Cowboy Rendezvous

Cowboy Poetry

This blog is dedicated to Sharla, who was more than willing to go with me but had other plans and to Laura, whose part redneck and cowgirl herself.

With the popularity of Cowboy poetry growing I've been curious and wanted to attend a festival. Elko is too far away and always in the winter. I just learned of the Heber poetry festival which I had missed in the fall. When I learned of this local rendezvous I didn't want to miss the opportunity. So Friday night I attended the Cowboy Rendezvous held in Hyrum at the Mountain Crest High School. Billed as First Annual I hope they return next year. I'm was interested in the folklore and the humor.

I found Elkhorn Stage which was in the gym. Chairs were set in front a temporary stage which had a mountainous backdrop. They had a fantastic sound system considering the gym size whichwas managed by a technician who doubled as timer. A big wall clock leaned against the controls. Even though the sound was great the setting was less than ideal for a performer. A spotty audience sat on the chairs and others sat on Bleachers to the left which distanced them from the performer.(less involvement.) There, timed cowboy poets, ten minutes,alternated with 20 minute music groups. I put up with this schedule for one hour. Then hit the halls bouncing back and forth trying to hear poets and miss the music. In another location, the Old Ephraim stage local stand up poets performed. This was an enclosed room which was more ideal for intimacy with the audience.

Vendors were in the halls with jewelry, art, saddles, boots etc. Several booths promoted handcart treks, and "Come Follow the Vaquero Trail." Bar J Wranglers performed a concert for 25.00 a ticket.

What do all cowboy poets have in common ? They wear a hat. and wear long sleeve western shirts which they tuck in. They wear boots and most sport a long handled mustache. Some wear scarves.

This young man, who was the announcer, started the

pm line up of poets. I noticed he and others

sometimes used common punch lines. Remember when Dad, Grandpa Ison told the story about the lady who baked cookies for her husband. When he reached for one she slapped his hand, "You can't have one, these are for your funeral." This cowboy poet wrote a poem to go with that punch line.

This was the first singing group from Oregon, who have opened for Willie Nelson and others.

Doug Keller from southern Utah. Most poems used names like Tex, Sim, Shorty, or Pete. Come to think of it,

Several punch lines, " May have a bear behind", "Cut another Quarter." "No, you just caught my eye."

Followed by the "Tumbleweeds." I really liked these guys,
Steve Fillmore, and Earl Bradley who reminded me of my
uncles. They were funny and sang
"Sons of Pioneers" type songs. I learned they perform at
LD's in Richmond every Saturday night.
So Cheri, There's a Saturday night date for you and Robert.






















I cut out and headed over to Old Ephraim Stage "Look guy, there's a bear behind you."



I told you there was a bear.





















Another local poet at the open mic. He recited a poem

about Privy Social life. As a young boy he'd be sitting there

and his girl cousin would come in , followed by his large aunt.


He must have stayed in the privy a long time. Funny stuff.


Do Cowboys Poets ever take their hats off?
Alan Chenworth did. This young man, who seemed rather nervous, took his hat off to place across his chest.
( serious poem) which revealed a balding
head. A geologist, writer, and 4th generation miner, he's from Heber. His poems were more about the land and not as humorous.












I could never write cowboy poetry because I haven't experience cowboy life. Not all performed original poetry. Some recited too fast, others, I lost a few words. Couldn't be my hearing. I blame in on the droopy mustaches.

This young cowboy, Steve Porter, from South Carolina
was the best presenter. He was Animated, knew when to

pause. He enunciated every word and he didn't get
into the same up and down vocal patterns that
most did. I loved his southern drawl. Look closely, no mustache.

I regretted not having the opportunity to hear a cowgirl poet.

Anyway it was a fun evening for a excellent price. Sure missed you Sharla.