Performers for first Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering Announced

ALPINE, TX – The board of directors for the new Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering has released a list of 38 performers, including favorites and some newcomers, for the inaugural Gathering Feb. 21-22, 2020.

The Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering was formed earlier this year to replace the widely-acclaimed Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which announced that the 2019 Gathering would be its last after a successful 33-year run.

The Gathering schedule includes a choice of two night shows each evening, one afternoon show each day, 42 free sessions including two open mic options (attendees choose up to six), two Chuckwagon Breakfasts, a keynote and "Let’s Talk Poetry and Songwriting" session with Joel Nelson, and a "Taste of the Gathering" session with 12 performers.

Except for one afternoon and two simultaneous evening shows Friday and Saturday, all performances are at no charge. The Gathering will be on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, with Spicewood Restaurant and Bar at 2612 West Highway 90 as a second evening venue.

The Friday afternoon show will feature Randy Rieman, Joel Nelson and Andy Hedges. Red Steagall and Friends will perform at the Saturday afternoon show. Advance tickets to either show are $10, or $15 onsite.

Each evening boasts longer-format shows. There are two simultaneous shows each evening, one at SRSU's Marshall Auditorium and the other at Spicewood Restaurant on the west side of Alpine, both from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Advance tickets to either show are $15, or $20 onsite.

Dale Burson, Jack George, Andy Wilkinson, Andy Nelson and Trinity Seely will perform in the Friday evening at Marshall Auditorium, with Nelson also serving as emcee.

Jean and Gary Prescott, Jarle Kvale (jar-EL kuh-VAL-ee), Randy Huston, R.P. Smith and Rod Taylor will be at Spicewood Friday evening, with Huston as emcee.

Jeff Gore, Vess Quinlan, Brigid and Johnny Reedy, Rod Nelson and The Cowboy Way will be at Marshall Saturday evening, with Nelson as emcee.

Gail Steiger (STY-ger), Amy Hale, Mike Blakely, Jake Riley, Jill Jones and the Jingle Bobs will perform Saturday evening at Spicewood, and Blakely will emcee.

A group of banjo players will perform at a “Banjos in the Cowcamp” session at 3:30 Saturday afternoon in Marshall Auditorium (one of the free sessions). In that group are Dale Burson, Michael Stevens, Pipp Gillette, Allen Chapman and Andy Hedges.

The Gathering board of directors has put out a call for as many volunteers as possible to help run the event. "We have come a long way from when we got organized last summer but we have a lot of work ahead in a short amount of time," Co-Chair Gene Nowell said. "Many have signed up to volunteer on the website, but we need more. Whether you want to be outside directing traffic in parking lots or inside taking tickets, providing assistance to our guests, helping with sound equipment or the hospitality room, or in other areas, we would certainly appreciate your help. Our goal is to have 200 volunteers."

To volunteer or for more information including tickets, sponsorship, membership, lodging and more, go to lonestarcowboypoetry.com.