Message from the President

The Cowboy Poets of Utah is off to a great start this year. It is so good to be able to sit around with a bunch of friends, catching up on lives, listening to each other try out a new poem or song or just retelling those old favorites that we have grown to love. We have been able to meet new members, new poets and musicians, both old and young, that leave you sitting there with a smile as they nervously finish performing for the first time on a stage. We are always thrilled when “Grandpa Don” starts in with “Shoeing Old Rivets” or when Aubry Brian, a 4-year-old poet, walks up to the mike without hesitation and recites her favorite poem.

We realize that everyone cannot make it to every gathering that takes place, but we want you to know that you are part of great group, a family that genuinely cares about all of their members and looks forward to getting together whenever we can. This year we have planned several CPU “Get-togethers” and ALL CPU members are invited. The first one coming up will be our 2nd Annual Cowboy Poetry Week dinner with open mic and a program on April 20 & 21 in Kanab. We have also planned a “CPU Get-together” in Cannonville in June and another “CPU Get-together” over by Fishlake in July to go along with the National Day of the Cowboy.

I hope that every member of the Cowboy Poets of Utah feels like they are part of this group and will be able to join us at one of these “CPU Get-togethers”. Come be a part of this wonderful family. Hope we will see you soon.

Your Pard,

Val Carter – CPU President

Here’s a heads up, folks… Barbara Hall had a bad spell in Cedar is back in the St. George hospital. Sam says “She sounds pretty weak, but still feisty and of good attitude which is typical Barbara.” Let’s hope this doesn’t end up being too serious. Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.

NEWS!!!

During the CPU Membership meeting in Moab, President Val informed us that Rod Miller had asked to be released from his position as Treasurer of the organization. Rod has served diligently since the group was first conceived back in 2000, and we are sorry to see him retire from our Executive Committee. Rod is a steady, calming influence to us all, and his wise counsel is often timely, and appreciated. Among his other contributions to CPU, Rod drafted the initial by-laws and articles of incorporation, and took care of the legalities to make us official. He has managed our funds honorably, has given timely accountings, and has in every way proven himself an asset to our group. We owe Rod much, and are very appreciative of his years of service. Although Rod is removing himself from the office of Treasure, we will continue to solicit his opinions on any subject about which he cares to comment.

According to our by-laws, Treasurer of CPU is a position appointed by the current President. Val has appointed Gordon Thomas to serve in Rod’s stead. Gordon, too has a long history of involvement with CPU and we can be confident he will serve us well as treasurer. Gordon, who lives in Genola, has served previously on the Executive Committee as CPU Vice-President.

MEMBERSHIPS ARE COMING DUE AGAIN!

Just a reminder that there is a renewal form attached to the back of the newsletter this month. Please take a minute and fill yours out, then get it in the mail! Elections begin in June, and in order to VOTE your membership must be current! If you’re not sure of your status, check the label on your newsletter.

IF your label shows an /07, then your membership will expire in June – please renew NOW or ASAP.

IF you have paid ahead, or joined or renewed during the second part of this year your membership should indicate /08 or later – which means you are paid through NEXT year or as indicated.

IF there is NO DATE, that means you’re receiving this newsletter as a friend of CPU, and you are not a voting member. Friends of CPU generally do not receive newsletters from June through September, when ballots and election information is attached. You are welcome to join our organization.

If your information does not seem correct, or if you have questions, please check with Jo (ph. # & email above) or Keri Carter.

23rd National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

By Smoke Wade

Elko, NV. Elko! Perhaps the greatest cowboy poetry spectacle on earth, the 23 rd National Cowboy Poetry Gathering can be summed up in a single word – Elko! If you are a serious cowboy poet, or a serious fan of cowboy poetry, and you can only attend one gathering a year, then it must be Elko!

The Elko National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held January 27 through February 3, 2007, was like Mardi Gras for cowboy poetry fans. Many entertainment venues ran simultaneously and, after several days it seemed the venues ran around the clock. If there was a single complaint about the gathering, it was that, as a group, folks experienced a lack of sleep.

