Moab Western Stars Cowboy Poetry Gathering Press Release

For most folks February is a time of sub-zero temperatures, slick highways, heavy winter coats and the dreary monotony of a winter that seems it will never end. But in the Canyon lands of Utah, spring comes early. By Valentine’s Day buds are swelling, the earliest wildflowers are pushing their way through loam, and birds have returned. Sure, nights can be chilly, but by day the sun comes out and burns away the lingering vestiges of winter. Clear blue skies of the Utah desert form a backdrop for brilliant red cliffs, and the protective wall of Blue Mountain shelters this distant valley of the Colorado. In Moab, the West of yesteryear is still real and vibrant. This is cattle country, and rim rock. It’s a land of sage and sand, hidden canyons, and a history that embraces legends of gunfighters and outlaws, lonely dugout ranches, cattle drives, and the tenacious spirit of a people whose descendents still thrive and linger in rugged outposts.

Come join us in Moab this February 12 – 14th at the Moab Western Stars Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Experience the West as it really is.

The 2010 Moab Western Stars Cowboy Poetry Gathering is shaping up to be one whale of an event. Centered at the Moab Arts and Recreation Center and historic Star Hall, the gathering features headliner performers Suzy Bogguss, Dave Stamey and Andy Nelson.

Patty Clayton, Sid Hausman, Bill Snow Jr., Mary Kaye, Brian Arnold, Richard Lee Cody, Brooke Turner, Kenny Hall, Coyote Moon, Jand and Judy Erickson, Moab’s Bar M. Wranglers, and the Sawmill River Band are also all scheduled to be part of the fun. Poets performing will be Bob Christensen, Bimbo Cheney, JP Carson, Jo Lynne Kirkwood, Paul Bliss, Marion Manwill, Gordon Thomas, Skylar Harward, Laurie Tye, Al Clark, Doug Keller, Jeff Carson, CR Wood, Carl Ellison, Kurt Christensen, Cary Hobbs, and Curly Syndergaard.

This year’s gathering will again host the best Dutch oven cook-off and lunch around. The concerts include a Friday Night Campfire Concert, Saturday and Sunday Night Headliner Concerts, and continuous daytime entertainment. Another highlight this year will be the special showing of J & S Vaquero Series Documentary Films. At Western Stars we are especially proud of our Take-Your-Turn Stage format, where invited performers are intermingled with new voices or unscheduled performers who have come for the gathering. You’ll also want to join the Saturday Night Community Cowboy Dance after the Suzy Bogguss and Dave Stamey concert. But don’t stay out too late, because you won’t want to miss our non-denominational Cowboy Church on Sunday morning, rumored to be one of the best anywhere.

For more information call 435-259-6272 or visit the website: www.moabwesternstars.com