FEATURING: Mike Beck, DW Groethe, Wylie Gustafson, Brigid + Johnny Reedy.

Who knew there was so much talent in the state of Montana? These four acts are sure to entertain. Mike Beck, DW Groethe, Wylie Gustafson and Brigid and Johnny sing, play music and perform poetry from the heart.

From the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

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PLAYLIST

Mike Beck
"I Got a Friend"
"Blue Mountains of Mexico" (words + music by Ian Tyson)

DW Groethe
"Let Her Go"
"I Die"
"Hard, Wild, + Free"
"Leaving it All Behind"
"One Morning at the Gates of Eternity"

Wylie Gustafson
"Hooves of the Horses"
"Raven on the Wind"
"Grace" (words by Paul Zarzyski + music by Wylie Gustafson)
"Girlfriend is a Barrell Racer"

Brigid + Johnny Reedy
"It's All Gone"
"She Sure Loves a Waltz"
"Sugar Chicken Rag"

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Mike Beck
Manhattan, MT
Mike Beck is a professional musician and working cowboy whose songs reflect his experiences in California, Oregon, Montana, and Nevada. Born and raised in Monterey County, California, he studied with legendary horseman Bill Dorrance and now travels the United States and Europe conducting horsemanship clinics and making music. Ramblin' Jack Elliott says, "Mike Beck plays the guitar like a Byrd. His strings do things that mine could never do. They obey the slightest finger-touch commands like a fine reining horse." A top-notch songwriter and guitar player, Mike has seven albums under his belt. His mellow sound combines real cowboy experience with a unique blend of western, rock, and Americana styles.

DW Groethe
Bainville, MT
DW Groethe is the son of a son of pioneers. He was born and raised in the west of Dakota and has lived the past 25-plus years across the border in Montana. It is the same land...same folks...same weather...same heartbeat. The lyrics may change but the rhythm stays true. He is a ranch hand, he is a poet, he is a songster. His songs and his poems sing of who he is and where he comes from. When you’re in Elko, feel free to stop DW any old time and ask him whatever needs asking. Coffee's on him.

Wylie & the Wild West
Conrad, MT
Wylie Gustafson is an American original. He was born into a fourth-generation ranching family on the empty sprawl of northern Montana. A singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman, and world-famous Yahoo! Yodeler, Wylie has led the musical outfit known as Wylie and the Wild West for over 30 years. With more than 50 guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and performances in 46 states and five continents, Wylie has spread his unique brand of American music worldwide. But it is raising a family, feeding horses, doctoring cattle, changing wheel lines, baling hay, and repairing broken-down equipment that keeps him grounded. His music rings with authenticity and, as one writer quipped, “He is ‘old-school-cool’ without being a tired period piece.”

Brigid & Johnny Reedy
Whitehall, MT
Brigid Reedy first entertained Elko crowds by yodeling at the Pioneer Saloon at the age of two. She has attended every Gathering since, and her appreciation of western music, poetry, and culture has only deepened along with her love of the performers and friends who have inspired her. A charismatic, accomplished singer and fiddler, her repertoire runs the gamut of the American West, from the most traditional cowboy tunes to original songs. Brigid also recites and writes poetry that reflects her experience as a young woman growing up in the contemporary rural West. She is joined by her younger brother, Johnny “Guitar” Reedy, who has transcended the role of sideman, becoming a full-fledged collaborator with a phenomenal gift for rhythm and extraordinary musical sensibilities. Johnny’s passion for music from around the world, combined with the Montana traditions he was steeped in, makes him an intriguing arranger and musical partner in this sibling duo.

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Filmed in front of a live audience at the Western Folklife Center’s G Three Theater on Feb. 4, 2023.

Made possible by the multitude of staff, artists, volunteers, and community members working behind the scenes to make this show happen.

Brought to you by the Western Folklife Center, using story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world.
www.westernfolklife.org

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