Head to Elko, Nevada, for the annual cowboy poetry gathering, now in its 36th year.
Presented by the Western Folklife Center, the 36th annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, kicks off on January 27 and runs through February 1 — or more accurately, into the wee hours of February 2 when the wrap-up dance promises a late night of cowboy camaraderie and celebration.
See RW Hampton in Elko
On January 29 and February 1, RW Hampton will be appearing at the gathering. On the 29th, he’ll be part of Western Vernacular and on the 1st, he’ll be part of Cowboy Caffeine, Extra Strong.
“Western Vernacular — In grand tradition, the auditorium stage opens with a Wednesday night music fest that kicks the Gathering into high gear. Tickle your ears with the baritone tenor of RW Hampton, the blood harmonies of the Munsick Boys, and the cowboy vernacular of Wylie and the Wild West. Now that’s some Western entertainment!
“Cowboy Caffeine, Extra Strong — A Saturday morning session of singer-songwriter sensibilities — subtle, but with a splash of showmanship. These three cowboys-with-guitars will start your day off like a cup of strong cowboy coffee. Cowgirl chanteuse Trinity Seely, sagebrush storyteller Ned LeDoux, and ranch-hand entertainer RW Hampton ease you into your Saturday with their special blend. It’s a smooth, warm, comforting pick-me-up!”
Also On Stage
Michael Martin Murphey and the Rio Grande Band will perform, as will Corb Lund, Dave Stamey, and many other luminaries of Western music and poetry.
Black cowboys will be front and center in an exhibition of the work of (and talks by) award-winning photographer Rory Doyle, whose images of the cowboys of the Mississippi Delta and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo are featured in our February/March 2020 issue.
More About The Gathering In Elko
For complete information about featured poets and musicians, ticketed shows, workshops, discussions and special sessions, exhibitions, and films at this year’s National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, visit nationalcowboypoetrygathering.org.
Photography: Michael Martin Murphey in concert, Courtesy the artist
