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COWBOY POETRY & MUSIC FESTIVALS

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ELEVENTH ANNUAL CAMPFIRE TALES: COLD TEMPERATURES AND HOT PERFORMANCES                                          By Charles Williams

^{Alan Thompson, Stan Mahler, Dan Roberts, Charles Williams and Lanny  JoeBurnett}

 FORT WORTH,TX-The temperatures outside were cold, but inside the West Arena at the Fort Worth Stock Show, performances by the singers, poets, storytellers and musicians kept the temperature red hot at the Eleventh Annual Campfire Tales. This was the first time the show went three days, from January 21^{st through the 23rd, and the great talent kept large and enthusiastic audiences entertained all three days. From the opening act iPokes (Lanny Joe Burnett and Royce Smithey) Monday noon to the closing ensemble of Texas TrailHands joined by the rest of the performers Wednesday night, highlight after highlight after highlight kept the Arena hopping as new favorites and old friends put on a memorable show.}

The combination of Lanny Joe and Royce, who call themselves “iPokes”, started things off on a high note, with a blend of songs and poems. Who knew LJ could sing? And well? They were followed by such outstanding poets as Gail Burton (the creator of Randy Jones and Booger Red), the Pride of Oklahoma “Straw” Berry, Alan and Diane Thompson (Ridin’ Side by Side, which also happens to be the title of their excellent book of cowboy poetry), the Sweetheart (NOT Queen) of the Rodeo Teresa Burleson, and Western Horseman featured poet Monte Teel. On the musical side, Monday was one of the best and most diverse days of music ever presented at Campfire Tales. The Terry Family (Bob, Johnie (NOT Gwen) and Chance) kicked off with their special brand of powerful Western and Gospel music – and we do mean powerful. (Their singing caused a bright light to shine upon the stage. Coincidence? Maybe – but I believe!) They were followed by long time Stock Show favorites Stan Mahler and Judy James. Stan and Judy are favorites because they both present Cowboy music at its finest – crisp, professionally delivered, enticingly listenable old and new standards. It was, however, the groups of musicians on stage that gave the day it’s special flavor. Devon Dawson (guitar and vocal), Katie Howell (fiddle), Buck Helton (guitar and vocal), Jess Meador (fiddle), Brooke Wallace (fiddle), “Outlaw” Jessie Del Robertson (vocal, saxophone and whistling) and Al “Cornbread” Connor (vocals, percussion and tub bass –and several other amazing effects) in various combinations backed other musicians and poets, formed the basis for two on-stage jams, and in general kept both the stage and hallway on top buzzing and filled with musical energy. Devon and Buck presented their usual; highly enjoyable takes on Cowboy, Western and Swing music. The first on-stage jam was The Cowtown Opry Saddle Pals Show, when “Gentleman” Jack Walton (vocal and lead guitar), Tree Walton (acoustic bass and vocals) and Ashley “Texas Red” Gilbreath (vocals) joined the above mentioned for a memorable set. They also formed the basis for the FWSSR Phil R. Monic Orchestra and Chorus. On Monday, the role of Phil (the musical director) was filled by welcome newcomer (to the Stock Show, but certainly not to the Ft. Worth Music scene) Buck Reames. Monday has to rate as one of the Phil R. Monic’s best shows.

John Buttram doing some of the MC duties

The musical bill for Monday had more, however. Between the CTO Saddle Pals and the Phil R. Monic, The amazing Bremer family (Johnny, Charlie, Jessica, Ryan and Joseph) took center stage. If you close your eyes, you would believe they are a group of professionals who have been playing for many years instead of the group of very talented youngsters they are.

There is only one person who has enough talent, likeability, stage presence and musical experience to follow the Phil R. Monic by himself – the incomparable Dan Roberts. As the enthusiastic audience response proved, Dan was more than equal to the task.

Tuesday was more of the same, only different. Instead of music, Tuesday’s emphasis was on Tales and Stories. Charles Williams started things off with a wild tale about the Tabasco War, Dave Williams, Teresa Burleson and Monte Teel added poetry, and Waynetta Ausmus added another story. That, however, was far from the end. In response to audience demands for more Tales at Campfire Tales, The Pecos Bill Memorial Seminar and Lecture Series was presented by several PHDs – and they sure Piled it Higher and Deeper. “Roads Scholar” Gail Burton spoke on cold weather energy strategies, “Perfessor” David Williams spoke on creative uses of toilet paper, “Principaled” Waynetta Ausmus spoke the meeting between Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull, and “Full-not-so-bright Scholar” Charles Williams spoke on the proper method of managing railroads. That’ll teach ‘em to ask.

