FEATURING: Marley's Ghost, Brigid + Johnny Reedy, Denise Withnell + Keri Lynn Zwicker

Sharp to sugary, glazed to gumdrop, these groups match harmonic wavelengths to bring you the sweetest sounds this side of the candy counter. From the sonic morsels of rootsy Marley’s Ghost, to the smooth-as-honey chords of British Columbian duo Denise Withnell & Keri Zwicker (of Cowboy Celtic), to the refreshing tang of brother and sister Brigid and Johnny Reedy, these master musical confectioners will meld notes that melt in your mouth (errr…ears).

Hosted by Francesca McCrossan.

From the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

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PLAYLIST

Marley's Ghost
"Detour (There's a Muddy Road Ahead)" (words + music by Paul Westmoreland)
"Window Shopping" (words + music by Marcel Joseph)
"If You Were a Bluebird" (words + music by Butch Hancock)
"Love and Happiness" (words + music by Emmylou Harris + Kimmie Rhodes)
"Shadrach, Meshach, Abendego" (words + music by Robert MacGimsey)
"Invitation to the Blues" (words + music by Roger Miller)

Denise Withnell + Keri Lynn Zwicker
"Cowgirl's Lullaby" (words + music by Bob Livingston + Andy Wilkinson)
"Dark As a Dungeon" / "Sheebeg and Sheemore" medley (words + music by Merle Travis / music by Turlough O'Carolan)
"There Ain't No Cowgirls Down in New Orleans" (words + music by David Wilkie + Stewart MacDougall)
"Carrickfergus" / "Summer Ranges" medley (Irish folk song / words + music by Michael Martin Murphey)
" I Want to be a Real Cowboy Girl" (words + music by C. Prentice Forrester)

Brigid + Johnny Reedy
"West Texas Blues" (words + music by Andy Hedges)
"House Wren"
"Music Box Monkey"
"I Can't Dance I Got Ants in My Pants" (words + music by Lee Gaines + Clarence Williams)
"I Hate Myself (For Being So Mean to You)" (words by Benny Davis + Joe Young, Music by Milton Ager)
"Tiger Rag" (words by Harry DaCosta, music by Eddie Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Henry Ragas, Tony Sbarbaro + Larry Shields, based on traditional)

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Marley's Ghost
The West Coast
Marley's Ghost is an eclectic aggregation comprising singers and multi-instrumentalists Jerry Fletcher, Ed Littlefield Jr., Bob Nichols, Mike Phelan, Dan Wheetman, and Jon Wilcox. The band can sing and play anything with spot-on feel, from roots to rock, blues to bluegrass, and gospel to stone country–which is what they’ve been doing for over 35 years. Their dozen albums contain a broad repertoire of Americana and acoustic music, and the band refuses to be defined by any one particular genre. As No Depression magazine put it, “The real draw is the band itself, showcasing the kind of ensemble performances that come only from a lifetime of playing together, thriving across the decades as virtuosic, unsung heroes of country, folk, and western swing.”

Brigid + Johnny Reedy
Whitehall, MT
Brigid Reedy first entertained Elko crowds by yodeling at the Pioneer Saloon at the age of two. She has attended every Gathering since, and her appreciation of western music, poetry, and culture has only deepened along with her love of the performers and friends who have inspired her. A charismatic, accomplished singer and fiddler, her repertoire runs the gamut of the American West, from the most traditional cowboy tunes to original songs. Brigid also recites and writes poetry that reflects her experience as a young woman growing up in the contemporary rural West. She is joined by her younger brother, Johnny “Guitar” Reedy, who has transcended the role of sideman, becoming a full-fledged collaborator with a phenomenal gift for rhythm and extraordinary musical sensibilities. Johnny’s passion for music from around the world, combined with the Montana traditions he was steeped in, makes him an intriguing arranger and musical partner in this sibling duo.

Denise Withnell & Keri Lynn Zwicker
North Saanichton, BC, Canada
Denise Withnell (guitar, vocals) and Keri Lynn Zwicker (harp, vocals) are best known at the Gathering as members of the band Cowboy Celtic. For this year's Gathering, the Cowboy Celtic gals are here as a duo, stepping out into some western swing and old-time country blues, and sweetening their performances with some favorite Cowboy Celtic songs that showcase their family-like blend of vocal harmonies. For nearly 25 years, their lilting voices have anchored Cowboy Celtic's extensive catalog of traditional songs that celebrate the bond between chaps and tartan. Denise (and Cowboy Celtic founder David Wilkie) live in Victoria, British Columbia, and Keri lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Filmed in front of a live audience at the Western Folklife Center’s G Three Bar Theater in Elko, NV, on Feb. 3, 2023.

Made possible 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

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