Entertainers and Performers that will be
at the 2008 Kamloops Cowboy Festival

www.peekeekoot.ca

Ed Peekeekoot Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Ed was surrounded by the many musicians in his family and their instruments. His first "real" guitar was purchased when he was 16. Ed studied Chet Atkins recordings and played in bands in the Clearwater, BC area while continuing to fill his own artistic toolbox. He has expressive skill on fiddle, banjo, dobro, and harmonica, as well as guitar. Ed has developed a solo style performance that at turns has people laughing, then crying. In recent years he has been working on another style of "roots" music - the true roots of his own Cree heritage. Ed's work has made its way across North America and into many different countries, including Germany, Australia, Japan, Israel, England, South Africa, and Taiwan - all this from his home base of Crofton, British Columbia.

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Eli Barsi
Western Recording Artist Eli Barsi was raised on the southeastern prairies of Saskatchewan. She grew up a cowgirl, working the land and cattle with her family, and has carried the love for that life with her in her music. She has spent many years honing her crafts as a singer, songwriter, musician, yodeler and entertainer. Eli has become an award winner both sides of the border including Alberta's female vocalist in 1999, 2000 and 2001 as well as the American Academy of Western Artists Female Vocalist in 2002 & 2006. The Western Music Association also presented her with the 2006 Crescendo award. To date she has recorded 10 CDs, released 11 charting radio singles and has 3 videos on the CMT network. Eli's music is a true Western experience with smooth vocals, great yodeling, tasteful standards and thought provoking originals.
See her web site at: www.elibarsi.com
or Email Eli at: eli@elibarsi.com

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Frank Gleeson was declared Official Cowboy Poet by the Williams Lake City Council in 2003 for promoting the town through poems and songs. He's the only Canadian Cowboy Poet to be invited as a paid performer, and to be a feature poet at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada in 2004 and 2005. This will be his fifth invitation. Audiences never seem to get enough of Frank's humour and request that he be back year after year! He's been refered to as the "Fastest Cowboy Poet in the West" which just adds that much more comedy to his already hilarious poetry! If you've never heard Frank before, now's your chance, and we know you'll be laughing. See Frank's Website at: www.cowboy-poet.com or phone him at: (250) 989-5589

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The Gordie West Band
The Gordie West Band - Whether at the Calgary Stampede or at one of the cowboy festivals you might see this duo - with their full band...Gord and Mike are a couple of guys with a thirst for the folklore of the west and a yen to play good, old cowboy music! Gordie West began playing in country bands in his teens, spent close to 20 years touring overseas where he released 5 albums and now combines a singing career with the wandering life of a Tour Director. He has a voice range that can showcase the ballads of Marty Robbins and the yodel stylings of Wilf Carter. Mike Dygert hails from 3Bumps, a small

town northeast of Calgary, Alberta. When he's not with Gord, he's off playing with "The Rusty Wires Band", a old time country dance band. He has a dry wit that will leave you wondering "where'd he come from" and "how'd he get there"! Together they make the music come alive with song and good humour.
Email Mike at: mdygert@gwproduction.com
or Gordie at: gordiewest@gwproduction.com
Their web site can be found at: www.gwproduction.com

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Horse Crazy - left to right: Jennifer Epps, Emele Clothier, and Lauralee Northcott!

Back by popular demand - "These Gals are Fun, Fun, Fun! Not to mention their great harmonies and Western song selection!" Wylie of "Wylie and the Wild West".

