fill the room with hearty tears
or laughter
While goin' for the perfect ride, to get the score you're
after
As judges' scores are tallied you forget
about your fate
because a friend is saddled up and riding through the
gate.
Though some may win a buckle, or take home well-earned pay
We all go home much richer in the friendships forged that
day.
© 2007,
Diane Tribitt
This poem may not be reprinted or reposted
without the author's written permission.
Below:
The 2013 Rodeo
....to be held August
16-17, 2013 in Long Valley, Utah
The 2013 International Rodeo
(postponed)
International Cowboy Poetry Rodeo—Bush Poetry vs Cowboy Poetry
... was to be held October, 2013 in
Morriset, NSW,
Australia
and has been postponed. Read more below.
The International Written
Competition continues
The 2012 Rodeo
....held August
16-18, 2012 in Kanab, Utah
Reports from Sam Jackson and Jim Cathey, with
photos
2012 Results
The 2011 Rodeo
.... held August
18-20, 2011 in Kanab, Utah
Susan Parker's
report with photos by Susan Parker, Jeri Dobrowski, and Stella Cathey
2011 Results
2011 Participants
2011
Judges
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo on Facebook
2011
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo dedicated to the
memory of Colen Sweeten
The 2010 Rodeo
Report and photos
separate page
Winners, finalists and photos
September 17-18,
2010
Montrose, Colorado
Roster to date
2010 buckles and trophy
plaques
The 2009 Rodeo
Report and Photos
2009
Rodeo DVDs
Results—Preliminary Report
Information
and Announcement
"A
Premier Workshop" by Sam Jackson
The San
Juan Western Heritage Festival
2009 Participants
Live
Broadcast
The
2007 Rodeo
Photos and results
A
special "Thank You" to the riders and fans from MaryJo Grill
Smoke Wade's report and photos
separate page
Slim McNaught's report and photos
separate page
More photos and links
separate page
The
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo logo competition and finalists
Sam
Jackson receives award
The
2006 Rodeo
Winners
The
participants
The
2005 Rodeo
Stories
and photos (separate page)
Winners
and Judges
Western
Legends Roundup Receives Official Recognition
Story
and photos
About
the 2004 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
Story and photos
(separate page)
Winners
and Judges
Call
for Poets and more info
The 2003 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo and Western Legends Roundup
Story and photos
(separate page)
The
2002 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo and Western Legends Roundup
Reports
About the Event
(separate page):
The
Poetry Workshop
The Competition
2002
Purse Winners
What
the Competitors Say About the Event
Western
Legends Roundup Events and Evening Shows
The 2001 Rodeo
Commentary and results here
at the BAR-D
What is Cowboy
Poetry and How do You Write It?
articles by Sam Jackson with poetry
and commentary
Sam Jackson and his own
award-winning poetry
here at the BAR-D
Sam
Jackson's essay about Competition among Cowboy
Poets
here
at the BAR-D
Andy
Nelson's essay, I Am a Convert, about competition,
inspired by the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
here
at the BAR-D
The
2013 Rodeo:
From Sam Jackson
(January 17, 2013):
Howdy cowboy poets
and fans,
We figure to take a
new twist with this year's rodeo (the 17th Annual National
Cowboy Poetry Rodeo) by holding it in conjunction with the
Kane County Fair in beautiful Long Valley (Mount Carmel,
Orderville and Glendale) Utah, August 16-17, 2013.
The location is just
over the hill from Zion National Park, the facilities are brand
spankin’ new, the weather is mild and we’re right in the middle of
a ranching, farming, community of mighty fine country folk.
The poets and guest
will be staying at the
East Zion Best Western Thunderbird lodge at Mount Carmel Junction,
located approximately 6 miles from the fair. For those without
transportation, there will be a shuttle running every hour.
A number of events
will be going on up and down the valley over the two days:
A Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo; animal displays and judging, plus all of the normal fair
booths and goings on. There will be an antique car show; golf
tournament; outdoor entertainment stages; a Friday night headliner
show( staffed entirely by NCPR riders); a Saturday night stock
rodeo and much more, I think they will eventtry to squeeze in a
dance somewhere along the line.
Now for the “icing
on the cake,” Hal Cannon (www.halcannon.com)
will be spending both days entertaining and rubbing elbows with
us. Suppose I don’t have to mention that Hal, by starting the
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada back in 1985, is
considered to be the father of the present day cowboy poetry
movement in North America. So come on out and shake the hand of
the man responsible for resurrecting this genre that is becoming
so important to our American heritage.
Contact me for a rodeo entry form. I’d like to show our new
sponsors (and others) that cowboy poetry at the National Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo is as good as it gets! Don’t want to compete? Drop on
by anyhow, love to jaw with you.
Best regards, Sam and the NCPR crew
PS: You can contact me at 435-899-1100 or at
last2camp@kanab.net
PPS: The International Cowboy Poetry Rodeo will be held October
17-19, 2013 at Morisset NSW Australia. Great chance for that
once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Can’t afford air fair and can’t swim?
Then enter the written competition and get
your name up in Australian lights!
The
2013 International Rodeo:
UPDATE APRIL 15, 2013
The event has been postponed (though the written competition remains
active). From Carol Heuchan:
My valued friends in U.S.,
I am afraid I have some sad news to relay. Our
club's super secretary, Trevor Harragon, has been diagnosed
with cancer and is in hospital
undergoing surgery. His future involvement with our club, and
particularly our function on 18-20 October, will be doubtful.
Although a lot of work has been done, there remains a lot more
to do and I am unable to do it alone (our trusty treasurer
moved interstate as well).
On top of that, while I have been on tour
performing in US (and promoting the Rodeo) over the last
couple of months, Trevor's unexpected ill health has,
understandably, meant that he has been unable to follow up on
sponsorship prospectus leads.
Hunter Bush Poets had a meeting last night and, with much
regret, made the decision to postpone our International Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo planned for 2013. We thank everyone for their
support and sincerely regret the inconvenience.
HOWEVER, the International Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
WRITTEN Competition will continue!
So get those entries in (form
below).
And start saving to come to Oz next year.
The original announcement:
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
organizer
Sam Jackson
and Australian poet and rancher
Carol Heuchan have announced
that the
International Cowboy Poetry Rodeo—Bush Poetry vs Cowboy Poetry
will take place October 18-20, 2013 in Morriset, New South
Wales, Australia.
Tours are planned for American and Canadian participants the
week before the competition begins. The event will include an
international panel of judges, an opening night classics
section, music, and a Bush dance, along with the competition.
Additional
details are forthcoming.
See our feature about the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
here.
For more information, contact Sam Jackson
at:
4675 E. Vermillion Ave.,
Kanab Utah, 84741; (435) 644-5446 evenings; 644-5444 days; 899-1100 anytime (just about);
last2camp@kanab.net.
International Written
Competition
Hunter Bush
Poets Inc. presents…
2013
International Written Poetry Competition
Section 1 : Serious Entry $10 per poem
Section 2 : Humorous Entry $10 per poem
Critiquing is offered for
an additional $10 per poem
Prize
money
and awards will be announced soon!
1.) Poetry must have
regular, consistent meter and rhyme.
Qualified judges will mark for story, rhythm and correct
rhyme (allowance being made for accepted U.S. or Australian
pronunciation). The degree of difficulty of the metric and/or
rhyming pattern, the imagery, impact, appropriate use of
vernacular, word use, grammar, spelling, punctuation,
presentation, etc. may be taken into consideration as would be
expected in a literary competition. Material which is deemed by
judges to be inappropriate or offensive is unacceptable.
2.) This whole event
is for Bush Poetry or Cowboy Poetry. For the purposes of this
competition
only, all poems must have a rural theme
e.g. primary industry activities, animal husbandry,
farming, the bush, the outback, mining, logging, droving,
bushrangers, the West, ranching, outlaws, country life or
country characters in various settings - cowboys, Indians,
shepherds, loggers, miners, farmers, station hands, rouseabouts,
jill/jackeroos, ranchers, rangers and other similar trades and
occupations. Poems can feature ‘country characters in urban
settings’ as well as ‘urban characters in country settings,’ -
past present or future.
