http://www.westernfolklife.orgen-usRanch RhymesWestern Folklife Center

The Western Folklife Center brings you Ranch Rhymes: Cowboy Poetry and Music from the Western Folklife Center, a Podcast series of cowboy poetry, music and commentary drawn from archival material including the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. These audio collections are preserved in the Western Folklife Center Archives and we are currently looking for sponsors so we can continue to share these treasures with you. Unfortunately, due to financial considerations, we have had to suspend production for the time being. Contact us at podcast@westernfolklife.org.

The Western Folklife Center's Ranch Rhymes Podcast series brings you cowboy poetry, music and conversation drawn from archival material preserved in the Western Folklife Center Archives.Western Folklife Centerpodcast@westernfolklife.orgWestern Folklife CenterListen to the Bruce Kiskaddon classic poem as read by Joel Nelson

In the inaugural podcast from The Western Folklife Center Archives, Joel Nelson recites a classic poem by Bruce Kiskaddon, When They Finish Shipping Cattle In The Fall.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios//jnelson_master_09212006.mp3Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:25:00 PST06:10Western Folklife Center, When They Finish Shipping Cattle, Joel Nelson, Bruce Kiskadden, cowboy poetry, shipping cattle, ranch rhymes, gatheringWestern Folklife CenterListen to the Curley Fletcher poem as sung by Glenn Ohrlin

In his memorable style, Glenn Ohrlin brings his Western Folklife Center audience into the life of The Wild Buckaroo.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/ohrlin_master_09192006.mp3Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:45:00 PST05:45Western Folklife Center, The Wild Buckaroo, Glen Orlin, Curly Fletcher, cowboy poetry, gathering, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterSourdough Slim performs a sea shanty called Barnacle Bill, The Sailor

For special guests, Fisher Poets, Sourdough Slim swings into the sea shanty called Barnacle Bill the Sailor, in this recording from the 2006 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/sourdough_09192006.mp3Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:30:00 PST05:30Western Folklife Center, Barnacle Bill, the Sailor, sea chants, sourdoh, Sourdough Slim, cowboy poetry, gathering, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterHappy Holidays from the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada!

We have a special podcast for you this time around, featuring wintertime poems by Leon Flick, Jess Goodwin, Rick Taylor, Marilyn Greene, Wayne Jenkins, and the late Buck Ramsey. Thanks for tuning in, and have a great season with friends and family. Keep listening in January, as we will be releasing a special podcast of poems and songs about the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering!!

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios//xmas_master_1.mp3Fri, 22 Dec 2006 09:18:00 PST17:41Western Folklife Center, Christmas poetry, cowboy poetry, gathering, Leon Flic, Jesse Goodwin, Rick Tayler, Marilyn Green, Wayne Jenkens, Buck Ramsay, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterThings of Intrinsic Worth

Happy New Year from the Western Folklife Center! Included in this first podcast of 2007 is a twenty-year-old recitation of Wallace McRae's classic poem, Things of Intrinsic Worth, recorded during the third Cowboy Poetry Gathering in 1987. Paul Zarzyski provides his take on the importance of this poem within the cowboy poetry canon, from an interview with Paul in 2004.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios//wfc_podcast_mcrae_12282006.mp3Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:30:00 PST05:58Western Folklife Center, things of intrinsic worth, cowboy poetry, gathering, Wally MacRay, Wallace McCrae, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterThe National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

It's January once again, and the staff at the Western Folklife Center are getting ready to host the 23rd National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, January 27 through February 3, 2007. We thought it would be a good time to for a podcast featuring poems specifically about the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, as those of you listening out there are getting geared up to attend this year's event. Poets and musicians featured are Frank Gleeson, Robert Phillips, Darrell Arnold, John Best, Bill Roberts, and Tserendorj Tserendorj.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/elko_poem_podcast_bounce_01172007.mp3Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:00:00 PST16:52Western Folklife Center, cowboy poetry, The Gathering, Elko, Frank Gleason, Bob Phillips, Darell Arnold, Jon Best, Tserendorj, Mongolian musicWestern Folklife CenterHappy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from the Western Folklife Center. Thanks to everyone --visitors, artists and volunteers - who helped us celebrate the 23rd National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, last week. Hope to see you all next year! This installment of Live From Elko features the work of John Dofflemyer, Linda Hussa, and Glenn Ohrlin.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFC_Valentines_02072007.mp3Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:00:00 PST07:00Western Folklife Center, cowboy poetry, love poems, The Gathering, Elko, Valentine's Day, Linda Hussa, John Dofflemeyer, Glen Orhlin, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterLonesome Nights

