Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Reno Rodeo 50/50
The Western Folklife Center has been selected as one of the Reno Rodeo's 50/50 beneficiaries! Mark your calendars for tomorrow, June 27th, and help support the Western Folklife Center and the Gathering while getting a chance to win half of the jackpot. You do not need to be at the Reno Rodeo to participate. If you're in Nevada, you can purchase tickets right from your phone.
How it works:
Purchase 50/50 drawing tickets on Saturday, June 27. Tickets must be purchased on June 27 for the proceeds to benefit the WFC and Gathering.
We will post the QR code and link at 12:05am on June 27 so you can start buying tickets right away.
At the end of the night, one winning ticket will be drawn.
50% of the jackpot goes to the winning ticket holder.
50% of the proceeds support the WFC and Gathering.
Every ticket helps preserve and perpetuate the cowboy arts.
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Student Art Show
You're invited to the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Student Art Show Reception!
Photo by Charlie Ekburg
Southwind St. Patrick's Day Party
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon on St. Patrick’s Day.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
The 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
A cow town state of mind
Get in the pickup, the Gathering’s going to town with all the gregarious rambunctiousness of a crew that’s been out in the brush too long! Pop culture has long cemented the image of the lone cowboy into our collective consciousness as a symbol of agriculture (and way too many other things for that matter), but growing food is and always has been a heartfelt, collaborative endeavor supported by all kinds of people. This year we tip our handcrafted lids to ag communities everywhere with our theme for the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, “A Cow Town State of Mind.” From the family and friends who lend a hand during branding time to the people and businesses that share common ground with ranching and farming, we’ll be examining what it really takes to keep rural lands and communities thriving and healthy. Bring on the poets and singers of songs, the cowhands, the land stewards, the ag teachers, the 4-H and FFA kids, the butchers, the beekeepers, and the people whose hearts are in ranching but had to find other ways to make a living. It’s not about what you wear or where you’re from, it's about that cow town state of mind.
See ticketed shows & workshops here!
Banner artwork: Headin' Out (2025), Clara Smith
Volunteer Chili Feed & Training
Lead volunteers will train volunteers in the specific roles, and new volunteers will have a chance to sign up for the 41st Gathering.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Photo by Charlie Ekburg
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road
We’re heading back to Las Vegas this December for the National Finals Rodeo, and you’re invited to join us at the Ahern Hotel, Dec. 10–13, for National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road!
This year’s lineup features an incredible mix of music and poetry from Gary Haleamau & Kāwili, R.W. Hampton, Darrell Holden, Annie Mackenzie, Jake Riley, Matt Robertson, Trinity Seely, R.P. Smith, Dave Stamey, and Sam Platts with a six-piece band.
Enjoy nine full shows, an open mic, hosted rodeo watch parties, dancing, and a gift show curated by yours truly and featuring authentic, handmade cowboy gear and quality Western gifts from skilled makers across the West. It’s all in one convenient (and dare we say, relaxing) place to shop and celebrate.
And consider bunking with us at the Ahern Hotel—a non-smoking, non-gaming gem just steps from the Strip. Last year’s event felt like the perfect pre-party for our big Elko Gathering in January. We can’t wait to see everyone again in both Las Vegas and Elko!
Event info here
Photo by Jessica Brandi Lifland
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road
We’re heading back to Las Vegas this December for the National Finals Rodeo, and you’re invited to join us at the Ahern Hotel, Dec. 10–13, for National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road!
This year’s lineup features an incredible mix of music and poetry from Gary Haleamau & Kāwili, R.W. Hampton, Darrell Holden, Annie Mackenzie, Jake Riley, Matt Robertson, Trinity Seely, R.P. Smith, Dave Stamey, and Sam Platts with a six-piece band.
Enjoy nine full shows, an open mic, hosted rodeo watch parties, dancing, and a gift show curated by yours truly and featuring authentic, handmade cowboy gear and quality Western gifts from skilled makers across the West. It’s all in one convenient (and dare we say, relaxing) place to shop and celebrate.
And consider bunking with us at the Ahern Hotel—a non-smoking, non-gaming gem just steps from the Strip. Last year’s event felt like the perfect pre-party for our big Elko Gathering in January. We can’t wait to see everyone again in both Las Vegas and Elko!