3.) Poems must be the
original work of the author alone.
4.) Poems which have
won a first prize in a written competition or which have
been published for monetary gain are ineligible.
5.) There will be a
limit of 120 lines (on the basis that judges tend to doze
off.)
6.) Poems must be
typed (on one side only) in plain font (or handwritten), with
no drawings, pictures, or identifying marks.
7.) Each poem will
require a cover sheet stating the name of the poem, S
for Serious or H for Humorous, the name of the author,
and contact details. Each author will also need to complete an
entry form listing poems and amount paid and full contact
details.
8.) Entrants who
would like their poem critiqued must mark the cover sheet
of that poem accordingly and include the $10 per poem fee and
suitable self addressed envelope (stamped for Aust., $3 to cover
postage back to U.S.).
ENTRY FORM ENTRIES CLOSE 18th
SEPTEMBER, 2013
Name……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Address………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………zip/post code………………….country…………
email
address…………………………………………………………phone……………………………………………
Title/s of
Poem/s (mark H or S)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
I have read the
conditions of entry and certify that each entry complies.
Signed……………………………………….
No. poems
entered…………...@ $10 each equals………
No. poems to be
critiqued……@ $10 each (plus $3 to U.S.) equals……….
TOTAL of Chq. or M/o to Hunter
Bush Poets Inc., included $...........................
Postal address: Trevor
Harragon, Secretary ICPR,
6 Dalmeny Drive, Macquarie Hills. NSW 2285
Australia. enq:
tharragon@bigpond.com
The
2012 Rodeo
Find reports from Sam
Jackson and Jim Cathey, with photos, here.
2012
Results
From Sam Jackson:
2012 NCPR
Winners, Purse -- $5,346
Rising
Stars Division:
Poet Serious: 1st Bob Skelton,
(Australia) $$ + Silver Buckle
2nd Francine Robinson, (OK) $$
3rd Jim
Cathey, (TX) $$
4th Almeda
Bradshaw, (MT) $$
Poet Humorous: 1st Jim Cathey
$$ + Silver Buckle
2nd Francine
Robison
$$
3rd Del
Gustafson, (WA)
$$
4th Duke Aiken,
(UT,MX) $$
Reciter Serious: 1st Jim Cathey
$$ + Silver Buckle
2nd Hal Hamblin
(UT) $$
3rd Bob
Skelton $$
4th Almeda
Bradshaw
$$
Reciter Humorous 1st Jim Cathey
$$ + Silver Buckle
2nd Dennis
Hunter
$$
3rd Rus Westwood
(NV)
$$
4th Hal
Hamblin
$$
Silver
Buckle Division:
Poet
Serious: 1st Doug Keller, (UT)
$$ + Trophy
2nd Bob
Skelton
$$
3rd Dick Warwick,
(WA)
$$
4th Dennis
Hunter, (CO)
$$
Poet Humorous: 1st Doug
Keller $$ + Trophy
2nd Dick
Warwick
$$
3rd Dennis
Hunter
$$
4th Del
Gustafson
$$
Reciter Serious 1st Doug
Keller $$ + Trophy
2nd Dick
Warwick
$$
3rd Bob
Skelton
$$
4th Dennis
Hunter
$$
Reciter Humorous 1st Dick Warwick
$$ + Trophy
2nd Doug
Keller
$$
3rd Jim Cathey
$$
4th Dennis
Hunter
$$
All Around
Cowoboy Poet Jim Cathey $ 1,274
$$ + Trophy
Winners Bob Skelton, Jim Cathey, Doug Keller,
and Dick Warwick
From National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo director
Sam Jackson, May 25, 2012:
Howdy Poetry Rodeo fans;
To past, present and (future?) NCPR riders;
Just 80 days and counting to the 16th annual (inter) National
Cowboy Poetry Rodeo (August 16-18, 2012) in beautiful downtown
Kanab, Utah. Hope you are ready to “get-er-done.” The silver
buckles and trophies are ordered and the prize money’s in the
strong box just waiting for a good home.
Looks like any poets and musicians wanting to showcase their
talents outside of the rodeo will have more opportunities this
year than in the past. In addition to openings on the Western
Legends outdoor stages during the day and the winners on the
Saturday night headliner show, we have been invited to participate
in the Kane County Fair taking place on the same week end just a
few miles north in Orderville, Utah. Although we are still working
out the details, it looks like they want NCPR poets and musicians
to put on a Friday evening show (a paid gig for the performers)
then following the show, everyone is invited to stay for the live
music Western dance. Sounds like a great time and transportation
will be furnished between Kanab and Orderville.
This year's rodeo looks to be one of the best groups ever with
poets from across the USA plus a Bush Poet from Down Under and
possibly riders from our friends to the North. However, we still
have a few vacancies so if you know someone who might like to get
in—or if you may want to add events to your schedule, get back
with me soon.
Contact Sam Jackson at:
4675 E. Vermillion Ave.,
Kanab Utah, 84741; (435) 644-5446 evenings; 644-5444 days; 899-1100 anytime (just about);
last2camp@kanab.net.
The
2011 Rodeo
Find additional photos by Jeri Dobrowski, including the group
photo, at her gallery
here, where copies are available.
photo by Susan Parker
2011 Winners
Dick Warwick, B.J. Smith,
Orvil Sears, Keith Ward
C.R. Wood, Paul Bliss
Find Susan Parker's report with photos by Susan Parker, Jeri Dobrowski, and
Stella Cathey here
2011 Results
(unofficial)
Following are the top four scorers, in order, in
each division. The top four in each division receive prize money,
except in cases where fewer than four advanced to the final round:
RISING STARS
DIVISION
Poet/Serious
Paul Bliss
Almeda Bradshaw
B.J. Smith
Dick Warwick
Poet/Humorous
Dick Warwick
B.J. Smith
Tim Jenne
David Nordquist
Reciter/Serious
Dick Warwick
Paul Bliss
Terry Nash
Almeda Bradshaw
Reciter/Humorous
Orvil Sears
Dick Warwick
Paul Bliss
David Nordquist
SILVER BUCKLE
DIVISION
(previous winners and those who chose to compete with them)
Poet/Serious
Dick
Warwick
B.J. Smith
C.R.Wood
Verlin Pitt
Poet/Humorous
B.J. Smith
Dick Warwick
Keith Ward
C.R. Wood
Reciter/Serious
C.R. Wood
Keith Ward
Dick Warwick
Reciter/Humorous
Keith Ward
Orvil Sears
C.R. Wood
There was also a final "SHOOTOUT" competition, which anyone could
enter. Each entrant recites an original humorous poem and an
original serious poem. Entrants each pay $200 and the top two
scorers receive prize money. Winners were:
C.R. Wood
Paul Bliss
August 18-20, 2011
14th Annual National
Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
Kanab, Utah
From Sam Jackson:
Its fourteenth season will see the
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
once again surrounded by the beautiful red rock hills of Kanab Utah.
The 2011 eventwill
take place in the Old Barn Theater, August 18, 19th and 20th, in
conjunction with the Western Legends Round-up festival.
This looks to be
the biggest and best rodeo ever, sponsored by the Kane County Utah
office on tourism, Ceba (Commission on education, business and
arts), The Kane County Commission and private donors.
An additional note of interest: Kanab is centrally located among
several major Southern Utah/Northern Arizona attractions making it
and ideal place for a family vacation while attending the rodeo.
Zion National
Park--- 30 miles
Grand Staircase National Monument---15 miles
Bryce Canyon National Park---75 miles
Lake Powell---70 miles
Grand Canyon, North rim---80 miles
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
2011
Participants
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
(NCPR) organizer and poet
Sam Jackson
has announced the roster of participating poets for the
14th annual National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo. The event
takes place August 18-20, 2011 in Kanab, Utah, in conjunction with the
Western Legends Roundup.