In 1984, the late Melvin Whipple was writing cowboy poetry and working in a feedlot in Hereford, Texas. Originally from Utah, and having worked as a cowboy all over the West, Whipple was brought to Elko in January 1985 to help represent Texas for the first Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This episode of Live From Elko brings you part of the 1984 interview by folklorist Jim McNutt, and from 1985, one of Melvin's poems from the Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/whipple_master_02282007.mp3Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:00:00 PST07:36Western Folklife Center, Melvin Whipple, Jim McNutt, cowboy poetry, The Gathering, Elko, lonesome nights, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterCrocus in the Snow

Spring is, of course, a time of year for renewal and rebirth; characteristics that are often associated with the West itself. In this episode of Live From Elko, we feature a truly western song for this time of year, Crocus in the Snow, by Montana singer/songwriter, Stephanie Davis. Recorded in May 2006 in the G Three Bar Theater of the Western Folklife Center in Elko, Nevada.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/Crocus_Master_03012007.mp3Thu, 15 Mar 2007 11:00:00 PST05:30Western Folklife Center, Stephanie Davis, cowboy poetry, crocus in the snow, cowboy haiku, Elko, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterA Gathering of Bicycle Poetry

As we are now being teased with the possibility of Spring, some of us are already dreaming of those long summer days we will spend in the cool mountain air atop a saddle. . .a bicycle saddle. This episode of Live From Elko brings you two poems, one by David Richmond and another by the late Sunny Hancock, that pay wry tribute to our beloved two-wheeled companions. David Richmond's recitation is from an "Anything Goes" open mic session at the 2003 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and Sunny Hancock's recitation is from the 2001 Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFC_podcast_Bike_Master_03282007.mp3Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:00:00 PST10:08Western Folklife Center, David Richmund, Sunny Hancock, Elko, bicycling, cowboy poetry, humorous poems, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterIt's Tax Time in the USA

April 17th is upon us once again -- one of the two inevitabilities in life, but at least we get two extra days to file this time around! To celebrate the tax season, Live From Elko brings you two poems: Yula Sue Whipple Hunting's "Open Letter to the IRS," recorded at the 1985 Cowboy Poetry Gathering, followed by Rodney Nelson's "Income Tax Time," recorded at the 2002 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Happy Filing!

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFC_Podcast_TaxTime_03292007.mp3Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:35:00 PST07:26Western Folklife Center, Yula Sue Whipple, Rod Nelson, cowboy poetry, income tax, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterBadger Basin

One of Kenn Lee's lesser known songs made an impression on us in the Western Folklife Center Archives recently. Kenn is a songwriter from Guffey, Colorado, and his song "Badger Basin" explores the issues of growth and water rights from a rancher's perspective in this Live From Elko episode. Guffey sits in the South Park region, a historically significant area to the high country ranching communities in Colorado, not far from a place that is known to fewer and fewer residents these days as Badger Basin. Kenn was recorded at the 1995 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering here in Elko.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFC_Podcast_KennLee_05082007.mp3Tue, 08 May 2007 14:30:00 PST06:31Western Folklife Center, Ken Lee, Bager Basin, Badger Basin, cowboy poetry, water rights, Denver water, ranch rhymesWestern Folklife CenterI'd Like To Be In Texas

The Live From Elko Podcast has a new name to make its content instantly identifiable. Ranch Rhymes: Cowboy Poetry and Music from the Western Folklife Center still offers the same great poetry, music and commentary. In this episode, we hear the late Buck Ramsey singing "I'd Like To Be In Texas" at the Lowell Folk Festival in 1994. Attributed to Jack C. Williams and Carl Copeland in 1916, this song was turned into a Western classic starting with William Alonzo "Lon" Fishback in the 1920s. This performance also can be found on "Buck Ramsey: Hittin' the Trail," on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFC_Podcast_TexasSpring.mp3Thu, 24 May 2007 12:30:00 PST06:06Western Folklife Center, Ranch Rhymes, cowboy poetry, Texas in the Spring, Buck Ramsey, Live From ElkoWestern Folklife CenterThe Yellowstone

To inspire the songwriter within for our Yellowstone & Teton Songwriting Contest, this episode of Ranch Rhymes features Wallace McRae reciting his poem, "The Yellowstone," recorded at McRae's eastern Montana ranch several years ago. Along with the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Museum of the Rockies, and Gibson Guitars, the Western Folklife Center is sponsoring a contest for the best new songs and other musical compositions inspired by the greater Yellowstone area. The contest runs from May 1 through July 31, 2007. For more information on how to participate, visit us at www.westernfolklife.org.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFC_Podcast-Yellowstone_06072007.mp3Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:00:00 PST03:44Western Folklife Center, Ranch Rhymes, Live From Elko, The Yellowstone, cowboy poetry, Wally MacRae, Yellowstone RiverWestern Folklife CenterCello Meets Poem-"Potatoes" Go ROCK'n'ROWEL Global