Contact Lauralee: clnorthcott@methow.com
or (509) 996-2404. Contact Emele: tice@methow.com or (509) 997-4753

Horse Crazy Toe Tappin' Tommy Tucker says, "When Horse Crazy performs "live" they absolutely light up the stage!" From Fencepost Magazine, "A rockin' cowgirl band with a beat as steady as a good working cow horse!" Horse Crazy is both humorous and highly accomplished musically. About 10 years ago three women sat around a cracklin' fire in a snowstorm where they shared their Western tunes and they haven't stopped singing since! The voices of Horse Crazy include: HC original Lauralee Northcott bass player, pack cook, wilderness guide, 3rd grade teacher, and card shark. Another original member is Emele Clothier - finest rhythm acoustic guitar player you'll ever hear, ranch manager-farmer-scooper... Riding alongside is Jennifer Epps - delightfully accomplished vocalist who brings life and joy to the group with roots in Barbershop and percussion. She is a valley cowgirl who loves horses and singing, who could ask for more? You are in for a treat for both the ears and the heart!

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Photo by Deanna Kristensen

Hugh McLennan and his wife Billie live the life they love - shared with their cattle and horses in some beautiful country! Hugh has spent a lot of years training horses for the public and specializes in starting colts and developing them for ranch work. He spent many years working in radio and TV but his heart was always in ranching and cowboy life. Sixteen years ago Hugh started the Spirit of the West radio program with the objective to bring the livestock industry to the general public using the real words of the people on the land along with the music and poetry of the west. As well as many other awards, Hugh's show was named Canada's Best Agricultural Radio Program in two different years. His speaking engagements take him all over North America. Hugh's web site is: www.hugh-mclennan.com
Email Hugh at: hugh_mclennan@telus.net

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Email Jay at: rsnider@tds.net
or Phone: (580) 464-3103
To read some of Jay's poems visit www.cowboypoetry.com and to read more about Jay see: www.workingcowboy.com

Jay Snider was born and raised in the southwest Oklahoma and calls Cyril, Oklahoma home. Born to a ranching and rodeo family, his dad a top roper and rodeo cowboy and his grandad a brand inspector for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assoc. He rodeoed throughout most of his early years and now stays busy raising ranch horses, cattle, and team roping. Jay is a six time nominee for male poet of the year by the Academy of Western Artists. Jay appeared on Country Music Television's, "Christmas in Cowboy Country" hosted by Clint Black. He was a Silver Buckle winner at Kanab, Utah's Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in 2004 and was a feature cowboy poet at the Ozarks Fall Roundup Cowboy Gathering hosted by Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theater in Branson, Missouri. Most recently, Jay was awarded the "Best of the Best" trophy at Kanab, Utah's Cowboy poetry rodeo and was invited to be a feature poet at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada in February of 2006. Jay's newest cowboy poetry CD, "Of Horses and Men" was named "Cowboy Poetry Recording of the Year" by the AWA for 2006.

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Phone: (250) 554-7785 or
Email: willisjn@telus.net

Jeremy Willis Having a music business and ranch roots make it pretty easy to understand why Jeremy likes the classic cowboy style music. "You just don't get the story songs in contemporary country like you used to, and while I love to fuse modern elements and technology into old style songs, it still comes back to whether or not you can play them around the campfire." says Jeremy. There are pioneer roots on both sides of his family, so a lot of historical tales reverberate with him and end up in the music. As well, life on a ranch is never boring, and while he makes his living in the city, it is the ranch that played the biggest role in shaping him. Jeremy is currently working on a group of songs about the Gold Rush, focusing on the formative years of BC. "I'd like to get people interested in our own history. So many think that country and western music is all cows and sad songs, but really, it's about the stories, and our past has a lot of great ones." Jeremy, as Willis Entertainment, will be at this year's Trade Show.

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Contact Jesse by: Ph: (403) 851-2048 or Email: ruthefowler@gmail.com

Jesse Fowler is 18-years old, currently attending U. of A. in Edmonton taking his first year of Engineering and is in the Canadian Army (Reserves) as a proud member of the Calgary Highlanders. Jesse sings and plays the 6-string and 12-string guitar, the keyboard, the Irish tin whistle and the trumpet. He sings original compositions as well as the traditional old cowboy favourites in a rich baritone voice. Jesse has performed at concerts, private and corporate functions, and numerous Cowboy Gatherings throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. In 2005 he performed in both Northern and Southern Ireland and in 2006, toured the Maritimes. He was a feature in the Alberta Men of Country Show in 2004 as well as a semi finalist for two years in the Edmonton Rising Star Talent Show. Jesse has won the "People's Choice Award" three times at the Provincial Finals 4H Talent Show.