Event info here
Photo by Charlie Ekburg
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road
We’re heading back to Las Vegas this December for the National Finals Rodeo, and you’re invited to join us at the Ahern Hotel, Dec. 10–13, for National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road!
This year’s lineup features an incredible mix of music and poetry from Gary Haleamau & Kāwili, R.W. Hampton, Darrell Holden, Annie Mackenzie, Jake Riley, Matt Robertson, Trinity Seely, R.P. Smith, Dave Stamey, and Sam Platts with a six-piece band.
Enjoy nine full shows, an open mic, hosted rodeo watch parties, dancing, and a gift show curated by yours truly and featuring authentic, handmade cowboy gear and quality Western gifts from skilled makers across the West. It’s all in one convenient (and dare we say, relaxing) place to shop and celebrate.
And consider bunking with us at the Ahern Hotel—a non-smoking, non-gaming gem just steps from the Strip. Last year’s event felt like the perfect pre-party for our big Elko Gathering in January. We can’t wait to see everyone again in both Las Vegas and Elko!
Event info here
Photo by Charlie Ekburg
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road
We’re heading back to Las Vegas this December for the National Finals Rodeo, and you’re invited to join us at the Ahern Hotel, Dec. 10–13, for National Cowboy Poetry Gathering on the Road!
This year’s lineup features an incredible mix of music and poetry from Gary Haleamau & Kāwili, R.W. Hampton, Darrell Holden, Annie Mackenzie, Jake Riley, Matt Robertson, Trinity Seely, R.P. Smith, Dave Stamey, and Sam Platts with a six-piece band.
Enjoy nine full shows, an open mic, hosted rodeo watch parties, dancing, and a gift show curated by yours truly and featuring authentic, handmade cowboy gear and quality Western gifts from skilled makers across the West. It’s all in one convenient (and dare we say, relaxing) place to shop and celebrate.
And consider bunking with us at the Ahern Hotel—a non-smoking, non-gaming gem just steps from the Strip. Last year’s event felt like the perfect pre-party for our big Elko Gathering in January. We can’t wait to see everyone again in both Las Vegas and Elko!
Event info here
Photo by Charlie Ekburg
Volunteer Cocktail Social
All interested volunteers for the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering are encouraged to attend a Volunteer Cocktail Social on Tuesday, December 2, from 6-8pm in the Western Folklife Center’s Pioneer Saloon.
The event is an opportunity for interested people to learn about the various volunteer opportunities, mingle with other volunteers, meet lead volunteers, and sign up for the various volunteer positions, including door monitoring, logging (taking notes in performances), providing guest services, driving shuttles, acting as gallery docents, and more.
Photo by Marla Aufmuth
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Southwind Haunted Hotel Party
Local favorites Southwind bring spooky, haunting music to the Pioneer Hotel, tinged with their signature Celtic, western, and fiddling flair. Join them in the Pioneer Saloon for this Haunted Hotel Party! Costumes encouraged!
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Forrest VanTuyl & Southwind
Gathering artist Forrest VanTuyl will join local favorites Southwind at the Pioneer Saloon. Come join the fun!
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Nicole Freshley
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Gathering Tickets on Sale to General Public
Tickets for the 41st National Cowboy Poetry Gathering go on sale starting today at 9am PT to everyone!
It’s not too late to become a Western Folklife Center member to get complimentary tickets to members’ shows at the Gathering, premium access to Western Folklife TV, and more.
Headin' Out (2025), Clara Smith
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Southwind
Local favorites Southwind bring Celtic, Western, and contemporary toe-tappin' fiddle tunes to the Pioneer Saloon.
Free.
Southwind is Carolyn Steninger, Ken Harriman, Susan Lawrence, and Gregg Lawrence. Follow them on Facebook.
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.
Jam On!
All musicians and spectators welcome at this free monthly jam session.
Jam On! features a mix of old-time fiddle tunes, folk songs, country tunes, ballads and more. Facilitated by members of Southwind and other community musicians, you can lead a song for the group, join in on tunes introduced by others, or listen and enjoy. Bring a friend—there's room to dance and the Pioneer Saloon is open.
Free
Banner photo by Callie Greenhaw.