Rhymers Rodeer cowboy poetry event today and Saturday at CVI

Staff Reports

Cowboy poetry, lively music, tales of the trail, stretch-the-truth yarns and good old-fashioned cowboy fun are part of the 23rd annual Rhymers Rodeer today and Saturday in the Valley Ballroom of the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.

This year's artists include cowboy poets Jim King and Jerry Bell, cowboy musician Ron Scofield and western humorist McAvoy Layne as Mark Twain. The Rhymers Rodeer weekend includes a cocktail show Friday, an open mic session for all comers Saturday and a dinner show Saturday.

Today's show is $30 with no-host cocktails at 7 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m.

The Saturday dinner show is $55 with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and showtime at 7:30 p.m.

An open mic session is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. All performances are non-smoking.

Jerry Bell has been working in cow camps and guiding for more than 30 years. He performs throughout the West and is a member of several poetry associations.

Ron Scofield is known for keeping the old American West alive through his wagon and carriage building, artwork, architecture and music.

Jim King's performances throughout the United States and Canada are exemplified by his statement, "Cowboy poetry is the real life of a cowboy and a rancher. There is nothing Hollywood or drugstore cowboy about it."

For 20 years, McAvoy Layne has preserved the wit and wisdom of Mark Twain, the Wild Humorist of the Pacific Slope.

Rhymers Rodeer ticket information at carsonvalleyinn.com or from the Carson Valley Inn Sales Department, (775) 783-6679.

The event is produced by Kay Fanning and Jim King.