San Francisco Bay area cellist Renata Bratt and Montana poet Paul Zarzyski a year or so ago didn't even know they shared this planet together. This episode of Ranch Rhymes presents the duo as they perform "Potatoes," an original Zarzyski poem. The recording is from Paul's new "Rock N Rowell" CD.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_015_PotatoesPZ.mp3Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:20:00 PST07:05Western Folklife Center, Ranch Rhymes, Paul Zarczyski, Ranata Brat, cowboy poetry, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterHappy Independence Day from the Western Folklife Center!

Our latest episode features a contemporary western classic, "The Freedom Song," performed by Texas songwriter Andy Wilkinson at the 2004 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, with Rich O'Brien playing fiddle. Like many of Andy's original songs, "The Freedom Song" has been covered by dozens of recording artists including Don Edwards. Written 20 years ago and based on historical events in West Texas, the song will strike a resounding chord with listeners today.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_016_FreedomSong.mp3Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:30:00 PST05:24Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Elko, July 4th, Andy Wilkinsen, Rich O'Brian, cowboy poetry, The Freedom Song, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterRanch Rhymes Does Corrido: "Sangre de Indio"

Fifteen years ago, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering made welcome some extraordinary corrido performers in Elko, Nevada. Featured in this episode of Ranch Rhymes is Johnny Whelan, a native of southern New Mexico, singing and playing guitar and harmonica on a traditional corrido entitled "Sangre de Indio." Visit our website at www.westernfolklife.org for more interesting information about corridos!

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_017_Corridos.mp3Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:15 PST09:19Western Folklife Center, Jonny Wheelan, cowboy poetry, Sangre de Indio, corridor, Mexican music, ballads, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterWorking for Dollars

It's a summer of corridos at the Western Folklife Center, and this episode of Ranch Rhymes celebrates vaquero culture from the north side of the border with a song from Michael and Dawn Moon. Michael and Dawn Moon of Colorado were featured performers at the 2007 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and their song "Working for Dollars" expresses the ranching community's shared values of hard work, horsemanship, and love of the land - - values that transcend our political boundaries.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_018_Moons.mp3Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:30 PST05:12Western Folklife Center, Michael Moon, Dawn Moon, Working for Dollars, cowboy poetry, corridor, ranching, vaquero, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterCorridos de los Latinos Unidos

At the Western Folklife Center's corrido contest in Nampa, Idaho --the Gran Concurso de Corridos -- Jose F. Garcia won first place for an original composition, "Corridos de los Latinos Unidos," featured in this episode of Ranch Rhymes. The corrido contest is part of the Folklife Center's effort to document Mexican and Mexican American ranching and song traditions in the West. A second contest will be held in Woodburn, Oregon on August 25th.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_019_GarciaCorrido.mp3Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:15 PST05:34Western Folklife Center, Corrido, cowboy poetry, ranching, vaquero, gran concurso de corridos, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterClassic Ranch Rhymes from Colen H. Sweeten Jr.

A close friend of the Western Folklife Center, the late Colen H. Sweeten Jr. recited his own poetry at the very first Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko in 1985, and for many more years thereafter. This episode of Ranch Rhymes features Colen reciting two of his classic poems, "Why Do Coyotes Howl at Night?" and "Dream Ranch."

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_020_Sweeten.mp3Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:45 PST2:48Western Folklife Center, Classic Cowboy Poetry, Sweeten, Why do Coyotes Howl at Night, cowboy poetry gathering, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterSlim Crichlow from the WFC Archives Part I of II

Without a doubt, Slim Critchlow had a wealth of American folk songs. Recorded by Barry Olivier in Berkeley, California, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Slim became a western icon during the folk music revival. We're featuring songs by Slim from the Western Folklife Center Archives in this episode of Ranch Rhymes and in the next one as well, so check them out and stay subscribed for more!

