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!
Hal Cannon (producer), Taki Telonidis (producer) 58 min | 2002
A cowboy’s job has always been low paying, dangerous, lonely, dusty, and gory. One would think this wouldn’t be much to sing about, yet sing the cowboy does. Journey to four remote ranches in the middle of winter, and explore the inspiration behind the music and poetry that accompany ranch life, with Stephanie Davis, Glenn Ohrlin, Henry Real Bird, and Larry and Toni Schutte, along with cameos by Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Wallace McRae, and Waddie Mitchell.
Produced by Western Folklife Center Media in collaboration with KUED-Channel 7 in Salt Lake City, Utah, with support from the Dick Burton Foundation, Wes and Sue Dixon, and Anne Pattee.
Bill Jersey (producer), Kim Shelton (producer) 53 min | 1988
Although cowboys had been writing poetry for more than a century, in the 1980s, for many Americans, cowboy poetry was something new and unexpected. This film focuses on three working cowboys and poets from Arizona, Montana, and Nevada, examining the sources of inspiration for their artistry. It features Slim Kite, Wallace McRae, and Waddie Mitchell, who each represent different facets of the cowboy poetry tradition.
Produced in collaboration with the Western Folklife Center with support from the National Endowment for the Arts; Arizona Humanities, Humanities Montana, Nevada Humanities, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities; Levi’s Western Wear, Charles Redd Foundation, and George Gund.
Hal Cannon (producer), Taki Telonidis (producer) 58 min · 2002
From 2000-2019, the Western Folklife Center collaborated with people across the rural West to produce short videos that captured their experiences living and working the land. These homemade productions are simple yet elegant—they are not glossy or commercial, but from the heart. Revisit a curated selection of these short films that tell the stories of those living deep in the heart of the West.
Produced by Western Folklife Center Media and the many filmmakers, in collaboration with Edge of Discovery, the Owyhee Combined School on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Dave Baker, Carol Dalrymple, Karem Orrego, Colene Paradise, and Taki Telonidis. Made possible with support from the R. Harold Burton Foundation, the Golden Rule Foundation, and the John Ben Snow Foundation.
Sean Sexton grew up on his family’s Treasure Hammock Ranch, where he lives and co-manages a 700-acre cow-calf and seedstock operation with his son. He and his wife Sharon reside on the ranch in a home they built by hand. Sean spends much of his time writing poetry and prose, and... Read More →
Young buckaroos! Want to share your talents with the Gathering audience? Do you have poems to recite or songs to sing? Take the stage at this special open mic session and let your voice be heard!
A heartwarming (and popular) event where all the seats fill up and people try to line the wall to hear and watch our performers 18 and under. Get there early to grab a chair (required) and witness the talents of the next generation!
Jessie Veeder writes and sings about the Badlands of western North Dakota where she grew up as the fourth generation on her family’s cattle ranch. She released her first original album at 16 and has gone on to tour nationally, releasing five more original albums and two books about... Read More →
