National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Shows
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a week-long festival of cowboy poetry, music, and art, rooted in tradition but focused on today’s rural West. It began in 1985 as a time and place where western ranchers and cowboys could gather to share poems about their lives working cattle. Three decades later, the Gathering encompasses western poets, musicians, artisans, and storytellers, sharing their creativity across the country, telling their stories of hard work, heartbreak, and hilarity, and what it means to make your way in the rangeland West.
The 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering will take place Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2023, in Elko, NV. Tickets go on sale to Western Folklife Center members Sept. 6, 2022. More information: https://www.nationalcowboypoetrygathering.org/
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Paul Zarzyski
FEATURING: Paul Zarzyski.
A full solo show from the matchless rodeo poet, Paul Z.
From the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
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PLAYLIST
"Words Growing Wild in the Woods"
"Zeke Zarzyski: Cookie-Down-The-Hall-Chaser"
"Australian Shepherd Dump-Run Meditation"
"Alarm Clock Dog"
"Wash... -
Family, Friends + Community
FEATURING: Marinna Mori, Jake Riley, Dave Stamey.
A full show of catchy refrains, snappy phrasings, and kindred feelings. The show opens with Dave's effortless performance, followed by Jake's spot-on delivery, and ends with Marinna's clear voice.
Hosted by Debbie Fant.
From the 36th National...
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Better Part of Living
FEATURING: Ned LeDoux, Jake Riley, Jessie Veeder.
An evening of sonic indulgence, Great Plains inflections, and ramblers’ observations infused with a love of home and a penchant for verse. Hailing from Kansas by way of Wyoming, country music heir Ned LeDoux honors his father’s legacy while blaz...
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The Rambling Boys
FEATURING: Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Corb Lund, Forrest VanTuyl.
Legendary performer Ramblin' Jack Elliott is joined by trailblazers Corb Lund and Forrest VanTuyl to take you on a musical ramble you won't forget.
From the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
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PLAYLIST
“Road to Las Cru...
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Blues on the Range
FEATURING: Geno Delafose, Dom Flemons, Pipp Gillette + Lloyd Wright, Andy Hedges.
These musician-historians chronicle how African American cowboys have shaped the West. The singing knowledge-holders (and friends) speak to the historical and contemporary impact of Black cowboys as they swap song...
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1 seasonHighlights of the First Gathering
1 season
In 1985, KIVI TV in Idaho showed up to film the very first Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, and we are so grateful for this precious documentation of the event. You can feel the nerves as some poets debut their work on stage for the very first time. All these years later, the footage is a fascina...
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I Just Wanna Be a Comic Cowboy
FEATURING: Doris Daley, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Jarle Kvale, Rodney Nelson, R.P. Smith.
From subtle deliveries to outlandish turns of phrase, these punchy poets promise to make you giggle, maybe even guffaw. Alberta’s siren of sass Doris Daley, South Dakota’s non-stop wit-wielder Yvonne Hollenbeck, N...
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Stay A Little Longer
FEATURING: Dom Flemons, Hot Club of Cowtown.
The chemistry of this hard-swinging trio and hard-singing songster is undeniable. Hot Club of Cowtown is a classic western swing combo with a beyond-classic sound, melding the strains of Elana James’ stellar fiddling, Whit Smith’s virtuosic guitar pl...
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Anchoring the Tradition
FEATURING: Waddie Mitchell, Marinna Mori, Trinity Seely.
Two penmasters who were born to the ranching life open the gate to a herd of words. The inimitable Waddie Mitchell, a Gathering founder, pairs perspectives with singer, songwriter, and ranchwoman Trinity Seely. This show pairs the promise...
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Cowboy Stew
FEATURING: Pipp Gillette + Lloyd Wright, Chris Isaacs, Waddie Mitchell.
This show is sure to be a treat! Take one multi-faceted, multi-instrumentalist Texas institution (don’t remove the ten gallon hat). Combine with one Nevada icon (garnished with mustache and wild rag). Add a returning favori...
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The Sound of Horses
FEATURING: Marinna Mori, Joel Nelson, Gail Steiger, Trinity Seely.
Crooning ranch kid Marinna Mori, renowned reciter and writer Joel Nelson, profound picker Gail Steiger, and soothing songstress Trinity Seely all know a thing or two about horses. A good horse can keep a cowboy safe. And also te...
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Battle of the Bands
FEATURING: Corb Lund + the Hurtin' Albertans, Geno Delafose + French Rockin' Boogie, Wylie + the Wild West.
What beats a powerhouse band with a compelling frontman and a catalog of perfectly crafted, hard-hitting songs? Three of ’em! Hailing from big sky country, Wylie and the Wild West bring m...
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That Seventies Show
FEATURING: DW Groethe, Carol Heuchan, Waddie Mitchell, Rodney Nelson, Vess Quinlan.
This totally groovy show will prove that with age comes wisdom ... and a sense of humor, with a side of aches and pains. Join DW Groethe, Carol Heuchan, Waddie Mitchell, Rodney Nelson, and Vess Quinlan as they c...
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What Can't a Ranch Woman Do?
FEATURING: Doris Daley, Carolyn Dufurrena, Patricia Frolander, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Carol Heuchan, Randi Johnson.
Roles know no gender on the ranch when there’s work to be done. And ranch women conform to no stereotype. Join Doris Daley, Carolyn Dufurrena, Patricia Frolander, and newcomer Randi Jo...
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Highlights of the Open Mic
FEATURING: Daniel Bybee, Janette Ferguson, Jack George, John & Joanne Lowell, Kara Nicola, Ava Nielson, Vic Ruggiero & Lauren Napier, Giselle Ruiz, George Ray Russell, Chris Ryden, Miss "V" The Gypsy Cowbelle, Denise Withnell.
Every year poets, musicians, and storytellers overcome time, travel, ...
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California Dreaming
FEATURING: Mike Beck, Miko Marks, Dave Stamey.
“They” may say that California isn’t country, but this trio of songwriters testifies to the country sensibilities found in those California vibes. Miko Marks’ soulful voice calls up country music’s roots and its branches. Beloved by the Oakland Bla...
