Matt shares a song about how the landscape of the American West is changing. Matt Robertson and Gail Steiger perform "Lights of Town" during the "Ranch Family Show" at the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Matt Robertson
Prescott, AZ
Raised in Wheatland, Wyoming, Matt Robertson roams the West cowboying and training horses. Since the age of 16, Matt has been writing and playing music for friends, family, and audiences across Canada and the United States. He grew up on the back of a horse, starting colts as a young teen and riding broncs in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association throughout his youth. He currently enjoys ranch rodeos and working with young horses. Matt credits Chris LeDoux and Ian Tyson for inspiring his career as a songwriter. His experiences both on and off a horse have influenced him and his music. Matt’s heart is in the open country where a person can still feel inspired and free.

Gail Steiger
Prescott, AZ
Gail Steiger is a songwriter, filmmaker, and cowboy, and since 1995, foreman of the remote Spider Ranch in Yavapai County, Arizona. He has been playing guitar and writing songs for over 30 years and often recites works by his grandparents, Delia Gist Gardner and Gail I. Gardner. Gail also collaborates with his brother, Lew, on various film and media projects, including the acclaimed documentary "Ranch Album." He has released two CDs: "The Romance of Western Life" (1999) and "A Matter of Believin’"(2015).

"Lights of Town"

.....

Filmed in front of a live audience at the Elko Convention Center’s Laurena Moren Theater on Feb. 4, 2023.

Made possible by Alex Benna + Chrissy Menicucci Benna and The Nature Conservancy - Nevada and by the multitude of staff, artists, volunteers, and community members working behind the scenes to make this show happen.

Brought to you by the Western Folklife Center, using story and cultural expression to connect the American West to the world.
www.westernfolklife.org

.....