Posts Tagged ‘Elko’
The Latest Chapter in the Cowboy Poetry Photo Project: A Photographic Adventure with Amy and Gail Steiger
Recently, for the first time since 2009, before my daughter was born, I was able to shoot again for my project documenting the cowboy poets and musicians who I have met in Elko, Nevada over the past decade and then some at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. I have simply come to refer to this body of work as the “Cowboy Poetry Project.”
This past June I had the honor and pleasure of visiting the talented Amy and Gail Steiger at work on the Spider Ranch outside of Prescott, Arizona. They were working cows together during the days I spent with them.
The latest installment of the project, which are images I made during time spent with the Steigers has just been posted to the section of my website also titled “Cowboy Poetry Project.”
To see the latest images of Amy and Gail Steiger click here.
To get to the cowboy poetry page click here.

June 10, 2016 – Prescott, Arizona, Gail and Amy Steiger at the Spider Ranch outside of Prescott, Arizona (Jessica Brandi Lifland/)
The intention of the project was to offer a glimpse into the worlds of the cultural storytellers of the American West. The images are meant to go beyond the stage persona – which is how many see them; onstage performing in their fringed leather, pristine “show” hats and colorful dress up boots, but as they are in their regular daily lives. All the performers whom I have worked with lead or have led authentic Western lives, which they draw from for their creativity.
These shoots are a mere glimpse into their worlds at a point in time during my visit with each of them. Some actively cowboy, some have moved on to other daily activities, some never cowboyed, but are very much a part of the fabric of the American West. Appearances, relationships, jobs and homes have changed for some of them since the photos were made. In fact, I am particularly grateful for the time I spent with Jack Walther and his wife Irene on their farm in Lamoille, Nevada. He has passed since our visit.
This project was originally conceived to be a photography book, with a poem by each artist to accompany the images. It was not intended to be an iconic Western cowboys and horses photography book. These beautiful books already exist thanks to the talents of people such as Jay Duasrd and others. I do have to mention the influence of William Albert Allard, whose work has influenced my ideas for this since inception.
I am interested in your opinions and advice and assistance in regards to the process of making this book a reality. Where do I go from here?
I do plan to continue to shoot and if any one of you wonderful Elko performers (you know who you are) would like to discuss a visit to your ranch or home, please contact me and let’s get it going.
Thank you,
Jessica
Photographs from the 2016 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Elko Nevada
Images from the Western Folklife’s NCPG
More pictures posted on the following links:
The Western Folklife Centers Flickr feed: flikr
Student workshop slide show from a day at the Buzzetti Ranch in Lamoile, Nevada
a more complete gallery on my website www.jessicalifland.com
instagram account: jblif
Twitter: @jesslifland

January 28, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Thursday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 28, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Thursday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Backstage before an open mic session on Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 31, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 30, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Saturday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 29, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Friday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 28, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Thursday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 28, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Thursday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)

January 28, 2016 – Elko, Nevada, United States: Thursday at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. (Jessica Brandi Lifland/Freelance)
Photographs from the 2014 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Elko, Nevada
Images from Elko:
Additional images as I edit:
Fred Newman Effects Master of Prairie Hone Companion Fame
Friday:
Glenn Ohrlin, Brigid Reedy and John Reedy Backstage. Brigid and Glenn are almost 80 years apart in age but have developed an offstage friendship and onstage rapport.
Glenn Ohrlin and Brigid Reedy onstage discuss what they should play next. They are almost 80 years apart in age but have developed an offstage friendship and onstage rapport.
Kristyn Harris and Trinity Seely hug backstage between performances
A high school girl prepares to go onstage to recite poetry with Joel Nelson.
A woman hugs Sheldeen Haleamau of the Gary Haleamau Family Band. She tells Haleamau that their music brought her back 50 years to when she and her husband lived in Hawaii. The moment brought tears to both of their eyes.
Sheldeen Haleamau of the Gary Haleamau Family Band backstage
Cajun and Zydeco dance class with Dick and Sandy Sturm.