The poets, who come from 12 states and 3 countries, are
Duke Aiken,
Paul Bliss,
Almeda Terry Bradshaw,
J.V. Brummels,
Marlene Bussma,
Jim Cathey,
Jan Corey,
J.B. Gans,
Del Gustafson,
Hal Hamblin,
Donna Hatton,
Tom Hatton,
Dennis Hunter,
Tim Jenne,
Mark Kerr,
Susie Knight,
Terry Nash,
David Nordquist,
Laurali Noteman,
Verlin Pitt,
Francine Roark Robison,
Orvil Sears,
B.J. Smith,
Keith Ward,
Dick Warwick,
Loren Wendt, and
C.R. Wood.
Respected poet and author
Rod Miller
will present a poetry workshop at the event, before the
competition begins.
The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, driven by the concept of "excellence
through competition," is fashioned after a stock rodeo, "with an
overriding goal of advancing the genre of cowboy poetry to a degree
benefitting both performer and audience."
Participants
updated 8/22
2011
Judges
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo (NCPR)
organizer and poet
Sam Jackson has announced the judges
for the
14th annual National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo:
Montana journalist, photographer, and
Cowboy Jam Session
columnist
Jeri Dobrowski;
Colorado poet, writer, and former
Cowboy Magazine
editor and publisher
Darrell Arnold;
Utah writer and poet Rod Miller; South Dakota poet, retired
pastor, and long-time NCPR judge foreman
Ed Nesselhuf; and noted Western
writer and Kanab, Utah city councilman Ed Meyers, creator of the
Writers of the
Purple Sage series of writers' retreats.
Honoring
Colen Sweeten
photo courtesy of
Jeri L. Dobrowski
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo organizer
and poet Sam Jackson has announced
that the 14th annual National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo will be
dedicated to the memory of beloved Utah poet,
Colen Sweeten
(1917-2007).
With a long involvement in the Rodeo, including presiding over
popular workshops, Colen Sweeten was the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades; he was called "Western America's Will
Rogers."
Raised on a southern Idaho ranch, he began writing poetry long
before it was known as "cowboy poetry. He published four books
of his poetry and his short articles and poems appeared in
Readers Digest
and other publications. He made many radio and television
appearances (including
The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson) and performed at many
gatherings across the West. He attended all but one of the
Western Folklife Center's National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings.
Among his awards and recognitions were a Fellowship in
Literature from The Idaho Commission on the Arts; the
American West Heritage Pioneer Skill Preservation
award from the American West Heritage Foundation; and the
Esto Perpetua Award
from the Idaho Historical Society.
A friend and a favorite to all who knew him, Colen Sweeten died
August 15, 2007. He had an enormous repertoire of poems,
stories, wisdom, and humor. He always had a kind and cheerful
word for all, and as he often said, so many friends that he
"wasn't even using them all."
Find some of Colen Sweeten's poetry in our feature
here and tributes
here.
The 14th National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, driven by the concept of
"excellence through competition," takes place August 18-20, 2011
in Kanab, Utah, in conjunction with the Western Legends
Roundup. The Rodeo will include a presentation by Colen Sweeten's
son, Colen Sweeten III, along with a commemorative display.
Additional related activities will be announced.
[photo of
Colen Sweeten by Jeri L. Dobrowski; see her
gallery of western performers and others
here.]
Posted 1/17
The 2010 Rodeo
The thirteenth annual
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
took place in Montrose, Colorado, September 17-18, 2010. The top
winners were:
Rising Stars:
Poet Serious:
Dale Page,
Indiana
Poet Humorous:
Dave Proust,
Australia
Reciter Serious:
Steve Porter,
South Carolina
Reciter Humorous:
Keith Ward,
North Carolina
Silver Buckle (past winners and others who enter to compete
with them):
Poet Serious:
C.R. Wood,
Utah
Poet Humorous:
Doug Keller,
Utah
Reciter Serious:
Dave Proust,
Australia (won after a tie, in a "rhyme-off" with
Linda Kirkpatrick)
Reciter Humorous:
C.R. Wood,
Utah
Shootout (a winner-take-all competition, where poets recite
two original poems, one humorous and one serious):
Dave Proust
, Australia
photo by Smoke Wade
Winners Keith Ward, Dave Proust, Steve Porter, Doug Keller, Dale
Page, and C.R. Wood
photo by Smoke Wade
2010 Participants
Winners and Top Finalists
Rising Stars, Serious
Dale Page, Indiana 105.5
Paul Harris, New Mexico 103.0
Susie Knight, Colorado 101.5
B.J. Smith, Alberta 99.5
Rising Stars, Humorous
Dave Proust, Australia, 108.5
Keith Ward, North Carolina 102.5
B.J. Smith, Alberta 102.0
Terry Nash, Colorado 97.5
Rising Stars, Reciter Serious
Steve Porter, South Carolina 107.5
Terry Nash, Colorado 105.0
Keith Ward, North Carolina 104.5
Jim Cathey, Texas 101.0
Rising Stars, Reciter Humorous
Keith Ward, North Carolina 105.0
Jan Corey, Arizona 101.5
Jim Cathey, Texas 101.0
J.B. Barber, Idaho 100.5
Silver Buckle, Serious
C.R. Wood, Utah 107.0
Linda Kirkpatrick, Texas 104.0
Doug Keller, Utah 104.0
B.J. Smith, Alberta 100.5
Silver Buckle, Humorous
Doug Keller, Utah 103.5
Dave Proust, Australia 99.5
Bette Wolf Duncan, Iowa 99.0
Jim Cathey, Texas 94.0
Silver Buckle, Reciter Serious
Dave Proust, Texas 109.5*
C.R. Wood, Utah 108.5
Linda Kirkpatrick, Texas 107.5*
Doug Keller, Utah 106.0
* Proust and Kirkpatrick tied at first at 109.5 and the final
result was
decided in a rhyme-off
Silver Buckle, Reciter Humorous
C.R. Wood, Utah 107
Doug Keller, Utah 106.5
Jim Cathey, Texas 104.0
Linda Kirkpatrick, Texas 102
Shootout
Dave Proust, Australia 110.5
C.R. Wood, Utah 109.5
Dale Page, Indiana 108
See a report and photos
here.
September 16-18, 2010
13th Annual National
Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
Montrose, Colorado
San Juan Western Heritage Festival
Montrose,
Colorado
From the organizations' joint media release, July 12, 2010:
The 13th
Annual National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo returns to Montrose,
Colorado, September 17-18, 2010. Held in conjunction with
the San Juan Western Heritage Festival, events take place
at the historic Turn of the Century Saloon, 117 North 4th
Street. Along with the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, the
Festival will feature live entertainment—including a
Saturday evening show with
Jerry Brooks
opening for top singer and songwriter
Brenn Hill.
The
purpose of the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is “Excellence
through competition.” The announcer will, once again, be
the well-known cowboy poet and events organizer Smoke
Wade. The judging team will be led by 13-year National
Cowboy Poetry Rodeo veteran, the one and only “Prairie
Pastor,” Ed Nesselhuf and
include Darrell Arnold,
poet, author, photographer, and long-time editor and
publisher of Cowboy magazine; the notoriously funny
and talented cowgirl poet, Sam
DeLeeuw; one of Western America’s most admired cowgirl
poets and author, artist, and teacher Jo
Lynne Kirkwood; and the man who started the
Western
Legends Roundup, one of Americas premier Western
festivals, Dennis Judd.
This year
the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo takes on an international
flavor with cowboy poets from 12 states, Canada and
Australia competing for approximately $6000.00 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, giving each contestant a
golden opportunity to see how they really stack up
against their peers. There will be a Friday night show
featuring cowboy poets and musical acts.
Saturday,
September 18, the top 50 percent of the competing cowboy
poets advance to the final round. 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 popular western singer and
songwriter, Brenn Hill.