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_021_Critchlow1.mp3Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:00 PST8:01Western Folklife Center, cowboy poetry, Slim Crichlow, Night Herding Song, Hi-Chinned Bob, High Chinned Bob, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterSlim Critchlow from the WFC Archives Part II of II

We continue the Ranch Rhymes podcast with another episode featuring Slim Critchlow, recorded almost fifty years ago in California by Barry Olivier. Performing "When I Went Off To Prospect" and "Who Said I Was A Bum?," Slim Critchlow displays his command of western-flavored folk songs from outside the cowboy music tradition.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_022_Critchlow2.mp3Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:00 PST5:50Western Folklife Center, Slim Crichlow, cowboy poetry, California gold prospector, hobos , hoboes, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterWestern Folklife Center Interviews from Trailing the Sheep

Over the past couple of decades, a majority of sheep ranchers throughout the American West have depended on Peruvian herders to tend their flocks on three-year work contracts. Just like the Basques in the last century, many Peruvians move into other areas of work in the West after they fulfill their obligation to the ranchers. At the 2005 Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho, Western Folklife Center Program Outreach Coordinator Christina Barr talked with Teofilo Leon and Edwin Rojas, two former sheepherders from Peru about their lives, the American West, and the agricultural industry that landed them in Idaho years ago. The episode concludes with Peruvian musicians Luzmila, Santos and Alita Arrambide, recorded at the 1993 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_023_TOS2007.mp3Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:00 PST9:58Western Folklife Center Archives, cowboy poetry, sheepherding, fieldwork, folklorists, Christina Bar, Peruvian immigrant storiesWestern Folklife CenterDW Groethe's "The Coffee Song"

Coffee -- along with saddles, boots, and hats -- is an everyday necessity for the iconic working cowboy. So take a moment, grab a cup and help us celebrate the first anniversary of Ranch Rhymes: Cowboy Poetry and Music from the Western Folklife Center Archives with DW Groethe's "The Coffee Song," recorded at the 2003 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_024_CoffeeSong.mp3Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:45 PST5:28D.W., Grothe, Western Folklife Center, coffee shops, cowboy poetry, The Coffee Song, travel songs, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterSunny Hancock and "The Last Flannins"

Bruce Kiskaddon penned a cautionary tale many years ago: a tongue-in-cheek story involving some bitter accusations and a pair of long johns. This episode of Ranch Rhymes from the Western Folklife Center brings you Sunny Hancock's recitation of "The Last Flannins" from the 16th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a rendition of the classic poem which remains one of our favorites.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_025_LostFlannins.mp3Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:15 PST5:00Sonny, Hankock, Kiskadden, Western Folklife, flannels, long johns, winter underwear, cowboy poetry, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterJoLynne Kirkwood recites her poem "The Auction"

Even though the big performances always sell out, some of the best poems and songs at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering are performed each year in the smaller venues at Elko - the Take Your Turn and Anything Goes sessions. JoLynne Kirkwood's poem "The Auction," is just such a poem that stood out during last year's Gathering. Here it is now, along with an interview excerpt with JoLynne, in this episode of Ranch Rhymes.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_026_KirkwoodAuction.mp3Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:30 PST8:48Jo Linn, Jo Lynn, Western Folklife, auctions, The Auction, cowboy poetry, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterThe Power of Poetry

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering has always been a time to catch up with old friends and to make new ones each year. In this episode of Ranch Rhymes, Australian bush poet Milton Taylor and Washington cowboy poet Dick Warwick talk about the power of poetry and about how they met each other halfway around the globe, at a bush poetry festival in Australia. Like many others, their friendship is rekindled each year in Elko. Join us this January 26 - February 2 at the 24th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering!

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_027_Taylor&Warwick.mp3Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:00 PST6:36bush poets, cowboy poets, Milt Taylor, Dick Warwicke, Ranch Rhymes, Western Folklife, National Cowboy Poetry Festival, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterDon Edwards performs Jack Thorp's classic song "Chopo"

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the very first published collection of American folk songs, "Songs of the Cowboys," Texas troubadour Don Edwards has created a musical tribute to cowboy, songwriter and ballad collector Jack Thorp for the 24th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Catch a sneak preview in Don's 2003 Gathering performance of one of Thorp's classic songs, "Chopo," on this episode of Ranch Rhymes!

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_028_EdwardsChopo.mp3Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:35 PST4:43country ballad, Jack Thorpe, cowboy poetry, Chopo, Don Edwards, Ghost of Jack Thorp, Live from Elko, Western Folklife, National Cowboy Poetry FestivalWestern Folklife CenterRanch Rhymes Revisits Slim Critchlow with Part III of the Series

The latest Ranch Rhymes episode is the third installment in our Slim Critchlow series. This episode presents Slim reciting two rarely heard classic poems, "The Dying Cowboy" and"Billy Venero," recorded in 1968 by Barry Olivier. These works were penned by Jack Thorp, and the horse "Chopo" featured in "Billy Venero" was also featured in our previous episode with Don Edwards.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_29_Critchlow3.mp3Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:51 PST8:33cowboy poetry, Jack Thorpe, Slim Critchlowe, Western Folklife, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife Center"April's Fool" for April Fool's Day

