Poets and musicians perform at The Colorado Cowboy Gathering in Golden,
including Terry Nash from Loma and Jeneve Rose Mitchell of Crawford

Each year, the Colorado Cowboy Gathering in Golden brings together Western music fans, storytellers and poets, creating an experience that feels like a journey into the past. Now in its 34th year, the Gathering showcases the Rocky Mountain State’s Western heritage through poetry and song, preserving traditions with authenticity and heart.

“Poetry,” says Susie Knight, a renowned Colorado cowgirl poet, “is the best way to tell a story. By putting it to rhyme and meter, we hear that story differently.” A seasoned performer at the Gathering, Knight captivates her audience with songs about love, loss and horses, reminding listeners that the Western spirit still resides within us all.

Cowboy poetry, a long-standing oral tradition, began as a way to capture the stories of rural life. For many attendees, the Gathering feels like a family reunion – a place where a community of poets, singers and storytellers come together, bound by their love for Western culture.

One poet who embodies this spirit is Terry Nash, a full-time cattle rancher from Loma, west of Grand Junction. Known for his wit and keen observations on ranch life, Nash is what many would call “the real deal.” With his white Van Dyke beard, steely blue eyes, and calm demeanor, Nash’s presence evokes the rugged authenticity of the Western lifestyle. His stories, shared in verse, bring listeners into a world many yearn to connect with.

“I write about my life, my work, and my heritage,” says Nash. “In fact, it’s been said you can say more in a poem than you can in a book.”

 

Cowboy gatherings aren’t limited to Colorado; they span the American West, from Texas to Oregon, and even reach as far as Canada and Australia. Performers, both new and seasoned, are invited to participate, bringing the best of Western storytelling and song from around the world.

Each January, the Colorado Cowboy Gathering welcomes as many as 16 award-winning performers, including a Saturday night headliner. Originally held at the Arvada Center, the event has recently moved to the Buffalo Rose Event Center, a rustic venue in downtown Golden that adds intimacy to the performances with its raised stage and dance floor.

“Each January, we kick off the new year with sights, sounds, and imagery that take you beyond the confines of life in the 21st century,” said prior event coordinator and president Maryanne Patterson. “Our hope is that as you listen, you feel transported to the past, experiencing the songs and poetry that echo the spirit of the Old West.”

 

Winter is a natural time for cowboy gatherings, as ranch work slows with the season. For many ranchers, this is the perfect opportunity to swap stories, reunite with friends and celebrate their shared heritage.

Even in challenging times, the Colorado Gathering goes on. Several years ago, when Texas musician Jean Prescott had to leave unexpectedly after contracting COVID, the Gathering quickly adjusted. Local musicians Kit Simon and Ernie Martinez stepped in to ensure the show continued. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support is a testament to what many call “the cowboy way.”

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers makes the Gathering possible. From handling sound and lighting to managing ticket sales and publicity, these volunteers ensure the event runs smoothly year after year, helping bring new voices to honor the Spirit of the West.

The 2025 event promises a lineup of award-winning performers, including Kansas trio 3 Trails West; Floyd and Valerie Beard from Kim; Patty Clayton from Edgewater; Doug Figgs, a farrier from New Mexico; and Terry Nash. Each act brings their unique voice, paying homage to the pioneers who settled the frontier.

A poem that resonates deeply with attendees is Nash’s “The Cow Man’s Lot,” capturing the dedication and resilience of ranchers who brave the harshest conditions for the sake of their animals. “Most cow men, at the end of the day, will likely reflect on this thought; he asked for this job, and it weren’t for the pay; it’s the love of the cow man’s lot,” Nash said.


The Gathering is an independent, non-profit organization ran by dedicated volunteers that have a love for Western history and music.
Part of the Gathering’s mission supports school outreach programs to teach local schools about the spirit of the Old West.