The 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering join us as we take a look at life in the West across the generations. The traditions we celebrate have a life of their own—on the range to the page, the stage to the screen—and as we get back together we think it’s useful to look back at where we’ve been to guide us as we move forward into the future.

Schedule of Events

January 29, 2023

9:00 AM-5:00 p.m.: Rawhide Braiding with Doug Groves at ECVA - Silver Room, Elko

Instructor: Doug Groves

In this workshop, Doug Groves will guide each student in creating a handsome set of button-studded leather bridle reins with a 12-strand rawhide romal. You'll learn techniques for processing rawhide from hide harvest to finished string. The camaraderie and cooperative learning among fellow braiders of varied experience levels makes this a veritable celebration of rawhide! A 2017 recipient of the Nevada Heritage Award, Doug Groves makes rawhide reatas, quirts, reins, and bosals of great beauty and function. Doug learned braiding from peers in the bunkhouse and beyond, and now passes on these techniques for turning rawhide into fine horse gear. Open to beginning to intermediate experience levels.

Cost: $350.00

January 30-February 1, 2023

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Hatmaking with Roy Jackson at ECVA Gold Room, Elko

Instructors: Roy Jackson, Bernice (Ben) McNeven

Build your own 100% fur felt hat under the watchful eyes of master hatters Roy and Ben, owners of Jaxonbilt Hat Co. International based in Salmon, Idaho. This three-day workshop will introduce you to the craft using methods that have changed very little since its conception in the mid 1800s. Prior to the workshop, participants will choose their desired felt color, brim width, and crown style. Raw bodies will be distributed on the first day. Over the following days you will undertake the full process, from blocking to pouncing to trimming. On the final day, cowboy hats are ready to wear home, customized complete with individual names embossed in gold on the 22-inch sweatbands.

Cost: $450.00

7:00 PM - Back in Elko Town at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

Featuring: Patricia Frolander, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Jessie Veeder

It's a momentous Monday! Warming up the long-awaited 38th Gathering stage is not a task for the faint of heart. As self-proclaimed "ranch wives," Wyoming wordsmith Patricia Frolander and South Dakotan verse-spinner Yvonne Hollenbeck are no strangers to a challenge. Nor is North Dakotan singer-songwriter Jessie Veeder—she doesn't just sing the blues, she bests them. With a pinch of pluck, a bit of mettle, and heaps of excitement, these intrepid performers wELKOme you back to the Gathering.

Cost: $20.00

January 31, 2023

9:00 AM-5:00 PM: Pulled Wool Saddle Blankets at ECVA Turquoise Room, Elko

Instructors: Jean Spratling, Millie Spratling

Nevada ranch woman Jean Spratling creates beautiful and comfortable saddle blankets sought after by working ranchers who know the wool's absorbency helps prevent saddle sores. Jean's mother learned the craft in California from neighbor Ernie Archer, who cleaned and carded wool from his own sheep. These days, Jean buys the wool already cleaned and carded. Using a latch-hook process of pulling the wool through canvas, Jean and her daughter Millie will guide students through the process of making a top-quality wool saddle blanket in this two-day workshop.

Cost: $275.00

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Belt Basket Stamping with Mark Barkus at ECVA Cedar Room, Elko

Instructor: Mark Barkus

Wyoming leatherworker Mark Barcus has been creating chaps, saddles, and a variety of leather goods from various locations where he was working ranches for more than 20 years. Getting his start at 4-H and with the help of his father, Mark's extensive experience in ranching and leatherworking has led to countless awards and recognitions for his high quality craftsmanship. Equally, Mark is an accomplished instructor and presenter, leading regular classes at his Cow Camp Saddlery shop and educating the public on the importance of handmade leather goods at institutions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. In this two day belt stamping workshop, students will be shown the procedure to cut out and case belts, and then be instructed on basket stamping their own belt. Using high quality leather, students will leave the workshop with a belt that lasts a lifetime. Recommended for beginner experience levels.

Cost: $300.00

9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Wagon at First Presbyterian Church, Elko

Instructor: Kent Rollins

Gather around the chuck wagon to prepare some classic dishes that are hearty enough to start the day!

Cost: $100.00

1:00 PM - Bite-Sized Beef with Sherry & Kari Lynn Brough at First Presbyterian Church, Elko

Instructors: Sherry Brough, Kari Lyn Brough

There is a reason dynamite comes in small packages, and these bite-size beef appetizers will leave your taste buds reeling with maximum flavors. Join the women of Brough Ranch, Sherry Brough and Kari Lyn Brough, as they teach you how to make flavor-packed appetizers from unexpected cuts of beef. And, they'll bring the big flavors of their Brough Ranch Beef Jerky for you to taste!

