For good clean Western / Cowboy Entertainment for a private function, gathering or festival, or any kind of event, go through the list of our members below where you can click on a name to go right to it, or scroll down and check them all out.

Beside the name will be a letter that denotes what the particular performer does. Here's what that letter means:

• P = Cowboy Poet
• M = Musician / Instrumentalist
• S = Western Singer
• O = Other - comedian, story teller, etc

If they have any product for sale just click on the product name and it will take you directly to that product in the General Store.

Ken Blacklock - Cowboy Poet
Rhymes For Your Special Occasion
Ken hails from Waubamun and Glenevis Alberta. He is a very prolific poet who composes hundreds of poems a year. He will write a poem at the drop of a hat, so don't drop your hat or anything else when he is around. New friends are warned about his magic pen. His varied background has lots of material for his writing. His favourite subjects are people, politicians, weather and history. His spiritual or Gospel poetry is often used in Scouts Own or Cowboy Church. A dedicated traveler, his road rhymes form an atlas of his wanderings. Wherever he goes he looks for opportunities to share in the songs of the district. In 2002 he won a writing contest sponsored by the Dawson City and Yukon Tourist Bureaus with a poem about the "Spirit Of The Northland". He has performed in most provinces and territories of Canada, every state in Australia, as well as Alaska and a couple of other US States. Ken Blacklock is the producer of the Harvest Moon Corn Fest at Rimbey, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and the Stony Plain Poetry Gathering as well as a volunteer performer at the Bar U National Historic site.

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Ken Blacklock
The Wandering Cowboy Poet
Wabamun, Alberta
Phone: 780-785-3122

Jon Bowie - Rancher, Photographer, Cowboy Poet
Jon was raised, and still lives on the family ranch in the Great Sandhills near the small town of Piapot (near Maple Creek) in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan. They have a cow/calf operation where they raise commercial and purebred Hereford cattle. They also put Longhorn bulls in with their heifers for ease in calving. Jon has been writing humourous Cowboy Poetry since 1997 and has been performing since 1998.

His first poetry gathering was in Maple Creek (held annually on the 3rd weekend in September) and since then Jon has appeared at gatherings and functions across Western Canada and he has even made a few forays into the US to share his brand of humour. Jon published his first book in 2001 titled Roadapple Ramblings.

Jon is a lifetime member of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association. Since his first child was born in 2007, Jon has had less time for writing and as a hobby, Jon started to take photographs and awoke a new creative side to himself. Thanks to a lot of positive feedback from close friends and family, Jon took a leap of faith and set up a booth of his photos and art cards at the Maple Creek Cowboy Poetry gathering in 2008. Due to a great amount of interest from the general public, he hasn't looked back. His favourite subject matter to write about and photograph, is the unique area he grew up in and the people and cowboy culture he has spent his life around.

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Jon Bowie
Piapot, Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-558-4408
URL: www.jonbowie.ca
Email: jon.b@jonbowie.ca

Product
Book - Roadapple Ramblings view

Ed Brown - Cowboy Poet, Singer, Songwriter, Wildlife Artist and Sculptor
Ed Brown is a former bronc rider and a founding member of the Manitoba Rodeo Association (M.R.C.A.). In 1997 Ed was inducted into the M.R.C.A Hall of Fame. In addition to ten years as a rodeo cowboy and seven years working with racehorses, Ed has worked as a trapper, commercial fisherman, musician and wildlife artist. This diversity of occupations, along with a sense of humor developed through a life-long association with cowboys, trappers and various other colorful characters, is reflected in his exclusively original poems, songs and stories. Some of Ed's accomplishments to date include being featured on several TV documentaries such as Cowboys, Heroes and Horses That I've Known & Minstrels of The West. He has appeared in several magazine articles and done guest spots on a variety of TV and radio shows including Spirit of The West and more recently Canadian Cowboy Country TV.

Ed has headlined at almost all of the major cowboy poetry gatherings and festivals in Western Canada and in 2005 was named Manitoba's Cowboy Poet of The Year. Recently, Ed's third CD , Cowboy Collaboration a joint project between Ed and fellow poet Bj Smith, was honored by the Academy of Western Artists in Dallas Texas receiving the coveted Will Rogers Award for Cowboy Poetry CD of The Year.

When not touring in Alberta, Ed resides near Oak Lake Manitoba where he makes his living as a wildlife sculptor and cowboy performer.

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Ed Brown
Box 241
Oak Lake, Manitoba
Canada, R0M 1P0
Phone: 204-512-2498
Email: edbrownbal@hotmail.com

Product
CD - Most of My Best Friends Are Still Cowboys view

CD - 180 Years of Sage Comments and Buckbrush Logic view

CD - A Cowboy Collaboration view

Doris Daley - Cowboy Poet

"If cowboy poetry was fresh milk, and the cream that rises to the top was the best of the cowboy poets, then Doris Daley would be very rich and very, very fattening!!" - Waddie Mitchell, Elko, NV

From the West Texas plains to the banks of the Bow River, Doris has been making her living as a western wordsmith all over North America for the past several years. She has an impeccable pedigree for the job: her gene pool includes Irish stowaways, sorry team ropers, petticoated bushwhackers, good cooks, great two-steppers, assorted cowboys and intrepid prairie homesteaders. No campfire too small, no convention hall too big, Doris has been a featured entertainer on western stages throughout Canada and the US, and is also a favourite at community parties, fund raisers, private parties and corporate events. Her best award - Doris Daley: Procurer and Collector of the Best Friends and Fans in the West. She and her husband Bob live in Turner Valley, AB.

Awards:
WMA's Female Cowboy Poet of the Year, 2009
WMA's Best Cowboy Poetry CD, 2009
Academy of Western Artists' Cowgirl Poet of the Year, 2004

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photo by Donna Smith

Doris Daley
Turner Valley, Alberta
Phone: 403-933-4434
URL: www.dorisdaley.com
Email: ddaley@telusplanet.net

Product
CD - Beneath a Western Sky (2009) view
CD - Good for What Ails You (2005) view
Book - Rhyme and Reason view

Dave (Grumpy) Dance - Cowboy Poet
I was born in Kamloops BC, the land of bunch grass, sand, sage and pine. Though I was born and raised in town I spent most of time wherever there were cattle and horses. At the age of ten I drove my first team on a haying operation. After that I was always around livestock. I was employed in various fields until the late sixties when I became totally employed in the agricultural industry. I moved to Alberta in 1975 to work full time in the cattle industry. The next 25 years was spent riding pasture, calving cows and feedlot backrounding calves and finishing yearlings for market. Spent several years as a leader in the 4H program.

Attended my first poetry gathering at Pincher Creek Alberta in 1998 and became a serious follower attending several Gatherings a year.

In 2003 I did my first poetry on stage in Hiensburg Alberta reading poems written by my son Frank. Since then I’ve written my own poems.

I've performed at Gatherings in Kamloops, Pincher Creek, Willow Creek/Stavely, Rimbey, Stony Plain, all Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association Trail’s End Gatherings, Maple Creek Saskatchewan and Gospel Music weekend at Coronation Alberta.

I am on the board of directors of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association, and a member of the British Columbia Cowboy Heritage Society. My newest challenge is to learn to play the guitar.