Between working, performing, and recording a new collection of his poetry, Elko's own Water "Bimbo" Cheney has been staying busy this year. We are happy to highlight one of Elko County, Nevada's best cowboy poets in this episode of the Ranch Rhymes podcast, as he recites an original poem, "April's Fool" during a National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_030_AprilsFool.mp3Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:30 PST05:48Bimbo Cheny, Western Folklife, cowboy poetry, April Fools Day, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterA Ranch Rhyme for Earth Day During Cowboy Poetry Week

Many years ago, it might have seemed an odd or ironic juxtaposition that one could celebrate National Poetry Month, Cowboy Poetry Week, and Earth Day all at once, but it seems we've reached a point where that now raises no eyebrows and makes perfect sense. Featured in this Ranch Rhymes podcast from the Western Folklife Center is Wallace McRae's brilliantly crafted and politically charged poem, "Put That Back… Hoedown," recorded at the 1997 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_031_McRae.mp3Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:30 PST4:39Wally McRay, MacRay, cowboy curmudgeon, earth day, environmental poetry, cowboy poetry, Backhoe, Western Folklife, Ranch Rhyming, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterCelebrating Springtime in Poetry on a Sierra Foothills Ranch

Situated somewhere between the California poetry legacy of Gary Snyder, the Beats, and the ranching communities his family has been a part of for generations, John Dofflemyer gives us two short poems to reflect upon springtime in his strong and original voice, "April Bullfrogs" and "April Sunday," both recorded at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. Members and stakeholders of the Western Folklife Center, please keep an eye out for another feature on John in the Spring 2008 Ways of the West newsletter.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_032_Dofflemyer.mp3Wed, 07 May 2008 10:25 PST5:15Dofflemeyer, cowboy poetry, ranching, Western Folk Life, April Sunday, April Bullfrogs, California poets, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterWith recordings from National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings, we celebrate "Husbands and Wives"

We're approaching the season for wedding celebrations, so in this Ranch Rhymes episode, we honor those who will soon take the plunge into matrimony. With poems from Rodney Nelson, Yvonne Hollenbeck, and Randy Rieman, plus a special story from Karen and Ken Dagney of Reno, Nevada, let's celebrate the power of wedded bliss. Rodney and Yvonne were recorded during the 2007 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and Randy recites Charles Badger Clark's "The Married Man" in a recording from the 2002 Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_033_HusbandsWives.mp3Thu, 22 May 2008 13:45 PST15:18Rod, Nelsen, Hollenback, Reeman, Badger Clark, cowboy poetry, ranching, married life, gift giving, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterJerry Brooks Recites a Charles "Badger" Clark poem, "The Old Prospector"

A master reciter of classic verse, Jerry Brooks worked underground in the coal mines of Utah for 26 years before taking to the cowboy poetry stage. This week on Ranch Rhymes, as the 23rd Annual Mining Expo comes to Elko, we honor friends and family who work in the mining industry with Brooksie's recitation in a 2006 National Cowboy Poetry session of a lesser-known poem by Charles Badger Clark, "The Old Prospector."

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_034_OldProspector.mp3Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:45 PST5:10Geri Brooks, Jerri Brooks, The Old Prospector, Badger Clark, Western Folklife Center, cowboy poetry, mining, live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterCanadian poet Frank Gleeson recites his original poem, "Cowboy Poetry"

As the Western Folklife Center gears up for the silver anniversary of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering next January, Ranch Rhymes will "turn an inward gaze" to the genre, exploring our archives for poetry and song that is specifically about Elko, the Gathering and the tradition itself. Over the coming months we will periodically feature artists who have taken inspiration from the whirlwind that is the world of cowboy poetry, starting with Frank Gleeson's aptly named poem "Cowboy Poetry," recorded in Elko in 1997.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_035_GleesonCowboyPoetry.mp3Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:25 PST4:22Frank Gleason, Western Folklife Center, cowboy prose, ranch live, gathering, live from Elko, Canadian poetryWestern Folklife CenterPaul Zarzyski and friends recite his original poem, "Why I Like Butte."