Cost: $75.00

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Learn to Sing Harmony at Elko Basque Center, Elko

Instructors: Denise Withnell and Keri Zwicker

Have you ever wanted to be able to sing harmony but weren't sure where to begin? Learn how to hear and create harmonies to some classic cowboy songs or to a song of your choosing. Denise Withnell and Keri Zwicker will demonstrate how to find basic harmonies and will explain the simple "theory" behind what a chord is and how notes of a chord contain the harmony you might be looking for. Don't worry, no prior musical training is necessary, just an ear for music and a love for singing. Trained musicians looking for new ideas or help with a song are welcome too. If you have a specific song you want to work on, please submit an audio file and lyrics to [email protected] by January 6, 2022.

Cost: $75.00

Perfect Pour at Duncan LittleCreek Gallery, Elko

The DLC is a unique spot in downtown Elko. Our building is home to a variety of businesses. The Gallery, The Gallery Bar, the offices of Jacques Errecart, owner and local architect, and soon, the Inn at DLC.

Instructor: Nick Heguy
 
Throughout modern history, our obsession with the cocktail has been one of complex adoration and mutual innovation, weighing creative passion with our capacity for vice. We continue this tradition with an examination of the cocktail's evolution over the decades and its impact on our own local history. Join us for this year's installation of Duncan LittleCreek Gallery & the Gallery Bar's The Perfect Pour. Learn tips and tricks to create your own stunning libations. Take some poetic license on a few classic cocktails and learn to make some of the DLC's exclusive signature drinks. Must be 21+ with valid ID to participate.

Cost: $75.00

7:00 PM - At Wit's Pen at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

Featuring: Doris Daley, Juni Fisher, Dave Stamey

Tending the pens is a tough job. These practiced word-herders know how to keep their wits about them. Albertan poet Doris Daley is quick with a quip. Singing California horsewoman Juni Fisher cuts a fine line. Californian singer-songwriter Dave Stamey takes care with a stray word. Together, this pen-ful of original writers show off some quick-handed writing that'll have you humming and chuckling all week. Get to the Gathering early. If there was ever a year to make a full week of it, this is it.

Cost: $20.00

February 1, 2023

9:00 AM - A Day at the Ranch at Pioneer Saloon, Elko

Spend the day forty miles south of Elko at the base of the Ruby Mountains in the beautiful scenic ranching community of Mound Valley, Nevada. The Barnes Family has called this area home since 1948. Three generations of the family will discuss and display their cow-calf operation with participants. In addition, the tour group will visit by slide presentation a range sheep operation in Mound Valley owned by the Paris Family since 1980. Pete Paris, along with business partner David Little of Little Paris Sheep Company, will discuss how four bands of transient sheep trail by foot over 225 miles from northern summer range to southern winter range. Participants will be treated to a ranch-style lunch provided by a local Mound Valley service club. During the bus ride to and from, your tour guide, retired Elko High School Agriculture teacher Shane Sutton, will discuss issues important to agriculture in the area.

Cost: $180.00

9:00 AM - Write On at ECVA Lamoille Room, Elko

Instructor: Doris Daley

Story. Pacing. Originality. Revision. Technique. Sparkle. Doris Daley makes the case that writing cowboy poetry is like a sports event (maybe even rodeo, but in this workshop, nobody gets bucked off!). Natural talent is good; natural talent plus knowledge and hard work are even better. If you write in a traditional rhymed-and-metered style, this is the workshop for you. If you write in any style, this is also the workshop for you. All ages and all levels of writers are welcome. Doris promises a fun experience that blends the "work" of poetry (pattern, meter, figures of speech, the importance of sound, editing, much more) with the inspirational. This is a workshop for people who love language and who want to drive home from Elko with a few more tools in their poetry writing toolbox.

Cost: $30.00

9:00 AM: Cowboy-Approved Desserts at First Presbyterian Church, Elko

Instructor: Kent Rollins

What's a better way than to end the long day of work with a sweet treat. We'll be preparing a variety of ranch dessert favorites.