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Jessica Noad It's taken 28 years to bring out the great, but hidden talent, that this 29 year old has. No one knew that Jessica could sing and even her dad was surprised when he heard her do Karaoke one night. She does come from a musical family though - her Grampa is BC Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Bud Webb. Bud says Jessie has three main ingredients for sure - she has great timing, an incredible ear, and her stage presence is natural. When I (Mark) heard the first version of Bud's new CD - live from Merritt - I asked Bud "Who's that great female vocalist in there?" He replied "That's my Granddaughter Jessie!" You can Email Jessica at: jessa_rella@hotmail.com

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Kevin Davis can be described with one word, Cowboy. Born and raised in southwest Oklahoma he started working for area cattlemen while still in high school. After graduating he started competing in bareback riding and team roping events across the state. He went to work for Anderson Ranches in Empire Oklahoma until 1995 when he became a fire fighter. In his spare time he started playing guitar and writing songs about his life as a cowboy. You can listen to the words of the songs he has written and know they come from the heart. He has played shows with Merle Haggard, Red Steagall, Tracy Lawrence, Michael Martin Murphy, R.W. Hampton and many others. He has performed at gatherings in Elko, Lubbock, Abilene, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Nashville, and Las Vegas. Kevin still lives in the small town of Walters with his wife of 15 years and their 2 children Zane, and Jolie.

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Contact Mona by Email: whiteoak@telus.net

Les Folles Jambettes This high spirited act has been kicking up their heels since 1997. Based on the historical dance of the boomtown mining days of BC, Les Folles Jambettes present the traditional Cancan and bring it into the 21st century. The 10 member group sets the stage for their colorful dance numbers with their unique character and energy. Lose yourself in their ruffles and feathers - step back in time to the wild west with the Crazy Legs Dancers!

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Matt Johnston makes his living as a farrier and hangs his hat near Clearwater, in the North Thompson River Valley of BC. He starts quite a few colts and is working on becoming a saddle maker. His goal is to have a saddle shop, start colts and write songs. Matt's songwriting talent and love of the cowboy culture have produced some wonderful songs. Matt has been writing for quite a while but only recently began sharing his work on stage. He has been actively entertaining folks at Cowboy festivals, concerts, and gatherings since 1999. Matt was nominated for the "Rising Star Award" by the Academy of Western Artists in Fort Worth for 2002 and 2003. His debut recording features eight of his original songs and is put together with twenty three poems by Canada's Cowboy Poet, Mike Puhallo. You'll love it and you'll love Matt!

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Mike Logan Cowboy Poet/Photographer Mike Logan's lifelong interest in ranch life has spurred him to capture his observations on film and in verse. Mike's insight and love of Montana and the West have won him national acclaim. He has been a featured poet and emcee at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada and other gatherings throughout the United States and Canada. He was a guest on John Denver's "Montana Christmas Skies" television special. Mike's book and video, "Montana Is..." was chosen to represent Montana in the Library of Congress Bicentennial Celebration in May 2000. The Academy of Western Artists Awards presented Mike the Will Rogers Male Cowboy Poet of the Year in 2006 at their awards ceremony at the Eiseman Center in Dallas (Richardson), Texas. Mike has four books of wildlife and ranch photography and verse, three books of cowboy poetry and three CDs and audio tapes and two videos of his photography and verse.

