Jetsettersblog

WITH THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons; the boys from Jersey, who have sold over 100 million records throughout their career will revive their classics at Dodge Theatre on Friday, March 13. The show will begin at 8:00pm with special guest The Manhattan Transfer. Tickets go on-sale THIS Monday, December 22 at 10am.

The band is widely recognized for the piercing falsetto of Frankie Valli and they continue to have their songs covered by bands all over the nation. They have an extensive list of songs including 71 chart hits (40 in the Top 40, 19 in the Top 10 and 8 that topped the charts at Number 1). Their chart-toppers include: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” Walk Like A Man, “Rag Doll,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and “Grease.”

Their success earned them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Most recently, the Tony-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” highlighting the lives and careers of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, sold out shows on Broadway and has permanent productions in New York, Chicago and London.

Manhattan Transfer made history in 1981 when it became the first group to win Grammy Awards in two different categories in the same year. Its Top 10 single “Boy From New York City” won the Pop category and “Until I Met You (Corner Pocket)” was honored for Best Jazz Performance. In all, the band has collected a total of eight Grammys – for hits such as “Birdland”, “Route 66”,” Why Not!”, “Brasil”, and “Sassy” – further cementing its icon status in the national and international music landscape.

Special Ticket Offer: 4 pack of reserved tickets $75.00 plus applicable fees.

Reserved tickets priced at $75.00, $65.00, $45.00 and a limited amount of Golden Circle tickets will be available at Dodge Theatre Box Office, www.livenation.com and to charge by phone call 602-379-2888 ext. 2 (Mon-Fri 10a-5p.) All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Special ticket offers are valid while supplies last. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, and service and handling charges. For more show information, check out www.livenation.com

With a remarkable 40 year career that has time and again redefined the boundaries of rock, musical pioneers YES will bring their iconic virtuosic musicianship and exhilarating live show to Dodge Theatre on Wednesday, February 25. The show will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets will go on-sale THIS Monday, December 22 at 10am.

A dominant force in rock music for more than four decades, YES has created some of rock’s most enduring and compelling hits and has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. The group has defined music history with their dynamic instrumental contrasts, extended song lengths and abstract lyrics. Their symphonic use of sound and innovative musical styles continues to make them the most successful progressive rock band in history. Their celebrated discography includes hits like “Owner of A Lonely Heart”, “I’ve Seen All Good People” and “Roundabout.” Now 40 years later their career continues to defy many of their rock counterparts.

YES have created visionary music derived from futuristic thinking and musicianship of the highest caliber. YES’ music has defied logic on many levels and survived many incarnations. For the uninitiated they have folk, rock and symphonic levels of music in their collective approach.

The line up for this tour includes founding member Chris Squire joined by Steve Howe, Alan White, Benoit David and Oliver Wakeman, son of former YES keyboardist Rick Wakeman. Chris Squire is not only one of the great bass players of modern times, but has a wonderful sense of musical timing that stands strong within the musical magic known as “Yes Music.” The same has to be said for the guitarist Steve Howe, who has folk, classical and rock music at his fingertips.

Alan White, who played with the celebrated John Lennon, is the truly gifted heart beat of the group on drums. All are revered by musicians around the world.

Special Ticket Offer: 4 pack of reserved tickets $75.00 plus applicable fees.

Reserved tickets priced at $60.00, $40.00 and a limited amount of Golden Circle tickets will be available at Dodge Theatre Box Office, www.livenation.com and to charge by phone call 602-379-2888 ext. 2 (Mon-Fri 10a-5p.) All dates, acts, and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Special ticket offers are valid while supplies last. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, and service and handling charges. For more show information, check out www.livenation.com

Hunters can start submitting applications now

PHOENIX — The 2009 Arizona Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information regulations booklet is available online at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/draw. Hunters interested in obtaining a hunt permit-tag via the draw process can start applying now.

All applications must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered to a department office – no online application process is available. Applications are due by 7 p.m. (MST) Feb. 10, 2009 – postmarks do not count.

