We know you have questions. Some of the answers might be here. If this doesn't answer your questions, please contact us now.
Gathering Dates
- When is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
The next in-person Gathering will be held February 20-22, 2025, and each year thereafter on the 3rd Thursday through Saturday of February. We also offer cowboy poetry and music on film, streamed from this website.
Gathering Tickets
- Is there a charge to see the cowboy poetry and music?
The 2024 Gathering offered a "Taste of the Gathering" session with eleven performers, and numerous daytime sessions with no individual ticket. The 2025 Gathering should be similar. We offer paid shows on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon, Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday evening.
- When can I buy tickets for the 2025 Gathering?
Member ticket sales for 2025 begin Sept. 15, 2024. Ticket sales for the general public begin Nov. 1.
- Where do I buy tickets?
Online or in person at the Gathering. There is a $5 surcharge on all tickets sold at the door. And tickets sell quickly, so you may want to purchase in advance.
Gathering Performers
- Who is performing in the 2025 Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
Performers will be announced in the summer or early fall. Please sign up to receive the newsletter to stay up to date as we highlight performers before the 2025 Gathering.
- How do I get invited to perform at the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
Performers for the "Branding Crew" are mindfully chosen according to how they fit in with the
Gathering as a whole. We are looking for authentic, talented poets, reciters, musicians, and
songwriters that honestly portray the western traditions of our way of life. Here's our application form. Please submit your biography with contact information by April 1 to be considered for the following year's Gathering. Currently we are accepting applications for the February 2025 Gathering.
- I'm disappointed that my favorite performer is not performing this year. How did that happen?
Every year we bring our attendees a "Branding Crew" that will provide memorable
performances. It is a mix of old favorites and introducing new "soon-to-be favorites" that will
fulfill our mission of honoring the tradition of the working cowboy/cowgirl through poetry and music.
All the larger gatherings rotate performers to keep it fresh and give other artists a chance to
take part. Some prior performers will be back in future gatherings.
- Will the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering have open mic sessions in 2025?
We expect so. Please check back for the open mic signup form.
Gathering Format (Alpine, 2025)
- Will there be a Chuckwagon Breakfast?
Yes, a Chuckwagon Breakfast will be served both Friday and Saturday mornings. Enjoy biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and coffee in the cool morning air of Poet's Grove in Kokernot Park. Buy your ticket for the breakfast when you book your tickets for the shows.
- Did I hear you are offering an evening meal option?
Yes, the Gathering is sponsoring three catered suppers at the Alpine Civic Center, in order to expand the number of tables available in our small town. Supper will be served from 5:30 PM to 7 PM each evening. Tickets will be available when you book your tickets for shows.
- Will there be a Saturday Night Dance this year?
No, there will not be a dance after the Saturday Night Show in 2025.
Gathering Location
- Where is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
The February 2025 Gathering will be headquartered on the campus of Sul Ross State University in beautiful Alpine, Texas.
- Tell me more about Sul Ross State University.
Sul Ross State University enrolls about 2,000 students on its Alpine campus in the Davis Mountains. The school has a working ranch as part of its animal science programs, and SRSU is the birthplace of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. The Museum of the Big Bend is located on the Alpine SRSU campus. SRSU also has campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, offering upper-level courses leading to bachelor's and master's degrees. Here's a map of the Alpine campus with our performance venues marked.
- Where can I stay if I want to attend the Gathering in Alpine in 2025?
Please see our lodging page for options.
Our Films
- How many films has the Gathering produced?
Our first two films, Keeping the Tradition Alive and The Legacy Lives On, are complete. You can rent either film for $10 (1-year rental) and watch it online.
- Who performs in Keeping the Tradition Alive?
The performers in Keeping the Tradition Alive include poet Joel Nelson (filmed at his ranch in Alpine, TX); musicians Dale Burson, Randy Huston, and Rod Taylor (filmed together at Rod's ranch near Cimarron, NM, with some footage at Randy's ranch near Rociada, NM); and R.W. Hampton (filmed at his ranch near Cimarron, NM). Narration is by John Moore, known as a horse trainer and musician. The film was produced, directed, and edited by John and Erika Moore.
- Who performs in The Legacy Lives On?
You'll hear poetry and music from Gail Steiger and Amy Hale, poetry by Ray Fizgerald, and music from Dave Stamey and Mikki Daniel. Narration is by John Moore, known as a horse trainer and musician. The film was produced, directed, and edited by John and Erika Moore.
Gathering History & Organization
- What happened to the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
The widely acclaimed Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering was held in Alpine for 33 years. In February 2019, the steering committee for the TCPG announced that the 2019 event would be the final event.
- How many Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gatherings have been held?
Four so far: 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The inaugural Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering was held Feb. 21-22, 2020 and was enjoyed by all. We were unable to hold the in-person Gathering in 2021 because of the pandemic, but we did produce two feature-length films, each featuring five cowboy poets on their ranches. Stream those films from our website here. More than 1,500 people from 30 states and 4 countries attended our 2022 gathering, and 2023 brought 2,260 people from 29 states and 2 countries. The Saturday night show for 2023 (Charlie Goodnight: His Life in Poetry and Song) sold out, and we were thrilled that over 35% of our attendees were new to Alpine and to cowboy poetry. We also added a show rodeo in 2023 to showcase and benefit the Sul Ross State University rodeo team. The 2024 Gathering brought attendees from 34 states and at least 6 countries to Alpine. The Wednesday night Show Rodeo raised $1375 for the SRSU Rodeo Team, and the Saturday night show (Roll On, Cowboys) played to a packed house.
- Is the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering a non-profit organization?
Yes! Our purpose is exclusively charitable and educational in nature, and shall be to remember, recite, sing, record, publish, illustrate, film, portray, broadcast, market, and honor narratives of the cowboy way told in poetry, song, stories, and art by those who have lived that life to those who enjoy and learn from it every day.
We inform, engage, and mobilize all ages to take actions, raise funds, and participate in events, media, and curricula that celebrate, communicate, and promote the cowboy way of life everywhere.
We received 501(c)(3) status retroactive to the date of our founding (July, 2019). All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
- Who directs the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering?
Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering incorporated in July, 2019. As of June 2024, the board of directors is made up of Robert Aguirre, Bandera County, TX; Elizabeth Baize, Fort Davis, TX; Robbie Burns, Alpine, TX; Phil Elmore, Gainesville, TX; Marian Freeland, Alpine, TX; Bill Jones, New Tazewell, TN; Karen Lloyd, Newport, RI; Karen McGuire, Alpine, TX; Kay Nowell, Alpine, TX; Gene Nowell, Alpine, TX; Vess Quinlan, Alamosa, CO; David Richmond, Lindrith, NM; Chris Ryden, Midland, TX; Jim Street, Alpine, TX; and Patrick Sullivan, Fairfax Station, VA. Event producer: Bob Saul, Fort Worth. Film production and advisors to the board: John and Erika Moore, Dove Creek, CO. Advisors to the board: Rachel Barrett, Alpine; Jim Goodnight, Dallas; Andy Hedges, Lubbock.