While in
Montrose, poets and families will enjoy the
Western Colorado Experience, which includes Black Canyon;
Ute Indian Museum; Western History Museum; Ouray—“the
Switzerland of America”; and other attractions. Many will
take home memories and local products from historic
downtown Montrose.
The San
Juan Healthcare Foundation is the major sponsor and the
fundraiser proceeds will go to the Caring Friends Fund for
patients at the San Juan Cancer Center.
Roster
, as of
September 17, 2010:
JB Barber
—Genesee,
Idaho
Branden Brian—Loa,
Utah
Caib Brian—Loa,
Utah
Cathy Brian—Loa,
Utah
Scott Bumgardner—Houston
Texas
Jim Cathey—Marlin,
Texas
Jan M. Corey—Mesa,
Arizona
Betty Wolf Duncan—Runnells,
Iowa
Del Gustafson—Duval,
Washington
Paul Harris—Rociada,
New Mexico
Dennis L. Hunter—Grand
Junction, Colorado
Doug Keller—Kanab,
Utah
Mark Kerr—Ivins,
Utah
Linda Kirkpatrick—Leakey,
Texas
Suzie Knight—Evergreen,
Colorado
Dick Morton—Mesa,
Arizona
Jane Morton—Mesa,
Arizona
Dale Page—Monrovia,
Indiana
Steve Porter—Fountain
Inn, South Carolina
David Proust—Forrest
Beach, Queensland, Australia
Joe Ryden—Greeley,
Colorado
Bryan (B.J.) Smith—Diamond
City, Alberta, Canada
Keith Ward—Vilas, North Carolina
C.R. Wood—Elsinore,
Utah
2010
buckles and trophy plaques
Dan Geolfos, of
Geolfos
Silversmiths
in Hotchkiss, Colorado designed and crafted the buckles, and
worked with the
Trophy Shop, in
Delta, Colorado, for the beautiful trophy plaque design.
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
producer Sam Jackson
has announced that the 2010 event will take place in Montrose,
Colorado on September 17-18, 2010, in conjunction with the
San Juan Western Heritage Festival.
From Sam Jackson,
May
18, 2010:
Howdy Bard Pards (and
other interested folks),
Four months from
tonight we’ll be sitting in the Turn of the Century
Saloon in beautiful down town Montrose Colorado, as
our favorite emcee, Mr.
Smoke Wade, introduces poets
and musicians who will be entertaining at the Saturday night
Headliner Show and I will be handing out trophies and checks for
over $6,000 to the Rodeo winners.
The Turn of
the Century Saloon is located in beautiful downtown Montrose
Colorado just West of highway 50, only a couple of blocks from the
main business district. It is an absolutely magnificent Western
facility that will add an authentic “Old West” atmosphere to our
event.
Don’t have a
“hard” schedule as yet, but in general, beginning around 1 PM
Thursday at the Saloon, riders can pick up their welcome packets
and join in a workshop, after which, we will draw for “Ride Times”
followed by an evening, NCPR hosted, “Get acquainted” party,
catered by Pine Cone catering.
The Rodeo’s first
go-round will start Friday morning at 8 AM sharp, running until
around 5, followed by a Friday night show featuring NCPR talent.
Saturday morning,
same start schedule for the second go-round followed by the
“Shoot-out,” the day ending end with the Saturday night Headliner
show, once again showcasing the rodeo winners along with some
musical talents.
Sunday morning at
am, Cowboy church, (location TBD)
The San Juan
Western Heritage Festival will have their booths and other
entertainment events located on the property along side the Saloon
facilities. We should end up with an event enjoyable for the
entire family and community.
Best regards from yer ol’ (and getting’ ol’er) corral boss,
Sammy Jackson
PS: Take a look
at these web sites and the Black Canyon Motel is giving us
discount rates again this year.
PPS:
Questions??? e-mail or give me a call at (435) 899-1100, 644-5444
(days) or 64-5459 (evenings)
Posted 5/24
The
2009
Rodeo
Report and Photos
We have a
report
(written with the assistance of
Smoke Wade
and with photos by
Almeda Terry,
Dick Morton,
Dawn Dawson,
Kent B. Broyhill,
Smoke Wade,
and
Byrl Keith Chadwell)
from the
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
and
San Juan Western Heritage Festival
that took place
in September, 2009 in Montrose,
Colorado.
Find the complete results and
photos in our report
here.
photo by Dawn Dawson
Geff Dawson
2009 Rodeo
DVDs
Professional video of the finals and a
"Shootout" competition at the 2009 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
are available on three DVDs.
Find a report and photos from the event
here.
The 2009
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
DVDs—all
proceeds go toward the rodeo—are available for $34 postpaid from: Sam Jackson, Producer;
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo; 4675 E. Vermillion Ave.; Kanab Utah,
84741; last2camp@kanab.net
Results—Preliminary Report
The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo took place
September 10-12, 2009 in Montrose,
Colorado. The winners in each category were:
Rising Stars, serious original
poetry:
Al "Doc" Mehl
Second place:
C.R. Wood
Rising Stars, humorous original poetry: C.R. Wood
Second place:
Al "Doc" Mehl
Rising Stars, serious reciter:
C.R. Wood
Second place:
Duane Nelson
Rising Stars, humorous reciter:
C.R. Wood
Second place:
Keith Ward
The Rising Stars category was open
to first-time participants:
Silver Buckle, serious original
poetry:
Geff Dawson
Second
place:
Slim Farnsworth
Silver Buckle,
humorous original poetry:
Slim Farnsworth
Second place:
Geff Dawson
Silver Buckle,
serious reciter:
Jerry Brooks
Second
place:
Geff Dawson
Silver Buckle,
humorous reciter:
Slim Farnsworth
Second place:
Geff Dawson
The Silver Buckle category was open
to previous winners and all others.
The winner of a final "shootout"
match was
Geff Dawson.
The unique event was conceived by and is produced by poet
Sam
Jackson, who believes in "excellence through competition."
The participants for the
2009 rodeo were:
J.B. Barber (Idaho), Marci Broyhill (Nebraska),
Jerry Brooks (Utah),
Jim Cardwell (California),
Jim Cathey (Texas), Keith Chadwell
(Oregon), Jan M. Corey (Arizona), Geff Dawson
(Kansas), Betty Wolf Duncan (Iowa),
Slim Farnsworth (Colorado),
Janice Gilbertson (California),
Del Gustafson (Washington),
Lee
Kimberlain (Colorado), Al "Doc" Mehl (Colorado),
Dick Morton (Colorado),
Jane Morton (Colorado),
Duane Nelson
(Oregon), Orvil Sears (Washington),
Cade Schalla (Texas), Don Sims (Wyoming),
Bryan Smith (Alberta),
Kip Sorlie (South Dakota), Almeda Terry
(Montana), Keith Ward (North Carolina), and C.R. Wood (Utah).
The
National
Cowboy
Poetry
Rodeo
was
held
in conjunction with the
San Juan Western
Heritage Festival.
Preliminary Information
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 in the
San Juan Western Heritage
Festival
to raise money for the local cancer
center.
From Sam Jackson:
The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
will be held this coming September 10th,11th,12th,
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
A Premier Workshop
The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo (NCPR) is looking for a
"Few Good Poets" who might like to enhance their writing,
reciting and entertaining skills while winning a few dollars
and gaining some pretty good publicity.
"Excellence
through competition"
is our theme and over the last dozen years has certainly
proven its effectiveness. Among this year's (’09) featured
performers at the National Cowboy
Poetry Gathering in Elko were ten who have competed in
the NCPR, five of them silver buckle winners, and just about
every one of them will tell you that competition enhanced
their skills.