The National Folk Festival takes place this weekend, July 11-13, 2008 in historic Butte, Montana, and the Western Folklife Center encourages everyone to attend! Featured at the National Folk Festival will be National Cowboy Poetry Gathering regulars Wylie and the Wild West, The Quebe Sisters Band, Wallace McRae, Paul Zarzyski - - and many, many folk and traditional artists from across the United States. What better way for Ranch Rhymes to kick off the festivities in Butte than with this rendition of Paul Zarzyski's "Why I Like Butte," performed with Wylie Gustafson and Sourdough Slim at the 2005 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_036_PZ_Butte.mp3Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:45 PST10:10Zarzisky, Wally MacRae, Butte, Quaybee, cowboy poetry, rodeo poetry, Western Folklife, gathering, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterEd Brown shares two poems about finding his muse in cowboy poetry and music.

Cowboy poet and all-around funny man Ed Brown ranched for many years before teaching eighth grade in Madera, California. In this episode of Ranch Rhymes we hear two good ones from Mr. Brown about finding one's muse in cowboy poetry and music. "Muse Light" and "Cowboy Music" were recorded live at the 1993 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_037_EdBrown_.mp3Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:00 PST4:59cowboy poetry, cowboy music, Western Folklife, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterIn anticipation of their appearance in Elko on August 16, 2008, this episode features songs from Dave Stamey and Adrian.

In this episode of Ranch Rhymes, we give you a taste of the special event coming August 16 to the Western Folklife Center. Award-winning western crooner Dave Stamey will perform on stage in Elko, preceded by an opening set by 16-year old singer-songwriter Adrian. Featured in this episode are Stamey's "Riding the Sage" and Adrian's "Old Time Vaquero," recorded at the 2007 and 2008 National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings, respectively.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_038_Stamey%26Adrian.mp3Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:30 PST8:19Dave Stame, Adrian Brannon, Brannan, Live from Elko, Western Folklife. National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, cowboy music, cowboy poetryWestern Folklife CenterTwo more great pieces inspired by the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko: a poem from Kent Stockton and a song from Gail Steiger.

As we continue to explore poems and songs inspired by experiences at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, in this episode of Ranch Rhymes we feature two pieces drawn from scenes at the Red Lion Casino in Elko, Nevada. Kent Stockton's poem "Filling the Gaps at Elko" (recorded during a 2002 show) and Gail Steiger's "Elko On Your Own" (recorded in a 2006 show) celebrate the small moments you can find in Elko between shows and workshops. Both artists will be in Elko for the 25th Gathering, January 24-31, 2009.

http://www:westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_039_Stockton%26Steiger.mp3Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:45 PST11:18Elko, Live from Elko, Gale, Stiger, Ken Stockton, Western Folklife, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, cowboy music, cowboy poetryWestern Folklife CenterBaxter Black and the "Vanishing Breed"

This episode of Ranch Rhymes is brought to you courtesy of Baxter Black, renowned cowboy poet, NPR commentator and former large animal vet, who in anticipation of his upcoming September 19, 2008, performance in Elko, Nevada, furnished us with this rendition of the "Vanishing Breed?" recorded live at the National Western Stock Show in the early 1980s. Tickets are still available at this time, call the Western Folklife Center at 775-738-7508 to purchase your ticket, then join us on the 19th.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_040_Baxter_VanishingBreed.mp3Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:30 PST2:46Bax, Elko, Live From Elko, Baxter Black, Western Folklife, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, cowboy poetryWestern Folklife CenterAccording to Don Edwards, Glenn Ohrlin is the master of "The Zebra Dun"

In this episode of Ranch Rhymes, we are featuring an old song sometimes referred to as "The Educated Fellow," although most of you know it as "The Zebra Dun." From the 2006 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, National Heritage Fellow Glenn Ohrlin is introduced by Cowboy Hall of Fame member Don Edwards and sings this classic from Jack Thorp's 1908 book, Songs of the Cowboys.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_041_ZebraDun.mp3Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:30 PST6:54Glen Orhlin, zebra dunn, Live From Elko, Western Folklife, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, cowboy musicWestern Folklife CenterCowboy poet Chuck Powell and poet/musician John Hollis entertain in "Poetry Nights in Elko"

Listen in as we feature a Chuck Powell recitation of a poem by Randy Hamill, "What Is A Cowboy Poet?" and an original song from John Hollis, "Elko Nights," as we continue our exploration of 25 years of inspiration on Ranch Rhymes. Both pieces were recorded live in Elko at the 1999 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_042_Powell%26Hollis.mp3Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:00 PST6:54Chuck Powell, Randy Howell, John Hollis, Live from Elko, Western Folklife, cowboy poetry, cowboy musicWestern Folklife CenterThree poems about the life and muse of a cowboy poet from the Archives of the Western Folklife Center and the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