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Dave (Grumpy) Dance
Olds, Alberta
Phone: 403 507 4407
Cell: 780 806 1440
Email: grumpy_dance@hotmail.com

Product
Book - Random Ramblings of a Grumpy Old Reprobate view

Alison Demeter - Singer / Songwriter
Calgary based singer/songwriter Alison Demeter has an honest, genuine presence on stage. While performing she is passionate about offering her gifts of a strong, clear voice and her song writing as a vehicle to tell stories that celebrate the lives of ordinary people. With the addition of traditional/western songs, Alison provides audiences with an engaging, interactive experience.

At a very young age Alison was introduced to the music of Wilf Carter, Hank Williams, Gene Autry and Johnny Cash but it was in her teens, listening to her father rehearse with his old-time country and western band (Park Rayfuse and the Happylanders) that she began pursuing music.

In early 2007, thirty-some years later, Alison discovered Cowboy Poetry. She was looking for festivals to perform at and came across "The Gathering" in Pincher Creek. She thought it looked interesting so she called up the number on the screen and asked if she could perform. At one point in the conversation the woman she was talking to said, "You don't know what cowboy poetry is do you?" She replied, "Not a clue."

Well, Alison did perform in 2007 and again in 2008. As a result she has been invited to perform in Montana, Indus, Glenwood, Pincher Creek and Stavely. And what she has found is that audiences are as thrilled to join with her in singing the traditional and original songs she performs as she is to perform them! For her, it is like coming home.

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Alison Demeter
Calgary, Alberta
Phone: 403-640-2854
URL: www.songs-we-remember.com
Email: alison.demeter@songs-we-remember.com

Lloyd Dolen - Singer / Songwriter
Lloyd Dolen resides south of Dunmore Alberta, with his lovely wife Jeri, and their two little cowboys, Lane and Jamie.

Lloyd is the third generation western entertainer. His grandfather Lloyd Dolen senior, whom Lloyd was named after, was known as the Grand Daddy of Alberta Cowboy Poetry.

Lloyd believes in the Cowboy way of life. His love for the "Cowboy Way" shows in the traditional cowboy songs he sings and the way he lives his life. He believes that we need to keep the Cowboy Heritage alive. Lloyd has been performing since 2005 as a Cowboy Singer, singing traditional Cowboy songs. He has traveled throughout Western Canada performing at various Cowboy Gatherings in Pincher Creek, Stony Plain, Willow Creek Gathering in Stavely, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, and the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Trails End Gathering in Cochrane. Lloyd also organized the very successful Feedlot Ally Cowboy gathering in Strathmore this year. He also has and is, performing at special events like the Calgary Stampede, the Manitoba Rodeo Association Finals, the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site and The Red Lodge Guest Ranch.

Lloyd has started writing and arranging some of his own cowboy songs and is also setting some cowboy poetry to music. He is currently working on his first CD Songs of Sweat and Leather. Lloyd believes that through his music he can help keep the Cowboy Heritage alive and pass it along to the next generation.

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Lloyd Dolen
Dunmore, Alberta
Phone: 403-581-0638
URL: www.lloyddolen.ca
Email: ldolen@platinum.ca

Product
CD - Songs Of Sweat and Leather view

Doll Sisters - Musicians / Singer / Songwriter
Jenna and Shelby Doll, (17 & 16 yrs) have been singing together since they needed their shoes tied. They started out singing in harmony at the little log church near their home, and now both the girls have taken up their own instruments and have been performing out & about as a duo since the summer of 2007. Jenna is a fantastic self-taught guitar player, and Shelby started playing songs by ear on her fiddlle after her first lesson. Sometimes now you'll see a banjo or mandolin in the mix, and often the Bodhran (Celtic Drum). The girls enjoy performing mostly roots music, including cowboy/western, bluegrass, folk & celtic, and have opened for artists like covenant award nominee Keith Kitchen, and award winning acoustic musician, singer-songwriter Ben Beveridge and Maria Danvers. Jenna & Shelby have also been featured on Olds 96.5, Edmonton's CKUA, and CBC radio stations. The latest news the girls have to share is that they completed their first CD project of their own in June of 2009. The CD is titled "Looking Out" - which is the name of the first song the girls wrote with their mom. Since then they have more of their own songs under their belt, and a lot more in the works.

Product
CD - Looking Out view

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Doll Sisters
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Phone: 403-845-3517
Cell: 403-845-1619
Email: dollsisters@yahoo.ca

Double Diamond - Band
Performing together since 2006, recording artists Double Diamond believe in the Western way of life and preserving our Cowboy Heritage, in song.

Double Diamond
Dunmore, Alberta
Phone: 403-581-0638
URL: www.doublediamondband.com
Email: ldolen@platinum.ca

Product
CD - Songs Of Sweat and Leather view

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Miriam Dreher - Singer / Yodeller
Miriam brings together a very special kind of music, especially with her Swiss and western yodels. She has built a reputation over several years with her stunning yodelling, beautiful melodic voice and warm, heartfelt & intense performances. Her repertoire spans from old traditional country, bluegrass, gospel and more. She has won 16 music awards in the past few years including a lifetime achievement award and has been the recipient of three international and four Canadian awards for yodeller. Miriam has achieved the success to a Platinum which is equivalent of a gold medal. The House of Commons in Ottawa has presented her with a beautiful prestigious award for her accomplishment in the music industry. She has performances in various provinces across Canada and the US and did a special performance for Council General of Switzerland. She entertains at Cowboy Gatherings, rodeos women's shows, churches, weddings, anniversaries and more. Miriam has opened shows for professional artists like Gary Fjellgaard, George Hamilton IV, Baxter Black, Jack Jackson, and more. She is the founder and producer of the annual Yodelfest concert in Airdrie Alberta with sell out crowds.

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Miriam Dreher
Aidrie, Alberta
Phone: 403-948-1961
Email: yodellove@yahoo.ca

Product
CD - Yodels of the Prairie view
CD - Yodels of Sunshine view
CD - Yodels of Love view
CD - Yodels of Blessings view
CD - Yodels of Christmas view

Mike Dygert - Bass player / Soundman
If there a need for a Bass player, Mike will step forward to play.

Mike Dygert is a bass player, guitar player, and sound guy. Mike and his wife Val, hail from Three Hills, Alberta where they own Royal LePage Country Realty. He has a dry wit that will leave you wondering "where'd he come from" and "how'd he get there"?

Mike is perhaps best known for his association with the Calgary Stampede mobile stages - which have been a fixture at several cowboy festivals including the Pincher Creek Gathering, the Stony Plain festival and the O'Keefe Ranch in BC. In addition to being the guy who dispatches the stage, he is a Driver, a Sound Technician, and often a Musician on the stages. He is a member of The Gordie West Band ( ... and in fact when they play as a duo, Mike IS the band!). When not on the road with Gord, you might catch Mike with The Horsefeathers Band (a country dance band), The Stage Hawks (a ‘primarily' western quartet) or perhaps with Chris & Sharky Schauer. Mike is a past member of Al Owchar's Rusty Wires Band. Safe to say, if there a need for a Bass player, Mike will step forward to play!