Cost: $100.00

1:00 PM - The World is an Arena at ECVA Lamoille Room, Elko

Instructor: Juni Fisher

Don't call Juni Fisher a cowgirl. She's a horseman, and entertainer. Training horses and singing paid the bills. From childhood, she performed with her sisters, formed a bluegrass band as a teen, then fronted a dance orchestra in college, singing big band standards, while she captained a winning college horse show team. Fisher then played in country bands weekends, while an assistant for cow horse and cutting horse trainers. She moved Nashville in 1990, foxhunted professionally, rode point-to-point races, galloped steeplechase horses, 3-day evented, and honed her songwriting chops among Nashville notables. Bantering onstage with other songwriters and the audience, she learned to draw in and engage the toughest audiences. Fisher is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and entertainer who's toured throughout the US and Canada. She teaches both songwriting and performance honing workshops. Off the road, she's training and showing her cutting horse, Reydio Airplay.

Cost: $30.00

1:00 PM - Cowboy Cuisine at The Southwest Table at First Presbyterian Church, Elko

Instructors: Deanna McCall, Gay Gardella

Visit with the authors of the Will Roger's Medallion Award winning cookbook, Cowboy Cuisine: Beyond Biscuits & Beans. Deanna McCall and Gay Gardella will share and prepare some favorite recipes from their cookbook. Hatch Green Chile Enchiladas and other regional dishes will represent the Southwestern Ranch table in this workshop. They're excited to share their love of cooking, don't be surprised when some kitchen tips and ranch stories pop up, too.

Cost: $75.00

7:00 PM - Wild Abandon at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: DW Groethe, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Bill Lowman, Sourdough Slim & Robert Armstrong, R.P. Smith

Get ready to bust your gut and snort your rip with this handful of poetic humorists. DW Groethe soaks his jokes in wry. Yvonne Hollenbeck stitches her stories with side eyes. Bill Lowman runs circles around the fun police. Sourdough Slim & Robert Armstrong double down on the double entendre. And, R.P. Smith gets you slapping knees with ease. Drop your decorum, abandon your inhibitions, and maybe make a quick trip to the lou… because this show will have you losing control.

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

February 2, 2023

1:00 PM - Members' Show 1 Horse Tails at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: Mike Beck & Flapjack, Juni Fisher, Dick Gibford, Gail Steiger

There's just something about horses. And the rhyming, singing caballeros and caballeras that they inspire. Mike Beck wields skill with horses off-stage and songs on-stage, fronting his new folk rock band Flapjack. Singer-songwriter Juni Fisher is a lot of things, but she's a horsewoman first and foremost. Resourceful cowhand and poet Dick Gibford knows how to flick a tale or two. And, Gail Steiger has guitars, horses, and ranch poems in his bones. There's just something about Flapjack. And Juni. And Dick. And Gail. And an afternoon given to a horse and a tale.

Cost: $40.00

6:00 PM - Roots & Routes at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

Featuring: Dick Gibford, Annie Mackenzie, Sam Platts & the Plainsmen, Matt Robertson

Setting roots and setting routes, the evening reflects on voices we've featured virtually and the real-life paths they're taking to continue on tradition's road into the future. Join dayworking cowboy and smokin' songwriter Matt Robertson, family ranch and poetry tender Annie Mackenzie, moonlighting musical ag workers Sam Platts & the Plainsmen, and established ranch crew fixture with a fix for everything (including sending poems via text) poet-cowhand Dick Gibford. Whether they cut their teeth before the Gathering was birthed, or after the Gathering-inspired cowboy poetry renaissance, these time-traveling poets and musicians lean into the hard job of carrying traditions forward.

Cost: $35.00-$75.00

6:00 PM - Along the Western Trail at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: Dale Burson, Wylie Gustafson, Yvonne Hollenbeck, R.P. Smith, Jessie Veeder

Driving the Western Trail was a storied route of long stretches, notorious cow towns, serious weather, and all manner of trouble, from Texas up to the burgeoning northern railways and ranches. As the Trail cut through prime grazing land, it also cut through history, leaving its mark on relations between cowfolk and cityfolk, tribes and settlers, longhorns and local cattle. Pass some metaphorical Texas Fever all the way up the line, with the music and poetry of Texan Dale Burson, Nebraskan R.P. Smith, South Dakotan Yvonne Hollenbeck, North Dakotan Jessie Veeder, and Montanan Wylie Gustafson, headed up by host DW Groethe.

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

8:00 PM - Ranch Truck Radio at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: Corb Lund, The Munsick Boys, Dave Stamey

You might forgive your ranch truck its rough shocks, cracked windows, quirky tailgate, geriatric miles, and depleted A/C… if it's got a working radio. And, if it's blasting these goodies, it'll be your trustiest steed. With the rut-busting tunes of Corb Lund, the pickup-breakdowns of The Munsick Boys, and the washboard-smoothing songs of Dave Stamey, you'll cover musical ground from one end of the ranch to the other. Kick Ol' Betsy's bumper all you want (if she's still got one). But don't change that dial.

