By CATHERINE ELLERTON
Moapa Valley Progress
The 13th annual Mesquite Western Roundup was presented by the Mesquite Arts Council on Feb. 8-9. Poets and musicians came from across the western United States including Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and even Hawaii. Several are snowbirds and began writing Cowboy Poetry after their retirement.
Attendees enjoyed a pre-show performance by the Strings ‘N’ Things Western Band. This talented group of musicians invited the audience to sing-a-long on such popular songs as ‘The Tennessee Waltz” and “Back In the Saddle Again.” Many of the songs were old time dance music and the band invited the audience to dance along in the aisles if they desired.
Act One titled “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words” featured photographs enhancing the storyline that were shown on the backdrop.
Jim Parsons, who performs at cowboy poetry gatherings throughout the southwest, presented his poem “The Quilt.” In it he described how the quilt was made from material representing family members wherein the quilt became a family album. Later, around the campfire, he spoke of a golf course built on a ranch in his poem “Hole In One.” Parsons, who lives part-time in Hawaii, next presented his poem “Beached Cowboy.” This poem describes a new surfer who’s time on the board becomes a rodeo as he ropes a shark.
Event Director Russ Westwood is a retired firefighter/paramedic and travel agent. He recited a Mike Snider poem “Puttin’ On The Dog.” This poem humorously described a fur coat and fleas. Later he spoke of a trip to Vegas and meeting Billy the Kid in his poem “The Other Side of Billy The Kid.”
Farrel Bott, a snowbird, recited “Roundup in the Spring” and “Old Ceicel.” Hap Stuart, a rancher for 50 years, spoke of his love for the pristine countryside in “A Sundance History.” Later in the campfire segment he spoke of making “New Year’s Resolutions.”
Dr. Brice Wilson (92) served in the US Navy during WWII and with the USAF – 51st Combat Wing in Korea. He later graduated from the Marquette University Dental School. Currently he brings his wisdom to such poems as Peter Blakeborough’s “The Outhouse” and Curly Fletcher’s “There’s No Place Like Home.”
Lee Kimberlin recited an “Ah Moment” Poem by Van Criddle concerning replacing horses with machinery – “Sixteen Horses.” Lee, who has taken part in all 13 annual roundups, then recited Rodney Nelson’s “Good Clean Fun”.
Carol Markstrom, a two-time Western Female Vocalist of the Year with the Academy of Western Artists winner, presented several musical selections throughout the roundup. This talented singer/guitarist sang such western songs as “Tucson Twilight” and “Canadian Whiskey.” She ended with the number one Western song of all time “Ghost Riders In the Sky.”
These poets are also comedians and presented several humorous remarks as they began their portion of the program. The audience rapport and involvement made the event an afternoon to remember.