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Mike Dygert
Three Hills, Alberta
Phone: 403-443-7423
Cell: 403-443-9569 URL: www.gordiewestband.com
Email: mdygert@telus.net

Bud Edgar - Comedian / Story Teller

"Bud is Amazing" Wild West Performing Arts Society

His dad was a real cowboy, but Bud was moved to Calgary when his parents separated. Bud has studied and taught at US clown and variety arts schools. From those and other life experiences, plus lots of spit and polish, he has developed a Comedy Cowboy show. Since 1983, from a theme park in Dubai to the Canadian Finals Rodeo, with many stops between, Bud has made a lot of people laugh. His, one of a kind, act is a mix of skill and comedy, like trick roping, a funny fiddle, spur juggling, and western humor. Bud has performed at many, conventions, theme parks, cowboy festivals, mall openings, fairs , guess ranches, etc, and for lots of folks who wanted some good clean western fun at a reasonable price. His moto: THIS BUD'S FOR... EVERYONE

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Bud Edgar
Calgary, Alberta
Phone: 403-282-0361
URL: www.comedycowboy.com
Email: BudEdgar@shaw.ca

Rod Erickson - Yodeller, Singer / Songwriter
Rod recorded his first yodel song in the early 70s following a year of training under the renowned opera instructor, Dr. Jean Wardian, Head of the Gonzaga University Music Department in Spokane, Washington. His first release after signing with MGM records was "She Taught Me How To Yodel". This song reached the "Top Ten" world wide within a month. This release was followed with "Yodel Sweet Molly", "Cattle Call" and "Cannonball Yodel" all three making the charts. In 1976 "Going Home" a song he wrote, went "Top Ten" in Canada and had the biggest reaction ever for a Country song in that country. He was "Top Pick" in Billboard Magazine, and considered a virtuoso in yodeling; "The Best" by the Gavin Report. Rod has made many TV appearances and was on WSM's Ralph Emery Show, as well as Paul Harvey's "The Rest Of The Story". He was on the MGM Show in Nashville, and toured the Southeastern States with Grandpa Jones, Stringbean and others from the Grand Ole Opery. Other stars he worked with include Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins, Bill Anderson, Mel Tillis, George Jones, Lefty Frizzel, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more.

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Rod Erickson
Spirit Lake, Idaho
Phone: 208-623-2871
Cell: 208-660-4887
URL: www.roderickson.com
Email: firesidelodge@gmail.com

Product
CD - The Lord & I view
CD - Now view
CD - Then view

Charlie Ewing - Singer / Songwriter
Charlie is a cattle rancher who lives in the Porcupine Hills west of Claresholm Alberta. Some of Charlie's earliest memories are of his Dad playing guitar and singing old cowboy songs. By the time he was nine years old, Charlie was learning ukulele, then guitar and starting to sing. His favorite records in his parents' collection included Peter, Paul and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, Ian and Sylvia, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Marty Robbins. After high school Charlie discovered Hank Williams and the likes of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens as well as bluegrass and old time mountain music. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Circle Be Unbroken album in the late seventies was a huge influence because of the introduction to Doc Watson, Norman Blake, Vassar Clements and Jimmy Martin. The next ten years found Charlie consumed with learning to flat-pick the guitar and play five string banjo Scruggs style. In the eighties, Charlie and a ranch employee, Don Snider, began playing music together at fiddle contests and Bluegrass Festivals and eventually formed a band called the Dirty Hat Band. Over the years the band members changed but they continued playing festivals and gigs until the fall of 2007. Charlie began writing songs in the eighties and in 2005 released an album called Cowboy Ways that included eight of his own songs with three covers.

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Charlie Ewing
Claresholm, Alberta
Phone: 403-625-2157
URL: www.charlieewing.com
Email: cewing@telusplanet.net

Product
CD - Cowboy Ways view

Tex Florence - Cowboy Poet
Gordon was born and raised at Stavely Alberta. At the age of 15 He borrowed a saddle horse and rode to the Flying E Ranch to work. Gordon tried other occupations but always returned to the cowboy way of life He was a Brand Inspector and manager of a Provincial Grazing reserve. After 20 years with the Alberta Provincial Government he retired. Gordon retired the second time after 10 years from Heritage Park, a Historical Village, where he was the Village Blacksmith. Gordon began writing poetry in 1997 and has one book and one CD.

Gordon "Tex" Florence
Claresholm, Alberta
Phone: 403-360-9140
Email: texan32@platinum.ca

Product
CD - Cow Camp Poetry view
Book - Cow Camp Cowboy Poetry view

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Jesse Fowler - Singer / Songwriter
Moncton New Brunswick native and Cowboy singer/songwriter Jesse Fowler, debuted his singing career at the 2003 Pincher Creek Cowboy Gathering. Jesse's first CD, "Jesse Fowler" was released in 2004, and his second CD, "Hoofbeats", in 2006. Jesse took his talents abroad, to Northern and Southern Ireland and he's toured all the Maritime provinces. Jesse has been a featured performer at the Kamloops Cowboy Festival and at the Cowboy Gathering at Maple Creek Saskatchewan. He's opened for Dwayne Steele, Jake Matthews and Sarah Evans. Jesse's career is just underway and he's captured two 'People's Choice' awards and a song writing award. With an amazing memorable vocal range. Jesse sings original country and western compositions, traditional country and old cowboy favourites. Jesse joined the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves serving as a proud member of the Calgary Highlanders.

Jesse Fowler
Cochrane, Alberta
Phone: 403-585-8379
Email: ruthefowler@gmail.com

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Photo by Donna Smith

Product
CD - Jesse Fowler view
CD - Hoofbeats view

Buddy Gale - Cowboy Poet / Songwriter
Buddy was born in Buck Lake Alberta in an environment in the hard economic times during the 30's. Working long days wasn't a choice of want to, or don't want to, you had to! Since then the cowboy habitat has gone from 20 acres per horse to 20 horses per acre. Buddy says, "I'd like to keep the 20 acres per horse in my poems and songs". Buddy was 12 years old when he and a pal jumped a freight car out of Winfield Alberta, riding through Lacombe and Calgary to the famous ranches of southern Alberta. Buddy would recall those Cowboy days many years later in poems. On one of his last days of his Cowboy career, Buddy scored a 90 point ride when icy water splashed the belly of his horse. In 1948 he took to trucking, later logging, and then pipelining, but he never forgot the details of life as a Cowboy, and in fact, remained a keen observer of the Cowboy lifestyle. Buddy wrote his first poems nearly 20 years ago after reading stories and reviews on Cowboy Poetry. Almost 100 of his 400 plus poems have been put to music by a score of artists who recognize that their authenticity and accuracy are critical in preserving the Cowboy and the Cowboy Way.

Buddy Gale
Email: somebuddyspoetry@shaw.ca

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Photo by Donna Smith

Product
CD - Songs of the West view
CD - Fame, a Tough Bronc Ride view
CD - The Disappearing West view
CD - Buddy Gale, Riding With Tom Hogarth view
CD - The Way it Was view

Frank Gleeson - Poet / Humourist / Singer / Songwriter

Fastest and Funniest Cowboy Poet in the West!

Frank Gleeson is a rancher, cowboy poet, humourist, and singer/songwriter from the heart of the Cariboo Country in Central BC, Canada. He uses all of his own original material and has released five books, three cassettes, and two CDs. Frank has been nominated for the Academy of Western Artists "Male Cowboy Poet for Humour" on numerous occasions, has made the top 10 several times, and in 2003, he was in the top five! He has been featured at all major festivals and gatherings on both sides of the 49th Parallel including the "All Canadian Night" in Elko, Nevada in 1997 and 1998. He is the only Canadian to be invited to perform at Elko, Nevada for a record six times! Cowboy Poet Frank Gleeson was proclaimed as the city of Williams Lake's official poet by Mayor Rick Gibson at the 2003 Williams Lake Stampede and was presented with a plaque in honour of promoting his home town of Williams Lake, BC, through his songs and poetry! He has also entertained a variety of groups, from school chilkdren to city councils.

