It’s story time in Arizona as Cochise County prepares to host the 23rd Annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering. Running Feb. 6–8 at the Buena Performing Arts Center in Sierra Vista, the gathering brings together poets, storytellers, musicians and performers from Australia, Canada and the United States to celebrate life on the range. This year’s theme is “It’s Rodeo!” and the program blends traditional cowboy verse, contemporary songwriters and spirited stage performances.
Headlining the event is three-time Female Cowboy Poet of the Year Sam DeLeeuw, whose work combines humor, grit and heartfelt reflection. Also featured are seasoned poet Slim Farnsworth and buckaroo balladeer Patty Clayton, both known for vivid tales of ranch life and western tradition. Canadian writer and reciter Doris Daley will present pieces rich in regional character, while poet-musician Doug Figgs offers a mix of spoken word and musical accompaniment.
Celtic Fusion performer Arvel Bird brings a cross-cultural musical sensibility that complements the western repertoire, and the singing trio Trails & Rails provides harmonies rooted in Americana and cowboy song. New Mexico singer-songwriter Mike Moutoux adds original ballads that capture desert landscapes and ranch-working themes.
The gathering also highlights emerging talent: winners of the Student Poetry Contest will take the stage to share fresh perspectives on ranch life, community and the enduring cowboy spirit. Each day concludes with informal jam sessions at the Windermere Hotel, where performers and attendees mingle, trade songs and extend the evening’s storytelling in a relaxed, social setting.
Attendees can expect a mix of staged performances, intimate recitations and opportunities to hear new voices alongside established artists. The event’s community focus encourages connections among performers and audience members, celebrating western heritage while welcoming contemporary interpretations of cowboy poetry and music.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of cowboy verse, a music lover curious about western traditions, or a student of storytelling, the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering offers several days of engaging performances, cultural exchange and enthusiastic participation. The Buena Performing Arts Center provides a comfortable venue for these events, while nearby gatherings at local hotels foster informal collaboration and late-night jam sessions.
This year’s “It’s Rodeo!” theme promises lively, rodeo-inspired material alongside reflective poems and songs that explore ranching life, cowboy humor and the landscapes that shape western storytelling. With a blend of international performers and regional talent, the 23rd annual gathering continues a tradition of honoring the music and poetry of the range while introducing new audiences to the craft.