The spectrum of participants was broad. Wide-eyed first timers wandered the venues like kids in a candy shop. Old hands held council in circles of cowboy hats – reminiscent of an ancient forum where Socrates button-holed his listeners while expounding upon a newly developed philosophy. Poetry fans lined up for autographs while the press corps scuttled about seeking interviews and just the right photo opportunity.

Elko! The granddaddy of all cowboy poetry gatherings could have been best referred to as "The World Cowboy Poetry Gathering." The cast was international. In addition to the cowboy poets and western musicians that gathered from all corners of the United States, performers from other countries gathered as well.

Doris Daley from Canada presented flawless poetry drawing experiences from her agricultural lifestyle. Milton Taylor from Australia performed Bush Poetry at it’s best. Featured cowboys from France, Patrick and Estelle Laurent, known as Guardians of the Carmargue, conducted workshops on bull herding and ranch cooking – old customs from their native country. The Gitano family, Gypsy musicians from France graced one’s ears with their enchanting music.

The national cast of performers was equally a rainbow of diversity as well. Fisher poets from Alaska, Moe Bowstern and Ellamara Jo, delighted the audiences with sea shanties and poems of life on the sea and in the cannery. Jerry "Brooksie" Brooks, Utah, dominated as a reciter of cowboy classics that included a coal-mining poem, and Henry Real Bird, Montana, shared stories of Native American traditions and lifestyles. Joel Nelson, Texas, held the audience breathless with his presentation of "Equus Caballus," while Yvonne Hollenbeck held court with her special brand of ranch wife poetry.

Sheepherder poets and musicians infiltrated the ranks of the cowboy poets. Mick Lucey, California, Sharon O’Toole, Wyoming, and Martin Goicoechea, Wyoming, and Jesus Goni, Nevada, all intertwined their sheepherder poems and songs with the flavor of their ancestral homelands.

Tall tales proliferated as well. Prevaricators, Pat Richardson, California, Jay Snider, Oklahoma, and Dennis Gaines, Texas, squared off during the "Tell Me A Story" session. The stories were not only tall, but windy as well, and down right hard to swallow. Pat Richardson attempted calm one group of disbelievers by explaining that their stories were not true life experiences that were perhaps expanded and stretched a bit to make them more interesting.

"Just the opposite," Richardson explained, "Our stories are true life experiences that we have watered down a great deal to make them more believable."

Elko! The windy city! Hal Cannon was quoted as saying, "The local ranchers have commented that the number of outright lies per capita greatly increases when the cowboy poets come to town."

While thousands of spectators crowded the gathering venues, dozens of featured performers bustled about to make their appointed sessions. Scores of visiting poets and musicians crowded the lobbies, streets and sessions, looking for a chance to perform or perhaps a chance to learn. Often they were seeking only the camaraderie of friends and new acquaintances. The venues seemed to be everywhere – almost non-stop. The Elko Convention Center presented four simultaneous shows through out the day. While large audiences packed the auditorium to watch the shows on the main stage, the three convention rooms drew spectators for the poetry sessions. Across the parking lot in the Jr. High gymnasium, a large audience gathered for the music venue.

Downtown at the Western Folklife Center, the G Three Bar Theater remained standing room only through out the week. And as if all this wasn’t enough to occupy the thousands of cowboy poetry fans that gathered in Elko, one could find art exhibits and entertainment at the Northeastern Nevada Museum, workshops at the Presbyterian church and at the Spring Creek Horse Palace, dinner shows at the Great Basin College, dancing at the Elko High School Gym, and open mic sessions at the Duncan Little Creek Gallery.

Across town, musicians and poets took to the stage. One could stroll past the furniture store and see a cowboy strumming a guitar in the display window. Or visit the Pioneer Bar in the Western Folklife Center and catch Dave Bourne or Jinny Lowe, Idaho, playing the piano. Casinos and nightclubs hosted major performer productions while jam sessions crowded the early morning hours everywhere. One could stroll into The Stray Dog and catch an after hours performance by Mike Beck, California, or take in the big show at the Stockman’s Hotel & Casino and see Michael Martin Murphey.