To assist customers and reduce errors, a PDF application form can be filled out using a computer and keyboard, but must be printed, signed and submitted (along with the correct fees by check or money order) by mail, or by delivery to any department office. The form can also be printed and filled out using an ink pen.

Early applicants can take advantage of the “grace period” – those who submit an application by Jan. 22, 2009 will receive up to three calls from the department in a 24-hour period if an error is found on the application. If the applicant is reached by phone, the department will help fix the error to ensure a completed application.

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials said printed copies of the regulations should be available at license dealers across the state by mid-January.

For 2009, there are 26,474 elk tags available, a slight increase of 385 tags from last year, and 1,007 pronghorn-antelope tags available, a 1-permit increase from last year.

The elk over-the-counter nonpermit-tags (for limited areas) will continue to be offered in 2009. These tags are akin to a “limited opportunity” hunt in areas with very low elk populations. Hunters interested should thoroughly review the regulations and visit www.azgfd.gov/otc to download the “2009 Elk OTC Informational Handout” PDF for frequently asked questions, hunt area boundary descriptions and area maps before purchasing.

A 2009 hunting license is required to apply. Department officials encourage hunters to get their license before applying for an elk or antelope hunt permit-tag if they wish to do any other hunting in early 2009. Licenses purchased through the draw process will not be mailed out until April 24, 2009, regardless of application success.

The big game draw is a lottery-style process for allocating the limited number of Arizona big game hunting permits to applicants.

The department typically receives far more applications than there are available permits for the elk and antelope draw. Wildlife conservation and management of game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department is made possible by funding generated from the sale of hunting licenses, hunt permit-tags, and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition and related equipment.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities.

 If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

SANTA FE — New Mexico big-game hunters will see significant rule changes for the 2009-2010 seasons that affect the way hunters apply and pay for licenses and permits.

The new rules, adopted Dec. 4 by the State Game Commission, are in the 2009-2010 Big-Game Rules and Information Booklet, now available on the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us. A printed version of the booklet will be available in early January at more than 200 license vendors statewide, and at Department offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Raton, Roswell and Las Cruces.

Rule changes and important dates include:

2009-2010 seasons

Customer ID number: Beginning in 2009, everyone applying for a public-land license or permit, or purchasing a license via a private land authorization or the Valles Caldera must first obtain a Customer ID Number online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us  or in person from any Department office. This number must be included on each application, or the application will be rejected.

Application deadlines: Feb. 4 is the deadline to apply for oryx draw licenses, bear WMA permits, population management hunts, and turkey draw permits. April 8 is the deadline to apply for public deer permits; and elk, pronghorn antelope, ibex, Barbary sheep, javelina, and bighorn sheep draw licenses. Online applications must be made before 5 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline day.

Full fee up-front: Everyone applying for a pronghorn, bighorn sheep, ibex, javelina or Barbary sheep draw license must pay the full license and application fee when applying. Online applicants will be charged for the full license fee, plus the nonrefundable application fee at the time of application. Unsuccessful applicants will receive refunds.

New online application fees: The new nonrefundable application fees are $9 for residents and $12 for nonresidents.

Youth encouragement elk hunts: These hunts will be made available to youth hunters who applied for big-game hunts and were unsuccessful in the draw. These hunts will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

New unit boundaries: Several Game Management Unit boundaries have changed, including: the elimination of Unit 44 and the creation of a new Unit 59; and boundary adjustments in units 5B, 41, 45, 51, 52, 54 and 55B.

No deer application fees for resident disabled veterans: New Mexico resident Disabled American Veteran applicants do not need to submit an application fee when applying for a free deer permit.

2010-2011 seasons

Every-other-year restrictions: Beginning in license-year 2010-2011, anyone applying for a pronghorn license, or a public-draw Q (quality) or HD (high-demand) elk or deer license, may not have received a Q or HD public draw elk license the previous year.

Anyone with questions about the new rules or hunting and fishing in New Mexico is encouraged to call (505) 476-8000.