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Photo by Deanna Kristensen

Email Mike at: mikepuhallo@direct.ca

Mike Puhallo Mike Puhallo is one of the few cowboy poets in the world to actually attempt to make a living as a poet. He also ranches in partnership with his younger brother and does some freelance writing, as well as performing at cowboy events all over North America. He is very fortunate that his lovely wife Linda has a job and alot of patience. Mike is the President of the BC Cowboy Heritage Society and was instrumental in establishing the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame. Mike has been nominated by the Academy of Western Artists for the Will Rogers Awards five years in a row. He has been nominated for; Song of the Year, Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year (3 times), Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year, and Cowboy Poet of the Year (4 times). In 2002 he received the Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award "for excellence in cowboy poetry". In October 2002, Mike received the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal "for his poetry and contribution to preserving the Heritage of the Canadian West".
Mike's website is at: www.twilightranch.com

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Email Patricia at:
patriciaw@ptpc.com

Patricia Willestoft lives in Port Townsend, Washington. She grew up on a horse and spent summers working horses for some folks from Nevada. Always interested in Western music, she occasionally performs in total and complete disguise with the cowgirl musical-comedy trio "The Schwartz Sisters' Cowgal Avalanche". In 2005, at the Kamloops Cowboy Festival she made her first, solo, undisguised, open mic appearance. "I was scared spitless!" she says, but since she didn't fall off the stage or get struck my lightning, she decide to return in 2006 and in 2007 she made her third showing both on main stage on in the Rising Star competition. This year she'll be back as a main stage performer.

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Phyllis Rathwell was hatched on a hot rock between the Cypress Hills and the Great Sand Hills of Southwestern Saskatchewan, Phyllis raises good Angus cattle in south central Saskatchewan. Refusing to give in to BSE, drought, grasshoppers, cranky men, or common sense, she loves 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 has been a featured poet at many large gatherings on both sides of the 'Medicine Line'. You can email Phyllis at: cowboy.poet@sasktel.net

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Photo to Come

Rick Cormier Bio to Come

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Riley Tubbs Bio to Come

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You can phone Rob at:
(250) 549-7210

Rob Dinwoodie
Rob Dinwoodie, from Vernon, BC, has loved horses and the cowboy way of life since his childhood. He's a self-taught guitarist and writer of contemporary Western songs. Rob began song writing in his teens, with an effort to preserve the history and life of the cowboy. He depicts the working cowboy and the Western way of life in his compositions. Rob has entertained at all major Cowboy Festivals in Canada. Since 1996, Rob and his wife Jocelyne have entertained international guests with their cowboy show, "Lasso the Moon" at Vernon's Historic O'Keefe Ranch and Silver Star Mountain Resort. Rob's full-time job as a Range Manager with the BC Forest Service affords him the opportunity to work daily with the ranchers and cowboys he lauds in song. In his spare time, Rob enjoys riding his horses, raising Border Collies, as well as drawing and painting. Last year Rob performed with his band Dogwood Road but this year will once again be a solo act.

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Ryan Fritz was born in British Columbia and raised in Southern Alberta. This working cowboy and Rancher, brings a pure cowboy and western sound to the stage. Ryan has worked on some of Canada's largest cattle ranches, including Douglas Lake Cattle Co. and The Gang Ranch, before owning his own. The music Ryan writes and performs comes from the life he lives and his love and appreciation for our Western Heritage. Through his song writing, he likes to give his listeners insight and the feeling of the cowboy way of life. His guitar and deep rooted voice will take you riding through the days of the old west and the contemporary cowboy. Ryan has performed at various Festivals in Canada and the USA. His second CD, "One Last Horse" has had exceptional reviews on both sides of the border, as well as Europe. Ryan now resides in Saskatchewan, Canada. He runs his own cattle ranch with his wife and three children where traditions of cowboying, ranching and the love of music are strongly imprinted.

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Shirley Field
An exceptionally talented yodeller, Shirley is a musical treasure. At the age of nine she annouced that "I'm gonna be a Yodeller"! Shirley wrote a book with Rudy Robbins called, How to Yodel the Cowboy Way, which has inspired yodellers around the world. She has performed with the likes of Loretta Lynn and Marty Robbins. In 1962 she sang at the Grand Ol' Opry. Shirley was inducted into the BC Cowboy Hall of Fame in March 2000. See the Hall of Fame Photo Album. She also has a book and CD on how to yodel and over the years has taught many of our feature performers to yodel. Watch for Shirley's workshop on how to yodel, at the Festival.

