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 Black Cowboys Association, Miko’s brand of musical storytelling—from her 2005 “Freeway Bound” debut to her inspiration on the roller rinks—calls to mind vaquero propensities for traveling west, taking risks, falling hard, and helping each other up. Mike Beck may no longer call California home, but his soulful songs resonate deeply with the lessons he learned from his many years in the Golden State. And Dave Stamey’s incisive, illustrious, homegrown, and down-to-earth-yet-dreamy style is surely influenced by the salt-tinged breezes that waft into his corner of California. Join these musical mavens as they push the boundaries of country to the Pacific Ocean and beyond.

Hosted by Charlie Seemann.

PLAYLIST

Mike Beck
"The Cuckoo" Traditional
"Nevada is King"
"Boomtown" Words + Music by Greg Brown
"Rode All Over the West"

Dave Stamey
"Desert Trails"
"Andy Devine"
"Molly's Well"
"The Ballad of Bart McGee"
"Runaway Horse"

Miko Marks
"Find My Way Home"
"Queen of California" Words + Music by John Mayer
"Heavenly Day" Words + Music by Patty Griffin
"Locked and Loaded" Words + Music by Thomas Murphy + David Stewart
"Walkin' After Midnight" Words + Music by Alan Block + Don Hecht
"The Son My Daddy Never Had"

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 was a student of legendary horseman Bill Dorrance and now travels extensively in the United States and Europe, conducting horsemanship clinics and making music. Known for his guitar wizardry and acclaimed Western songwriting, Mike’s mellow sound combines real cowboy experience with a unique blend of Western, rock, and Americana styles. Mike’s seventh album, Alta California, features original and cover songs paying tribute to the sounds he grew up listening to.

Dave Stamey
Orange Cove, CA
Dave Stamey has made it his life's work to celebrate the rural American West. In the past two decades he has recorded 11 albums of original music, travelled literally hundreds of thousands of miles and performed thousands of shows doing just that. He lives in the farthest northeastern corner of Tulare County, and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains begin just outside his back door.

Miko Marks
Oakland, CA
Originally from Flint, Michigan, this graduate of Louisiana’s famed Grambling State University is also a prolific songwriter who wrote 7 of the 10 songs on her award-winning debut album, Freeway Bound. These days Miko continues to perform and evolve as an artist, rather than be stereotyped or pigeonholed by genre or past success. As she moves forward, it’s no doubt that listeners will continue to be amazed and delighted, all while witnessing one of the most beautiful and illimitable singer-songwriters of our time. Miko is accompanied by Victor Campos (rhythm guitar) and Stan Schwartz (lead guitar).

From the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Filmed in front of a live audience at the Laurena Moren Theater at the Elko Convention Center on Jan. 30, 2020.

This show was made possible by Red Lion Hotel & Casino and 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