RENO -- Join Soroptimist International of Reno at its first Reno Cowboy Poetry and Music Gathering on Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12, at Bartley Ranch Regional Park.

The Gathering is the first of its kind in Reno, soon to be an annual event that celebrates our western heritage and culture. Proceeds from the event will help fund community organizations and educational scholarships for women and girls.

Gates open for evening events at 6:00 p.m. with performances starting at 7:30 p.m. Pre-event tickets sales range from $20 to $50. Go to www.sireno.org for more information. The event is sponsored by the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation, Harley-Davidson, IGT, KOLO Channel 8, Sierra Pacific, Tanglewood Productions, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Many have heard the term "cowboy poetry," but not everyone knows exactly what it is.

It's a tradition that harkens back several generations, when cowboys would entertain each other with music and poetry around range campfires, and that lively tradition continues today. Banish the vision of a 19^th century recital of prim English verse. Get ready for dry wit, sweet sentiment, and a little patriotism -- often accompanied by toe-tappin' music and a rhythmic beat.

The cowboy poetry gathering is a relatively modern tradition -- getting its name no doubt from early "gatherings around the fire" at the end of the day.

There are several of these gatherings around the country each year, but the National Gathering is in Elko, where poets and musicians perform and audiences experience the flavor of life on the western range. This popular event draws audiences from all over the world and is always a sell-out.

Some of the most acclaimed cowboy poets and musicians are scheduled to arrive in Reno Aug. 11 and 12 for the first ever Reno Gathering.

Come see top performances by Juni Fisher, Richard Elloyan, Dennis Golden and Texas Tom Weatherby, David John and the Comstock Cowboys, Tom and Donna Hatton, and Georgie Sicking.

Daytime events Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Western Heritage Center at Bartley Ranch will start at noon. A documentary film of Cowgirl Hall of Famer Georgie Sicking is scheduled. Other slated performers include a slide show presentation by Alkalai Angels' author and award-winning newspaper photographer, Marilyn Newton; a unique dueling poets performance by Ray March and Tierra Hodge Blom; and a surprise performance.

Aspiring cowboy poets and musicians will have an opportunity to perform during an open mike session.

For online ticket purchases and more information, go to www.sireno.org.