40th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

From cow camps to the mainstage, cowboy poetry is a cherished oral tradition, uniting people from different walks of life. But why does cowboy poetry matter? Growing up surrounded by the rhythms of ranch life and the verses of a legendary grandfather, ranch foreman and multitalented artist Gail Steiger knows firsthand how cowboy poetry captures the heart of rural existence. Its stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph resonate across cultural and occupational boundaries. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about contemporary issues facing rural communities, and it creates spaces for meaningful conversations. Gail will share insight on cowboy poetry’s vital role in today’s world and set the stage for a Gathering that emphasizes what matters.

The keynote address will be opened by Chief Phillip Whiteman Jr. and closed by Painted Horse drum group and horse dancers.

Sponsored by Nevada Humanities and the Humanities Center at Great Basin College, made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities