Yvonne Hollenbeck, Cowgirl Poet of Clearfield, South Dakota & Howard G. Staub KOTS/1230AM. Yvonne Hollenbeck is the Western Music Association Female (First Ever) Cowboy Poet of the Year. In left background is Jean Prescott, Cowgirl Singer, Ovalo, Texas.

Re: 21st Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Alpine, Texas, Sul Ross University, February 23, 24 & 25, 2007.

What's it like to be a first time attendee at a Cowboy Poetry Gathering?

Friday morning the Opening "HOWDY! Let's Get Started" welcoming session was headed up by dynamic keynote speaker Red Steagall.

The next feature was a "Tribute to Marty Robbins" by Jeff Gore and Washtub Jerry. These two talented folks easily evoke solid and impressionable memories of America's most revered cowboy singer.

Immediately after the lunch break a "Preview of the Gathering" included Yvonne Hollenbeck with her "What Would Martha Do"? poem that was for sure a crowd pleaser! Newcomer, Stephanie Davis from Montana, was a breath of fresh air with previously unheard material on modern day plastic binder twine. Canadian poet Doris Daley, from Alberta, provided an interesting poem about "Potatoes" and all the other "taters".

L to R, Howard G. Staub KOTS/1230AM, Linda Kirkpatrick, Cowgirl Poet from Leakey, Texas and Mike Querner, Cowboy Poet from Lubbock, Texas.

From there the various talented songsters and poets were spread into and about nine different locations within Sul Ross State University. After that, in each of the various locations, many, many talented persons played to packed classrooms that were utilized as performance venues. The printed program provided the droves of willing listeners plenty of opportunities to hear and see many, many poets and singers at various locations.

Our first stop was a packed to overflowing college classroom; that showcased the talented of the very animated Kip Calahan with poets Craig Carter and Ray Owens. From there we took in the next group of performers which included New Mexican songster Rod Taylor, Arizonan poets Rolf Flake and Sally Bates. Next was the opportunity to converse privately with the South Dakota poet Yvonne Hollenbeck and reminisce about the flat lands of Tripp County. Interestingly enough Jean Prescott arrived and joined into the conversation, soon to be joined by Doris Daley, Stephanie Davis and Linda Kirkpatrick.

Howard G. Staub KOTS/1230AM and Kip Calahan, Western Music Association Song of the year, "What Cowboy Means".

Friday evenings Stage Show was certainly worth the price of admission! Master of Ceremonies, Red Steagall, is a larger then life presence on the stage and was joined by Montanan singer Stephanie Davis, master purveyor of words Randy Rieman, Canadian poet Doris Daley and the ever crowd pleasing Kip Calahan. The show concluded with a finale tribute to the American Armed Forces.

Saturday morning, like Friday, started off with a Chuckwagon Breakfast in the Poets' Grove. Some strong and cold west Texas winds made the hot coffee most enjoyable.

Western Music Association Female Entertainer of the Year, Jean Prescott of Ovalo, Texas, & Howard G. Staub KOTS/1230AM.

The first Saturday program we attended was "Women of Arizona" which featured Mary Abbott, Sally Bates, Suzi Killman and Nike Nordbrock. Interesting, laid back and talented ladies taking turns at poetry and singing.

From there we took in in "Blazin' Sun", which featured three Texans; Jim Wilson, Mike Querner and Linda Kirkpatrick. Having never heard Jim Wilson previously it was without a doubt refreshing to hear this retired lawman putting humorous words to music on "The Streets of Lajitas". Talented poet Mike Querner was insightful with his well chosen words of wisdom. Linda Kirkpatrick alternated with Sheriff Wilson and Querner and provided some great poetry.

Western Music Association "Instrumentalist of the Year", Washtub Jerry & Howard G. Staub KOTS/1230AM.

The attendance at each event varied from "packed to overflowing" to "a few seats left". The Friday night Stage Show was a full house in the Marshall Auditorium. Would estimate the attendance at that event to be 800 to 1000 very satisfied and happy people.

Time constraints precluded our indulging the entire Saturday schedule, instead we elected at noon to depart Alpine and drive into a 35 mph headwind while passing thru Marfa, Fort Stockton and El Paso, Texas.

In retrospect certainly wished that time had been available to see more poets and singers. Especially; Jean Prescott, Glenn Moreland, Leon Autrey, Dan Roberts, Randy Huston, Oscar Auker, Joaquin Jackson and Jody Nix. Maybe in my next life there will be more weekends?

Was like drinking water from a fire hydrant!