Weigand Gallery opening reception for the exhibit, “Expressing the Rural West – Into the Future.”
Mustache, Elko, Nevada
D.W. Groethe at the Elko Convention Center before the Friday night performance of the Trail’s End Ranch Radio Show.
Ian Tyson Backstage before his show.
Thursday:
Late night jam at the Western Folklife Center.
Backstage with Riders in the Sky
Wednesday:
#elkocowboypoetry #westernfolklife
Teen Poetry Workshop with Randy Rieman and Joel Nelson
Teen Poetry Workshop with Randy Rieman and Joel Nelson
Backstage before the premier of the Trail’s End Ranch Radio Show
Music jam at The Star Basque restaurant with Kristyn Harris
D.W. Groethe talks into a can impersonating an alien at the Trail’s End Ranch Radio Show
Teen Poetry Slam at the Western Folklife Center G3 Bar Theater
Teen Poetry Slam at the Western Folklife Center G3 Bar Theater
2013 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Photographs Elko, Nevada
Images from the 2013 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
To see more or order prints click here
Brigid and John Reedy at the Friday night dance with the Saddle Cats.
Texas Two-Step dance class with music performed live by Wylie and the Wild West
Texas Two-Step dance class with music performed live by Wylie and the Wild West
Wylie and the Wild West pack up after performing at a Texas Two-Step dance class.
John Reedy and Brigid Reedy watch Wally McRae on a screen backstage as McRae performs live onstage to the right.
Wally McRae, Elizabeth Ebert and Randy Rieman backstage before a show at the Elko Convention Center
Marco Rufo plays the Italian organetto for an audience. He and Gianluca Zammarelli performed Italian Traditional rural music at the G Bar Theater.
D.W. Groethe onstage during a poetry session.
The Quebe sisters and Max Baca listen to Josh Baca of Max Baca and the Los Texmaniacs demonstrate with the accordion backstage after their performances. Scenes from the 29th annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. January 30, 2013. (Photo by Jessica Brandi Lifland)
To read about the 2013 gathering visit westernfolklifecenter.wordpress.com
2012 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Images
Photographs from the 28th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada.
The 2012 archives are up: Click Here for the gallery of photographer’s top picks.
If you are looking for performance images of a particular poet or musician from 2012, contact me, the photographer at jess@jessicalifland.com.
For more posts including one about a ravioli workshop at the Gathering called “The Whole Ravioli with Chef Luc Gerber” written by me on the Western Folklife Center’s Blog: Click Here.
Saturday, February 4th:
Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints out back before a performance.
Friday February 3rd:
Cowboy Poets Wally McRae and Brigid Reedy backstage before a performance.
Friday night dance with Hot Club of Cow Town
Thursday February 2nd:
Cowboy Poet Waddie Mitchell recites a new poem after receiving the Nevada Heritage Award for 2012.
Dalton Chambers. 9 from Elko, Nevada waits for his father before heading to the children’s talent show.
Cowboy Poet and Musician Andy Hedges with his 5 month old daughter Maggie Rose.
After John Reedy asks, Cowboy Poet Glenn Ohrlin shows his guitar to the Reedy family. John Reedy, far left and Brigid Reedy, center are also performers and have performed at the Gathering
Wednesday February 1st:
Backstage with Michael Martin Murphy before his show.
Around a campfire with musicians Rod Taylor and Don Richmond and others.
The 27th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering 2011, Elko Nevada
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering 2011 images are posted.
Link to 2011 Gathering Archives
Link to 2011 folder of photographer’s 25 favorites
Link to 2011 images of artists by name
Link to 2011’s 155 candid images
Link to complete Gathering Archives from 2004 til present
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It’s cowboy poetry time. To learn more go to www.westernfolklife.org
To see the Western Folklife Center Blog Click Here
Saturday at the Gathering:
Cowboy Poet and large animal veterinarian, Baxter Black waits backstage watching another act before being introduced to the audience before his show.