Some folks preferred a quieter moment. Perhaps sitting in the sunroom at the Elko Convention Center, visiting with Wallace McRae, Montana, about how the gathering began in 1985 or how it has changed. Some

chatted with Margo Metagrano about poets and poetry, and about CowboyPoetry.com. Some perhaps visited with one of the Western Folklife volunteers about the workings of their organization.

Others were more exuberant. Paul Zarzyski kept everyone on their toes with his own robust style of presenting poetry. Baxter Black was in a league of his own and his antics packed the auditorium. Wylie and The Wild West rocked the crowds with their own brand of western swing, and Waddie Mitchell strolled through the throngs visiting along the way.

Somewhere in the midst of all the shows and all the big names wandered the hopeful. Poets and musicians, that for one reason or another were not a part of the invited cast, lined up in early morning hours to sign up for the open mic sessions. With limited available spots, these performers braved freezing temperatures and little sleep to take their place in line, sometimes hours before the Convention Center opened. These sessions were as delightful as the main shows with performers from a broad geographic region putting their best boot forward – hoping that their performance would land them a spot on next years invite list.

The Gathering was a project of the Western Folklife Center in Elko. A thousand hat tips must be given to the staff, the volunteers and the directors of the Western Folklife Center. They were courteous, gracious hosts that made all feel welcome and comfortable. For more information about the 2008 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, visit the website www.westernfolklife.org .

Elko! Too much to tell about in a single story, too many invited performers to name, yet, the feeling may be captured in a single word – a word that paints a thousand pictures – Elko!

- Smoke Wade

Once again Paul Kern has taken on the responsibility of seeing that Utah does her part in recognizing the value of cowboy poetry in our culture. Below is a copy of the updated for 2007 Governor’s Declaration that Utah has officially named April 15 – 21^st as cowboy poetry week. Thank you Paul, again, for taking this on. You make us proud

From Paul Kern…

This poem was written in response to the proposed sale of the 7-Bar Ranch in Island Park, Idaho, also known as the Mickelsen Ranch. It is being marketed under the name "Sawtell Ranch" which is a misnomer, since that name was used previously by the original Sawtell Ranch on the shores of Henry's Lake. There are approximately 1,300 acres of deeded land, prime grazing land for cattle. The proposed development will include high end condos, a golf course and other amenities of a luxury resort. It has been said that a golf course is a horrible waste of pasture, and I could not agree more in this case. This planet does not need another golf course, especially in the Henry's Lake and Henry's Fork of the Snake River drainage. Phase one of the development

involves the deed acreage. Phase two involves an expansion where they would buy my land for a land swap with the Forest Service. That won't happen as long as I have breath.

Many of my early memories are of this ranch. It is a landmark soon to be subdivided and destroyed is the developers have their way.

Children of the Mustang Range

by Paul Kern

Oh ye sons of the western soil,

Ye children of the mustang range,

You forever remember - just can't forget

The words of those old refrains.

Of mountains high and a clear blue sky -

Where the intrinsic worth of a man,

Sprung from the toil of an honest day,

Deep in the heart of a goodly land.

Of birthright and the glorious dawn -

Where you once heard the deserts sing,

Of the rock our fathers planted -

In the hills where the mountains ring.

When was it you last raised a blister,

With sweat dripping all through your hair?

When did you last eat a thistle,

As a coyote yapped through the air?

When did you last throw a saddle,

And ride through the day until dark?

How long's it been since some cattle,

Grazed there - where now there's a park?

Oh ye sons of the western soil,

Ye children of the mustang range,

You've subdivided, platted and sold

The very dust from whence you sprang.

Will your children's children's children,

Have half a chance to know,

The intrinsic worth of a man,

From the lessons of that dim long ago?

Those are things that will last forever,

It's you - not them that have changed,

Oh ye sons of the western soil,

Ye children of the mustang range!

Sad News…

Our good friend, artist Dall Dimick, passed away on February 27^th. Many CPU members may remember Dall best for his beautiful watercolors, which were used to illustrate the covers of the Sevier Valley Roundup programs. Dall will stay in our hearts and our memories, and his incredible watercolors will continue to brighten our lives. Some limited edition prints of his work can still be purchased through the Staples Art Gallery and Museum in Elsinore. Dall died at home, with his wife Mirian at his side.

