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The 40th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering—Be the Poem. Be the Song. 
#cowboypoetrygathering #westernfolklifecenter #ncpg2025

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Wednesday, January 29
 

9:00am PST

Badger Clark: Poet Among the Pines
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PST
Brad Dumke (director, producer)
56 min | 2023

With interviews, captivating imagery, and heartfelt readings of Badger Clark’s timeless verses, this film paints a vivid portrait of a man who immortalized the spirit of the Old West through his poetic legacy.

Films show multiple times. See schedule for other showings.
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PST
Western Folklife Center - G Three Bar Theater
  Film, Free

9:00am PST

A Meatball Comeback
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PST
The Elko County CattleWomen’s meatballs have near-legendary status among Gathering crowds and staff. A favorite hors d'oeuvre at the exhibit reception for many years, and the star players in more than one Gathering memory (who said the chafing dishes blew a fuse in the theater?), the meatballs are finally making their comeback. But this time, you can learn how to make them, and other beefy appetizers, too. Join the ranch ladies to learn Marianne Glaser’s signature mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing, spherical morsels of meaty delight. The secret is in the beef!
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Elko County CattleWomen

Elko County CattleWomen

Founded in the late 1950s, Elko County CattleWomen is dedicated to enhancing demand for beef while satisfying consumer needs. Their mission is to promote a positive perception of the cattle industry. The organization actively engages with the community by hosting a variety of events... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PST
First Presbyterian Church 1559 Sewell Dr, Elko, NV 89801, USA

9:00am PST

The Spirit of Place
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 12:30pm PST
The unique places that shape, and often dictate, our livelihoods also have distinctive feelings we've learned to recognize and write about. Adding human characteristics to certain aspects of place, like the trees, rocks, rivers, and mountains, brings them alive in our poetry and prose. Many cultures and native philosophies incorporate animism as a part of their worldview, attributing a spirit, a heart, or a soul to some of these subjects. Join Patricia Frolander in this workshop, where we will attempt to find a sense of spirituality that is unique to where we live, hopefully enriching the depth and scope of our poetic expression
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Patricia Frolander

Patricia Frolander

Wyoming Poet Laureate Emeritus Patricia Frolander is author of award-winning books including Married Into It and Second Wind. For more than 50 years, she has ranched in the Black Hills, enjoying a profession that brings families closer to livestock and nature, and that develops pride... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 12:30pm PST
Elko Convention Center - Turquoise Room

9:00am PST

A Day at the Ranch
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm PST
SOLD OUT

Join retired Elko High School agriculture teacher Shane Sutton on a day trip to beautiful Clover Valley in northeastern Nevada. Under the towering peaks of the south Humboldt Mountains, learn and share with the Dalton Ranch, a generational family ranch focused on commercial cattle and producing high-quality beef. Then, have a barbeque lunch prepared by members of the Wells High School FFA. The last stop on the tour is Lotspeich Family Farms, a unique agricultural operation with a deep family ranching history. Dress warm for winter weather and don’t forget to wear sensible footwear!
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Shane Sutton

Shane Sutton

Shane Sutton is a retired agriculture education teacher and administrator from Elko County. He grew up in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming on a livestock and farming operation and attended the University of Wyoming for both his undergraduate and graduate studies. Over his 39-year career... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm PST
Western Folklife Center - Pioneer Saloon
  Tour, Ticketed

9:00am PST

Cinchmaking
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Learn the basics of cinchmaking and make your very own handmade 17-strand mohair cinch with Judy Hatch, rancher and owner of Hatch Idaho Cinches, LLC. Judy, as a seasoned instructor in the art of cinchmaking, will provide you with mohair, buckles, D rings, looms, and all of the tools you need. You will have the choice between three base colors (natural, gray, sand). Show up empty-handed and go home with a finished cinch! Looms and supplies to continue on your own at home will be available for purchase after the workshop.
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Judy Hatch

Judy Hatch

Judy Hatch is the owner and operator of Hatch Idaho Cinches, LLC. With 12 years of perfecting her craft under her belt, Judy specializes in creating high-quality, handwoven mohair cinches, breast collars, camera and purse straps, and various other mohair items. She is always looking... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Elko Convention Center - Gold Room

9:00am PST

Leather Carving
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Day 3 of 3
Make a pair of teardrop-style floral spur straps adorned with a simple carving with Cow Camp Saddlery’s Mark Barcus. Under Mark’s instruction, you will learn how to lay out and place your design, how to use the tools, how to carve the design, and how to apply a simple oiled finish. At the end of the class, you will leave with well-made single-ply spur straps. Take home a wearable, working piece of art custom carved at the 40th Gathering! For intermediate and advanced students.
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Mark Barcus