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Frank Gleeson
Williams Lake, BC
Phone: 250-989-5589

Product
CD - Old Memories, New Friends view
CD - Friendly Folks and Old Cowpokes view
CD - from the Hills of BC view
Tape - Springtime in the Cariboo view
Books - Frank has three books view

Sue Harris - Singer
When Sue Harris first arrived in Alberta in 2006, to perform at the Stony Plain Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, she truly felt like she had "come home". Since then, she has come back to Alberta numerous times, and with each visit, the circle of friends and fellow musicians grows larger. Over the past few years, she has been honored to perform with a number of Canada's finest musicians. Raised in Arizona, she "has a masterful touch with 'true western music'. She conveys the feeling of what this music is supposed to be about - wide open spaces, a type of life style and a particular type humor indigenous to the west". (Mark Bridge, PhD, Lone Hand Western). When not in Canada, Sue tours the western United States, performing at festivals, concerts and schools; and has been honored as a nominee for the Arizona Culturekeepers Award. She has released two CD's, both of which have enjoyed international airplay. Her recording of Dean Cook's song "Where Do You Go When There's No Place to Go" was selected for inclusion on the Smithsonian Folkways label compilation CD "Songs and Stories from Grand Canyon", released in May 2005. Most of all, Sue enjoys the heck out of entertaining audiences who love melodies, stories, and laughing.

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Sue Harris
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Email: quailsister@yahoo.com

Product
CD - Tall Tails and Treasures view

Dale "Doc" Hayes - Cowboy Poet
Happily retired now, "Doc" Hayes was a professor at a public university in Manitoba, Canada. He also ran a small grazing operation of cattle in the bush near Nesbitt, Manitoba. With more time to focus on his poetry and writing, "Doc" continues to travel to different gatherings and poetry festivals around North America. Way back when, he tried rodeoing for a while but a blindbucker convinced him he was a school teacher and since then his focus has been on studying and recording tales of the cowboy way. He came by his love of western storytelling and cowboy poetry as a result of sitting in on bunk house bull sessions in Northern Arizona back in the late '40s. For over forty years he has collected cowboy stories and remembrances of Canadian and American cowboys that often serve as a basis for his poetry. He has had several books of poetry published and two CDs made up of his own original poetry. "Doc" Hayes has spoken at over 400 educational and organizational training and motivational meetings. He has been featured at many of the major western gatherings in both Canada and the United States. "Doc" is the producer and host of the Brandon Cowboy Poetry Gathering and the Canadian Cowboy Christmas. He has been featured on both regional and national television shows on Cowboy Poetry. He is a member of the Academy of American Poets and the Academy of Western Artists.

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Dale "Doc" Hayes
Nesbitt, Manitoba
URL: www.dochayes.org
Email: doc@dochayes.org

Product
CD - Conversations With an Old Horse view
CD - Two Great Countries ~ One Great Cowboy Culture view

Perry Jacobson - Singer & Cowboy Poet
Perry was a working cowboy for the first half of his life before joining the Warden Service where he retired as Chief Park Warden of Banff National Park in 2000. Prior to joining the Warden Service Perry ranched with his Parents near Medicine Hat and Millarville, Alberta. He also spent many years of his misspent youth as a rodeo cowboy. Perry's love, respect, and knowledge of the cowboy life is captured in the writing and performing of his poetry and songs. His work strives to maintain the rich culture and tradition of the western way of life.

His compositions, whether its song or poetry, are a reflection of his experience in ranching, rodeo, and working in the pristine wilderness areas of our National Parks.

Perry was the lead singer of the band Latigo from 2000 to 2008. The band traveled extensively in the Prairie Provinces plus a tour to Canada's East Coast in 2006 and Arizona in the spring of 2008. Latigo produced two CDs; Kansas In The Fall and The Drifter.

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Perry Jacobson
Cochrane, Alberta
Phone: 403 851 0851
Email: pcjacobson@shaw.ca

Perry is a Past President of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association.

Diamond Doug Keith - Poet, Humorist and Cartoonist
From his small horse ranch on the bald, wind swept Canadian Prairies, "Rhymin' Diamond Doug Keith" ponders a dilemma of what to do with the other 23 and a half hours in the day. After an hour and a half he decides on havin' a nap instead of all this thinkin' (he says it's in the cowboy code). It is this somewhat warped sense of looking at life, that some say stems from too much time talking to gophers or landin' on his head after being throw'd too many times, that gives Doug's work it's edge. Whatever the reason, Diamond Doug is able to capture a unique comedic take on everyday cowboy life, a life that he lives. Diamond Doug is as much at home working a cow horse or throwing catch twine as he is with a brush, pencil, or on a stage. He travels and features at some of the most prestigious Cowboy Gatherings across North America. Doug is always happy to show off his art wherever and whenever there's someone to look at it. The Diamond has created some of Canada's best known cowboy images such as The Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association's log and manuy others. Diamond Doug has captured first place in ‘Tall Tale Tellin’ competitions and has been named Manitoba Cowboy Poet of the Year. He is known for his humorous story tellin' as well as his poems. He has been accepted into the prestigious Cowboy Cartoonists International with the likes of; Boots Reynolds, Mike Scovel, Ash Cooper, and Ben Crane, as well as numerous other great North American Cowboy Cartoonists.

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Diamond Doug Keith
Domain, Manitoba
Phone: 204-736-3412
URL: www.diamonddougkeith.com
Email: ddoug@mts.net

Larry Krause - Singer / Songwriter
Over the past years, performances and concerts have found Larry across Saskatchewan, into Alberta, and BC, both individually and with his backup band, Timberline, playing the traditional, roots style of country, cowboy, and Country Gospel music that keeps folks coming back for more. He has been a headliner for Grandstand shows, played for international trade shows, been featured on television specials, performed around the fire after a long Cowboy day, and just about everything in between. His repeat invitations to be an Artist at major Cowboy Poetry Gatherings across Western Canada, speaks well of the following his prairie based original music has developed. Larry was nominated in 2004 as Saskatchewan Country Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year, with his debut Country CD, "True Blue", receiving the nomination as Album of the Year. His second CD, "The Gate is Open" a Country Gospel album, received the award from the SCMA for Gospel Album of the Year in 2007. Country radio across Western Canada, with inspirational programming, regularly play songs from this CD. 2007 also saw Larry selected by the Canadian Country Music Association, to perform at the Country Gospel Show during the Awards week in Regina. He was nominated by the SCMA as Male Vocalist of the Year again for 2008. His down to earth, stand-up performance style and solid vocal delivery combined with his ability to bring the story in the music to life, make for a memorable and enjoyable entertainment experience. Larry's third CD, "Northern Range" was realeased in the summer of 2010.