Dall’s final medical expenses were significant, and friends are invited to make contributions on his behalf at Zion’s Bank branch offices.

Dall, we will miss you.

Moab Western Stars Gathering

Jo Lynne Kirkwood

Janet Lowe, new director of Moab's art council (pictured with artist Pete Plastow) took the bull by the horns,

stepped up to the plate, and raised the bar this year at the Moab Western Stars Festival. After initial rumors that the gathering would be discontinued after previous coordinator Rusty Salmon moved out of the area, Janet decided to instead take on the event herself. Janet is an artist and poet who (perhaps until now...) has not written in the cowboy genre, and who had few contacts and little experience working with western entertainment. With the help of Mike Kirkwood and significant contributions from the Cowboy Poets of Utah organization, Janet spent the fall and winter crafting what turned out to be the most successful festival in the gathering's five year history.

The kick-off concert on Friday evening (following an afternoon of visual arts activities) featured the band Saddle Strings, and included poets Jo Lynne Kirkwood, Sam DeLeeuw, and Paul Bliss. Andy Nelson also performed, showing both his usual hilarious side and a deeper, more serious aspect of his personality, and MC'd subsequent events through the weekend.

Performances continued Saturday, and included some special treats such as lunch with Michael Martin Murphey, an event eagerly awaited by dozens of sponsors and ticket holders who were fortunate enough to be included in the intimate audience. Murphey gave an excellent show and was very well received.

Following Murphey's performance the hall was cleared then opened up for a very entertaining youth session put together by artist, poet and musician Sid Hausman who has been poet in residence at Moab's elementary school for the past few weeks.

One of my favorite sets of the afternoon Saturday highlighted Al Clark, who convinced Sam DeLeeuw to pantomime Cordie Eddie to his Jack Potter while Al recited S. Omar Barker's Jack Potter's Cortin' - which Al recites particularly well!

Michael Martin Murphey appeared in concert Saturday night, to a sold out audience (and a disappointed waiting list of nearly two hundred people..) and again gave an outstanding show. Betty Ramsey was on hand, ready to autograph editions of her husband, Buck’s, famous novel and epic poem Grass. Betty caught many of the sessions along with her daughter, Amanda, who lives in the Moab area. It was truly a pleasure to become more acquainted with these women who know first hand so much about the history of cowboy poetry, as well as the icons of the genre. The Cowboy Poets of Utah also met that night, and jammed with festival musicians until the wee hours at Buck's Grill in Moab. Sometimes the very best sessions are the jam sessions, as this evening was not an exception to that rule. Lots of much, fun, and great poetry.

On Sunday, the day began with cowboy church at the MARC (Moab Arts and Recreation Center,) and at the same time the cooks began preparing for the dutch oven contest. Performances were open mic between church and the first organized set at 1:00 P.M., but most folks found time to sneak some tastes of the excellent fare prepared by the cast-iron chefs. Shows continued through the afternoon, and the house filled yet again for the evening concert. Sunday night the show took on an "around the campfire" theme, and performers traded mics round-robin style for two hours of exceptional entertainment. Jerry Brooks received a standing ovation for her rendition of J.W. Beeson's Rosie's Eagle, and Doug Keller nearly had us in tears with his hilarious Wallapi and the Eagle. The music was fabulous.

The night included Latigo (Ken Stevens, Kevin Paul, Monica Anderson,) Kenny Hall, The Bar M Wranglers

from Moab, and the Red Rock Wranglers. (Roy Holcomb, Curly Syndergaard, Laura Graf.) Val Carter also performed, and was very funny. On Monday morning folks got together for donuts and good-byes, and everyone left knowing that the Moab gathering is alive, healthy, and the right place to be during Presidents' Day Weekend. The event is annual, and we're already looking forward to next year! And who knows? Star Hall, which is currently under renovation, will be completed this summer. Could be the event is even better in 2008!

- Jo Kirkwood

Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny

Mesquite, NV. Cowboy poets and western entertainment festivals seem to be everywhere these days, and Mesquite, Nevada is no exception.