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

February 3, 2023

10:00 AM - Two-Step Dance Workshop at Elko High School - Old Gymnasium, Elko

Instructor: Amy Mills

Are your boots already shuffling when you hear the boom-shik-ka of your favorite two-step? Do you love gliding across the floor with your sweetheart, but wish you had a bit more flair? If you find yourself looking over your partner’s shoulder trying to figure out that fancy move your neighbor is doing, then it’s time to take your two-step to the next level. Join Amy Mills for a quick refresher on the fundamentals, before jumping right in for some intricate spins and wraps, as well as pointers on rhythm and musicality. Bring your boots and your basics. No partners necessary.

Cost: $25.00

1:00 PM - Learn to Play the Musical Saw at ECVA - Silver Room, Elko

Instructors: Sourdough Slim and Robert Armstrong

Have you ever been fixing something up around the house, and wondered about your tool's musical potential? Well wonder no more! This workshop, led by Robert Armstrong and Sourdough Slim, will provide you all the skills you need to make music with your saw. No need to pack your own – we'll provide one with the ticket.

Cost: $25.00

2:00 PM - Folk Dance Workshop - Northern New Mexico at Elko High School - Old Gymnasium, Elko

Instructor: Amy Mills

Northern New Mexico has always been a crossroads, with each culture bringing its own traditions to the dance floor. So get your boots ready for a swirling tour through those traditions lead by Amy Mills and Lara Manzanares providing the music. No partner needed!

Cost: $25.00

2:45 PM - Wish Upon a Western Star at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Newly added to the lineup, Margo Cilker meets Michael Martin Murphey and Dave Stamey on the Gathering mainstage to make your musical dreams come true. Fresh off her acclaimed new album, Pohorylle, Margo's a rising star in roots-influenced country. Cowboy entertainer Dave Stamey shines bright with his beloved western stylings. And, Michael Martin Murphey twinkles across his guitar strings, lighting up your Gathering afternoon with surefire hits. Makes no difference who you are, you'll love this show.

Cost: $20.00

6:00 PM - Sweet Harmonies at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

Featuring: Marley's Ghost, Brigid & Johnny Reedy, Denise Withnell & Keri Zwicker

Sharp to sugary, glazed to gumdrop, these groups match harmonic wavelengths to bring you the sweetest sounds this side of the candy counter. From the sonic morsels of rootsy Marley's Ghost, to the smooth-as-honey chords of British Columbian duo Denise Withnell & Keri Zwicker (of Cowboy Celtic), to the refreshing tang of brother and sister Brigid & Johnny Reedy, these master musical confectioners will meld notes that melt in your mouth (errr….ears).

Cost: $35.00-$75.00

6:00 PM - Deep in the Heart of Texas at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: The Quebe Sisters, Red Steagall, Pipp Gillette

They say the stars are bigger in Texas. Western musician, performer extraordinaire, and Texan-through-and-through, Red Steagall takes the stage with friends he inspired along the way, western swing trio The Quebe Sisters and all-around musician Pipp Gillette, proving that the "Lone Star" state is packed with stars. The fiddles sing, as Quebes swing. The cowboys swoon, as Steagall croons. The ranchhands dance, as Pipp's strings prance. These stars tonight are big and bright. Deep from the heart of Texas.

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

8:00 PM - Ask a Cowboy Poet at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: Dick Gibford, DW Groethe, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Bill Lowman, Waddie Mitchell
 
Put your questions up to the pros. The cowboy poet pros! Every month, a panel of cowboy poet sages field questions from inquiring minds in our Ask a Cowboy Poet "advice column." Now some of these humorous (and humoring) panelists are bringing their insight and wisdom to the stage. Listen and learn as Dick Gibford, DW Groethe, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Bill Lowman, and Waddie Mitchell drop some knowledge. And some rhyme. Expect weighty expertise doled out with a fair dose of poetry, and a touch of teasing. 'Cause that's just how they do it.

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

10:00 PM - Friday Night Dance with Hot Club of Cowtown at ECVA Turquoise Room, Elko

Featuring: Hot Club of Cowtown

Turn up and turn out in genuine cowboy fashion to get down Gathering-style. Hot Club of Cowtown will keep you swinging and stepping with a little bit of country, a little bit of jazz, and a whole lot of western rhythm. These virtuosos keep it tight for a real dance hall delight. Whether you prefer to dance them all or hold up the wall, this is the place to be.

