Memories from the Homestead: A most inspiring week at the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

We have just arrived home after a wonderful trip, a Sons of the Pioneers run of performances that took us to Arizona for three performances and then to Elko, Nevada, where we did four performances at the 41st annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. 

Some 8,000 attendees showed up last week for the six-day event that began on January 26. Presented by the Western Folklife Center, their mission is simple—to use story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world.

Once again, there were fans from at least three foreign countries, Canada and over 40 states in attendance. It was great to visit with folks from right here in our own backyard. We bumped into folks from Springfield, Rolla, Kansas City, St. Louis and besides the Sons of the Pioneers—the other Missouri-based performer was our friend and cowboy poet, Kye Rieff, from Sarcoxie.

The Sons of the Pioneers perform at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. The author is in the center.

A total of 120 featured artists and guests participated, we really felt we were a part of an oversized Western reunion. It was great to spend some time with dear friends Michael Martin Murphy, Dave Stamey, Joni and Olivia Harms, Kristyn Harris, R.W. and Lisa Hampton, Andy Hedges, Wylie Gustafason, Carin Mari, Sam and Lilly Platts, R.P. Smith and Will Jordan.  We made a ton of new friends during this event as well. Definitely a big family.

Three local venues plus the Western Folklife Center headquarters building at 501 Railroad Street showcased poets, solo musicians, bands and more. Attendees could also participate in everything from rawhide braiding, hat shaping, leather carving and inlay, multiple cooking classes, songwriting and vocal workshops, and much more. Each evening there was a Western themed dance. Daily there were open mic events for poets, covering everything from cowboy and ranching stories to the classics.  Several screenings were held for upcoming Western movies.

 I was blown away at the folks who attend this event every year, but the fans were shocked when we told them that in 41 years, this was the first Poetry Gathering appearance for the legendary Sons of the Pioneers. Dozens asked us for days; how did we slip by until now? Well, that's all in the past, and we certainly believe we will be a part of this yearly experience for years to come.

So, there are several outlets to look into to see what the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is all about. First, I suggest visiting their three websites. They are: nationalcowboypoetrygathering.org and westernfolklife.org and westernfolklife.tv .

     The Western Folklife Center in Elko was organized in 1980. They are governed by a board of trustees along with a National Advisory Council made up of leaders in Western cultural life. This organization thrives from contributed revenue from private foundations, businesses and donors.

The Sons of the Pioneers were truly honored to do four performances, two of which were sellouts in a 930-seat auditorium. It's great to be home for a bit and dust off our boots and get ready for another road trip in March.

Happy trails, everyone!