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Photo by Jeri Dobrowski

Susan Parker Born with a cowboy soul, Susan grew up with a love for horses, cowboys, rodeos, and all things Western. She rode stick ponies and played with plastic horses while her friends played with dolls. Susan began writing contemporary poetry and prose in 1995. Her passion for cowboy poetry was sparked in 2003, after attending the Monterey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. It burst into full flame shortly thereafter. Intrigued by pioneering women of the West, Susan has become a student of their writings: "I hear their voices as they pour out loneliness and frustration onto the page. Their courage and determination beg me to share their work, to appreciate the freedoms I enjoy as a result of their perseverance and sacrifice." Susan resides in Benicia, California, with her husband, Cort. When she's not writing or performing, she enjoys traveling. She also rides and volunteers at the Shingletown Wild Horse Sanctuary, where she gathers inspiration for her Western and cowboy poetry. www.susanparkerpoet.com

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Terri Mason Since her inaugural debut at Pincher Creek in 1992, Terri has been featured at every major gathering across the West. Terri was the first Canadian woman featured in Elko, Nevada and the first Canadian featured at Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. In 2006, Terri was chosen to represent Alberta at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. Terri spent most of her youth working with horses as an outfitter and a horse logger. In 1999, she was the lone woman invited to take part in the Last Great Hitch of the Century - a 30-horse hitch of draft horses. She is a walking plow champion and a member of an annual threshing crew. In 2005, Terri and her team of draft horses helped build the Centennial Road at Reynolds Alberta Museum. Terri now lives with her draft horses on a cattle ranch in central Alberta and is the editor of Canadian Cowboy Country magazine, the Yellowhead Highway Travel Guide and a segment producer and story consultant for the multiple award-winning television show, Cowboy Country.

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Photo by Deanna Kristensen

Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw, a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire, and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line! Following his well recieved CD Alberta Crude comes the highly anticipated third album Huskies & Husqvarnas - a collection of outlaw cowboy music featuring 12 outstanding songs about bootleggers, buckin' horses, bulldozers and everything that is embraced in the West. Tim has appeared across Canada and Europe and was chosen to represent Alberta along with Ian Tyson and Corb Lund at the 2006 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC. His distinctive songwriting and spirited performances stand as a cornerstone of authentic Canadiana! "Tim Hus is a Canadian Treasure" -Vancouver Province, June 2006 www.timhus.ca. Tim's email is: info@timhus.ca

Back by popular demand - Tim was one of the top in CD sales at last year's Festival

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Country 103 Rising Star Showcase

This will be the second year of the "Country 103 Rising Star Showcase". Last year was a great success with an incredible amount of talent taking part - so much talent that we have picked four of the entries (only one was a winner in the contest) to perform on main stage this year!

Thanks to Country 103 Radio in Kamloops! This year we are splitting the contest into two groups to spread the prize money a little farther. There will be a section for poets and a section for musicians. Both first place winners will receive $1000 each. The other four finalists (2 poets and 2 musicians) will receive $500 each.

These Rising Stars will be performing throughout the weekend
and six finalists will be showcased on main stage Sunday afternoon.

If you are interested in being part of the "Rising Star Showcase"
please see the Rising Star Showcase page, which includes an application from.

These are the performers that have entered the rising star showcase
at this point in time - click on their name to see their bio and photo (if we have it).

