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Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Dust off your hat, don your chaps and get your tickets for the 23rd Annual Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering, galloping into Golden from Jan. 20 to 22.

Cowboy poetry grew out of the traditions of workers on cattle drives and ranches. After a long day in the saddle, cowboys would gather around a campfire and entertain one another with tall tales and folk songs — and so goes the story called Cowboy Poetry.

With more than two decades of cowboy heritage and traditions, the Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering is a contemporary expression of cowboy life and culture. The best cowboy poets have been corralled to inspire and entertain with tales through poetry, song and verse with a show-stopping lineup of performers from more than 16 states, Canada and Australia.

You’ll find veterinarian-turned-poet Baxter Black, inarguably the best-known cowboy poet and a legend of the prairie. Everything about him is cowboy — his cartoonish mustache, his personality and his poetry. Shining a spotlight on the flaws and foibles of everyday cowboy life, he demonstrates that it is the truth in his humor that makes it funny.

Dave Stamey has been voted three times Entertainer of the Year, three times Male Performer of the Year and twice Songwriter of the Year by the Western Music Association, and he received the Will Rogers Award from the Academy of Western Artists.

Gary McMahan, known for his award-winning songs, captivating stories, uproarious humor and national-championship yodeling, embodies what many believe to be the heart of the new West. His songs have been recorded by artists such as Garth Brooks, Ian Tyson, Chris LeDoux, Riders in the Sky, Dave Stamey, and Juni Fisher.

Hailing from New South Wales, Carol Heuchan (pronounced “Hugh Can”) is Australia’s award-winning bush poet extraordinaire, named Female Bush Poetry Champion 2008. Bush poetry is a special type of poetry written by farmers, squatters, drovers, shearers, horsemen and other everyday people, and Heuchan is tops in the craft.

You’ll also find a host of featured performers: Liz Masterson, Jon Chandler, Jeff Graves, Pop Wagner, Sid Hausman and many more.

This three-day roundup includes two evening performances, two full days of popular theme-session matinees, authentic chuckwagon cookin’, and the first-ever televised Cowboy Variety Show in the Gathering’s 23-year history.

It promises to be a weekend that captures the true spirit and lifestyle of the cowboy heritage.

Evening concerts are more suited to those ages 8 and older, but because family life is an important part of the ranching culture, plenty of programming has been added for families with children ages 5 and older. The themed-session matinees are perfect for the entire family. You’ll hear songs and stories about ranchers, cattle drives, life in the Outback of Australia and the love of the land. Sessions include: “Women of the West,” “Today’s Cowboy,” “Multi-cultural Roots,” “Cowboy and Western Humor,” “Cowboy Classics” and many more.

Music sessions also include the popular “Songwriter’s Circle,” as well as “Odd Instruments.” This brand of entertainment is great for families with buckaroos ages 8 and older.
Delicious and hearty “cowboy grub” is available and served from the Authentic Chuck Wagon, owned by John Schaffner.

This year’s Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering will be at Golden’s American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St. Get a complete schedule, directions and ticket prices (tickets sell out fast) by calling 1-888-718-4253, or by visiting www .coloradocowboygathering.com.

Free B&B guide

The new edition of the full-color Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado State Guide is now available.

The free guide features color photos and detailed information about each of its inspected and approved member inns throughout the state, including a statewide map, easy amenities grid, scenic byways map, cookbook order form and detailed information on each property’s rates, website address and guest policies.

Whether you prefer a historical Victorian, a cozy cottage, a stately castle, a rustic log home or a modern mansion, Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado member inns are ready to serve.

To receive a copy or gather more information about the Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado, visit www.innsofcolorado.org or call 1-800-265-7696.

JOY HARPER, THE GAZETTE