Mesquite cowboy poets have been organized, in a combined effort, by the Virgin Valley Artists Association, the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, and local cowboy poet, Butch Burkholder. Burkholder was a judge at the 2006 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo held in Kanab, Utah.

Bi-weekly Cowboy Poetry workshops began in November, 2006 with the objective of teaching the basics of cowboy poetry and providing the participants the opportunity to recite poetry in front of an audience. The workshop focused on the mechanics of cowboy poems, what cowboy poetry is, and the presentation of cowboy poetry. Burkholder conducted the workshops teaching the mechanics, while Smoke Wade participated by instructing stage presentation and microphone use.

Burkholder’s group has progressed from a handful of beginning poets to a troupe ready to put on a show. Billed as a "Cowboy Poetry Hootenanny," the event will take place at the Mesquite Community Theater on April 7, 2007.

Featured poets will include, among others, Butch Burkholder, Smoke Wade, Don Simms and Shem Teerlink, all of Mesquite. In addition, snowbird poets Catherine Ellerton, Montana, Sharon Young, Wyoming, and Lee Kimberling, Colorado will perform. There will also be music by local western musicians and a special line dance presentation performed by group of dancers known as "Boot Scoot Mesquite."

The price of admission is $3.00 with all proceeds going to the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery. For further information, contact the Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery at 702-346-1338. - Smoke Wade

Please remember Doug Keller in your thoughts and prayers. He had an accident which prevented him from attending the Cedar City gathering – although we do hear he is well on his way to recovery. Sorry, Doug! We missed you, and hope you’re doing well!

NEWS FROM COWBOYPOETRY.COM

Dear Founders and Supporters,

It's a pleasure to send you news previews from CowboyPoetry.com and the Center Western and Cowboy Poetry. CowboyPoetry.com. We're grateful for your generous support.

- COWBOY POETRY WEEK.

The sixth annual Cowboy Poetry Week celebration is April 15-21, 2007. Because of your generous support, we're able to send the 2007 Cowboy Poetry Week poster to hundreds of libraries in our important Rural Library Project outreach program, with an invitation to libraries to request the 2007 edition of "The BAR-D Roundup." This program helps fulfill our mission to preserve and promote cowboy poetry and our Western heritage and to reach under-served areas, such as rural libraries.

There's much more to Cowboy Poetry Week, and we have ideas and information about how you can get involved and involve your libraries, schools,and communities; get your governor and mayor involved; write to your states'representatives and senators; send information to your arts council; report to newspapers and radios; write a poem for Art Spur; and more.

- TIM COX AND THE 2007 COWBOY POETRY WEEK POSTER We're excited to have top Western artist Tim Cox' spectacular painting, "At His Own Pace," as the 2007 Cowboy Poetry Week Poster image. Posters are offered to libraries in our Rural Library Project and to our

supporters (they are not for sale). Renew your support at the $40 or higher level will receive the 2007 Cowboy Poetry Week poster.

- ART SPUR

The Art Spur project invites poets to let selections of contemporary Western art inspire their poetry. The current subject is Tim Cox' painting, "At His Own Pace," the 2007 Cowboy Poetry Week image, and selected poems will be posted during Cowboy Poetry week. –

"THE BAR-D ROUNDUP: VOLUME TWO."

Volume Two," our compilation CD of classic and contemporary cowboy poetry. The CD will be released in early April, and information and track notes will be posted then at CowboyPoetry.com (and supporters will have a preview, the first look at the entire track list and track notes, then). Here's a preview of the contents:

This second annual edition of "The BAR-D Roundup" includes Charles Badger Clark Jr.'s vintage recording of his first published poem, "Ridin'"; recent poems considered modern classics, recited by their authors, including "Breaker in the Pen" by Joel Nelson and "The

Horse Trade" by the late Sunny Hancock; noted reciters Randy Rieman and Jerry "Brooksie" Brooks performing

classic poems by Bruce Kiskaddon and Katherine Fall Pettey; Gail I. Gardner's famous "The Sierry Petes" recited by the late J. B. Allen, and "Hail and Farewell," by Delia Gist Gardner, delivered by Gail Steiger, songwriter, filmmaker, rancher, and the Gardners' grandson; and a second selection of poetry from "Grass," cowboy poetry's masterwork by the late Buck Ramsey, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellow, recognized as the modern spiritual leader of the genre.