Musicians
Al Young
Clint Giesbrecht & Kent Lessing
Driftin' Doug
Loyd Bishop
Matt Robertson
Pauline Kyllonen
Tiffany Dowhan

Cowboy Poets
Bette Wolf Duncan
Camel Dave Howell
GaLynne Millard
Lyn Melnechenko
Mereline Griffith
Tony Argento

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Open Mic

We can't hire everyone, so our Open Mics allow others a chance to perform at the Kamloops Cowboy Festival! This includes the already known professionals and up-and-coming talent! Every year we end up hearing new entertainers on the open mics and quite often invite them back as paid performers the following year! If you are interested in performing on the open mic let us know and we'll add you to the list! Email: cowboys@bcchs.com

The following bios and photos are for the Open Mic performers and the Rising Star Showcase participants. Some of them are also in the line-up for main stage. As well as the list above for the Rising Star Showcase the following will participate in the Open Mic sets. These sets are sponsored by Pagebrook Inc, developer of Tobiano.   www.tobianoliving.com

Abe Zacharias
Bud Webb

Denis Leclerc
Reg Friesen

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Al Young was born in 1941 and raised on the family farm/cow-calf operation in East Central Alberta. Although most of his working years have been spent in various locations in Northern Alberta and BC in the oil patch he remains a prairie boy at heart. Al has always been interested in country music and is a selftaught guitar player, learning initially on an old T Eatons guitar that was laying around the house. His song writing hobby started several years ago when he would write songs for his friend's birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This gradually developed into writing "actual" songs that were naturally based on his prairie origins. He has recently recorded a CD "Rural Roots" which has eight original songs on it. Al makes his home in Fort St John, BC.

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Photo curtousey Tony Argento

Bette Wolf Duncan was born on a ranch in RODEO COUNTRY in southeast Montana. Her maternal grandparents were among the earliest pioneers to settle in the Wahpeton, North Dakota area; and her paternal grandparents homesteaded near Huntley Project, Montana. She married a Montana cowboy, Bill Duncan, whose grandfather Caleb was one of the earliest ranchers in Montana. Bill used to play rodeo as a boy with Bill and Bud Linderman (both world champion rodeo riders); and he was one of five member crew that were responsible for getting rodeo accepted as a collegiate sport in Montana State College at Bozeman Bette spent 20 years as an ASCP registered Medical Technologist, mainly in toxicology; and 22 years after that as an attorney. She retired in 1995..and has since spent her time doing what she waited all her life to do....writing. She has authored two books of cowboy western poetry, RUSSELL COUNTRY and RODEO COUNTRY. She has 4 web sites, all devoted to cowboy western poetry, featuring some of the finest cowboy poets around.

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Bud Webb began his professional career in the music industry in the late 60's touring throughout Canada with his band "Bud Webb & The Outriders". By the mid 70's they had two albums under their belt and many successful tours including working with Marg Osborne and Don Messer of the "Don Messer Show". Today, Bud has settled in Lake Errock, BC. In 2002 Bud was inducted into the BC Country Music Hall of Fame. He continues to stay active with live performances and in the last few years has released three CDs: "Cowboy-Ography", "Enjoy a Seniors Moment", and two years ago a new CD, "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore" - Live from the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.

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You can Email Dave at: cameldave@hotmail.com

"Camel" Dave Howell Fairly new to the Cowboy Poetry scene, Dave is a rat race refugee who has worked as a wrangler, guide, and ranch hand in the Cariboo for the last several years. His nickname comes from a stint as a camel handler in Barkerville in 2002. He's played guitar since his teens but didn't start to sing and write until he found himself the "campfire entertainer" at Big Bar Guest Ranch. His original poetry was meant to amuse co-workers but as it seemed the guests really enjoyed it, and he was encouraged (nagged) to take it to a bigger audience. He has played at Cariboo Country Night in Watch Lake, and the Clinton Cowboy Poetry Night, with favourable reviews. The perspectives of his songs and poetry are often that of the outsider reflecting on cowboy life, which audiences seem to be able to associate with.

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Clint Giesbrecht and Kent Lessing

Clint Clint's easy singing style and smooth guitar playing is a product of many years of practice in their local church. He was invited to be on the roster for Fort St. John's first ever Cowboy Concert and has since returned as a headliner, bringing the house down. Clint now tours the cowboy festival circuit with his bass playing pard, Kent Lessing. This young man has a voice that was meant to sing cowboy songs.