I realize that not everyone is up to poetry competition. I
spoke recently with one fellow who carried a pretty dim view
of poetry contests. "Well now," sez I, "If this were just a
cowboy poetry contest I'd throw in with you, however the
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is much more than just a
contest, it’s a premier learning experience, the absolute
best workshop you could ever imagine. The highest score, or
who’s the best poet, isn’t what it’s about. This
competition is specifically designed to make 'fair poets
good' and 'good poets better!' It's an event that allows the
poet, by participating or just watching, to gain a host of
new ways of improving their expertise. Our unique approach
is to pit the skills of one poet against those of another in
such a manner as to further develop the talents of both,
with an over-riding goal of advancing the genre of cowboy
poetry to a degree benefiting both performer and audience.”
Now here’s a surprise:
There are those among us who may not be
(quite)
so good as their wife, mother or hired hands would have them
believe. For that group, this is where
"The hoof meets
the trail" (my
metaphor—you could tell?).
This is where we find out how we stack up against
our peers, where we get a good look at ourselves through the
eyes of folks not setting at our table. Yes, some feelings
will get hurt, a few to the extent they give up
performing (or at least competing) but most say "Whoa—I can
do better" and
they do, but either way both the genre and audience come out
ahead. Perhaps we could call the process a “Verbicide.”
The vast majority use the experience to watch, listen, learn
and improve, and by taking that approach, there are no
losers! Those not scoring in the money have won something
far more valuable:
knowledge! So if they are smart (and most cowboy poets are)
they now have the tools for improving their writing,
reciting, stage presence and total performance, putting
themselves in greater demand as entertainers, which in turn
gleans a bigger audience,
eventually bringing with them their friends and their
friends'
friends—Get the picture?
© 2009, Sam Jackson
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 local handmade
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.
2009 Participants
The participants for the 2009
rodeo have been announced:
J.B. Barber (Idaho), Marci Broyhill (Nebraska),
Jerry Brooks (Utah), Jim Cardwell (California),
Jim Cathey (Texas), Keith Chadwell
(Oregon), Jan M. Corey (Arizona), Geff Dawson
(Kansas), Betty Wolf Duncan (Iowa),
Slim Farnsworth (Colorado),
Janice Gilbertson (California),
Del Gustafson (Washington),
Lee
Kimberlain (Colorado), Al "Doc" Mehl (Colorado),
Dick Morton (Colorado),
Jane Morton (Colorado),
Duane Nelson
(Oregon), Orvil Sears (Washington),
Cade Schalla (Texas), Don Sims (Wyoming),
Bryan Smith (Alberta),
Kip Sorlie (South Dakota), Almeda Terry
(Montana), Keith Ward (North Carolina), and C.R. Wood (Utah).
Judges are Ed Nesselhuf
(South Dakota), Chuck Hazlett
(South Dakota), Verlin Pitt
(Wyoming), Darrell Arnold
(Colorado), and Sam DeLeeuw
(Utah). Smoke Wade
(Nevada) will be the rodeo announcer.
Live Broadcast
From co-host
Tamara Boatright
of
Ralph's Back Porch:
Ralph's Back Porch
will be at it again! Ralph and Tamara will be bringing us
more live event coverage from the
San Juan Western
Heritage Festival
and
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo,
Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.
Around the world folks can listen in
as our favorites and friends compete for the silver buckle.
Listeners can look forward to interviews and performances by
Sam Jackson,
Ed Nesselhuf,
Darrell Arnold,
Sam DeLeeuw,
Verlin Pitt,
Smoke Wade,
Jan Corey,
Jim Cardwell,
Cade Shalla,
Marcie Broyhill,
J.V. Brummels,
Almeda Terry,
Al Mehl,
Jerry Brooks,
Geff Dawson
and a host of other talented individuals.
Their broadcast schedule will be:
Friday 1 pm - 4 pm MST (or 2 pm - 6 pm Texas time) Live show
coverage with open mic
7 pm - 9 pm MST (or 8 pm - 10 pm Texas Time) Headliner
event with local Western Colorado Talent
Saturday 1 pm -4 pm MST (or 2 pm - 6 pm Texas Time) Live show
coverage with open mic
7 pm - 9 pm MST (or 8 pm - 10 pm Texas Time)
Evening Show with Gary Lear and his Nashville Band
as well
as awards
To listen, go to
www.ralphsbackporch.com the broadcast will be coming from
the ustream box on the center of the page and volume can be
adjusted there. Folks at home are encouraged to click the "chat"
button to join other listeners in the worldwide chat room.
The
2007
Rodeo
Some Photos and
Results
The 10th annual
Badger Clark
Hometown Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering hosted the 10th annual
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, in Hot Springs, South Dakota, on September 28-29, 2007.
The hospitality of event organizer MaryJo Grill, Chamber of Commerce
Director George Kotti, and the entire community was extended to poets
from 13 states. Poet
Sam
Jackson conceived the
National Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo, based on his belief in
"excellence through competition."
Over $6,000 in prize money was distributed.
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo contestants, officials, and others pose
following conclusion of rodeo.
photo by
Jeri Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
from Jeri L. Dobrowski, 1471 Carlyle Road, Beach, ND 58621
email 406-795-8168
To order, go to
http://jeridobrowski.smugmug.com/gallery/3574291
Participants included
Rich Bellert, Excelsior, Minnesota; Marty Blocker (Merriman, Nebraska);
Marci Broyhill (Dakota City, Nebraska);
Scott Hill
Bumgardner
(Houston, Texas); Ken Chrissley
(Powell, Wyoming);
Ken Cook
(Martin, South Dakota); John
Crabtree
(Newcastle, Wyoming);
Van Criddle
(Eugene, Oregon); Glen
Enloe
(Independence, Missouri); Slim
Farnsworth (Paonia, Colorado);
Kenny Hall, Tropic, Utah;
Don Hilmer
(South Dakota);
Willard Hollopeter
(Wood Lake, Nebraska); Doug Keller
(Kanab, Utah);
Paul Kern (Sandy,
Utah);
Linda Kirkpatrick
(Leakey, Texas); Bonnie Krogman (Wood, South Dakota);
Ron McDaniel, Sulphur Springs, Arkansas; Slim
McNaught
(New Underwood, South Dakota);
Rod Nichols
(Missouri City, Texas);
Susan Parker
(Benicia, California), Michael Robinson
(Draper, Utah), Jerry
Simmons (Sioux Falls, South Dakota),
Rhonda
Sedgwick Stearns (Newcastle, Wyoming);
Virginia Taylor (Lockney, Texas);
Gordon Thomas, Genola, Utah;
Diane Tribitt
(Hilman, Minnesota); and
Smoke Wade
(Mesquite, Nevada).
Judges were foreman
Ed Nesselhuf of Burbank, South Dakota;
Yvonne Hollenbeck of Clearfield, South Dakota;
Jeri Dobrowski of Beach, North Dakota;
Robert Dennis of Red Owl, South
Dakota; and Verlin Pitt of Lander, Wyoming.
Among
the top winners were Marty Blocker
of Merriman, Nebraska; Ken Cook of Martin, South Dakota; Slim
Farnsworth of Paonia, Colorado;
Linda Kirkpatrick of Leakey, Texas;
and
Andy Nelson
of Pinedale, Wyoming. Ken Cook, Slim Farnsworth, and Marty Blocker received silver
buckles, and Marty Blocker, Linda Kirkpatrick, and Andy
Nelson took home trophy statues.