SPECIAL GAME COMMISSION MEETING WILL ADDRESS PRIVATE-LAND ACCESS, POSTING

ALBUQUERQUE — The State Game Commission will have a special meeting in Albuquerque on Saturday, Jan. 10, to hear public comments and discuss proposed rules regarding hunters’ and anglers’ access to private lands.

The special meeting was called to gather more information from the public about proposed amendments to state hunting and fishing manner-and-method rules, specifically how property is posted against trespass. The proposed amendments also address responsibilities of landowners, hunters and anglers in obtaining or granting permission to hunt or fish on private land.

The meeting will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, in the first-floor multi-purpose room or the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, in Albuquerque. More information is available by calling (505) 476-8008.

The State Game Commission is composed of seven members who represent the state’s diverse interests in wildlife-associated recreation and conservation. Members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Current members are Chairman Jim McClintic, Albuquerque; Vice-chair Sandy Buffett, Santa Fe; M.H. “Dutch” Salmon, Silver City; Alfredo Montoya, Alcalde; Leo Sims, Hobbs; Tom Arvas, Albuquerque; and Oscar Simpson, Albuquerque.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the meeting, please contact Shirley Baker, (505) 476-8030.

Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible forms.

PHOENIX – Just in time to be stocking stuffers for your favorite outdoor enthusiast, the newly printed 2009-10 Arizona Fishing Regulations are now available for free at all fishing license dealers in the state, including all Arizona Game and Fish Department offices.

The theme of this year’s fishing regulations also dovetail well with the seasonal spirit of the holidays: “Kids don’t remember their best day of watching television.”

“Whether it is from a child’s Christmas wish or your own New Year’s vow, take your children fishing this coming year. I guarantee the memories you make will outlast the video game he or she wants,” said Fisheries Chief Kirk Young.

Don’t forget that the 2009 fishing licenses are also available – a license is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving all year long. There are even family licenses and youth combination licenses available. Just check them out in the easy-to-use regulation booklet.

“Thanks to Arizona’s abundant snowpack and superb runoff that filled our lakes to overflowing last year, the fishing prognosis going into 2009 is very good. The recent winter storms also provide the hopeful promise of good things headed our way this coming year,” Young said.

Keep in mind that there are some regulation changes also heading your way for 2009-10.

The Game and Fish Department has instituted a protective slot limit at Saguaro, Canyon and Apache lakes, where you may have six bass in possession (combination largemouth and smallmouth), of which no more than one may be between 13 and 16 inches. The slot limit at Roosevelt is also the same as the ones at the other Salt River lakes – one bass between 13 and 16 inches may be possessed.

The Game and Fish Commission also took off the bag limits for bass (all species) and catfish (all species) at Mogollon Rim area trout waters, specifically Willow Springs, Woods Canyon Lake, Black Canyon Lake, Bear Canyon Lake, Chevelon Lake, CC Cragin Reservoir (Blue Ridge), Knoll Lake and Long Tom Lake.

This coming year also you can experience something new in the state – the first-ever seasonal, blue ribbon roundtail chub fishery. A 4.5-mile segment of Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley will be a catch-and-release-only, artificial fly and lure only, single barbless hook fishery with a seven-month season commencing Oct. 3, 2009.

“We are excited about this unique fishery for one of our impressive native fish, the roundtail chub, which has historically been referred to as ‘Verde trout’ by many anglers,” Young said. “Keep an eye out for information on activities planned for opening day at Fossil Creek in October.”

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT

Providing access to an unrivalled world of privileges, benefits, expert knowledge and a global network of insider information, a Quintessentially membership offers the perfect present this Christmas.

Quintessentially is a unique private members’ club and global luxury lifestyle group committed to delivering nothing but the best in high quality services. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, by telephone or email, Quintessentially provides unlimited access to an unrivalled package of privileges, preferential rates and bespoke services, and acts as your very own PA – any time, anywhere.