Music was not neglected. The Ackermans, a popular and talented musical duo from Dallas and around the world, gave a sample of their hugely varied repertoire. Bob plays guitar and Sally plays bass – and spurs. You had to be there to see (and hear) it. The Terrys made a repeat performance, as did Devon and Jess, Stan Mahler, and Buck Helton. Janet McBride made her 2008 debut, along with John Ingram. It was good to see both of them, and they entertained a highly appreciative audience with a great set. Bob Campbell took time out of a hectic schedule of moving to weave his magic, to everyone’s delight. Billy Joe Rogers, one of the few perennial performers, sang a highly entertaining set featuring old Country and Western favorites. The Phil R. Monic featured Devon as music director, making it, one supposes, the Phyllis R. Monic. The second part of the Phil R. Monic featured Valerie O’Brien and Her School of Fiddle students. Valerie was joined on stage by Katie Crawford, Kyle Russell, Cierra Moore, Noellel Nugent, Hailey Lamb, Katlyn Boone, Karissa Nugent, Emily Richey, Jessica Sell, Maleika Nugent, Cheyenne Craig and Schaylyn Kelly. Backup was provided by Rich O’Brien, who also introduced one of his new songs. Valerie has done a super job with these kids, who range in age from preteen to mid-teen. They sounded good.

^{Alan Thompsom, Diane Thompson, Lanny Joe Burnett, Teresa Burleson and Stan Mahler.}

The evening was topped off with the first appearance in a few years from the Wallace Family. Paul and his wonderfully gifted crew play an engaging brand of Western Swing, and as they grow older (which they are – Brooke is in college now!!!!), their sound matures with them. It’s still fresh and energetic, but it’s become tighter and smoother. Brooke, Sally Ann, Bethany, Caleb and Maddie Belle(with Paul on rhythm guitar) just sound better and better. Christy is getting Josh and Seth (who are a handful) ready as well. The really neat thing about them is that besides being so musically talented, they are the same friendly, down-to-earth folks they started out being.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, along came Wednesday. Right off the bat, it was time for The Phunky Phiddlers, otherwise know as Katie’s Kool Kids, to show the progress they’ve made. This year’s edition featured Miranda Coopman, Elizabeth Cardona, Summer Flores, Jackie Trujillo and Chelsea Willette. They played well.

(North Texas is very fortunate to have two of the finest fiddle teachers in the US here – Valerie O’Brien and Kate Howell. There are both very talented performers in their own right, and they both perform miracles teaching youngsters how to play a very difficult instrument. While the kids they get differ greatly – Katie teaches in a public school to middle schoolers and Valerie works with a wider variety, mostly younger private students, the result is the same – a new generation exposed to, and playing, Western Swing.)

The rest of the day was a mixture of poetry songs emphasizing the Cowboy. Repeat performers included Janet McBride and John Ingram, Gail Burton, Stan Mahler, Devon Dawson and Buck Helton. New poet John Pelham was a crowd pleaser, as was storyteller BJ Giles. Joe Wells (poet) and Frank Roberts (guitar and vocals) presented a very nicely done balance of song and story. Poets and singers working together like Joe and Frank do always provide an interesting and fascinating show for an audience. Jimmy Pate joined BJ Giles and added a nice musical touch to his time on stage as well. “Soughdough” Meyers is a singer, musician, historian, storyteller, strange instrument player – in short, an entertainer. Jack Blease made a return visit and once again showed his mastery of song and story honoring the American Cowboy. The music director of the Phil R. Monic on Wednesday was Buck Helton, and it tended to be more cowboy than Western Swing, but a good time was had by all, especially the very appreciative audience.

The best way to wrap up a sublime three days is with a rousing, foot-stomping, high energy, musically exciting act – in short, the Texas Trail Hands. Miss. Devon, “Chuckwagon” Chuck, “Rodeo” Kate, “Hoot” Al and “Red River” Rick provided the perfect note, sending the audience home tapping their feet. All the remaining performers joined the Trail Hands for a fitting close, and a promise of next year

The Eleventh Annual Campfire Tales could have not been the success it was without the efforts of all involved. Besides the performers, John Buttram performed MC duties with his usual style and humor. Liz Campbell of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram gave us excellent press coverage, as always. Matt Brockman and all the members of the Stock Show staff once again provided us with support, encouragement and, most important, a place to play. Lanny Joe Burnett helped with arrangements and carpentry. A special thanks needs to be extended to Devon Dawson. There are only a handful of people who have been associated with all eleven shows, and Devon is one of them. Her energy, enthusiasm and élan are truly the spark that lights the Campfire.

Cowboy Poetry in Mesquite

by Harlo Birkholz  Photo by Smoke Wade