Western Folklife Center
Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Artistic License"

This month, the cowboy poets discuss artistic license in poems as they answer a question posed by The Man Who Didn’t Shoot Liberty Valance: “Could you comment on how you approach decisions about taking artistic license in your writing? Also, could you comment on any historical poems you’ve researched where you’ve found the legend has outpaced the truth or the truth is in fact stranger than fiction?”

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Artistic License"
Western Folklife Center
Editing "The Cowboy" Archetype

Respected buckaroo, horseman, and ranch manager Jeff Mundell advocates for the role of the horseback cowboy in a collaborative, future-oriented, regenerative agriculture movement. Read Jeff’s essay about shifting “The Cowboy” archetype with conversations across occupational cultures that connect story-wise cowboys, data-wise scientists, and the living flora and fauna that tie them together.

Editing "The Cowboy" Archetype
Western Folklife Center
Board Spotlight: Chrissy Menicucci Benna

Chrissy Menicucci Benna's experience with the poetry and music of western artists transformed her understanding of western ways of life, even after a lifetime spent in Nevada. A memorable moment hearing poet Paul Zarzyski perform spurred her to become an ardent supporter of the Western Folklife Center and an engaged board member. Read about why Chrissy calls the WFC "a beloved treasure" in the second of our board spotlights.

Western Folklife Center
A Little Cowboy Poetry for a Leap Year

For this leap year, DW Groethe and Bill Lowman share poems about the longest of Februarys. February, these are your songs.

A Little Cowboy Poetry for a Leap Year
Western Folklife Center
Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Best Canines"

Whether they’re herding, heading, guarding…or sharing a beer at the end of a long day…some dogs just make an impression. This month, the poets reflect on the cattle dogs (and companion dogs) that have come their way, answering Crazy About Canines’ question, “Who was the best canine companion you ever had the pleasure of working with?”

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Best Canines"

Mary mccas

Mary McCaslin

29th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Friday, February 1, 2013

Mary McCaslin has honed her style from folk's deepest roots. Even a short performance at the Flag View Stage didn't fail to take the audience back to some of songwriting's best years. Her influence on contemporary Western folk music is evident with songs that explain life's experiences through the looking glass. Her steady hands worked with the guitar effortlessly, and some could hardly wait to see her unique use of the banjo. Mary stays true to each song without flaunting her skills; allowing the audience to surrender to the music.

Written by Mike Gamm

 
 

STAY CONNECTED

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

Sign Up
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Charity Navigator Four Star Charity
Travel Nevada