With three tiers of membership available, starting from $1500 per year Quintessentially provides an affordable and long-lasting support to help guide you through to 2009. From securing last minute hotel reservations and travel deals, to restaurant bookings and access to events and galas around the world, Quintessentially is here to help. Offering an excellent benchmark of service and a unique network of insider information and benefits, Quintessentially aims to bring you nothing but the best, making it not only an invaluable resource but, more importantly, an easily accessible time and money saving solution.

Membership also includes access to the growing number of expert Quintessentially sister companies which can cater to all your needs including the dedicated personal shopping service Quintessentially Gifts, the bespoke experience company Quintessentially Escape, the bespoke wine service Quintessentially Wine and many more including Quintessentially Art, Quintessentially Events, Quintessentially Estates and Quintessentially Flowers. Members are also sent a weekly Quintessentially newsletter, packed full of the latest news, views, events and benefits, as well as the Quintessentially Magazine, published quarterly.

Quintessentially now encompasses a staggering 44 offices in a host of major cities worldwide, in destinations as diverse as Hong Kong, Cape Town, Istanbul, Mozambique, Cairo, Panama, Los Angeles and Sydney with a number of new office launches planned in the coming months, including those in Amsterdam, Auckland, Chicago, Luxemburg and Kuala Lumpur.

Sweetwater County Tourism
CONTACT: Jenissa Bartlett
TEL: 307-382-2538
E-MAIL: jbartlett@tourwyoming.com
WEB www.tourwyoming.com

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyoming—What’s it like to explore a place where man-made barriers are rare and private land is almost non-existent? Discover for yourself in Sweetwater County, considered one of the last wild frontiers of the continental United States. Here, tourism officials don’t need to lure tourists with man-made attractions. Instead, some of Mother Nature’s best work draws visitors to the high desert. The bonus? Most of them have a minimal charge or are free. And, while temperatures vary by season, Sweetwater County is under sunny skies on average 300 days per year making it an even more desireable four-season outdoor playground.

It seems fitting many a wild horse-long a symbol of the American West- are found roaming throughout Sweetwater County. More than 2,000 of the creatures thought to be ancestors of horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 1500’s, can be observed from a vehicle in their natural habitat. Local guides are available for hire, although the county makes it easy to take your own tour by providing printed directions and a map for the “Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop Tour” starting and ending from the largest metro areas-either Rock Springs or Green River.

The wild horse is just one of more than 600 species living in Wyoming, with some of the rarest animals found in Sweetwater County’s Red Desert, one of the last high-desert ecosystems in North America. The rich landscape supports the only herd of desert elk in the world. It’s also a refuge for the largest migratory herd of pronghorn antelope in the lower 48. Some of the choicest areas to see wildlife are near bodies of water, and there’s no shortage of water (or sand) in Sweetwater County.

North of Rock Springs and Green River, stretching 91 miles into Utah is The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The Flaming Gorge Reservoir was formed by damming the Green River. A bonus for boaters, anglers, and rafters of the gorge is the scenery. Multi-hued cliffs, some reaching as high as 1,500 feet tower above the waterway. The cliffs are spectacles in their own right, but seeing them reflected in the calm waters below adds to the pleasure. Also to the north and west of the cities is the nation’s largest sandbox. The Killpecker Sand Dunes are the largest living system of sand dunes in the U.S. and the second largest in the world. (This is where one has the best chance to spot the rare desert elk.) Easily accessible and lots of fun to explore by foot, horseback or low-impact recreational vehicles, the dunes are another wonder of nature found only in Sweetwater County.

Yet another nature attraction to the north of I-80 is managed just enough to make it accessible and enjoyable for visitors. The Seedskadee Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birds and the many hobbyists who like to observe them in the wild.

The 26,000 acre haven supports more than 200 species of birds.

Here, the birds’ native habitat is protected too, making it the preferred nesting area for owls, hawks, waterfowl and peregrine falcons. The refuge also has historic and cultural significance as nomadic Indians, fur trappers and pioneers all crossed this fertile plain. Within its boundaries lie sections of the once heavily traveled Pony Express and California National Historic Trails. Today, 10,000 visitors enter the refuge each year to enjoy nature as it is and was meant to be.