The Western Folklife Center continues to comb the archives for material inspired and informed by 25 years of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Featured in this episode are 12 year-old Shaun Perisho's own definition, "Cowboy Poetry Is…" from 1999; a poem about the Gathering from longtime Owyhee, Nevada, school teacher Nora Couch as recited by Betty Vaughn in 1998; and an original take on the muse of the cowboy poet from 5th generation eastern Washington rancher/farmer, Dick Warwick from 1999.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_043_Perisho_Vaughn_Warwick.mp3Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:15 PST7:27Shawn Perisho, Shaun Perisho, Dick Warwicke, Nora Couch, Bette Vaughn, Betty Vaughn, cowboy poetry, poetry muse, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Western Folklife Center, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterAn original cowboy song introduced in Elko at the 1998 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering by Mary McCaslin

In 1976, singer-songwriter-columnist Mary McCaslin's LP, "Prairie in the Sky" on Rounder Records helped turn on a generation of listeners to the world of traditional American cowboy music. At the 1998 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, following an introduction by fellow songwriter Gary McMahan, Mary McCaslin treated the Elko audience to a new original song (about a certain "cowtown on the high Nevada plain"), inspired by her times at the 1997 Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_044_McCaslin.mp3Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:00 PST6:13cowboy music, cowboy poetry, MacCaslin, Live from Elko, poetry muse, Western Folklife CenterWestern Folklife CenterPoems of Thanks by Dr. Jim Griffith, Doris Daley and Rodney Nelson

Who are you thankful for this holiday season? The Western Folklife Center gives thanks to all cowboy poets and National Cowboy Poetry Gathering staff and volunteers with this episode of the Ranch Rhymes podcast, featuring poems from folklorist Dr. Jim Griffith, and poets Doris Daley and Rodney Nelson.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_045_Thanksgiving2008.mp3Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:35 PST9:40Cowboy Poetry, Jim Griffith, Doris Daley, Rod Nelson, Live from Elko, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Western Folklife CenterWestern Folklife CenterWallace McRae shares his original poem, "Zzarzzyski" at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

In this episode of Ranch Rhymes, we treat listeners to the only free verse poem written by the Cowboy Curmudgeon, Wallace McRae. A tribute, of sorts, to his poet friend Paul Zarzyski, the poem "Zzarzzyski" is thick with detail and meaning and was recorded at the 2006 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. Both poets will once again be appearing on stage at our 25th Gathering, January 24-31, 2009.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_046_New_ZZarZZyski.mp3Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:10 PST7:16Cowboy poetry, Wally McRae, Wally MacRay, Paul Zarzyski, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Western Folklife Center, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterDiscover the true meaning of this special season with The Christmas Quilt, by Yvonne Hollenbeck

For our special holiday Ranch Rhymes podcast, we feature Yvonne Hollenbeck, a South Dakota poet and quilter - who's won awards at both - reciting her poignant original poem, "The Christmas Quilt," recorded at the 2004 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko. The Western Folklife Center wishes you and yours very happy holidays for 2008.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_047_Hollenbeck_XmasQuilt.mp3Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:05 PST6:53Western Folklife Center, Live from Elko, Hollenbeck, Christmas poems, cowboy poetry, National Cowboy Poetry GatheringWestern Folklife CenterRanch Rhymes features two songs from the explosive new album "Hang n Rattle!" from Wyle & the Wild West, with Paul Zarzyski joining in.

This time around on Ranch Rhymes, we are BOLDLY ringing in 2009 - and preparing to celebrate the 25th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering - with two songs from the explosive new album from Wylie & the Wild West, "Hang n Rattle!" Co-written with poet Paul Zarzyski and produced by John Carter Cash, this new album represents the creative energy, innovation, and tradition that is so much a part of western life. In this episode is the title track, "Hang-n-Rattle" along with Frank Desprez' classic poem "Lasca," featuring Paul Zarzyski. For more information about the album, visit www.wyliewebsite.com.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_048_Wylie_HangNRattle.mp3Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:00 PST11:11Wylie Gustafson, Zarziskey, Western Folklife Center, Live from Elko, rodeo music, rodeo poems, cowboy poetry, National Cowboy Poetry GatheringWestern Folklife Center1985 to 2009: Celebrating 25 Years with Waddie Mitchell

As the 25th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering gets underway this week in Elko, Nevada, the Western Folklife Center celebrates the history of this great event with the very first poem recorded on stage at the first Gathering. From 1985--and featured for the very first time on the Ranch Rhymes podcast--here's Waddie Mitchell's recitation of "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert Service. In a friendly knod to history, Waddie opened the first show of the 2009 Gathering on January 24 - the Saturday night show "Voices of the Silver State" - with this same poem, kicking off a great evening of entertainment that also featured Adrian (featured in our "Riding With Ranch Rhymes" episode).

