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Lewiston cowboy gathering filled with sounds of song, poetryLEWISTON, Idaho (AP)--Pate Earl of Asotin, Wash., didn't have any jitters before going on stage to read his cowboy poem. "I'm not scared because I've done it so many times," said the 9-year-old son of Aaron and Paula Earl. "It's just for the fun of it. You just got to go up there and do it." It must run in his blood. Pate is the grandson of the late Lee Earl, a cowboy poet who was instrumental in organizing cowboy gatherings. The boy was among more than 100 performers who shared their poetry, art, music and stories recently at the fourth annual Lee Earl Memorial Scholarship Cowboy Gathering at the Elks Temple in Lewiston. "My poem is about spring and our family spending time branding calves," Pate said, as he unfolded a worn piece of yellow paper that had been tucked in his blue jeans. "This is all about spending time with family." Another young performer, Jaimee Feist of Kettle Falls, Wash., was warming up her vocal cords. "I'm going to sing 'You Are My Sunshine,"' she said. "I have been singing since I was young, like 3. I've sang in public before, at home and at campgrounds." This was her first appearance at the gathering. The 9-year-old daughter of Michelle Keenan and Herman Feist is a great-great-niece of Lee Earl. "I am a little nervous, but I think it's pretty cool that everyone is gathering up to have a memorial for Uncle Earl," she said. Near the fire pit, several musicians were strumming guitars and singing traditional songs about the American cowboy. Among them were Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue, who make their living blending music and storytelling at county fairs and cowboy gatherings. The pair, also known as Bruce and Susan Matley, explained the difference between cowboy music and country tunes during a break. "Our songs are about horses, cattle, the people who carved out the West, the work, the joys, the hardships," Susan Matley said. "We don't sing about divorce, pickup trucks and prison." This was the duo's first appearance in Lewiston. She grew up in Port Townsend, Wash., and he's a fourth-generation rancher and Nevada native. They were married two years ago and settled in Prescott, Wash., last summer. "The town has 300 people and everyone's real friendly," Susan Matley said. "My mom was born in Republic (Wash.) and my dad was born in Starbuck, so I have roots in Eastern Washington. My great-grandma was the first school marm in Elk City, Idaho, in 1896." Bits of family history are woven into some of their songs. With five albums under their belts and a busy touring schedule, the Matleys are committed to keeping their Western heritage alive through music. "Sharing the traditions of the West with kids is real important to me," said Bruce Matley. "It's really gratifying when kids show an interest." Children are a big part of the cowboy gathering in Lewiston. Lee Earl helped introduce cowboy poetry to the younger set, and the gathering is a great way for area children to get some firsthand experience, said his widow, Virginia Earl of Asotin. "The Asotin school is real involved. The teachers work with the kids, and we have their art and poems on display. All of the money raised here goes to scholarships at Asotin, Clarkston and Lewiston." In addition to students, the annual event is popular with performers and usually draws a large crowd. "I think it's really wonderful," Earl said. "Everyone enjoys coming to the valley. It's the only warm spot around this time of year. Many of them are coming out of the snow from places like Canada, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada." Dean Reddington of Seward, Alaska, was there for the second time, soaking up the mild weather, the music and the cowboy atmosphere. His nephew was one of the performers. "I'll be back," Reddington said. "I like the music. The people are nice and it's a fun time." 3/24/08 Date: 3/14/08
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