30th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Focuses on the Next Generation of Rural Westerners

30th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Focuses on the Next Generation of Rural Westerners

ELKO, Nev., Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is turning 30 in 2014 and the nation's greatest celebration of the American West, its people, culture and traditions, will turn its focus to the future of the region. Between January 27 and February 1, 2014, in Elko, Nevada, the Gathering will present poetry, music, fine western gear, films, workshops, dances and discussions with a clear focus on highlighting and encouraging the next generation and working together to ensure the sustainability of the occupational and artistic traditions of the rural West.

The theme of the 30(th) National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is Expressing the Rural West--Into the Future! Through performances of poetry and music, thought-provoking films and fruitful discourse, artists and audiences of all ages will share their art and their opinions on meeting the challenges of rural life in the modern West. In particular, the next generation of cowboy artists will present their work and discuss their brand of ranch life--with one hand on the reins and the other on the cell phone.

More than 50 poets, musicians and musical groups from the U.S. and Canada will perform on seven stages at four different venues. The 30(th) Gathering line-up includes cowboy poets Baxter Black, Paul Zarzyski, Waddie Mitchell, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Joel Nelson, Doris Daley, Pat Richardson, Randy Rieman and many others. Music is as integral to the Gathering as poetry; the musical line-up includes Ian Tyson, Michael Martin Murphey, Riders In The Sky, Don Edwards, Dave Stamey, Jeffrey Broussard & the Creole Cowboys, Caleb Klauder Country Band, Martha Scanlan and more. Visit www.westernfolklife.org for full bios.

Special guests this year include renowned animal welfare advocate, professor and author Temple Grandin, who will deliver the keynote address; Stephanie Davis and her Trail's End Ranch Radio Show, will broadcast poetry, humor and wisdom from a fictitious radio station on the range; and a special exhibition will celebrate the new renaissance of western artistry among young gearmakers and visual artists.

The Gathering also features hands-on workshops in traditional western arts, western dances, films, discussions and open-mic sessions. Tickets can be purchased at www.westernfolklife.org, 888-880-5885. Western Folklife Center members can purchase tickets beginning at 9:00 am Pacific Time, September 3, 2013, and non-members can purchase tickets beginning Thursday, October 3.

SOURCE Western Folklife Center

Western Folklife Center

Web Site: http://www.westernfolklife.org


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