Mark Barcus

For over 20 years, Wyoming leatherworker Mark Barcus has created chaps, saddles, and other leather goods while working ranches in many locations. He got his start in 4-H and with the help of his father. Mark’s extensive experience in ranching and leatherworking has led to countless... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Elko Convention Center - Cedar Room

9:00am PST

Rawhide Braiding
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
SOLD OUT
Day 4 of 4
Build commemorative 40th anniversary Gathering hobbles with Doug Groves. A skilled teacher and highly respected rawhide braider, Doug started braiding out of necessity, making the gear he used every day as a working cowboy. Once again, he and his friends will share their know-how in this four-day workshop. Learn Doug’s techniques for processing rawhide—from hide harvest to finished string. And, add specially engraved silver to your project. The storytelling, camaraderie, and cooperative learning among fellow braiders makes this workshop a veritable celebration of rawhide and community! For beginning and intermediate experience levels.
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Doug Groves

Doug Groves

Great Basin buckaroo and braider Doug Groves makes rawhide reatas, quirts, reins and bosals of great beauty and function. He started braiding out of necessity, to make the gear he needed as a working cowboy, and eventually as cowboss on the TS Ranch outside of Battle Mountain. A 2009... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Elko Convention Center - Silver Room

9:00am PST

Silver Cuff Bracelet
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Day 2 of 2

Make not one, but two!, cuff bracelets in this creative jewelry workshop. Silversmith Rodney Mike of the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe will teach you about materials, tools, and finishes. You will start out by making a copper cuff bracelet with a simple finishing process. This will get you in the groove to make your cuff bracelet out of a sterling silver overlay material on day two. Choose between four finishes for your silver bracelet—a smooth polish, satin polish, hammered texture finish, or a combination of these. Suitable for beginners.
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Rodney Mike

Rodney Mike

Rodney Mike is a highly skilled silversmith and saddlemaker who has been practicing both crafts for 20 years. His preferred style is western bright engraving, although he appreciates all styles of the art form. A member of the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, Rodney was born and raised in... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm PST
Great Basin College - Jewelry Lab, Arts & Music Annex (Bldg 22 on map)

9:00am PST

Wiegand Gallery & Gift Shop
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 9:00pm PST
Step into the heart of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering with Be the Poem. Be the Song.--a heartwarming exhibit honoring the individuals and special moments that have animated the Gathering over the past 40 years. This exhibit not only highlights the rich history of cowboy poetry and song, but also brings to life contemporary western experience and expression. Featured artists include Jeff Mundell, Sue Rosoff, Sean Sexton, R. James Shoshone, Don Weller, and gearmakers from around the West.

Stop by the Gift Shop to take a bit of the Gathering home with you, from high-quality western art to whimsical cowboy poetry momentos. Find official National Cowboy Poetry Gathering merch and memorabilia, as well as products from Gathering artists and local artisans. Gathering posters, silk wild rags, one-of-a-kind jewelry, CDs and books from your favorite poets and musicians, mugs, magnets, and more!
Wednesday January 29, 2025 9:00am - 9:00pm PST
  Other, Free

10:15am PST

Learning From the Land: Women in Ranching
Wednesday January 29, 2025 10:15am - 10:25am PST
Katie Klann (director, producer)
10 min | 2018
A network of women ranchers in the West is pioneering an ethos of nurturing and sustainability across the region. One of these women, Julie Sullivan, is championing these practices in southern Colorado. She wants to paint agriculture as more than just a job or even some sort of passing adventure. It’s a way of life.

Films show multiple times. See schedule for other showings.
Wednesday January 29, 2025 10:15am - 10:25am PST
Western Folklife Center - G Three Bar Theater
  Film, Free

10:30am PST

Story Time
Wednesday January 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
 Story Time for the wee ones (children ages 3-5).
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Darrell Holden

Darrell Holden

Darrell Holden is a proud fifth-generation rancher who raises cattle on Utah’s West Desert. He started writing cowboy poetry in high school, but he only started performing after gentle nudges from his family (“nudges” may have been slightly veiled threats of bodily harm.) He... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Elko County Mybrary
  Poetry/Prose, Free

10:45am PST

Indian Relay
Wednesday January 29, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am PST
Charles Dye (director, producer), Aaron Pruitt (executive producer)
54 min | 2013

Follow teams from the Shoshone-Bannock Nation in Idaho, and the Crow and Blackfeet Nations, both of Montana, as they prepare for and compete across a grueling Indian relay season—all hearts set on the glory and honor of winning the National Championships. As the young relay racers face triumphs and setbacks, their strength and determination shine through, and serve as a beacon of hope for their families and communities.