There are many additional tracks (27 total), most from poets who frequently delight audiences from contemporary gathering stages, including: Doris Daley, Elizabeth Ebert, Paul Zarzyski (reciting S. Omar Barker's"Hosses vs. Horses"), Jay Snider, Smoke Wade, Jo Lynne Kirkwood, PeggyGodfrey, Ken Cook, Darrell Arnold, Pat Richardson, DW Groethe, DonKennington, Kent Rollins, Virginia Bennett, Janice Gilbertson, Rod Nichols, Diane Tribitt, Yvonne Hollenbeck, and Jim Thompson (reciting Arthur Chapman's classic, "Out Where the West Begins").CDs will be available for a $20 donation. Renew your support at the $100 orhigher level and receive "The BAR-D Roundup: Volume Two" and the 2007 Cowboy Poetry Week poster.

- PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUPPORT

Your generosity today allows us to plan for tomorrow. We thank you and look forward to working together to continue to fulfill the Center's mission to serve rural populations and to promote and preserve our Western heritage. Your support is what makes CowboyPoetry.com and the work of the Center possible. We need more friends like you. Please continue to spread the word about the Center and CowboyPoetry.com to your friends and family, fellow poets and poetry fans, and others. As always, we're interested in your comments and ideas.

Sincerely,

Margo Metegrano

for the Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry, Inc.

www.CowboyPoetry.com

Cowboy Poets of Utah is an organization devoted to preserving and promoting cowboy poetry, western music, and ideas or concerns important to the agricultural west. Our membership includes performing poets, poets or other writers who do not perform, songwriters, musicians, fans, friends, family, and folks who care about the west and the traditions of a rural lifestyle. Let us hear your voice. Send your poems, stories, news, and opinions to Jo for posting in the newsletter.

Cowboy Poets of Utah

will Celebrate Cowboy Poetry Week

Kane County Cowboy Gathering and Cowboy Poetry Week

April 20^th & 21^st, 2007

DINNER ON FRIDAY NIGHT. PLEASE RSVP ASAP!!! bardpard@yahoo.com

or jolynne.Kirkwood@sevier.k12.ut.us

0r call (435)896-1856 OR

(435) 644-3266 evenings or (435) 689-0642 days.

(We REALLY DO need a count. LET US KNOW THAT YOU’LL BE THERE!!

Upcoming Events…

April: CPU Poetry Week Dinner (Friday Night) & Kane County Gathering. Email Doug: bardpard@yahoo.com or call (435) 644-3266 eve or (435) 689-0642 days.

April 21^st – Cowboy Poets of IDAHO Gathering

May: 5^th – Brigham City (Sam DeLeeuw)

May 17 – 18 Panguitch (Kenny Hall)

May 25 – June 2^nd Western Heritage Ride (Paul Bliss 801-404-7156)

June: 16-17 Elsinore (Sevier) – CR WOOD

June: 23^rd - Canonville, Kenny Hall 435-679-8960

June 27^th – Lehi (Val Carter)

June: (Date?) Gardner Village Frontier Festival

July: 28^th National Day of the Cowboy – Fishlake (Cathy Brian)

August: 16-19 – Prescott (Sharlot Hall Gathering)

August 20^th – Sanpete County Fair Concert (Sam DeLeeuw)

Sept. 8 Folk fest., St. Joseph the Worker (SLC)

Sept. 16-17 Cowboy Poetry Rodeo, Hot Springs So. Dakota (Sam Jackson)

September 21^st Livestock (AKA “Sheep”) Festival, Cedar City (Curly Syndergaard 435-477-1545/590-8755)

Barb is a great friend to us all, and has lived the cowboy life for most of her long life. She is an amazing performer, and an even more amazing person. I’m sure we’re all aware of her health problems these past few years, and of the big scare we had with her at Christmas, so let’s be sure to take this opportunity to let her know how much we care about her.

