NEVADA 150
CARSON CITY — Waddie Mitchell, Nevada’s cowboy poet, has been announced as the honorary poet of the Silver State’s Sesquicentennial. As such, on Monday, Jan. 27, Mitchell will debut a poem he has written in honor of the state’s 150th birthday during “Home Means Nevada,” the first show of the 30th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko — a Nevada 150 official event.
“In honor of this most special occasion, iconic Nevadan Waddie Mitchell will debut a powerful poem he has written in tribute to this state and her people in his newest role – Nevada’s “Sesquicentennial Poet,” said Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki. “His performance at the Gathering will certainly be one of the great highlights of this year-long celebration and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Mitchell will serve as the state’s honorary poet for the Sesquicentennial, making appearances at several Nevada 150 events throughout the year. The poem, titled “The Dame Nevada,” was written by Mitchell exclusively for the 150th birthday celebration. Mitchell has not been commissioned to write a poem for a specific occasion since the Salt Lake Olympics in 2002.
“As a native of this great state, the inspiration of this poem came straight from my experience and time spent in Nevada,” said Mitchell. “As I wrote this poem, I brainstormed all of the words that came to mind when I thought of Nevada. Those realities then turned to warm fuzzies, creating this poem that truly celebrates our state and its history.”
Joining Mitchell for the special performance is poet Walt “Bimbo” Cheney, writer Carolyn Dufurrena and songster Richard Elloyan. Hosted by Meg Glaser with a welcome by Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki, the event will take place at the G Three Bar Theater in the Western Folklife Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets to the event cost $20. For more information about the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, visit www.westernfolklife.org/national-cowboy-poetry-gathering. For more information about this event and to view all the upcoming events for the Nevada 150 celebration, please visit www.nevada150.org.
About Nevada 150
Nevada’s Sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary of Nevada’s admission to the Union, will provide opportunities for celebration and reflection as we come together statewide to commemorate our shared history and build a foundation of cultural appreciation for generations to come. Nevada’s one of a kind and diverse history will be celebrated throughout the state for an entire year in order to promote pride in the shared heritage of all Nevadans. Nevada’s Sesquicentennial celebration will commence on Nevada Day 2013 and conclude with an expanded Nevada Day celebration October, 2014. For more information, please visit www.nevada150.org.