Other Showing Locations/Times:

Northeastern Nevada Museum - Pass Required
Thu, Jan 30 | 1-2pm

Lamoille Room, Elko Conference Center - Pass Required
Fri, Jan 31 | 12:45-1:45pm
Sat, Feb 1 | 10:15-11:15am



Wednesday January 29, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am PST
Western Folklife Center - G Three Bar Theater
  Film, Free

12:00pm PST

First Came Collaboration: Managing for Riparia
Wednesday January 29, 2025 12:00pm - 12:15pm PST
Steve Kinion (director),
United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (producer),
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (producer),
Intermountain West Joint Venture (producer),
Western Landowners Alliance (producer),
Open Range Consulting (producer)
15 min | 2025

The stories of the Cottonwood and Boies ranches in northeastern Nevada are stories of innovation, collaboration, and landscape recovery. Since the 1990s, the two families, in partnership with federal and state agencies, have developed a collaborative grazing plan that integrates ecological, economic, and social considerations. The result: healthier rangelands with restored willow-lined creeks, expanding beaver ponds, and healing waterways.

Other Showing Locations/Times:

Lamoille Room, Elko Conference Center - Pass Required
Thu, Jan 30 | 11-11:15am
Fri, Jan 31 | 10:55-11:10am
Sat, Feb 1 | 11:30-11:45am



Wednesday January 29, 2025 12:00pm - 12:15pm PST
Western Folklife Center - G Three Bar Theater
  Film, Free

12:30pm PST

Cowboys Without Borders
Wednesday January 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm PST
Gaston Davis (director), Ilissa Nolan (producer)
1hr 23 min | 2020

Follow along with Gaston Davis, a sixth-generation Texan from a ranching background, as he explores ranches from Montana all the way down to Argentina, working alongside American cowboys from North America to Central and South America. Although these cattle operations are thousands of miles apart and decades separated in technology, the heart of the American cowboy remains the same, forever serving their people on their respective frontiers.

Other Showing Locations/Times:

Lamoille Room, Elko Conference Center
Thu, Jan 30 | 11:45am-1:15pm
Sat, Feb 1 | 12:10-1:40pm

Northeastern Nevada Museum
Fri, Jan 31 | 1-2:30pm



Wednesday January 29, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm PST
Western Folklife Center - G Three Bar Theater
  Film, Free

1:00pm PST

Western Songwriting
Wednesday January 29, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
SOLD OUT

With over 200 songs (and 1.5 million downloads) under his belt, it’s a testament to Wylie Gustafson’s character that he’s still buckling up to write more. And with outfits like True West Magazine calling Dave Stamey the greatest cowboy balladeer of all time (ok, ok, they said, “best living western solo musician”), it speaks highly of Dave’s humility that his hat still fits. Learn the western songwriter’s trade from not one, but two!, of the best. Wylie and Dave will cover a range of topics, such as developing good writing habits, co-writing, using eminent domain poems, avoiding clichés, approaching artists with your songs, placing songs in movies or TV, demo choices and recording, and using the western lifestyle and landscape to inspire and motivate.

Sponsored by the Ian Tyson Legacy Fund
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Wylie Gustafson

Wylie Gustafson

Wylie Gustafson is an American original. He was born into a fourth-generation ranching family on the empty sprawl of northern Montana. A singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman, and world-famous Yahoo! Yodeler, Wylie has led the musical outfit known as Wylie & the Wild West for over... Read More →
avatar for Dave Stamey

Dave Stamey

Dave Stamey has been a cowboy, a mule packer, and a dude wrangler. Now, he is one of the most popular western entertainers working today. Dave has made it his life's work to celebrate the rural American West. In the past two decades, he has recorded 11 albums of original music, traveled... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Elko Convention Center - Turquoise Room

1:00pm PST

Chiles Rellenos
Wednesday January 29, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm PST
Love chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers)? Learn to make this classic Mexican dish with Yolanda Rosales, former Elko restaurant owner and cook. Yolanda learned the art of making chiles rellenos from her mother, following a recipe that has been in her family for generations. Students will learn the joy of constructing chiles rellenos from start to finish, with tips on prepping the chiles, fluffing the egg batter, stuffing with cheese, and frying. Yolanda will also guide you through making two sauces, salsa ranchera (red sauce) and salsa con crema (creamy bell pepper sauce). As the saying goes, “panza llena, corazon contento.”
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Yolanda Rosales

Yolanda Rosales

One of the hidden treasures of Elko is the rich Mexican style cuisine served by Yolanda Rosales. Yolanda has cooked in the Elko community for 15 years. She learned how to cook as a very young child watching her mother mix ingredients and fill their home with delicious aromas. While... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm PST
First Presbyterian Church 1559 Sewell Dr, Elko, NV 89801, USA

2:15pm PST

Bring Them Home
Wednesday January 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm PST
Ervin Carlson (consulting producer), Sarah Clarke (producer),
Daniel Glick (director, producer), Ivan Macdonald (director, producer),
Ivy Macdonald (director), Tyson Runningwolf (associate producer)
1hr 25min | 2024

A small group of Blackfoot people are on a mission to establish the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral territory since the species’ near-extinction a century ago, an act that would restore the land, re-enliven traditional culture, and bring much-needed healing to their community. Narrated by Academy Award-nominated Blackfeet/Nez Perce actor Lily Gladstone, this documentary is the winner of the Big Sky Film Award.

