Cowboys & Poetry... who knew?
I love "firsts". They only happen once and today's was definitely unique with us visiting Nevada's first permanent settlement, Genoa (1851):
Steve and I knew we wanted to spend time in Genoa, and this festival was a great introduction. After yesterday's rainy, blustery day, strolling the quaint town and taking in all the events offered made our day warm, spring day completely unforgettable.
My favorite hour was spent with Mark Twain (portrayed by McAvoy Layne). It was as if we were sitting with the amazing man himself. I laughed and learned. What an awesome, and too quick, sixty minutes.
We learned about the Pony Express, "Snowshoe" Thompson (who will get his own blog post one day) and the famous and infamous Gunfighters of the 1850s. Each event provided a wonderful lesson in a town that embodies history.
We ended our day at the Genoa Bar (est. 1853), Nevada's oldest thirst parlor. Many notables have consumed libations here before us: Mr. Twain, Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and "Teddy" Roosevelt, Carol Lombard and Clark Gable, Lauren Bacall, Ronnie Howard, Red Skelton, Cliff Robertson and all of the Nevada Governors. What an appropriate place for us to conclude our Genoa history lesson with a toast to some pretty amazing characters.
The Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival is a wonderful blend of setting, heritage and western culture and entertainment. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada in the beautiful Carson Valley, historic Genoa is the site of the first ranch in Nevada and still has working cattle ranches literally steps from the town. From its 19th century beginnings, cowboys and ranching have shared work, words and music here. You'd be hard pressed to find a better place to celebrate the unique forms of Cowboy Poetry, Western music and the Western lifestyle.
Q. Just what is Cowboy Poetry, anyway?
A. Not exactly what you think! Cowboy poetry has associations in the music and verse of Europe, Africa, Asia and the American West. It is poetry that is preferably recited, not read. Usually it is metered and rhymed. Its subjects reflect the lives of men and women whose experiences with animals and the land have brought to them a special perspective on life. Cowboy poetry is a statement of philosophy and a form of entertainment. Its appeal exceeds the bounds that are implied in its name. Sure, cowboys enjoy it, and the odds are that you will, too. http://www.cowboypoetrygenoa.com/
Steve and I knew we wanted to spend time in Genoa, and this festival was a great introduction. After yesterday's rainy, blustery day, strolling the quaint town and taking in all the events offered made our day warm, spring day completely unforgettable.
My favorite hour was spent with Mark Twain (portrayed by McAvoy Layne). It was as if we were sitting with the amazing man himself. I laughed and learned. What an awesome, and too quick, sixty minutes.
We learned about the Pony Express, "Snowshoe" Thompson (who will get his own blog post one day) and the famous and infamous Gunfighters of the 1850s. Each event provided a wonderful lesson in a town that embodies history.
We ended our day at the Genoa Bar (est. 1853), Nevada's oldest thirst parlor. Many notables have consumed libations here before us: Mr. Twain, Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and "Teddy" Roosevelt, Carol Lombard and Clark Gable, Lauren Bacall, Ronnie Howard, Red Skelton, Cliff Robertson and all of the Nevada Governors. What an appropriate place for us to conclude our Genoa history lesson with a toast to some pretty amazing characters.
1 comments:
That sounds like a great experience. Cowboy poetry sounds a lot like African griots-storytellers who entertain with history lessons and biographies.
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