Staff Reports
The new kid on the cowboy poetry gathering block, the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, will launch its inaugural event on April 29 - May 2 in Genoa with some of the biggest names in the business.
If you are a fan of cowboy poetry, names like Waddie Mitchell, Don Edward and Paul Zarzyski will raise your eyebrows. That is exactly what organizers, Theresa Chipp, executive director of the Carson Valley Arts Council, and Sheryl Gonzales, town manager of the Town of Genoa had in mind when they formulated the plan for the festival.
"It has taken a tremendous amount of work to identify all of the pieces and pull them together to make this festival a success" said Gonzales. "We are lucky to have so many talented volunteers who have willingly dedicated their time and expertise to this project."
Ticket sales officially began on Jan. 15 and, if last month's sales are an indication, it is possible that tickets could be sold out before the festival begins.
"We have one of the best cowboy poet and musician lineups on the circuit, beginning with Dave Stamey, Larry Maurice and Richard Elloyan, and ending with concerts featuring Lacy J. Dalton as well as the David John and the Comstock Cowboys. In addition, there are over 80 different workshops, demonstrations and presentations available to participants for the price of a one day pass. It is a great bargain," said Chipp.
Cowboy poetry, music and workshops are not the extent of this iceberg. High quality cowboy art will be for sale in the art gallery. Festival organizers have selected artwork that is unique and collectible.
The Cowboy Gift Shop will have CDs, books, art and souvenirs for sale throughout the day. Local eateries will serve cowboy grub (dinner) at 5 p.m. There is something for everyone at the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival so get your tickets before they are gone. For ticket information, call (775) 782-8207 or (775) 782-8696 or go to www.genoacowboyfestival.com