Marty Blocker,
Andy Nelson,
Ken Cook, and
Linda Kirkpatrick
photo by Jeri
Dobrowski, obtain permission for
reproduction rights
from Jeri L. Dobrowski, 1471 Carlyle Road, Beach, ND 58621
email 406-795-8168
To order, go to
http://jeridobrowski.smugmug.com/gallery/3574291
Following are the top-four winners for each
event, all of whom received cash prizes, ranked by aggregate scores for
the event.
photo by Jeri
Dobrowski, obtain permission for reproduction rights
from Jeri L. Dobrowski, 1471 Carlyle Road, Beach, ND 58621
email 406-795-8168
To order, go to
http://jeridobrowski.smugmug.com/gallery/3574291
2007 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo individual
event winners
Andy Nelson, Pinedale,
Wyo., Shoot-out (1 original serious & 1 original humorous poem) ;
Smoke Wade, Mesquite, Nev.,
Silver Buckle Division - Reciter Humorous;
Slim
Farnsworth, Paonia, Colo., Rising Star Division -
Poet/Humorous;
Linda Kirkpatrick,
Leakey, Texas, Silver Buckle Division - Reciter/Serious;
Marty Blocker, Merriman, Neb., Rising Star Division - Reciter/Humorous
and Reciter/Serious;
John Crabtree, Newcastle, Wyo., Silver Buckle Division -
Poet/Humorous;
Ken Cook, Martin, S.D.,
Rising Star Division - Poet/Serious;
Rod Nichols
, Missouri City, Texas, Silver Buckle Division - Poet/Serious.
Rising Stars Division (those
who have not won an event in a previous rodeo)
Poet Serious (original poetry)
1st place:
Ken Cook
2nd place: Marty Blocker
3rd place:
Diane Tribitt
4th place:
Rod Nichols
Poet Humorous (original poetry)
1st place:
Slim
Farnsworth
2nd place:
Marty Blocker
3rd place:
Ken Cook
and Ron McDaniel (tie)
4th place: John Crabtree
Reciter Serious
1st place: Marty Blocker
2nd place: Rich Bellert
3rd place:
Diane Tribitt
4th place:
Susan Parker and Virginia Taylor
(tie)
Reciter Humorous
1st place: Marty Blocker
2nd place:
Rhonda
Sedgwick Stearns
3rd place:
Susan Parker
4th place:
Paul Kern
Silver Buckle Division (those have
won an event in a previous rodeo and any other poet/reciter who choses
to enter):
Poet Serious (original poetry)
1st place:
Rod Nichols
2nd place:
Linda Kirkpatrick
and John Crabtree
(tie)
3rd place:
Van Criddle
4th place: Slim
McNaught
and
Rhonda
Sedgwick Stearns (tie)
Poet Humorous (original poetry)
1st place: John Crabtree
2nd place: Slim
McNaught and
Rod Nichols
(tie)
3rd place:
Slim
Farnsworth
Reciter Serious
1st place:
Linda Kirkpatrick
2nd place:
Van Criddle
3rd place:
Smoke Wade
4th place: Rhonda
Sedgwick Stearns
Reciter Humorous
1st place:
Smoke Wade
2nd place: Doug Keller
3rd place:
Van Criddle
4th place:
Linda Kirkpatrick
Shoot Out
Following the traditional National Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo events, a first-ever "Shoot Out" was held. Each entrant paid
a fee and performed a humorous poem and a serious poem. The
first-place winner received 75% of the entry fees, and the
second-place winner received 25% (rodeo fees were subtracted from
totals):
1st place:
Andy Nelson
2nd place:
Ken Cook
Sam Jackson provided the following money-winner
information:
National Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo winners, Hot Springs S.D. 2007
Marty Blocker Merriman,
Nebraska $1,248 Silver Buckle/Best of
the Best Trophy for overall
high money, Rising Stars Division
Ken Cook Martin, South Dakota
657 Silver Buckle
Rod Nichols Missouri, City Texas
625
Slim Farnsworth Paonia, Colorado
585
Silver Buckle
Linda Kirkpatrick Leakey,
Texas 490
Trophy for high money, Silver Buckle Division
John Crabtree Newcastle, Wyoming 460
Smoke Wade Mesquite Nevada 358
Van Criddle Eugene, Oregon
300
Diane Tribitt Hillman, Minnesota
278
Rhonda Stearns Newcastle, Wyoming
217
Rich Bellert Excelsior, Minnesota
200
Susan Parker Benicia, California
137
Doug Keller Kanab, Utah
137
Ron McDaniel Sulphur Springs, Arkansas
132
Slim McNaught New Underwood, South Dakota 120
Paul Kern Salt Lake City Utah
66
Virginia Taylor Lockney Texas
40
________
$ 6,050
10th Anniversary Shoot-Out
Andy Nelson Pinedale,
Wyoming $ 840 and 1st place Trophy
Ken Cook Martin
SD $ 280 2nd place
A special "Thank You" to the
riders and fans from MaryJo Grill
Dear 2007 NCPR Poet "Riders" and Fans,
I would personally like to thank all of you for your participation
in the 10th annual NCPR held this year in Hot Springs, SD, in
conjunction with our 10th annual Badger Clark Poetry/Music
Gathering. What a wonderful group you were to meet and visit with
and how friendly and helpful you were to all of us.
I have received so many emails and cards from many
of you with "thanks" for our part, but we want to send a BIG "THANK
YOU" to all of you. So many of you have made me feel like a part of
your family and "family" was my main object of how I wanted YOU to
feel when you arrived in Hot Springs. I feel so rich and blessed in
the friends that I gained and hope that we will all have a chance to
be together again in 2008.
Congratulations to all the Rodeo winners!
Again, thanks to each and every one of you for your part in making
this event such a successful one.
"Happy Trails Until We Meet Again"
MaryJo Grill, Program Director
Photo by Jeri L.
Dobrowski; see her gallery of western performers and others
here.
Yvonne Hollenbeck and MaryJo Grill
See reports and photos by
Smoke Wade
and
Slim
McNaught and more photos and information on a separate page
here.
[photo of Slim McNaught by Jen Dobrowski]
Updated 10/18
National Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo Logo Design Competition
Sam
Jackson, producer of the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, has announced the
winners of the event's recent logo competition.
The winners are: 1st place: Greta Merrick,
Boston, Massachusetts, $100; 2nd place: Diane
Tribitt,
Minnesota, two tickets to the headliner show at the
Badger Clark
Hometown Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering
(the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is being held in conjunction with the
show); and 3rd place, Lincoln
Rogers, Colorado,
The BAR-D Roundup: Volume II. Sam
Jackson adds, "We would like to thank everyone who submitted an entry."
From the official announcement:
First place winner Greta Merrick
studies Graphic Design at Boston's Northeastern University, where she
has honed her skills in a subject area which transcends the boundaries
of art, trade, research, and social critique. In between semesters she
has held graphic design internships at the University library, as well
as at the studio of Jung and Pfeffer in Bremen, Germany. A strong visual
aesthetic has been central to her pursuits in all areas of life. She
will be graduating with a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design from
Northeastern in May of 2007. She can be reached at
gretamerrick@gmail.com"
The next
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo competition takes place in Hot Springs, South
Dakota, on September 28-29, 2007 and will be held in conjunction with the Badger Clark
Hometown Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering. Twenty-four poets from 12
states are entered in in 75 events at the 2007 National Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo.
Sam Jackson conceived the unique event—celebrating its tenth
year in 2007—based on his belief in "excellence through
competition."
Sam
Jackson, producer of
the National Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo,
was honored by the Cowboy Poets of
Utah at the April, 2007 Kane County Cowboy Poetry Gathering. He was
presented with an award for his "significant contribution to cowboy poetry
through the Cowboy Poetry Rodeo."
From Rodeo boss Sam
Jackson, December, 2006
2007 Invitation to Compete
The National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is looking for a few good
poets to compete for more than $5,000 prize money, silver
buckles, trophies, and 12 months of braggin' rights at our next
event. When the chute gates open September 28th and 29th at the 2007
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, the riders and arena crew will be
lookin' at the spectacular scenery of the Black Hills while
experiencing the hospitality of the folks in the beautiful city of
Hot Springs, South Dakota.
After a most successful nine-year run in Southern Utah (for which we
thank those communities and everyone involved for their support) we
recalled that old adage "A change is as good as a rest"
and figured that moving the Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo to a more central
location was in order. Mary Jo Grill, co-ordination for the Badger Clark
Hometown Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering,
got things rollin'. With the help of Mr. George Kotti, executive
director of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, we received an
invitation to hold the 2007 event in their town. It seems certain
that Hot Springs and the Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo will complement
each other and we look forward to making this our home in future
years.