Cost: $20.00

February 4, 2023

10:00 AM - Family Dance at Elko High School - Old Gymnasium, Elko

Activities where entire families can participate together are rare—but dancing can be an incredible experience for the whole family. Kids get a thrill from dancing with their parents, and parents remember forever those brief years when they get to dance with their kids. This workshop will focus on family friendly dances that are entertaining for children and adults alike—no experience necessary. So parents, bring your kids! Kids, bring your parents! We'll have some big, big fun together!

Cost: $5.00

1:00 PM - Ranch Family Show at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: Deanna McCall, Matt Robertson, Gail Steiger, Jessie Veeder

Ranching is not a solitary affair. After all, you can't have a family ranch without a ranch family. And, in many families, traditions are handed down across the generations, as they grow their agricultural work into creative work with love of land, animals, and each other as common ties. Bonding over the real meat from ranch country are poet-ress Deanna McCall, musical-storyteller Matt Roberts, guitar-slinger Gail Steiger, and ranch-songbird Jessie Veeder. This year's scholarship winners will also be presented. Get ready to get downright sociable.

Cost: $0.00-$30.00

2:00 PM - Rodeo Swing at Elko High School - Old Gymnasium, Elko

Instructor: Amy Mills

If your toes are tapping but you need some good moves, this is a perfect dance for you. Rodeo swing is the easiest form of swing dancing and the style you'll see at rodeo dances around the West, as well as at many Gathering dances. Amy Mills will teach you the moves and keep you smiling. Geared to beginning and intermediate dancers, but all levels are welcome. You don't need a partner to attend.

Cost: $25.00

6:00 PM - Both Feet on the Ground at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

Featured: Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Andy Hedges, Ismay, Lara Manzanares

Bask in an evening of well-grounded rural vibrations. Texas folkster Andy Hedges and living legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott may have an eye toward the sky, but their songs land right here on earth. Ismay's music explores the connection, and freedom that grows from, the soil. New Mexican songwriter and storyteller Lara Manzanares evokes la tierra with sounds rooted in generations of música buena. Drawing cowboy connections across genres and across lands, these musical acts promise to connect ground and clouds, head and heart.

Cost: $35.00-$75.00

8:00 PM - Highlights of the Open Mic at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

For the second year, the G Three stage hosts a handful of poets and musicians who have graced the open mic stages during the week. Selected by audience feedback, these wordslingers and tunesmiths, amateur and professional alike, speak (and sing) to the spirit of the Gathering. They demonstrate the value of participation, the vitality of tradition, and the sheer delight of self-expression. Drawing from their connections to life, land, and the lot of you, the evening's performers lend credence to a Gathering credo: the voices in your midst can both entertain and enlighten… lend an ear!

Cost: $35.00-$75.00

8:00 PM - Rosin the Bow at Elko Convention Center Auditorium, Elko

Featuring: Kristyn Harris, Hot Club of Cowtown, The Quebe Sisters

Rosin up the bow and watch the strings fly. These three female-fronted acts put the swing in western music. Kristyn Harris handles all the tricky syncopations with her guitar. Hot Club of Cowtown whizzes along with frontwoman Elana Jame's fiddle leading the way. And, The Quebe Sisters have rhythms that just won't quit. With just the right amount of traction, these women will have you dancing in your seats and begging for more.

Cost: $25.00-$45.00

10:00 PM - Saturday Night Dance with The Munsick Boys at ECVA Turquoise Room, Elko

Feauring: The Munsick Boys

Heat yourself up before you venture back out on the snowy sagebrush sea. Close out the Gathering with a hot night of moving and grooving. Saturday night's back-to-back dances start up with The Munsick Boys. Hit the dancefloor to the musical stylings of this musical family–they play hits that stretch across dance styles, so no matter what you know how to do, you'll be able to show off your moves. Just bring your dancing feet. Even if you've got two lefts, the Munsicks are sure to make it right!

Cost: $20.00

11:59 PM - Midnight Dance with Sam Platts & the Plainsmen at G Three Bar Theater, Elko

Featuring: Sam Platts & the Plainsmen

Turn up and turn out in real cowboy fashion to close down another Gathering. Sam Platts and crew are bringing you nothing but danceability all the way into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Whether you prefer to dance them all or hold up the wall, this is the place to be.

Cost: $20.00

Date: January 29-February 4, 2023

Locations: Various Venues in Elko, NV 89801

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