2011 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Elko, Nevada—Hard work, scarce pay, lonesome nights, heartbreak and death—common themes of the blues and of the songs, poems and stories of the cowboy. Cowboy culture is a blend of traditions and influences; blues and other African American cultural traditions have been a major influence on the evolution of western music. The 27^th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, January 24-29, in Elko, Nevada, will explore the connections between traditional cowboy and western music and traditional African American blues music.

Among the blues programs at the Gathering, legendary folk singer Ramblin' Jack Elliott will perform music from his GRAMMY Award-winning album, A Stranger Here. After last year's Gathering, Jack headed to Los Angeles to receive the GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Blues Recording for A Stranger Here. At this Gathering, Jack will share a sampling of this blues music—all pre-World War II tunes that Jack loved. He will be joined by a few of the revered musicians featured on his award-winning album, including pianist Van Dyke Parks.

Zydeco music is a synthesis of traditional Creole, Cajun and African-American music including R&B, blues, jazz and gospel. Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie will perform their special brand of foot-stompin' zydeco from the bayou country of southwest Louisiana. And Sourdough Slim and Robert Armstrong will present blues and old-time music reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s, including Jimmie Rodgers songs.

The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is the nation's largest annual celebration of cowboy culture. For six days in January the community of Elko welcomes thousands of cowboys and cowgirls, poets and musicians, artisans and scholars, rural and city people—all of whom share a love of the American West and the artistic traditions of ranching and cowboy culture. More than 60 poets and musicians from the U.S., Canada, Australia and Hungary will perform on eight stages at five different venues throughout Elko. Additional highlights include cowboys from Hungary, the Marshall Ford Swing Band (featuring Emily Gimble, granddaughter of Texas fiddle legend Johnny Gimble), Ian Tyson, The Quebe Sisters, Wylie and the Wild West, and renowned cowboy poets Waddie Mitchell, Baxter Black and Wallace McRae. Tickets to the 27^th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering can be purchased online at www.westernfolklife.org or by calling 888-880-5885.

"B" Street House Bed & Breakfast Virginia City Nevada

Experience what it was like during the old west with the comforts of today at "B" Street House Bed & Breakfast in historic Virginia City, Nevada. Built in 1875, the “B” Street House underwent an award-winning restoration in 2007 to a three-bedroom guest inn. Period antiques and reproductions will transport you to the charm of the Victorian era in the Silver State. All “B” Street House guest rooms are upstairs, and feature private baths with tub/shower combinations, queen-sized beds, cable TV/DVD, free high-speed internet, air-conditioning with private thermostat, fine chocolates, and many other amenities. Two rooms have large windows with views of the city and surrounding mountains. Along with the outstanding accommodations you get a full breakfast with seasonal fruits, home baked pastries, and a hot entrée which changes daily. At tea time, sample fresh cookies, snacks, gourmet coffee, tea and cocoa served in the parlor. For more information please visit www.bstreethouse.com/

Nevada Museums You Might Not Know About

We have added a couple of new Nevada museums to our list of favorites on Nevadadaytrips.com These two museums are defiantly not your average bones and relics places but are important links to the history of Nevada. The first museum is the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum located in McCarran International Airport,. This museum documents the history of commercial and general aviation in southern Nevada. The second new museum added to our listing is the Searchlight Community Museum. Located in the Searchlight Community Center, the museum focuses on the history of this historic Nevada mining town.

Mormon Station State Historic Park

Mormon Station State Historic Park

Genoa, Nevada is located a short secnic drive outside of Carson City, and about 40 miles south of Reno, Nevada. The town is Home to only 250 people, as so offers a quaint town charm with a historical feel. It’s a resort town, with a relaxed atmosphere to get away from the congestion and bustle of city life. The township was founded in 1850 as the first settlement of the Nevada Territory. First settled by Mormon pioneers, the area acted as a trading post called Mormon Station for travelers on the California trail. Nevada's first newspaper called the Territorial Enterprise was founded in the town in 1858 and employed Mark Twain. Another first for the state, the Genoa Bar, was patronized by Teddy Roosevelt and Johnny Cash and was used in John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. The town served as the set for the movie Misery, starring Kathy Bates. Mormon State Park is located in town across the street from Genoa Square. Read the full article about Mormon Station State Historic Park.