Whoo-WEE! Cowboy poetry fund-raiser coming March 13

"Campfire" reserved seating is already sold out for the 8 p.m. show of the 10th annual Cowboy Jubilee and Poetry on March 13 at the Carson City Community Center. Tickets are going fast for the 4 p.m. show, too.

After nine years, folks recognize this event as a night of hilarious Western antics, poetry, live music and excellent barbecue - which also supports a humanitarian cause.

Organized by the Carson-Tahoe Hospital Auxiliary, the jubilee has funded the hospital's hospitality house, EKG machines, a portable X-ray machine, nursing scholarships, diabetes education, the teddy bear program in the emergency room and much more.

The auxiliary has pledged $250,000 over five years toward the cancer center being built at the north end of town.

"That's $50,00 each year," said organizer Delsye Mills. "We met our pledge last year; we'll do it again this year."

The cowboy poetry event will be a big part of that, she said.

Headlining the event are some of the top names in the genre.

Paul Zarzyski will come from Great Falls, Mont., with a master's degree in English literature.

"He's an absolutely wonderful cowboy poet," Mills said. "I think he's one of the most sought-after cowboy poets in the nation."

The simultaneous yodeler, roper and guitar-picker Sourdough Slim will be there, as will Tom Russell, Andrew Hardin, Don Edwards, Randy Pollard, John McLain and Paul Carelli.

In the lobby, Western art will be sold, including a huge print appraised at $1,100. Several smaller pieces will be available for $50.

Mills had a limited set of the event's colorful 11-by-17-inch fliers printed up which will be signed by all participating musicians, mounted on foam board, matted and shrink wrapped.

"They'll be ready to frame," she said.

During the barbecue dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. between the shows, tri tip will be grilled by Ralph Marrone and Gary Beverage.

About 340 pounds of the stuff has been donated by the Nevada Beef Council. Red's Old 395 Grill donated 25 gallons of cowboy beans. The food service vendors at the hospital are providing Caesar salad, bread, butter and utensils. Dinner costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association will play throughout the meal.

Mills thanked the Piñon Plaza and the Plaza Motel for donating rooms to the entertainers. She said Paul Phillips, owner of Heart & Home frame shop, donated the matting, foam boards and shrink wrapping for the fliers.

"A lot of people have generously donated toward this fund-raiser, which is what makes this a success," said Mills. "Over last nine years, this event has raised $136,000, which has all gone to special-need items for the hospital."

The day before the event, the musicians will do free concerts at the Carson Rehabilitation Center and at the Mountain Springs Assisted Living home.

"These guys come in a whole day early just to do that because it is important to reach out to the people who can't come to the show," Mills said.

Tickets are $25 for reserved seating and $20 general. They will be available at the door starting at 2 p.m. March 13.

For more details, call Mills at 883-1532.

Contact Karl Horeis at khoreis@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.