The
sagas of cowboy traditions live on at the annual Cowboy Poetry & Music
Gathering August 18-21, 2011 in Big
Bear Lake.
The
western-style jamboree brings in the biggest names in cowboy music and poetry
from across the nation. Featured artists include R.W. Hampton, who is
recognized as the #1 cowboy entertainer in the United States and UK;
singer/songwriter Belinda Gail, known as America’s Western Sweetheart, has won
numerous Western Music Association Awards; vaudeville accordion player
Sourdough Slim, brings his super-size comedy routine that is guaranteed to have
the audience in stitches.
“Big
Bear’s Cowboy Gathering is more than an event. It’s a celebration of the heart
and soul of America’s
western heritage,” said Big Bear Poetry and Music Cowboy Gathering Co-Chair and
Director Glenn Stuart. “The best part of course is our pool of talented
performers. Be ready for a belly full of laughs and some passionate poetry that
will truly speak to you!”
The
festivities kick off at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center Thursday,
August 18. A limited amount of tickets are sold to
this exclusive event that includes cocktails and entertainment by Nancy Lee and
the Pioneer Town Posse.
After the reception is a chuck wagon dinner under the
stars featuring tri-tip and chicken with Bobs Blasted Beans and all the fixin’s. There is a silent auction, opportunity drawing and
of course live music and poetry by R.W. Hampton, Belinda Gail, and Dennis
Gaines. Location: The Performing
Arts Center
is located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd.
Showtime: Cocktails and Entertainment, 5 p.m.;
Dinner, 6 p.m.; Entertainment, 7 p.m.; Admission: $50.
On
Friday, August 19, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. is a luncheon to meet the
entertainers in person. The luncheon is at Nottingham’s
Restaurant, 40797 Big Bear Blvd. Admission: $20.
Following the luncheon, mosey on
over to the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center for some great cowboy
entertainment. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Belinda Gail and Diane Tribitt
conduct a poetry and songwriting seminar. The cost is $5 (free with Cowboy Gathering collector’s pin).
Later
from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. singer/songwriter Nancy Lee opens the evening’s
concert with her unique blend of singing and yodeling. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
performances include guitar strumming Belinda Gail who is always a crowd
favorite; the hilariously entertaining Sourdough Slim, a true showman that
gives his audience an accordion squeezin‘ good
time; Diane Tribitt, a profound and spiritually
gifted poet and storyteller; and Richard Elloyan, an
insightful musician inspired by his experience working for the U.S. Forest
Service and as a ranch hand. Admission for the concert is $25.
On Saturday, August
20, the all-day festival has traditional cowboy music, poetry, storytelling,
and authentic barbeque. Nancy Lee kicks off the day with her “Dirty Underwear”
fashion show. Next Morgan Seaman conducts The Art of Photography workshop.
Storytellers and poets will once again rile up the audience with more
chronicles of life on the range. Dennis Gaines teaches folks how to write
poetry and Paul Ortuno shares his expertise of
horsemanship. Showtime: Fashion Show 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Admission $5;
Photography seminar 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., Admission: $5; Natural Horsemanship
seminar, 2:30 to 3:15 p.m., Admission: $5 (all free with Cowboy Gathering
collector’s pin);
Saturday
evening brings in more talent at the Performing Arts Center. The night features
more authentic barbeque under the trees and wildly western entertainment. The
featured artist is R.W. Hampton, who captured this year’s Western Heritage
award winner in the Outstanding Original Western Composition category; Nancy
Lee, who is honored with two nominations for her first CD “Cowboy Lullaby” by
the Western Music Association; Diane Tribitt brings
her poetry and stories about her deep Minnesota ranch roots to the stage; and
Sourdough Slim will once again provide honky tonk
music on his accordion. Dennis Gaines can tell a story like no other. His
hilarious material is guaranteed to get a few laughs. Entertainment is from 7
p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission: $35.
On Sunday, August 21, from 7:30
a.m. to 9 a.m. is a good old fashioned cowboy breakfast that includes generous
portions of breakfast favorites. Right after
breakfast, mosey on over to Cowboy
Church, a
non-denominational service for spiritual healing that includes testimonials
from cowboy performers. The cowboy encampment continues on Sunday with a
performance by horse whisperer, Paul Ortuno.
For more
information or to purchase tickets call 909-709-0449 or visit www.bigbearcowboygathering.net.
sights and sounds on Sunday, Aug. 21.