Hot Springs is located central to all major Black Hills attractions,
such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park,
Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and it just
so happens that the date for the CPR is right at the front end of
the 41st Annual Custer State Park Buffalo
Roundup and Arts Festival. All of that,
along with South Dakota September weather, what better time and
place for a family vacation!
As time constraints allow only 60 events, I'm betting that
anyone wanting in had better move fast as this looks to be the
biggest and best Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo ever.
If interested, get
back to me ASAP and I'll send along an entry form along with a
copy of the updated rules and regulations. For questions or comments
please forward them to:
Sam Jackson
Producer, National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
4675 E. Vermillion Ave.
Kanab Utah, 84741
last2camp@kanab.net
(435) 644-5459/5444 or (435) 899-1100
The suggested hotel for the event
is just steps away from the events center. Mention the Cowboy Poetry Rodeo:
Best Western, Sundowner Inn
737 S. 6th St., Hot Springs SD 57747
1 877-664-7378
www.bestwesternhotsprings.com
Attention: Kelly
The
2006 Rodeo
2006 Kanab Cowboy Poetry Rodeo,
some of the poets,
judges, and other participants
photo by Jeri L. Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
from Jeri L. Dobrowski, 1471 Carlyle Road, Beach, ND 58621 email
406-795-8168
To order, go to http://jeridobrowski.smugmug.com/gallery/1849952
The 2006 winners and runners up
are:
photo by Jeri L. Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
Sam Jackson presents the top winners: Geff
Dawson, Sam
DeLeeuw, Van
Criddle, Smoke
Wade, Doug Keller, and Alyssa Allan
Rising Stars:
Poet Serious: Van
Criddle (Oregon)
Second place: Geff
Dawson (Kansas)
Poet Humorous: Geff
Dawson (Kansas)
Second place: Eldon Housely (Arizona)
Reciter Serious: Smoke
Wade (Idaho)
Second place: Charles Williams
(Texas)
Reciter Humorous: Alyssa Allan
(Utah)
Second place: Rhonda
Sedgwick Stearns (Wyoming)
Silver Buckle:
Poet Serious: Diane
Tribitt (Minnesota)
Second place: Sam
DeLeeuw
(Utah)
Poet Humorous: Sam
DeLeeuw
(Utah)
Second place: Doug Keller (Utah)
Reciter Serious: Sam
DeLeeuw
(Utah)
Second place: Doug Keller (Utah)
Reciter Humorous: Sam
DeLeeuw
(Utah)
Second place: Doug Keller (Utah)
photo by Jeri L. Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
Geff
Dawson was recognized as the "Best of the Best," with the
highest overall score in combined categories.
The 2006 Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo competitors from twelve states included Diane
Tribitt (Minnesota), Smoke
Wade (Idaho), Clint Nielson (Utah), Harold
Roy Miller
(Nevada), Diana Miller (Nevada), Alyssa Allan (Utah), Geff
Dawson (Kansas), Laurali Noteman (Utah), Myrna Cox (Utah),
Delores Tozer
(Colorado), Ken
Whitecotton (Arizona), Van
Criddle (Oregon), J. K. (Casey) Woods (Utah), Slim
McNaught (South Dakota), Rhonda
Sedgwick Stearns (Wyoming), Charles Williams
(Texas), Jane
Morton (Colorado) Dick Morton
(Colorado), Doug Keller (Utah), Linda Kirkpatrick
(Texas), Sam
DeLeeuw
(Utah), Tom Hatton (Colorado), Donna
Hatton
(Colorado), Diane Thompson
(Texas), and Allen Thompson (Texas). Interestingly, the
poets and reciters include four married couples as rodeo participants.
The Cowboy Poetry Rodeo took place in conjunction with the Western
Legends Roundup, held August 24-27, 2006.This year's featured
entertainers on the event's various stages included Curly Musgrave
and Belinda
Gail, DW
Groethe, Brenn
Hill, Don
Kennington, Phil Kennington, Latigo, and Rex Allen Jr. Other Western
Legends Roundup events included a Wagon Train, workshops, Dutch oven cooking,
photography, painting, dancing, silversmithing, Western film festival,
old-fashioned tent revival, a parade, and more.
Kanab was a thriving center
for Western movies, called "Little Hollywood," the place where the
first talkie, In Old Arizona, was produced. The entire town became
involved in the early movie making, and most extras were chosen from large albums
that pictured most of the inhabitants, who were "the real deal."
Old movie sets in the area remain as tourist attractions. The 2006 Little Hollywood Walk of Fame Honorees recognize living
actors and those who have passed on, including Jack Elam, Dennis
Weaver, Don Knotts, Maureen O'Hara, Andrew Prine, Dick
Jones, Joel McCrea, and Dean Smith.
The
2005 Rodeo
2005 Kanab Cowboy Poetry Rodeo poets,
judges, and other officials
photo by Jeri L. Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
copies available for $6 postpaid (5x7) and $11 postpaid (8x10)
from Jeri L. Dobrowski, 1471 Carlyle Road, Beach, ND 58621 email
406-795-8168
The silver buckle and trophy winners on
the Saturday night stage: Lanny Joe Burnett,
Jane Morton,
Dick Morton,
Doug Keller,
Michael
Robinson, Phil Kennington,
Jay Snider,
and
Byrd
Woodward.
photo by Jeri L. Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
A view of the 2005
judges: front row, poet, writer, and Cowboy Magazine Editor
and Publisher Darrell Arnold; poet Yvonne
Hollenbeck; author Brad Hainsworth; and second row, Clear Out West
radio co-host Jim Nelson; and poet Ed
Nesselhuff, along with announcer Brent Owens and timer Barbara
Hall.
photo by Sam Jackson
The 2005 winners and runners up
were:
Rising Stars:
Poet Serious: Lanny Joe Burnett
Second place: Geff Dawson
Poet
Humorous: Jane Morton
Second place: Geff Dawson
Reciter
Serious: Dick Morton
Second place: Smoke
Wade
Reciter
Humorous: Doug Keller
Second place: Smoke
Wade
Silver Buckle:
Poet Serious: Michael
Robinson
Second place: Jay Snider
Poet Humorous: Phil
Kennington
Second place: Jay Snider
Reciter Serious:
Jay Snider
Second place: Jerry
Brooks
Reciter Humorous: Jay Snider
Second place: Phil Kennington
Most Improved Poet: Byrd
Woodward
The competitors from
13 states were: Jay
Jones (Missouri), Jim John
(Kansas), Charles
W. Bell (Utah), Smoke
Wade
(Idaho), Byrd
Woodward
(Arizona), Jane
Morton (Colorado), Dick Morton
(Colorado), Clint Nielson (Utah),
Janice
Gilbertson (California),
Rick Pitt
(Wyoming), Verlin Pitt
(Wyoming), Delores Tozer (Colorado), Lanny Joe Burnett* (Texas), Harold
Roy Miller
(Nevada), Diana Jo Miller (Nevada), Doug Keller (Utah), Bruce
Satta (Ohio), John
Silveira (California), A. K. Moss*
(Oregon), Geff Dawson (Kansas), Mike Moutoux (New Mexico), and Ken Whitecotton*, (Arizona). The "Silver Buckle Bunch" of past winners and
those wanting to compete with them included:
Linda Kirkpatrick
(Texas), Michael
Robinson (Utah), Phil Kennington (Utah), Jay Snider
(Texas), Jerry
Brooks (Utah), Lanny Joe Burnett*
(Texas), A. K. Moss* (Oregon), and Ken
Whitecotton (Arizona). (*indicates
those entered in both divisions)
Preceding the rodeo, Thursday, August 25,
2005, there was a writing and presentation workshop by Colen
Sweeten, Sam
Jackson and Ed
Nesselhuff.
See photos and stories from the event here.