Kent
Born in Prince George, Kent moved north to Fort St. John with his family as a youngster. The cowboy ways live close to his heart. After several seasons of professional chuckwagon racing, Kent has relaxed to a calmer type of hobby...playing music. Quite often you will see him backing up another artist on his acoustic bass, but Kent is also an accomplished singer, mandolin and guitar player. Kent's song selection and wit make him a must see.

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Driftin Doug is a singer-songwriter from Calgary who released his first CD, "Driftin' Doug and the Serenaders" in November 2007. He has played at such places as the Last Chance Saloon, the Twin Butte Restaurant, and the Alberta Hotel. Driftin' Doug has played in British Columbia at "coffee house" concerts in Sunnybrae, Celista, Carlin, Blind Bay, and Little Fort. The first song he learned was Jimmie Rodgers' Waiting for a Train, and one of the latest songs he learned is The Train Carrying Jimmy Rodgers Home. He has always been a singer of cowboy songs of two types, traditional ones, and Hollywood songs from Western movies. In concert Driftin' Doug encourages audience participation. In 1995 Driftin' Doug won a talent contest for students of the colleges and universities of Canada (never got his diploma) and appeared on CBC national television.

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GaLynne Millard was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1946 and moved to Vanderhoof, BC with her family in 1957. Her Dad was horse-crazy so she grew up with everything from the Belgians that he farmed with down to the Shetland pony that her little brother rode. Since she has been married, horses haven't played a big part in her life but at heart she is still the down-home country girl that she was growing up. GaLynne and her husband, Hugh, of 43 years, have two grown children and four awesome grandchildren. Their small ranch is located in the Nechako Valley in Vanderhoof and last year they retired from the cattle business and have rented out their land. GaLynne started writing poetry about eight years ago, the first ones were about her grandchildren (who else is there?) and alot of her poems are about family since they're the people that she knows the most about.

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Loyd Bishop was born at a very young age. He eventually grew up, grew old and then discovered cowboy music, which has made him very young again. Loyd's music career has been varied, playing and producing many different styles. He operates Bear in the Basement studios and is well known for producing local talent (local, being the Thompson Valley just north of Kamloops). Loyd has been well received at venues throughout southern BC, whether playing solo or with musical friends. He was introduced to the cowboy lifestyle through the poetry and stories of his friend Frank Ritcey, a part-time mountain cowboy. They have just produced the CD, "Rounders and Sinners - Cowboy Songs of the Northern Rockies." Festival goers will be treated to some songs from this album as well as some new material.

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Lyn Melnechenko As a child Lyn had an affinity for all things wild and could often be seen with a bird, squirrel, or raccoon riding on her shoulder. Then at thirteen a neighbor rounded up a herd of wild mustangs with the intention of selling them. She spent all that summer breaking and training one of the mustang stallions and was thoroughly hooked on horses. After that she was rarely seen going anywhere unless it was on the back of a horse. She has trained horses, shod horses, shown horses, barrel raced, and endurance raced. She has driven hay wagon, beer wagon, chuck wagon, chariot, sulky, and wedding carriage. Lyn has worked on cattle ranches, horse ranches and dude ranches. She is a western artist and cowboy poet, using her depth of experience as background. Lyn presently raises foundation Quarter Horses near Princeton, BC.

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Matt Robertson a native of Wyoming, has been writing songs for over ten years. The material that makes up his songs is retrieved from his experience of being ranch raised and working on ranches in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, as well as a 10 year stint riding saddle broncs. Starting colts and riding outside horses has been his main occupation for the last couple of years. He says that he misses the ranch, but at least he gets to stay horseback. The 27 year old singer/songwriter now lives near Bentley, Alberta with his wife Kelli-Lynn. With nearly 70 songs in his repertoire he hopes to find his place on the cowboy music- scene.

