If you’re anywhere near Southern Arizona, like Western music, enjoy reflecting on our Western heritage or need a dose of humor head to Sierra Vista February 6-8, 2009. This is the 17th year for the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering – one of the best in the West. Saturday’s daytime sessions, 10am-5pm, are free with 50-plus talented musicians, poets and storytellers from all over the US and Canada.  Eight, 50-minute, themed sessions run concurrently throughout the day. The artists appear in round robin sessions with themes ranging from “Saddle Songs” to “Laugh A Lot.” 

“Territorial Ranches” is the theme for this year’s gathering. Attendees will learn the history of Territorial Arizona, early ranches and settlers. Tickets for headliner performances Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon cost less than $20 – a great entertainment value. The Buena Performing Arts Center is the location for all gathering events except late evening jam sessions at the Windemere Hotel.

Sierra Vista is approximately 75 miles southeast of Tucson at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains. Legendary Tombstone is 16 miles to the east. The eco-crossroad of mountains and deserts supports an abundant variety of wildlife and hundreds of bird species. While in the area check out the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Arizona’s outstanding Kartchner Caverns State Park, 19 miles north of Sierra Vista, should also go on your itinerary.

Round ’em up and head ’em to Sierra Vista this weekend.