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photo by Jerry Stainer

Larry Krause
Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-989-4696
URL: www.larrykrause.ca
Email: gandlkrause@sasktel.net

Product
CD - The Gate Is Open view
CD - True Blue view
CD - Northern Range view

Jackson Mackenzie - Singer / Songwriter
Born in Matsqui, British Columbia, Jackson was the second of four children. Raised in Cariboo country, central BC, during his early years, he was well acquainted with the Williams Lake Stampede. While collecting empty beer bottles around the rodeo grounds he would hear the sounds of guest artists as they sang their country songs from the stampede stage. Jackson was hooked on the cowboy style and the music that went with it. Fast forward to 1998. Jackson was confined to home after surgery on a broken knee cap. He says his life has never been the same - and all for the better! While sitting around, he dragged out an old guitar - he now had plenty of time on my hands. Then I remembered a promise made, a debt unpaid. Jackson then volunteered to sing for anyone who was unable to get out and about. Then he met Jessi Jo Charles and things changed dramatically. Jackson and Jessi were soon singing duets and performing 15 to 20 times/month. Although the Jac & Jessi duo is no longer active, Jackson continues to be available to you for events. Jackson solos or he teams up with friends who play and/or sing. He was a feature performer on the 2006 and 2009 Alberta Men of Country Music show. He has since appeared with North American fiddle champion Calvin Vollrath and band, and continues to take bookings with them.

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Jackson Mackenzie
Vilna, Alberta
Phone: 780-260-0222
URL: www.remembermyshow.com
Email: jac.mackenzie.shaw@gmail.com

Hugh McLennan - Poet / Singer / Speaker / Emcee

The voice of the award winning "Spirit of the West" radio program, heard on stations in the US and Canada and around the world on the internet. This program has been honored with awards from Texas to Toronto. Hugh's other talent is delivering keynote addresses and inspirational messages to audiences all over North America. He tailors every presentation to reach the concerns of his audiences. A real working rancher, his knowledge of the cattle industry and his skill with horses have added to his understanding of life and it's challenges. Hugh is also known as the voice of the Trainers Challenge at the Mane Event and for his Entertainment on Horse Back - like Cowboy Church. No matter what the function you can bet that Hugh has the diversification to suit. He plays guitar, sings cowboy songs, does cowboy poetry, and is a great event emcee. He has been the MC for the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame induction ceremony since its inception. You can see the numerous awards Hugh has received by going to his web site.

Product
CD - Cowboy Reflections view
CD - The Best of the Spirit of the West view
Book - Ways of the West, Working Ranch Horse Series view

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Photo by Jerry Stainer

Hugh McLennan
Pinantan Lake, BC
Phone: 250-573-5731
URL: www.hugh-mclennan.com
Email: hugh_mclennan@telus.net

Nora Maidman - Singer / Songwriter
Nora Maidman has been playing music since starting on the piano as a child and later adding guitar and voice. Then along came the mandolin, which became her favourite instrument. Musical influences range from classical to bluegrass, Celtic, cowboy, folk and blues. When Nora plays in the group, they are known as the "Harmony Hounds". Venues played include farmer's markets, private events (weddings, dances), street festivals, music festivals, seniors' residences and the Window on the West stage at the Calgary Stampede. Today Nora and Rick share their interest in music and horses on their acreage near Carseland, Alberta. Lately Nora has added the flute, taking lessons and Royal Conservatory of Music exams. Nora is a past president of the Foothills Bluegrass Music Society and is active in weekly and monthly jams in Calgary as well as music camps workshops. Recently, Nora discovered that the Cowboy Poetry groups include musicians as well as poets and she has eagerly become involved. Opportunities to perform and share in the joy of music and learning make life complete.

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Nora Maidman
Dalemead Alberta
Phone: 403-934-3101
URL: www.harmonyhounds.ca
Email: noramaidman@yahoo.ca

Product
CD - Harmony Hounds Through The Trees view

Bob Marple - Cowboy Poet / Story Teller
Rac (Bob) Marple "Ol Cowpoke" has resided in Fox Creek fer the last thirty odd years. Prior ta retirin' a couple of years ago, 'bout two thousand an' four, Bob decided ta do some of that cowboy poetry writin'. Fer the past forty some years, he worked in the oil patch, at construction, maintenance, materials, sales, procurement an' supply. Workin' fer others as well as fer himself, he fit in the forty odd years after finishin' five years in the Canadian navy. Then he did a little cowboyin', guide an' outfittin' an' cookin' on the trail in Alberta's foothills, west of Caroline outta the Bar L7 Guest Ranch (better known as "the "frontier"). His writin's of cowboy poetry an' short stories is based on past life experiences an' involvements an' a few spur of the moment ideas, that come ta mind. Bob an' wife Marlene have been married fer over forty years, an' have three children an' seven grandchildren all livin' in the community along with all their horses, donkesy an' dogs.

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Bob Marple
Fox Creek, Alberta
Phone: 780-622-3522

Product
Book - Cowboy Poetry an' Short Stories view

Mag Mawhinney - Cowboy Poet
For the past decade, Mag has been writing western/cowboy poetry and performing at major cowboy festivals, as well as other events, across Western Canada. Her recitations have also been aired on TV and radio. Contributions of her rhymes and festival reviews have frequently appeared on the www.bcchs.com web site in their quarterly newspaper The Cowboy Times and on cowboypoetry.com.

Mag also enjoys freelance writing and has been published internationally in numerous magazines, anthologies, newspapers and web sites, winning some awards for her articles and for poetry, in all genres. She has also given presentations on writing at schools, libraries and clubs. In 2007 she was awarded Honourable Mention for her poem, "Those Who Have Gone Before", sponsored by the BC Cowboy Heritage Society and Pacific Horse Journal.In March 2008, Mag received an "8 Seconds" award for her poem "Winter Range" in the global Lariat Laureate at cowboypoetry.com

Mag presently lives in Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, near her birthplace.

You can hear sound samples on Mag's web site.

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Photo by Jerry Stainer
Mag Mawhinney
Cobble Hill, BC
Phone: 250-748-3678
URL: www.magmawhinney.com
Email: mvmawhinney@shaw.ca

Product
CD - Passin' It On view
Book - Dreams of Fast Horses view

Mag has been a past recipient of the CowboyPoetry.com Lariat Laureate Award

Clayton & Babetta Moncrieff - Musicians

Both Clayton & Babetta were born and raised in the Cayley, High River area and now live in Cayley. They have been playing classic country and gospel music for many years, at all kinds of get togethers. In the last number of years have been involved in gatherings throughout western Canada and the USA, and have recorded a number of CD's.

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Clayton & Babetta Moncrieff

Mountain Mumma - Story Teller
Mountain Mumma is married to a Western Artist. They have five grown children and are enjoying a busy "retirement". Mumma grew up a weekend cowgirl on the family’s cattle ranch, not far from where she now lives in South-eastern BC. In her early life the ranch did not have electricity or indoor plumbing so on Saturday evenings friends and neighbours stopped by to visit and swap stories of the "good ol days". This was where Mumma's love of Storytelling began and she uses some of those old stories in her presentations. An offshoot of these story evening stories is her interest in researching and sharing lesser known events from the settlement of Western Canada. Mumma has a wide variety of stories in her repertoire ranging from stories taken from her own life, past and present, to local and Western Canadian history and Sunday Go To Meetin' topics. Many of her stories are humourous or have a surprise twist but when it comes to History she is dead serious!

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Mountain Mumma
Jaffray, BC
Phone: 250-429-3917
URL: www.mountainmumma.net
Email: mountain_mumma@hotmail.com

Vivia Oliver - Cowboy Poet
A retired farm woman and a great grandmother, Vivia has been widowed for a number of years. She lives in west central Alberta, and has been in this district all of her life. Her parents operated a lumber mill, so that was her first experience at work. They raised horses and goats, and their main transportation was riding saddle horse. She married a farmer and did most farm experiences, like milking cows, feeding pigs, and chickens. They raised mostly beef cattle in later years, and built up a herd of purebred Charolais, also raising a few quarter horses. Vivia still lives on the farm, which she rents to the neighbours, and raises miniature horses for a hobby. She started writing about fifteen years ago, mainly non-fiction, which is still her favourite genre. Vivia began attending poetry gatherings, with a friend about eight years ago. She enjoys the music and stories, and has a passion for classic country music, and especially blue grass. She was encouraged by friends to start writing poetry and with the prompting of the late Glen Rafuse she tried her hand at the poetry. Vivia started reciting my poems at the shows in 2007, and has now self published a book containing thirty-one of them. She says that she has met so many great friends at the gatherings and appreciates each one of them.

