Nevada cowboy poet set to debut exclusive state poem
Courtesy of Scott O’Malley & Associates
Nevada cowboy poet set to debut exclusive state poem Carson City – Waddie Mitchell, Nevada’s cowboy poet, has been announced as the Honorary Poet of the Silver State’s Sesquicentennial. As such, on Monday, Jan. 27, Mitchell will debut a poem he has written in honor of the state’s 150th birthday during “Home Means Nevada,” the first show of the 30th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev. — a Nevada 150 official event. “In honor of this most special occasion, iconic Nevadan, Waddie Mitchell, will debut a powerful poem he has written in tribute to this state and her people in his newest role – Nevada’s “Sesquicentennial Poet”, said Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki. “His performance at the Gathering will certainly be one of the great highlights of this year-long celebration and I’m honored to be a part of it.” Mitchell will serve as the state’s honorary poet for the Sesquicentennial, making appearances at several Nevada 150 events throughout the year. The poem, titled “The Dame Nevada,” was written by Mitchell exclusively for the 150th birthday celebration. Mitchell has not been commissioned to write a poem for a specific occasion since the Salt Lake Olympics in 2002. “As a native of this great state, the inspiration of this poem came straight from my experience and time spent in Nevada,” said Mitchell. “As I wrote this poem, I brainstormed all of the words that came to mind when I thought of Nevada. Those realities then turned to warm fuzzies, creating this poem that truly celebrates our state and its history.” Joining Mitchell for the special performance is poet Walt “Bimbo” Cheney, writer Carolyn Dufurrena and songster Richard Elloyan. Hosted by Meg Glaser with a welcome by Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki, the event takes place at the G Three Bar Theater in the Western Folklife Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets to the event cost $20. For more information about the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, visit www.westernfolklife.org/national-cowboy-poetry-gathering. For more information about this event and to view all the upcoming events for the Nevada 150 celebration, please visit www.nevada150.org.