The dinner will take place at the Old Barn behind Perry Lodge (where the cowboy poetry rodeo has traditionally been held) on Friday evening, April 20^th. The Kane County Gathering is donating $5.00 per meal for CPU, and CPU will match that donation so that your cost to attend (per member) is only $5.00 – but you MUST RSVP in advance to receive the discount.

We want to particularly thank the Kane County Travel Council for all they have done to make this event possible.

Poems, notes, letters, or other mementos for Barb are encouraged and appreciated. If you are unable to attend but would like to send your regards, you may forward them to me (above email, phone, or newsletter return address) and I’d be more than happy to give them to her for you. But we’d love to see EVERYONE who can, come and participate. You’re also welcome, and encouraged, to prepare a poem, song, etc. for presentation during the dinner. Performance times during the day Saturday (Kane County Gathering) are also available, and should be scheduled through Doug at the above contacts. PLEASE CALL HIM TO LET HIM KNOW YOU’LL BE THERE!

Last Friday we celebrated the wedding of our son Philip to Camille Degolyer. It was a happy event for all. During the festivities I presented Badger Clark's "The Tied Maverick." Several people have asked for a copy of the poem. It was a good day that I just wanted to share with you. For a copy of the poem and to see a photo of the couple, you can link to http://paulkern.blogspot.com/2007/03/tied-maverick.html (Paul Kern)

CowboyPoetry.com (a program of the Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry) is having Silent Auctions for THREE special books of Bruce Kiskaddon's poetry. Proceeds from the Silent Auctions support the Center and its programs.

"Open Range; Collected Poems of Bruce Kiskaddon" may be the most important contemporary cowboy poetry book publication in recent times. This monumental 600-page work includes Bruce Kiskaddon's entire poetic output (481 poems); extensive illustrations (including 323 line drawings by Katherine Field, Amber Dunkerley, and others); biographical and historical introductions; prefaces by Hal Cannon, Waddie Mitchell, and Lynn Held; rare photographs, and more. The collection, which Bill Siems has worked on for over four years, follows his impressive 2004 book, Bruce Kiskaddon, "Shorty's Yarns," the first collection of Kiskaddon's short stories.

"Open Range" has been produced in a numbered, limited edition of 300 copies. There is also a limited edition of 26 leather bound books. Through the generosity of Center for Western and Cowboy Poetry/CowboyPoetry.com supporter Jim Thompson of South Dakota and editor Bill Siems, the Silent Auction is for one of the limited leather-bound editions of the book.

This now-rare book, published by Cowboy Miner Productions in 1998, has been out of print for some time. The hardcover book includes over 100 of Bruce Kiskaddon's best poems, along with Katherine Field illustrations. The foreword is by John Shaver of the Cochise Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering.

Bill Siems writes about the importance of the Coggins' work to his own research.

Through the generosity of Cowboy Miner Productions, the Silent Auction is for a copy signed by the late Mason Coggin (1938-2000), co-founder of Cowbo Miner Productions.

This valuable out-of-print book, edited by Western Folklife Center Founding Director Hal Cannon, was published by Gibbs-Smith/Peregrine Smith Books (1987). The hardcover book includes about 70 select poems; illustrations by Katherine Field; and an informative introduction by Hal Cannon. Bill Siems characterizes the introduction as "fascinating," and comments that Hal Cannon's Preface in "Open Range" shows that Kiskaddon's words "have wider relevance.

Hal Cannon has generously donated a signed copy of this book for Silent Auction.

The Silent Auctions will start in late March and run through Cowboy Poetry Week, ending April 20th. Bids are accepted by email, only. See CowboyPoetry.com for details.

First, I’ll apologize for the messed up way this information is being inserted into the newsletter! It is coming to me in bits and pieces, so I’m inserting it where I find space! But since of course EVERONE READS EVERY WORD of the newsletter, you’re bound to find this!

Just heard from Laurali Noteman – Doug and Sam’s pard down in Kanab – here’s the latest on the doin’s …

Cowboy Poets of Utah

Newsletter March - April 2007

CPU Board: Curly Syndergaard, Sam DeLeeuw, Terri Taylor, Gene Jones

Moab Western Stars Gathering

Upcoming Events…