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Vivia Oliver
Caroline, Alberta
Phone: 403-722-2488
Email: smile.oliver401@gmail.com

Product
Book - Verses By Vivia view

Al Owchar - Singer / Songwriter
Al Owchar is a singer, songwriter, musician, cowboy poet and luthier. He was born in Drumheller, grew up on a farm near Rocky Mountain House and currently resides in Calgary. While living on the farm he taught himself to play the guitar and harmonica and to sing and compose songs. Later in Calgary, Al continued to expand his musical interests by taking lessons on guitar, bass, banjo, accordion, mandolin and fiddle. He also played in local dance bands. In his early years, Al had the opportunity to play bass for some of the top Grand Ole Opry stars such as George Jones, Merle Travis, Red Foley, Hank Locklin, Slim Whitman and Marvin Rainwater. Today Al is still performing with his current dance band "Rusty Wires" and does singles and duets at cowboy poetry gatherings, corporate functions, seniors lodges and private clubs. He has released four CD's using mostly original material. Al has also recently appeared on two Cowboy Country TV episodes. When Al is not involved with music he is generally repairing or building musical instruments. He is the recipient of the AMOCM Lifetime Achievement Award for 2009.

Al Owchar
Calgary, Alberta
Phone: 403-255-5027
Email: palo@telusplanet.net

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Product
CD - From The Prairies To The Pacific view
CD - Wild Fescue Grass view
CD - The Dynamics Old and New view
CD - Come Ride With Me view
CD - Al Owchar view

Joyce Pallister - Cowboy Poet / Story Teller
Joyce worked at the Calgary Stockyards during the 1960's for Paul and MacDonald, a commission firm buying and selling livestock. It was here she met and married Hank Pallister, a Brand Inspector, and their western way of life took them to Edmonton and then to Stettler for many years where she operated a health food store in Stettler before moving to High River. Joyce managed the gift shop at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site for four years, and after Hank's death in 2005 she compiled his stories of early ranch history into a book entitled "Smoke From The Branding Fire". As a humorous impersonation of 'Minnie Pearl' she shares her poems with community audiences at fall suppers, musical concerts, cowboy poetry gatherings, cowboy church, at the Stampede as well at ladies events. She won 'Reciter of the Year' in 2007, Lyricist of the Year in 2008 & 2009 and Entertainer of the Year in 2009 at the Canadian Country Gospel Music Awards. She is presently working to complete the second book of Hank's writings which will be off press by spring 2010, entitled "Bulls, Brands, and BS: Brand Inspector's Stories. She has also published a small book of cowboy poetry, entitled "Lingo and Lines From a Cowboy's Life and a Cowboy's Wife". It contains the artistic illustrations of Don Brestler, Twin Butte, Alberta.

Product
Book - Smoke From The Branding Fire view
Book - Lingo and Lines view

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Joyce Pallister
High River, Alberta
Email: hankjoy@telusplanet.net

Jim Peace - Singer / Songwriter
Jim Peace began his musical career playing guitar at the age 7 in Southern Ontario, but has made his home in the Calgary area since 1984. He is a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter producer and has been playing music and touring across Canada for 25 years with various groups including: Prairie Crossing and Latigo. Currently Jim is playing with Double Diamond and adds color to the Double Diamond sound, with vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo and harmonica. Double Diamond released their first album in 2008 recorded and produced by Jim in his studio Dutch Creek Productions West of Calgary in the Foothills of Alberta. In recent years Jim has been a playing guitar as a sideman for many acts at festivals and cowboy gatherings across Western Canada and has played on recordings by Jesse Fowler, Chris and Sharky Schauer, Chelsea Cunningham, and Lloyd Dolen. For a few years now Jim has wanted to put out a CD with some of his original songs and now has. Besides playing music, which promotes western heritage; Jim's other passion is horses. Riding in the mountains or working cattle are the inspiration for much of his music.

Jim Peace
Calgary, Alberta
Phone: 403-239-4646
URL: www.jimpeace.ca
Email: peacej@telus.net

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Product
CD - Circle Rider view

Mike Puhallo - Cowboy Poet / Emcee / Speaker
Cowboy Poet Mike Puhallo is the real deal so both his writing, and his speaking are very real. He can be very serious, very funny, or very silly, depending on the occasion! He is quick witted, easy to hear and understand, and is always very entertaining! He has performed at cowboy gatherings and festivals, schools, libraries, community halls, at brandings, coffee houses, stock shows, and even Biker's Bar-B-Qs! He has entertained all ages from kindergarden classes to writer's workshops for other cowboy poets and college students throughout the West. Alot of his poems and speeches are based on history which comes from being an avid student of the culture and history of the "real west"! Mike writes all of his own poems and his poetry appeals to a broad audience, not just ranchers and working cowboys! Mike will work as an MC, and does speaking engagements for functions of all types. If you're looking for an after dinner speaker, Mike Puhallo could very well be your man! His wit and humor can add to any event!

Mike Puhallo
Kamloops, BC
Phone: 250-579-5667
URL: www.MikePuhallo.com
Email: mike@mikepuhallo.com

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Photo by Jerry Stainer

Product
CD - The Smell of Sage and Pine view
CD - Knockin' Down Fences view
CD - Smarten Up and Put Your Hat Back On view
Book - Mike has six Books view

Phyllis Rathwell - Cowboy Poet
Hatched on a hot rock between the Cypress Hills and the Great Sand Hills of Southwestern Saskatchewan, Phyllis has worked around cattle and men all her life. Very recently retired from her school marm habit, she and her hubby, Larry Miller, make their home in the beautiful Cypress Hills at Elkwater, Alberta. Refusing to give in to BSE, drought, grasshoppers, cranky bankers, or common sense, they love the ranching way of life. Her sense of humor and "been there, done that" experience with ranch life delights audiences. She claims to be equally (in)competent at workin' cattle, checkin' pens, fencin', balin', cussin' gates an' ridin' the grub line. Her poetry reflects the reality of living and working with critters, men and kids. Phyllis Rathwell has been a featured poet at many large gatherings on both sides of the 'Medicine Line' (Canada/US border), including Durango Colorado, Lewistown, Chinook and Virginia City in Montana, Pincher Creek, Banff and Stoney Plain in Alberta, as well as Maple Creek,the Moose Jaw Festival of the Word, and Agribition in Saskatchewan. As well, she and Larry have become popular after-dinner entertainment wherever rural folks need a few laughs! Phyllis has been heard on CBC radio, and the syndicated radio program Spirit of the West. As well, her work has been included in several anthologies and newspapers, as well as Canadian Cowboy Country and Pure Country magazines. Her publications include two books, and a new CD (with husband, Larry Miller).