Travelers can learn more about Wyoming’s Sweetwater County by visiting the Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism Board interactive website where one can watch a video and plan their itinerary in just a few steps or by calling the organization at 307-382-2538.

Why it’s Wise to Make Summer 2009 Reservations ASAP.

THE DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION
CONTACT: Colleen Hodson
TEL: 307-587-2339
E-MAIL: info@duderanch.org
WEBSITE: http://www.duderanch.org

CODY, Wyoming—Despite the economic downturn, summer bookings are strong at dude ranches in the American West and Canada. This is especially the case during the peak summer season- mid-June through mid-August. Those with their hearts set on a specific ranch or particular week are urged to book now to lock in their top choice.

Heavy summer 2009 reservations may be a result of the tendency for dude ranches to draw repeat visitors. (More than one-third of visitors each season are repeat guests according to statistics from the Dude Ranchers’ Association or DRA.) Many guests are so satisfied with their initial stay they make and keep their vow to meet at the same place, same time next year, citing a sense of camaraderie and excellent value as the chief reasons for returning. It may also be due to the folks who so fancy a dude ranch vacation they go to a different ranch each summer. Dude-ranch “junkies” (an endearing reference,) tend to research and reserve early via a website or by relying on referrals made by ranch-going friends.

For first-time dude ranch vacationers, there are a few things to remember when reserving a ranch getaway during the height of the 2009 season.
(Note: Assistance is just a click away by going to the DRA website, or by phoning the organization to request a free catalog at 866-399-2339.)

First- choose a general ranch category, with the understanding it’s difficult to pigeonhole a ranch as each is different, often a reflection of the tastes and preferences of the owner. Understand also, ranches vary within each broad category. Some provide simple amenities and rustic accommodations. Others are designed for those who prefer to be surrounded in luxury, and wish to be pampered while on vacation. Most are found somewhere in between.

The first category is the Working dude ranches. These are active cattle or sheep operations. (Remember Billy Crystal in the film “City Slicker?”) Sure, the movie got the heavy-handed \Hollywood treatment but working ranch guests do experience first-hand the jobs required to operate a cattle or sheep ranch, including those tasks accomplished on the back of a horse.

The Dude ranch category is probably what most imagine a dude ranch vacation to be like. Western pleasure horse-back riding is the central focus where guests do ride with true cowboys and wranglers and maybe learn a riding tip or two.

In addition to fine riding, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy at the dude ranch. Finally, there’s the Resort dude ranch. These ranches tend to be the largest spreads, accommodating more guests at one time than the aforementioned. While Western riding is still a central activity, these ranches offer a wide range of activities and sports similar to ones found at an American resort.

With over 100 DRA ranches to choose from, perhaps narrowing them down by whether they offer a families preferred activities makes sense. Bird watching, painting, hiking, spa treatments, golfing, rafting, canoeing, skeet shooting, cycling, tennis, even rock climbing and hot air ballooning are just some of the choices on ranch activity menus.

After choosing a preferred category, narrow in on a destination. There are more than 100 member ranches in the Western US and Canada from Alberta to Arizona from California to Arkansas. One can search, of course for a ranch by category and location on the DRA website.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure your summer ranch destination is a member of the DRA. As described here, there are a range of ranch experiences to choose from. But one thing is certain. DRA ranches meet the highest quality standards in the industry and are guaranteed to portray themselves accurately to prospective guests. So, do the research now to confirm a place for family and friends on a ranch next summer.

 
Then, rest easily knowing there won’t be any surprises upon arrival, a comforting notion for any summer vacation planner

*Since 1926 the Dude Ranchers’ Association has been helping folks find quality ranch vacations by establishing and enforcing high standards for its members. The association’s original membership of 35 ranches from the Yellowstone area has now grown to 100-plus member ranches in 12 western states and two Canadian provinces. Despite this growth, the association remains dedicated to preserving the beauty, natural resources, and the original western ranch experiences that attracted the first visitors.

The new 2009 brochure from Walks Worldwide, the walking holiday specialists, offers a superb portfolio of private guided treks, guided and self-guided, open-dated departures and ‘In Style’ walking tours (the connoisseur’s choice).