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_049_Waddie1985.mp3Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:30 PST6:34Wadi Mitchell, Live from Elko, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Western Folklife Center, Cowboy Poetry, Robert Service, Cremation of Sam McGeeWestern Folklife CenterFisher poets Jon Broderick and Dave Densmore recite poetry at the 2006 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

In 2006, a group of poets from the high seas and tidewater flats joined their cowboy counterparts at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in a cross-occupational exchange of verse to the delight of the Elko audiences. Featured in this episode are commercial fishermen Jon Broderick with "Kelly Keeps Fishing" and Dave Densmore with "At Last." The 12th annual Fisher Poet's Gathering takes place February 27-March 1, 2009, in Astoria, Oregon; and will feature songs and tales from commercial fishermen and women across the Pacific. To find out more, please visit: www.clatsopcc.edu/fisherpoets.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_050_FisherPoets.mp3Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:00 PST9:57Live from Elko, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, fisher poets, John Brodrick, Dave Dinsmore, Western Folklife CenterWestern Folklife CenterCowboy poet Dick Gibford shares a poem and speaks out in the Deep West Sheep Camp

California poet Dick Gibford has come to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko since 1985, and also buckarooed in Elko County, Nevada, as a young man in the early 1970s. We spoke with him in the Deep West Sheep Camp at the 2009 Gathering about his history, world view, and sense of spirituality. He also left us with a poem to share, "By the Painted Gate." Each year at the Gathering, the Western Folklife Center invites everyone to join the ranks of people who have recorded their stories and experiences in the Deep West "Tell Your Story" Sheep Camp. The stories then become a part of the permanent oral history and story collections of the Western Folklife Center Archives.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_051_Gibford.mp3Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:30 PST7:50Live from Elko, Deep West, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Dick Gibford, Western Folklife Center, rural life, By the Painted GateWestern Folklife CenterMontana poet Buzzy Vick shares some Gathering history and a poem in the Deep West Sheep Camp

Featured on this episode of Ranch Rhymes, Montana poet Elizabeth "Buzzy" Vick is -- to the best of our knowledge -- the "only Jewish, Croatian-American cowgirl poet in the world." Buzzy has brought her poetry to the open mic "Anything Goes" sessions in Elko since the very beginning of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and today we share an interview with her along with her poem, "Requiem to Beaver Creek Cow Camp" recorded this January at the 25th Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_052_BuzzyVick.mp3Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:00 PST5:44Western Folklife Center, Cowboy Poetry, Deep West, Elko, Live from Elko, Elizabeth Vick, Buzzy, Requiem to Beaver Creek Cow CampWestern Folklife CenterDeep West Sheep Camp, Part III: visiting with Ernie Sites about his life, music and poetry

Cowboy poet and songwriter Ernie Sites of Wendell, Idaho, has come to Elko for the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering ever since he stumbled onto it by accident in 1986. We spoke with Ernie in the Deep West Sheep Camp this year about his life and career in western music and education. Also featured in this episode of Ranch Rhymes is an original poem, "When the Sun Shines on the Sawtooths," that Ernie performed at the 1989 Gathering, and "Trailin' Back to Old Mexico," from his 1992 album "Saddle Bags and Wishes."

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_053_ErnieSites.mp3Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:45 PST10:39Western Folklife Center, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Deep West, Elko, Live from Elko, Ernie Sites, cowboy poetryWestern Folklife CenterNevada poet and writer Carolyn Dufurrena presents "The Ghost of April, 1978"

As April 2009 draws to a close, Ranch Rhymes features a poem by Carolyn Dufurrena, Nevada poet, writer, educator, and former geologist, titled "Ghost of April, 1978." This original poem is about coming to a new life within the landscape of Nevada. Our recording is of Carolyn reciting at the 2002 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_054_CDufurrena.mp3Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:25 PST3:43Western Folklife Center, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Caroline, Dufferrena, Dufurrena, Live from ElkoWestern Folklife CenterCowboy Poet John Doran asks "Are You A Real Cowboy?' with an original poem.

What makes a person a real cowboy? Is it your job? Your clothes? Where you live, or your approach to life? We'll be trying to answer these questions through poetry and song on our Ranch Rhymes podcast this summer. Here's cowboy poet John Doran's take on authenticity, a poem called "Are You a Real Cowboy?" recorded live at the 1997 Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

http://www.westernfolklife.org/images/stories/listen/podcasts/audios/WFCPodcast_055_Doran.mp3Wed, 27 May 2009 15:30 PST4:27Jon Duran, Live from Elko, National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Ranch Rhymes, real cowboys