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Phyllis Rathwell
Elkwater, Alberta
Phone: 403-893-3004
Email: cowboy.poets@gmail.com

Product
CD - Crossing The Medicine Line
Book - Friends and Neighbors, Tried and True
Book - Range, Riders and Rhymes

Hazel Rust - Cowboy Poet

Know as the Grandmother Poet

Hazel Rust comes from the rural area north of Ponoka, Alberta where she and her husband raise mules. Hazel has been interested in reading, writing and reciting poetry for as long as she can remember. Since she is now a grandmother, that is quite a long time, but it is only in the past three years that she has been sharing her skills as a poet and performer with the public. Her first idea was simply to put her poetry on a CD to give to her grandchildren for Christmas presents. Soon she needed to have more CDs because friends wanted them too. Her popularity grew and now she is invited to perform at many events. Hazel's poetry reflects the rest of life besides that of the traditional cowboy and his horse. She tells about the gopher eating the garden, the problems with the computer, and life in the good old days. Her poetry is a delightfully humorous look at life written in the cowboy poetry style, and at the same time reflects her basic belief in God and family. Hazel has performed at the Willow Creek Cowboy Gathering, Maple Creek, Trail's End Gathering, Feedlot Alley Gathering, and the Kamloops Cowboy Festival. You will thoroughly enjoy Hazel's wit and humour.

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Hazel Rust
Ponoka, Alberta
Phone: 403-783-5197

Product
CD - The Best of Just Me view

Mark "Sharky" & Chris Schauer - Musician / Cowboy Poet

Sharky and Chris' original and selected music is full of their awe of creation, their experiences with horses in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and their love of the western way of life. Ranch-raised, Sharky is a multi-talented musician who brings Chris' poetry with tunes to life. Married at a poetry gathering in 1996, they call Sundre Alberta home. With easy access to the west country they enjoy riding and fishing when they aren't riding a wide circle with their music ministry. This diverse duo has shared their musical mix all across Western Canada and look forward to getting to know you when they're in your area. They host a radio show details here. They are also leading the worship at Cowboy Trail Church but somehow they still manage to find time now and again for some of the personal places, people, and things that they really enjoy - like Sharky fishing from the back of a horse.

Chris and Sharky Schauer
Sundre, Alberta
Phone: 403-559-7128
or 403-507-0712
Email: rideawidecircle@yahoo.ca

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Product
CD - Ride A Wide Circle view
CD - Moonlit Mountain Melodies view

Alice Sinclair - Singer / Song Writer

Alice entertained at the Alberta Women of Country in 2007, and was a featured artist at the Festival of Stars, in 2005, 2006 and 2007. She was winner of 1st place in the Adult Singing Contest at the Kikino Rodeo in 2007, and winner of the yodeling event on the Fairview Radio Station in 2008. Alice has sung all across Canada, in Ireland, and the United States. She performed in Nashville and sang at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Legends, and was at the Blue Bird Café in December 2008. She sang on the radio station in Nashville 2008, and they have invited her back. Alice has been playing music instruments since she was 10 years old, but her favorite instrument is her 12-string guitar. She does Classic Country, New Country, Rock and Roll, Pop, Celtic, Big Band, and also sings in 4 languages. She has appeared for many benefits such as Farmer's Aid, Battered Women, etc. Alice is the wife of Army Engineer, MWO William C.M. Sinclair, CD, SSM (Canadian Decorated, and Special Service Medal) and she has been working on a new CD which pays tribute to all soldiers. The Title Track is "My Heroes Will Always Be Soldiers", and all songs and music were composed by Alice and is coming in 2010!

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Alice Sinclair
Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: 780-921-2080
URL: www.AliceSinclair.ca
Email: w_sinclair@shaw.ca

Bryan Bj Smith - Cowboy Poet
As a cowboy poet extraordinaire BJ draws upon his experience as a retired Mountie, Packer, Horse Trainer, Ski Patroller and Back Country Guide to feed his appetite for poetry. His heart's in the Rocky Mountains, summer or winter on horseback, snowshoes or skis. He's consulted outdoor recreation courses at the College and University level and is a strong advocate of therapeutic riding. He and his wife Tina operate Diamond Hitch Adventures near Diamond City, Alberta offering all sorts of equine services including a Bed, Bales and Breakfast accommodation for people traveling with horses. His book's 'Mounties, Mountains and Memories' and 'A Legend of the Nahanni' are proving very popular.

His CD, 'A Cowboy Collaboration', in partnership with singer songwriter Ed Brown, won the Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Award as top Cowboy Poetry CD of the year.

Bj is featured at major Western Festivals and Gatherings on both sides of the Medicine Line and on the occasional cruise ship.

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Bryan Bj Smith
Diamond City, Alberta
Phone: 403-381-4042
URL: www.diamondhitch.ca
Email: diamondhitch@xplornet.com

Product
CD - A Cowboy Collaboration view
Book - A Legend Of The Nahanni view
Book - Mountains, Mounties & Memories view

Alvin Speers - Cowboy Poet
Alvin Speers, self-styled 'Drugstore Cowboy' is an internationally known author/poet, with 85 books in published circulation to date. In addition, over 1,377 individually published poems have appeared in over 200 media. His prose and poetry work covers wide ranging subjects including the West, Cowboy life poetry, etc. He was designated Poet Laureate for CBC's On The Road Again TV show hosted by Wayne Rostad for 20 seasons, ending in 2007. Alvin has been involved in "Poet walks" public presentations under auspices of The Writer's Guild of Alberta, Word In The Street as well as guest speaking for various group meetings, etc. He was a friend of the late Andy Russell for some years, and visited him at Pincher Creek shortly before Andy’s passing.

Product
Alvin Speers' books are sold by mail order. For a free catalogue send a self addressed stamped envelope to:
Aardvark Enterprises
204 Millbank Dr SW
Calgary Alberta
T2Y 2H9

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Alvin Speers
Calgary, Alberta
Phone: 403-256 4639

Jessica St Dennis - Cowboy Poet
Jessica was inspired to sing by her late Grandma Agnes, who found great joy in music and listening to Jessica perform around the house at such a young age. This loving relationship was just the beginning of Jessica's musical journey. Another encouragement in Jessica's life was Josey McNeill who introduced Jessica to the concept of guitar accompaniment at age 12 and Jessica has not looked back since! Through this exposure, along with joining the bluegrass clubs in Calgary & Red Deer, she developed a further, deep rooted love of old time country and bluegrass music. Jessica's guitar teachers have been quoted to say that Jessica is a "musical sponge" and "a parrot". Jessica has released a demo cd titled "Me and My Guitar". More recently Jessica has joined the ACPA and has begun on a new journey of enjoying the "old-new" true cowboy music. Jessica has performed with many wonderful musician friends throughout Alberta and has had the pleasure of participating in numerous events. She resides in Blackfalds, AB. When not working or volunteering, you will find her enjoying one of her favorite pastimes - reading! However, no matter where you see Jessica, you will always catch her singing a song or two.

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Jessica St Dennis
C/O Bonnie St Dennis
Blackfalds, Alberta
Phone: 403 885 5463
Cell: 403 896 2365
Email: bstden@shaw.ca

Duane Stewart - Singer, Musician, Songwriter
In his earlier years Duane Stewart was regularly featured on national CBC radio and television series and recorded for both Capitol and London labels. Back then he used his father's "stage" surname, and as Duane Davis was a regular on his dad's The Stu Davis Show for four seasons. They later co-starred on Trail-Riding Troubadour, a film series depicting the history of the Canadian west. During that time Duane was also singing host of three of his own CBC radio network series and a number of CBC television specials. Meanwhile, he found time to complete a BA (1972) and a Dip. Ed. (1973) at the University of Alberta. Duane left the stage and stage name behind as teaching required more of his time; however, his 2003 relocation to B.C’s Shuswap inspired his return to singing. Since then, as well as solo performances, Duane spent two years with a country/gospel trio, The Sons of the Sage. Duane continues to work with students as English tutor at Okanagan College, but manages to present his large repertoire of cowboy, country-gospel, and traditional folk-country songs throughout BC and the prairies.

