Ranchers, artists, western enthusiasts and city dwellers come to Elko to listen to the best cowboy poetry and music, to dance, debate ranching issues, learn western crafts and tell stories. This year is no exception. The Cowboy Poetry Gathering will focus on the ranching traditions of the Great Basin. The celebration will feature workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions, films and performances by some of today's finest cowboy poets, musicians and craftsmen. For the third year, the Gathering will feature a live broadcast so that Internet users from around the world can listen to poetry and music during the event.
Tickets are now on sale for the Gathering.
After Jan. 2 prices go up. For ticket information call 888.880.5885 or go to the main Gathering page in this Web site. The Western Folklife Center, a nonprofit organization in Elko, Nev., is funded by contributions from foundations, sponsors and individual memberships. Poets Baxter Black, Wallace McRae, Randy Rieman, Paul Zarzyski, and Virginia Bennett will return to recite their rhymes. Included will be 19th and early 20th century equipment and contemporary pieces by craftsmen who continue the tradition.