 For 2009, Walks Worldwide has added 54 new tours, including a greatly expanded programme in Eastern Europe and South America, plus a whole new section dedicated to their increasingly popular ‘In Style’ tours – great for trekkers who prefer a bit of luxury at the end of a day! Many guided tours are now open-dated, offering greater flexibility and, unlike many ‘rival’ operators, available for a minimum of two travelling together. Perfect for those who want independence with the benefit of their very own local guide.

The dedicated team at Walks Worldwide combines years of firsthand experience and is genuinely enthusiastic about each of the countries they visit - all keen walkers too! Want to know the best Inca route to Machu Picchu, be one of the first to try Husky Trekking in Finland – walkies here takes on a whole new meaning, unravel the secrets of Romania’s mythical Maramures – an ancient land of wooden churches, or visit the only town in the US where the mail is still carried by mule? Ask Walks Worldwide, they’ve been there, done that…

Headliner trips for 2009 include:

FINLAND - Husky Trekking: 8-day guided tour with scheduled departures in June & Aug 09 - £895 p/p (land only).

A brand new tour exclusive to Walks Worldwide - dog-assisted walking with your very own Husky in Finland’s wild forests. Arctic dogs have traditionally been used for many purposes, and when there is no snow, they’re used for carrying packs and also to help humans walk faster by utilising a special leash tied to a harness. It’s not a walk in the park, and to fully enjoy this incredible experience, you need to be strong and a dog lover – Nordic Hiking is sooo last year!

ROMANIA – Mythical Maramures: 8-day guided tour departing May-Oct 09 (min 2 persons) - £1,095 p/p (land only).

A new walking holiday in the remote Maramures region of Romania, offers a journey back in time into a rural medieval life that will enchant even the most jaded world traveller. Visit the ‘Merry Cemetery’ as seen on Michael Palin’s BBC TV series New Europe, and the ancient hand-built wooden churches, many of which are now World Heritage sites.

USA – Canyons of the South West: 14-day self-drive tour with guided walking departing 09 daily - £2,895 p/p (land only).

This itinerary combines the independence of a self-drive tour with guided off-trail trekking in some of the country’s best national parks. Explore the Grand Canyon, Escalante River and famous ‘Grand Staircase’, Navajo and Havasupai Indian Reservations, Bryce and Zion NPs. Later, visit the only town in the US where mail is still carried by mule and stay in ‘The Most Beautiful Place in America’ – Sedona.

PERU – Salkantay Luxury Lodge Trek: 17-day guided group tour departing March-Dec 09 – from £2,995 p/p (land only).

Why follow in the footsteps of the Inca Trail hordes when you can trek to Machu Picchu along the magnificent Salkantay Trail? With breathtaking views around every corner this tough trail is hugely rewarding, even better when trekking ‘In Style’, from one luxurious eco-lodge to another. Take a dip in the stunning glacial lagoon at the foot of mystical Salkantay (6,271m), the second most important Inca peak, or enjoy the scenery amidst the bubbles of an outdoor Jacuzzi, just one of the little luxuries available on a superb new tour.

Nominated in American Cowboy’s Reader’s Choice Awards

MOAB, Utah—Poetry has been a part of the cowboy lifestyle for as long as cowboys have existed — and the tradition continues in today’s West.

The annual Moab Western Stars Cowboy Poetry Gathering has been selected as one of ten “Best Cowboy Poetry Event” finalists in American Cowboy magazine’s second annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Western Events.

The 2009 event, held February 13-15, will feature a cutting horse clinic with James Dixon and horseman and artist Don Weller; a buckaroo clinic demonstrating vaquero riding techniques, and ranch roping with Bill Boswell. Voting for the best events will remain open until January 30, 2009, and the winning events will be announced in the April/May issue of American Cowboy magazine and on americancowboy.com.

For more information on the Gathering, sponsored in part by the Moab Area Travel Council, visit www.moabwesternstars.com

www.discovermoab.com