Other Showing Locations/Times:

Lamoille Room, Elko Conference Center - Pass Required
Thu, Jan 30 | 1:30-3pm
Fri, Jan 31 | 9-10:30am

Northeastern Nevada Museum - Pass Required
Sat, Feb 1 | 1-2:30pm

Wednesday January 29, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm PST
Western Folklife Center - G Three Bar Theater
  Film, Free

3:00pm PST

Perfect Pour
Wednesday January 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm PST
SOLD OUT

Throughout modern history, our obsession with the cocktail has been one of adoration mixed with 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 Perfect Pour at Duncan LittleCreek. 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 with Nick Heguy. Must be 21+ with valid ID.
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Nick Heguy

Nick Heguy

The beginning of Nick Heguy’s strictly academic study of alcohol began, like many, in college. Working his way through various positions and establishments, he gleaned what he could from both smoke-filled dive bar and high-end cocktail lounge alike, amassing knowledge and technique... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm PST
Duncan LittleCreek Gallery & the Gallery Bar

5:00pm PST

Come & Get It! (Dinner Show)
Wednesday January 29, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm PST
SOLD OUT

Brandings are fun, sociable events, but they are also hot, grueling affairs that depend on the willingness of your neighbors and friends. The Wright family has perfected the art of keeping their crews satisfied and coming back every year. Their secret? Feed them well and feed them everything. So, belly up for the Wright take on branding grub. Jordan Wright and his kitchen crew will serve up a dinner that’ll have you asking for a second helping. No strangers to the sweat of branding season, Sam Platts & the Plainsmen provide songs of work and revelry while you supper up. In the true spirit of brandings, this fancy dinner will be served on paper plates. Grab your Koozie and get in line!
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Sam Platts & the Plainsmen

Sam Platts & the Plainsmen

Sam Platts and the Plainsmen is an energetic Americana band that brings traditional country and western swing to modern audiences. Sam’s songwriting is in the vein of “old” country music, and his inspiration comes from rural, agricultural life and his family’s western heritage... Read More →
avatar for Jordan Wright

Jordan Wright

Jordan Wright grew up in Elko County, being raised in Tuscarora on his family’s cattle ranch. He learned to cook by watching his mother, grandmas, and aunts, who always had the best stories to accompany the recipe lessons. Jordan refined these food service skills working in different... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm PST
Elko Euzkaldunak Club (Basque House)
  Music, Ticketed

7:00pm PST

Kicking Up a Ruckus
Wednesday January 29, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm PST
When you throw together a crew, this is the kind of talent you want. Wylie Gustafson, along with his die-hard band, revs up ranch rhythms with the kind of songs you can’t stop humming. Underneath a seemingly sweet ranch wife surface, poet Yvonne Hollenbeck’s rabble-rousing spirit makes for spirit-rousing poetry. And, cool-as-a-cucumber Dave Stamey stirs up a frenzy  when he lets out a yippee-yi-yo. When the “Rebel Rouser” joins forces with the “musical Charlie Russell” and the “American original,” you’ve got a crew that’ll kick up a ruckus and get the job done right. Like any good cowboss, you just need to show up and enjoy yourself.
Artists & Special Guests
avatar for Yvonne Hollenbeck

Yvonne Hollenbeck

Yvonne Hollenbeck is a South Dakota cattleman’s wife who writes poetry about her life on a beautiful, remote ranch where she has spent years putting up hay, feeding a crew, doing bookwork, or working cattle. Although her poetry is often humorous about situations that were not humorous... Read More →
avatar for Dave Stamey

Dave Stamey

Dave Stamey has been a cowboy, a mule packer, and a dude wrangler. Now, he is one of the most popular western entertainers working today. Dave has made it his life's work to celebrate the rural American West. In the past two decades, he has recorded 11 albums of original music, traveled... Read More →
avatar for Wylie & the Wild West

Wylie & the Wild West

Wylie Gustafson is an American original. He was born into a fourth-generation ranching family on the empty sprawl of northern Montana. A singer, songwriter, rancher, horseman, and world-famous Yahoo! Yodeler, Wylie has led the musical outfit known as Wylie & the Wild West for over... Read More →
Wednesday January 29, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm PST
Elko Convention Center - Auditorium 700 Moren Way, Elko, NV 89801, USA
 

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