Michael Martin Murphey presents a special performance of songs from his over 40 years of performing…all with his stellar Rio Grande Band featuring Gary Roller, Ollie O’Shea, Ryan Murphey, and rising star Carin Mari.
Horses, Cowboys, Veterans & Family Ties
The 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering delivers again with a line-up of exciting, thought provoking, and educational special discussions and compelling speakers. There will be something for everyone in the scope and number of discussions and special sessions presented January 30-February 1, 2020.
36th Gathering Celebrates Black Cowboys
For 36 years during the heart of winter, thousands have traveled to Elko, Nevada to listen, learn, and share stories of ranching and the rural West through poetry, music, and stories. People of all backgrounds identify with the beauty and challenges of the cowboy lifestyle, from the Mississippi Delta bayou to Buckaroo country, Oklahoma rodeo grounds to the streets of Oakland and Los Angeles. This year the Gathering will feature men and women from these ranching and horseback communities to explore and celebrate the often under-represented historic contributions and contemporary culture of Black cowboys, from bull-doggin' to blue-yodellin.'
Announcing the Featured Artists of the 36th Gathering!
The Western Folklife Center is pleased to announce the artist line-up for the 36th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, January 27-February 1, 2020. Check out the Spotify playlist of featured artists below and remember, tickets go on sale October 3 to the General Public.
Join a Cowboy Poetry Walking Tour in Downtown Elko
Western Folklife Center Presents Mike Beck: Acoustic
On July 18, 2019, acclaimed contemporary cowboy singer/songwriter Mike Beck returns to Elko and the Western Folklife Center stage for a one-night concert of acoustic music and stories. Add even more fun to your evening before the concert with a free docent-led walking tour of our downtown Elko storefront exhibition, Portraits of the Gathering!
Graduation Weekend at the Western Folklife Center
Looking for something to do with the family during Graduation Weekend? The Western Folklife Center has several activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it’s taking in some great cowboy poetry and music in a concert Saturday night, finding something special in our Gift Shop, enjoying the You’ve Got Spurs exhibition in the Wiegand Gallery, or doing the Portraits of the Gathering walking tour around downtown Elko, the historic Pioneer Hotel is the place to be in the heart of old Elko.
Be a Tourist In Your Hometown
Between the Western Folklife Center, Northeastern Nevada Museum, and the Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum, there is something exciting happening every day between Monday, May 6 and Saturday, May 11 in Elko, Nevada. Pick up an Elko Museums Passport for the kids, then have fun checking out each of our three Elko area museums to win a Passport prize!
Western Folklife Center Community Events a Hit in Elko
We've been sponsoring our community events for several years now, and such "parties" as Southwind St. Patrick's Day celebration on Saturday, March 16 are definitely the place to be in Elko. It was 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (or maybe…8:30 if the band forgots to step down)…you can always plan on a great time, with a happy crowd wearin' the Green and a bit of the ol' Irish sing-along, and more.
Remembrances of Our 35th Gathering
The 35th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a lot of fun, and we're glad to have been able to share our event with so many wonderful folks. If you've not made it to Elko yet, it's not too early to start planning for our 36th, January 27-February 1, 2020. Here are a few of the great moments, captured by photographer Charlie Ekburg of Sweet Light Photography. Enjoy!
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at the 35th Gathering!
Country music legends Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives were in Elko for their first time at the Gathering, with their “Way Out West” Tour! The tour celebrates their love of the West and on Thursday, January 31, in an 8:30-10:00 pm show at the Elko Convention Center, the crowd went wild. It was, indeed, a a toe-tapping, spine-tingling treat of an evening! Stuart and music producer Jim Rooney also hosted a fascinating discussion of Marty's career, music and songwriting earlier in the day!
Floral Design & Carving with Cary Schwarz at the 35th Gathering
Bridging the 49th
A border by cartography standards, the 49th parallel distinguishes Canada from the United States ̶ on maps, anyway. But try telling these musicians that as they sing themselves from side to side and back again! Making beauty out of coexistence and proving that lines are never quite what they seem, the five bards of the borderlands in our 8:00 pm Saturday night show exemplify the artist as ambassador. Sharing the Elko Convention Center Auditorium in Bridging the 49th are Jamie Fox, Alex Kusturok, Corb Lund, Sid Marty and Colter Wall: read on to meet them!
Announcing the Featured Artists of the 35th Gathering!
Join us January 28-February 2, 2019 for the 35th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a milestone anniversary for the grand-daddy of them all! Tickets Now On Sale!
We are pleased to present the following poets, prosewriters, storytellers and singer-songwriters and western bands – several performing across genres.
On June 28: John Reischman and the Jaybirds flew into Elko - and more!
The Western Folklife Center hosted John Reischman and the Jaybirds on Thursday, June 29 for a 2:00 pm Bluegrass Rhythm Band Workshop and 7:00 pm Concert! The Pioneer Saloon opened at 5:30 pm and we invited everyone to join us for libations and a FREE exhbition reception and illustrated talk by Jean Earl about "Basque Arborglyphs of the Great Basin" in the Wiegand Gallery.
Presenting Texas Songster Andy Hedges on May 4th
The Western Folklife Center was proud to present a National Cowboy Poetry Gathering favorite, Andy Hedges, in concert on May 4. The evening's activities, including local youth performers, was free of charge as a thank you to the many volunteers and sponsors contributing to the success of the most recent Gathering.
2018 Western Folklife Concert Series begins March 24 with Rick and Donna Nestler
The Western Folklife Center is known for bringing interesting artists to Elko for performances and workshops throughout the year. For our first in 2018, join us on Saturday, March 24th, when we present – with host, GRAMMY award-winning singer/songwriter Rick Nestler of Rick Nestler and Donna “The Banjolele Lady!”
The Faces of the 34th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
The Full News About the Full Daily Schedule of the 34th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
The Braun Boys – All Grown Up
Muzzie Braun and his four boys--Cody, Willy, Micky and Gary--performed at the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering six times between 1988 and 1994. Muzzie Braun and the Boys are all grown up now, with successful musical careers of their own. Cody and Willy formed the band Reckless Kelly, and Gary and Micky started Micky and the Motorcars. Both bands have achieved national success with their Western roots music. It’s been 23 years since Muzzie and his boys have performed at the Gathering, and we are super excited to welcome three out of five members of the original band to the 2018 event. Muzzie, Cody and Willy Braun will perform together at the Gathering again.
