The Fifth Annual Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering will take place from February 20-22, 2025, at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. This popular event celebrates Western culture with cowboy poetry, music, and storytelling.
The gathering attracts cowboy poets, musicians, and fans from across Texas and beyond. “It’s a privilege to be among those from the cowboy life, as they share poetry and music inspired by their work with cattle and horses,” says Event Producer Bob Saul.
This year’s event will feature a mix of returning performers and new talents, highlighting the traditions of the working cowboy. Kay Nowell, Event Co-Chair and a Cowboy Poetry enthusiast since 1985, looks forward to introducing new attendees to the art form. “A Gathering is hard to explain. You have to experience it to truly understand and become a devoted fan,” she says. “Everyone is welcome around ‘our campfire.'”
The Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering was founded by Bob Saul in 2019 after the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering retired in 2018. “We formed a new nonprofit to continue the same energy and spirit as before,” Saul explains. “Once again, we’ll have an historic event in Alpine with award-winning cowboy poets, singer-songwriters, and old-time cowboys.”
The 2025 gathering will feature a stellar lineup of performers, including Dale Burson, Craig Carter (with Zack Casey), Allan Chapman and Rodeo Kate, Juni Fisher, Patricia Frolander, Pipp Gillette (with Lloyd Wright), Jeff Gore, Skip Gorman, Amy Hale, R.W. Hampton, Kristyn Harris, Andy Hedges, Brenn Hill, Darrell Holden, Carson Houser, Randy Huston, Ross Knox, John Lowell, Deanna McCall, Zack McGinn, Chuck Milner (with Hallie Milner), Roger Mills, John Moore, Terry Nash, Andy Nelson, Joel Nelson, Vess Quinlan, Brigid & Johnny Reedy, Kye Rieff, Randy Rieman, Jake Riley, Chris Ryden, Trinity Seely, Tom Sharpe, R.P. Smith, Jay Snider, Gail Steiger, Rod Taylor, and Andy Wilkinson (with Emily Wilkinson).
Cowboy poet Andy Hedges, a longtime participant, reflects on the gathering’s lasting appeal: “I started attending 25 years ago, and it’s like a reunion now. It’s a time to connect with old and new friends and celebrate the arts and culture of the working cowboy.”
About Bob Saul
Bob Saul grew up on one of Charles Goodnight’s ranches in the Texas panhandle. His family has been ranching in Texas for seven generations, dating back to 1821. Saul’s deep connection to cowboy culture continues to drive the success of the gathering.