View from Backstage at the convention center auditorium during the Gathering on Saturday.
Chuck Milner and his family warm up backstage before performing on Saturday at the Gathering.
Scene of Elko at night during the Gathering.
Friday at the Gathering:
One of the youngest cowboy poets. Cora Woods, right, recites in a session with one of the most seasoned of cowboy poets, watching, left, Georgie Sicking.
The drummer for the Marshall Ford Swing band, backstage, warms up before their show.
Cowboy poet and musician Gary McMahan waits back stage as he is introduced to the audience.
Geno Delafose watches from backstage before his band, Geno Delafose and the French Rockin’ Boogie out of Louisiana has their show.
Cowboy Poet Waddie Mitchell.
Cowboy Poet Brigit Reedy, center and Cowboy Poet Cora Woods, left, two of the youngest performers at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, do an impromptu jam session on Friday night. Johnny Reedy, 5, sits, right.
Johnny Reedy, 5, chimes in on his harmonica while his sister, Cowboy Poet Brigit Reedy and Cowboy Poet Cora Woods, two of the youngest performers at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, do an impromptu jam session on Friday night.
Cowboy Poet Cora Woods, left, dances with Cowboy Poet Brigit Reedy, right, two of the youngest performers at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering dance together to music performed by Marshall Ford Swing Band at a Friday evening swing dance party at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Thursday at the Gathering:
Cowboy poet Sandy Seaton Sallee of Montana, backstage after a performance at the Western Folklife Center.
Special guests to the Cowboy Poetry Gathering are members of the Hungarian Herding Culture. During the Opening of the Exhibit on Herdsmen and Horsemen of the Hungarian Puszta at the Wiegand Gallery, they demonstrated Hungarian style saddle making and weaving with guests of the gallery.
A guest of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering examines an example of Hungarian weaving. Special guests to the Cowboy Poetry Gathering are members of the Hungarian Herding Culture. During the Opening of the Exhibit on Herdsmen and Horsemen of the Hungarian Puszta at the Wiegand Gallery, they demonstrated Hungarian style saddle making and weaving with guests of the gallery.
Ed Littlefield, Jr, of the band Marley’s Ghost warms up on the electric steele guitar before a performace at the western Folklife Center.
Musician Muzzie Braun, left and musician and folklorist Hal Cannon, right, chat backstage before Hal introduces Muzzie during Thursday evening’s performance at the Gathering.
Backstage before a performance, cowboy poet and musician D.W. Groethe, left, and cowboy poet Jess Howard, right, warm up for the show called “Dakota Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Wednesday at the Gathering:
Cowboy Poet Waddie Mitchell Works on finishing up a hat that he made for himself in hat making workshop under the instruction of Roy Jackson.
Teresa Jordan, writer and show host, right, waits for cowboy poet Glenn Ohrlin to exit the stage to congratulate him on a job well done, after an afternoon performance.
John Doran wipes the sweat from his brow while he teaches a workshop on dutch oven cooking.
John Doran teaches a workshop in dutch oven cooking. He lifts the lid of one of the dutch ovens to check on the progress of a cooking turkey.
New Addition
It’s been a while since I posted. I am behind in editing (as always) AND there is a new member of the family who has been demanding much of my attention…
Introducing Elko…
Friday at the Gathering
Click here to see more pictures of the 2009 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Look for audio interviews and radio stories go to A Time Travelers Dilemma.
Hal Cannon with the banjo.
Scotty Wilburn of Wylie and the Wild West band and his girlfriend Holly at the Pioneer Hotel in the Western Folklife Center.
Swing dance lessons
Dancing to Hot Club of Cowtown, a group based in Austin.
Ticket holder
Thursday in Elko
Portraits. I was photographing perfomances most of the day. Pulled these out here and there.
Wally McRae Check out his new book “Stick Horses and Other Stories of Ranch Life”
Waddie Mitchell and his wife Lisa, backstage.