Western
Legends Roundup Receives Official Recognition
On February 26, 2004, the executive Board of the Annual Western
Legends Roundup was honored by Utah
Governor Olene Walker and the State Legislature at the State Capitol in Salt
Lake with a resolution and a legislative citation recognizing their event.
Western Legends Board President Robert Houston presented Governor Walker with a
cowboy hat, and Cowboy Poetry Rodeo founder and arena boss Sam
Jackson and others were on hand.
Back row: Brad Hainsworth, Sam Jackson,
Robert
Houston, State Senator Tom Hatch, J.R. Jones and State Representative Mike Noel
Front row--Renee Jackson, Lynette Jones, Jackie Hainsworth,
Abby, Governor Olene Walker, Bonnie Ridding
2004 Winners
and Judges
The focus of the Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is
"excellence through competition," and past competitors such as
our Honored Guests Pat Richardson
and Doris Daley, are examples of poets who
competed and didn't win their first time out. Both
say they became better poets because of the competition, and both won in
subsequent years. (Pat Richardson became the AWA Male Poet of the
Year in 2003 and Doris Daley was named AWA Female Poet of the Year in
2004.)
There are two divisions, Rising
Stars and the Silver Buckle Bunch (returning winners and those
interested in competing with them), and this year's winners were:
Rising Star Serious Poetry: Linda
Kirkpatrick
Rising Star Humorous Poetry: D. W.
Groethe
Rising Star Serious Reciter: Linda
Kirkpatrick
Rising Star Humorous Reciter: Jay Snider
Silver
Buckle Serious Poetry: Yvonne Hollenbeck
Silver Buckle Humorous Poetry: Yvonne Hollenbeck
Silver Buckle Serious Reciter: Ed Nesselhuf
Silver Buckle Humorous Reciter: Jerry
Brooks
Special Award: Most
Improved Poet: Rick Pitt
2004 Cowboy Poetry
Rodeo Participants
photo by Jeri L. Dobrowski,
obtain permission for reproduction rights
copies available for $6 postpaid (5x7) and $11 postpaid (8x10)
from Jeri L. Dobrowski, 1471 Carlyle Road, Beach, ND 58621 email
406-795-8168
The winners received buckles, statues,
plaques, and their share of the large purse.
The competitors were:
Rising Stars: Linda
Kirkpatrick, Clint
Nielson, J. D. Kunze, Bill
Black, Robert Dennis, D. W.
Groethe, Byrd
Woodward, Charley Sierra, Doug Keller,
Delores Tozer, Jane Morton,
Jay Snider, Janice
Gilbertson, Rick Pitt, Verlin
Pitt, *Brent De Shon, Dick Morton,
Smoke
Wade
and *Lucky Whipple.
Silver Buckle Bunch: Yvonne Hollenbeck, Jerry
Brooks, Ed Nesselhuf, Sam
DeLeeuw, Michael
Robinson, *Lucky Whipple, and *Brent De Shon.
*
indicates those entered in both divisions.
The 2004 judges were Brad Hainsworth, Doris Daley,
Charles Williams, Pat Richardson,
Merlin Bundy,
and Colen Sweeten (alternate).
Visit the Western Legends
Roundup web site for more information about that event and the Cowboy
Poetry Rodeo.
About
the 2004 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
call
for poets and more info ...
August
27-28, 2004
Call
for Cowboy Poets:
The
Western Legends Round-up, Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, at Kanab Utah, is looking
for a “Few
Good Poets”,
preferably those
who enjoy
competition, would like to enhance their entertainment skills, win a few
$$ and get some good press while they’re at it.
Note
our slogan ---“Excellence
through Competition!”
You’re
wondering-- what the heck is a Cowboy Poetry Rodeo?
Fair question—As you well know, cowboy poetry as public entertainment
is a fairly new "kid-on-the-block.". It’s debut was
in Elko Nevada a few years back when a feller, name of Hal Cannon,
figured time was right for some old timers to get together and set down
their stories and songs about cowboys and ranch life. The good news is;
from that small beginning, cowboy poetry
snowballed—the bad news—its popularity soon out ran the
talent pool with some folks announcing themselves as “Cowboy Poet
Entertainers” a bit sooner than [perhaps] they should have. But back
to your question: The Cowboy Poetry Rodeo is a means of
encouraging “bad poets to become good-- and good poets to become
better!” and in our six years running has proven a *resounding
success.
Well,
that seems a noble quest, mind
explaining why?
Glad
to, it’s very simple: Several years ago myself and a couple other
fellers were chewing over the fact that cowboy poetry could become a
valuable tool in keeping our western heritage in front of the publics
eye, however to gain-- then keep--an integrated audience, the art form
must be written and presented in the most professional manner possible.
Mind
giving me a brief run-down on it’s mechanics?
Sure
enough: It is normally a two day event
which, for more ‘western’ flavor, is organized as much like a
stock rodeo as possible. Each contestant (Rider) pays an entry
fee and may enter any one, or all, of the four events: “Poet/serious”
or “Poet/humorous” (a “Poet” performs their own
work) “Reciter/serious” or “Reciter/humorous” (a “Reciter”
performs the work of others). Each “ride” (delivery of a
performance) is judged by a panel of 5 individuals with extensive
backgrounds in cowboy poetry. The top 50% of the poets from the first
days go-round advance to the second. The four highest final scores in
each event receive prize monies totaling around $6,000.00 (100% of entry
fees plus $3,000.00 donated by Western Legends)
The top score in each event also receives a championship buckle,
and an invitation to perform in the evening headliner shows with the
likes of Baxter Black, Waddie Mitchell, and Red Steagall.
Are
there any other reasons leading you to believe that
“up-grading” the talent level is
important? Yes,
the short answer is; So people will listen! but taking it
a bit further; it’s common knowledge that ranchers and other folks
here in the West, take a lot of undeserved heat for the [alleged
ruination] of the publics playgrounds by using them for such
frivolous projects as raising food. Perhaps if Cowboy Poetry
entertainment was upgraded to a level of excellence acceptable to the
general public, it could also help
spread the Gospel of Western Horse Sense, which reasons
that “Underneath those ten gallon hats, live some Good-ol’-Boys who
are perfectly capable of managing our western lands in a manner that
would benefit everyone. In summary; the better entertainers we become,
the larger, more diversified and influential our audience becomes!
How
do the poets handle competing with each other?
Much the
same as you see in the stock rodeos; cheering each other on and helping
in every way you can imagine. The
majority think it’s the best thing since the good Lord gave horses
four legs instead of three! Ninety percent of the riders, regardless of
whether they get throwed or receive a high score, come away feeling they
profited from the experience. Of course, as with any competition, you
run across those few who feel ‘not winning the gold’ means
failure, and quickly look around for someone or something to blame, but
to the majority, ‘not-winning’
simply means; “I’m not as good as I could be, and will
try to do better!” Those folks are the real winners in
any competition. For most
poets it does one of two things; they get better--or quit! Either way
the genre is better off.. Please note that I refrain from using the
word; ‘losers’, as no one in any competition ‘looses’ unless
they bring it on themselves. Perhaps the money or the silver buckles
ride home in someone else’s outfit, but the astute gain something far
more valuable by watching, listening to and discussing methods with
their peers. To quote an old proverb; “An hour with a wise man is
more valuable than a year of self learning.”
Keep
in mind that we are located in one of the most beautiful settings on
earth—totally surrounded by national parks; Canyon Lands, Lake
Powell, Capital Reef, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon , the Kaibab plateau, and
other scenic treats in every direction.. The weather in late August is
beautiful, so bring your family and make it the vacation of a
lifetime---and of course---you just might pay for it out of your
winnings!
If
you have an interest, give me a holler soon as our roster is just about
full.
Best regards,
Sam Jackson, arena boss
4675 East Vermillion ave.
Kanab
Utah 84741
(435) 544-5459 or (435) 899-1100
e-mail
lastcamp@kanab.net
Posted
12/5/03
The Cowboy Rodeo and its rules to
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