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LA's Young Guns Revive Cowboy Poetry
4 Jan
Summary
- Cowboy poetry, an oral tradition from the 1870s, is seeing a modern revival.
- Younger, diverse crowds are embracing cowboy poetry through LA workshops.
- Events blend traditional themes with modern influences like music and fashion.
A resurgence of cowboy poetry is captivating urban audiences, particularly in Los Angeles, breathing new life into this historic American folk art. Originating from the oral traditions of cattle drives around the 1870s, the practice of reciting poems about the West is now attracting a younger, more diverse demographic.
Cowboy Poetry Los Angeles, a collective co-founded by Amir Beardsley and Zane York, exemplifies this trend. They host workshops in urban venues like Eastwood saloon, encouraging newcomers to engage with the storytelling traditions of the West. Their events often incorporate elements like vintage typewriters, live music, and fashion, tapping into the current popularity of western aesthetics.
This revival challenges the notion that cowboy poetry is a fading art form. Events like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, report increased attendance and a growing presence of younger poets. The initiative fosters intergenerational dialogue, as elders pass on their lyrical heritage and younger participants ensure its legacy endures.