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Mereline is a director of the Alberta Cowboy Poetry Association.
You can email her at: mereline@telusplanet.net

Mereline Griffith Mereline grew up in the farming community of Salmon Valley, British Columbia, (north of Prince George.) A childhood spent riding the hills, swimming in the beautiful Salmon River, and playing beneath the spectacular "Northern Lights" of winter, provide nostalgic memories which Mereline brings to life through her poetry. To compliment these "poems from the past", come real life stories in rhyme about the life she has shared with her husband Bill on a small cattle ranch in North East Alberta and includes more than a few poems about horses, one of her favourite subjects to write about. With a family of cowboys in Rodeo and Horse Training, she is never short of material for new work. Mereline’s first book of original cowboy poetry "Tales & Trails" was published in 2000, followed by a CD called "Pretty Ponies" in 2001. Great family entertainment for all ages.

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Pauline Kyllonen was born in Kamloops, (Rayleigh) BC. Her childhood was spent living in various towns and cities throughout British Columbia, and currently resides in Vernon, BC. Pauline has been singing "non-professionally" since birth, but it has only been since 2003, that Pauline decided that it was time actively pursue her musical passion and become a singer/songwriter on a full time basis. Her love of music, singing and performing began at an early age, and begins with the familiar story ... of the little girl who could spend hours listening/singing along to her parent's records ... to actively participating in the annual Christmas concerts and school plays. Pauline managed to get her first used acoustic guitar when she was 17, and with the assistance of a few basic guitar lessons ... she has been playing her guitar and singing "non-stop" ever since.

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Tiffany Dowhan When you hear her sing, you know it's her, she's so distinctive. Tiffany loves to play guitar, sing, and write about the things closest to her heart. Her love of rodeo, horses, and cowboy heritage, influence her life and the kind of music that she likes to sing and play. Tiffany was raised in the Radway/Thorhild area, a small farming community northeast of Edmonton, Alberta and now resides in Bonnyville, AB. Since a young age singing has been Tiffany's passion. Whether it was western, classic country, bluegrass, rock, or even Ukrainian, it was all music and she loved it. Tiffany has very fond memories of listening to music through a heater vent - her musical family practiced in her parents' basement and bedtime was just too early. A heater vent was a speaker to a world of the electric guitar and an old-time accordion, a fond memory that would inspire Tiffany into a world of music.

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Email Tony at:
tmargento@sbcglobal.net

Tony Argento began reciting Cowboy Poetry in 1965 at age five. His unique interpretation of the Cowboy Way continues today. Tony refers to his style of reciting Cowboy Poetry as "Tuned Up and Twisted!" Notable poems he recited are; " The Devil's Tail," by Gail Gardner, "The Shootin' of Dan McGrew", and "The Cremation of Sam McGee," by Robert W. Service. He admiringly acknowledges the writers of the poems he recites out of respect, and says, "I like the idea of continuing the poet's stories so others can enjoy them, too." Tony's Grandpa was a WWI Calvary scout, he competed in rodeo with bucking horses and bulls, rode as a stunt rider for the western movie industry and worked for the cattle company of Miller & Lux, Inc. Tony Argento is a man carrying on his family's Cowboy Legacy. Tony tells tales of the Cowboy like his Granddad did.

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Reg Friesen has always been into music and after touring for a number of years stopped the travel to spend time at home. In the last few years Bud Webb (although Reg might not want to admit to knowing him sometimes) has got him back into the music scene. Reg was a big part in the last CD that Bud Webb made, "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore", but says that the title track was about Bud, not him. Reg has also been a big inspiration, and a big help, to one of last year's Rising Stars, and one of this year's main stage performer, Jessica Noad, and will be playing guitar for her at this year's Kamloops Cowboy Festival. As well as playing a great guitar Reg sings and adds some excellent harmony.

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The BC Cowboy Heritage Society
Box 137, Kamloops, BC, Canada, V2C 5K3
Phone:1-888-763-2224
E-mail: cowboys@bcchs.com

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