Duane Stewart
Blind Bay, BC
Phone:
URL: www.duanestewart.ca
Email: d.stew@telus.net

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Product
CD - Back Porch Songs
CD - The Sons of the Sage

Vic Stuckey - Cowboy Poet
Vic hales from Red Willow, a little place north east of Stettler, Alberta where he used to farm a little. In his earlier days he used to follow the rodeos trying to be a cowboy in the summer and worked at various jobs in the winter. Vic and his wife, of over fifty years, are now retired and spend their time going to cowboy poetry gatherings and camping in the mountains with their family. He has performed at Pincher Creek, Maple Creek, Stavely, Stony Plain, Cochrane, Crossfield, and Kamloops as well as 4-H clubs and private functions over the past 5 or 6 years. Vic looks forward to going down the road and meeting new people.

Vic Stuckey
Red Willow, Alberta
Phone: 403-742-4273
Email: tgdls@yahoo.ca

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Product
Book - Cowboy Memories view

Ol' Ugly (John Glawson) - Comedian / Story Teller

One of Canada's Funniest Storytellers / comedians. He is called out time after time, many repeat performances, as the after-dinner speaker to such varied events as country dinners, company parties, agricultural events, seniors' functions, conferences and conventions. His Barnyard Clean storytelling and comedy is geared to the rural crowd and time after time he leaves his audiences gasping for breath and rolling in the aisles with laughter. In 2009 he was chosen by CTV Access TV as one of Alberta's Hidden Gems.

Lloyd Stuart, from Domain, MB said after the show, "As a storyteller, you are in a class of your own. Thank you for such wonderful laughs."

Daryl Wilkison wrote, "When I think of Cowboy Poets and Story Tellers, of all the ones I have seen, you are the benchmark."

John Glawson
Nanton, Alberta
Phone: 403-646-2932
URL: www.country-comedian.com
Email: bizwiz1@telus.net

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photo by Bill Borgwardt

Product
CD - I Remember When Me and Blue ... view
CD - Ol' Ugly at the Old Barn Opry view
CD - Don't Mess With Old People view

Wendy Vaughan - Cowboy Poet

Wendy Vaughan has been writing and performing poetry since 1988 when she first performed at the first Pincher Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Since then she has entertained with her poetry at various banquets, rodeos, fundraisers, and gatherings around Western Canada and in Montana. Raised west of Cochrane in the Ghost River area, she experienced ranch life first hand. Many of her ranch experiences are related in poetic form in her first book. Wendy currently resides with her husband, Walter, on the family farm North of Cochrane, Alberta where they still raise hay, but in 2006 dispersed their cattle operation. She has two married daughters and in 2007 became a grandmother for the first time. She is a charter member of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association. She provided entertainers for the Bards and Beef Show in Crossfield, Alberta an annual fundraiser for the Westbrook 4-H from 1997 to 2008. Wendy is instrumental in the production of the ACPA's annual Trail's End Gatherings.

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photo by Bill Borgwardt

Wendy Vaughan
Crossfield, Alberta
Phone: 403-946-5482
Email: wendy@obppromotions.com

Product
Book - The Corral Bars Are Down ... view

Marshall Veal - Cowboy Poet / Singer

Marshall Veal writes and performs poetry and music of The West. It's in the blood...as Marshall credits his ancestors who settled in the 1880's Canadian West. Raised on cowboy and western music, and living his western dreams, Marshall's poetry and music honour and uphold cowboy and western traditions. Whether at cowboy/western gatherings or private events, Marshall delivers a western song or poem with passion, integrity, a dose of humour, and an occasional new twist. He evokes epic western history, or a love of simple western life. Marshall has entertained at festivals in Canada, USA, and Europe. His music has been featured on radio, TV, CD, as well as DVD and even children's hospital programs. Marshall's widely-reviewed CD "Canadian Journey" and his book "Who Has Seen The West" reflect a lifetime's fascination with western history, cowboy culture, and life's predictable predicaments. In 2009 Marshall headlined at the Pincher Creek Gathering, and also performed at the Trail's End Gathering in Cochrane Alberta.
Comments from others include:
* "Marshall's untamed spirit rides the wind"....Doris Bircham
* "I like your song Eagles"....Gary Fjellgaard
* "Great tunes"....Nathan Tinkham

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Marshall Veal
Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-871-1492
Email: marshallveal@telus.net

Product
Book - Who Has Seen The West view
CD - Canadian Journey view

Harold Webber - Cowboy Poet / Singer

Harold was born at home, on the farm, near Stony Plain, Alberta. He remembers sitting under a cow, milking, and as the milk splashed into the bucket, he would make up a poem or song. As a teen, he worked the Stony Plain stampede chutes and got in trouble with the rodeo clown in the arena. Harold worked heavy equipment, building roads all across Alberta, drove cattle liner, and maintained roads. In 1975 he realized the dream of ranching, moving to Drayton Valley, Alberta, where he bought and ran a ranch there for twenty six years, with his family. Harold also spent a few years as a brand inspector in the Drayton Valley area at that time. In 2000, they sold off most of the ranch and moved to Sundre, Alberta where they retired. It was then that Harold began writing poetry about their life on the ranch and riding in the mountains with friends. He feels blessed to be able to do what he loved to do and have the friends he had there, and new friends on the poetry trails with still more to meet.

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Harold Webber
Sundre, Alberta
Phone: 403-638-5125
Email: hywebber@telus.net

Margaret Wilhelm - Cowboy Poet

Margaret lives with her husband on a ranch in Montana. People say she sees life from a little different slant ... who else would write a tribute to her washing machine or an ode to the neighbour's goat. Margaret loves to laugh and hopes her contemporary poetry about ranch and rural life will produce a chuckle or at least a smile.

Margaret Wilhelm
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Phone: 406-547-3563
Email: ttcattleco@mtintouch.net

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Abe Zacharais - Singer / Songwriter

Abe is an award-winning vocalist and songwriter who has performed in many parts of Canada and the US. His 1993 appearance on the stage of the Grand Ol' Opry and his 1997 Golden Heart Award (Country Gospel Male Vocalist of the Year) are two of his career highlights. Abe has gained a legion of fans through his more than 35 years of making music. He was especially pleased when one of them, country star Paul Brandt, credited Abe as being one of his important musical influences. Recently one of Abe's songs Prairie Homestead from his Songs of the Sage and Saddle album has been recieving extensive airplay by the European Country Music Association. In December 2009 it went to #10 in the Netherlands and #8 in Belgium. Then in January of 2010 it went to #2 in Norway. Abe and his wife Marge live in Salmon Arm, BC Canada. For information and bookings email Abe or see his web site.

Abe Zacharais
Salmon Arm, BC
URL: www.azmusic.ca
Email: countryboy1@telus.net

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Product
CD - A Country Boy view
CD - Country Gospel Fever view
CD - He's Coming Back view
CD - Songs of the Sage and Saddle view
CD - The Sons Of The Sage view
CD - Songs About Christmas view