National Ranching Heritage Center to host inaugural ‘Ranch Verse’ Aug. 5

Join cowboy songster Andy Hedges and special guests, Boots O’Neal, Randy Rieman, Dave Stamey, Red Steagall, and Andy Wilkinson, for a day of Western storytelling, song and poetry at the inaugural ‘Ranch Verse’ on Aug. 5 in Lubbock.

“Ranch Verse will feature a variety of programming that will include working cowboy stories, cowboy poetry, western music, and discussions of ranch culture,” host Andy Hedges said.

“One highlight will be Randy Rieman’s presentation on the illustrated letters of cowboy artist Charlie Russell, which is a fascinating look at the American West during Russell’s time.”

Daytime events will be free to the public and take place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock.

A special welcome performance of cowboy poetry, range ballads, and storytelling by Red Steagall, Andy Wilkinson, Randy Rieman, and Dave Stamey will kick off the day from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

From 1 to 2 p.m., visitors can hear a live interview with Four Sixes Ranch cowboy and Ranching Heritage Association Working Cowboy Award recipient Boots O’Neal for broadcast on the “Cowboy Crossroads” podcast with Andy Hedges.

Randy Rieman will take the stage from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. to present the illustrated letters of cowboy artist Charles M. Russell through slides, commentary, and the spoken word.

Daytime events will conclude with a discussion from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. featuring Red Steagall, Andy Hedges, and Dave Stamey on the poetry, music, and art emerging from Western culture.

An evening performance will follow from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the historic Cactus Theater with cowboy songster Andy Hedges, western songwriter Dave Stamey, and the legendary Red Steagall.

Tickets for the evening performance start at $25 and are on sale at the Cactus Theater website.

“The mission of the National Ranching Heritage Center is to preserve and interpret the history of ranching,” Hedges said.

“Cowboy poetry and music is a way for ranching folks to tell their own story in their own words, so it is exciting to bring this art form to the National Ranching Heritage Center.”

Limited edition letterpress posters by artist Dirk Fowler will be available for purchase.

For questions, contact 806-742-0498.