Wyoming Arts Council

Miss "V" weathers heat wave, fires and rattlesnakes during summer 2012 tour of the West

Uncategorized | July 9, 2012

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The Wyoming Arts Council follows the travels of roster artist Miss “V” the Gypsy Cowbelle:

Unwilling or unable to let moss grow or dust settle beneath her feet, The Gypsy Cowbelle has launched her latest “Calamity Unleashed Tour” into the Black Hills country of South Dakota. Following up a reconnaissance trip last spring, Miss “V” scheduled two weeks of shows in a variety of settings. She launched the tour at the Antler Restaurant and Lounge, entertaining the coal-mining community of Newcastle, WY on July 28. Then on to the Silver Dollar Saloon, in Hill City, SD on the 29th, where her Genuine Cowbilly Music was warmly received by motorcycle enthusiasts, ranchers and tourists alike. Sunday, July 1st found “V” entertaining at the “Moonshine Gulch Saloon”, a remote oasis deep in the heart of the Black Hills, alongside new and old friends and local musicians.

Surviving the 100+ degree heat wave, surrounding forest fires, Fourth of July crowds and one very near disaster with a rattlesnake, The Cowbelle weathered the early days of the next week exploring the Black Hills. July 5th brought her into the Historical Landmark town of Deadwood, and the namesake town of the Calamity tour. The street party at the Deadwood Loading Dock was only slightly hampered by a torrential rainstorm, which was welcomed by all as a means of thwarting the ever-growing fires of the area. Then back down to Hill City for a rowdy crowd and multi-faceted birthday party at the Big Horn Crossing Sports Bar. Highlights included a room-wide singing of “You Are My Sunshine” and foot-stomping rhythms along with “The Battle of New Orleans” while “V” frailed away on her homemade banjo. The weekend rounds out with a dinner show and wine tasting at the Naked Winery in Custer, SD tonight, July 7.

This week, “V” is off to climb Harney Peak (the tallest mountain east of the Rockies) and continue her exploration of this very special area, gleaning knowledge of its rich history of outlaws, mining, railroads, Native American culture and unique geography. There is always research work to be done on days off…

The shows resume on Thursday, July 12th at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead, SD. Part of their summer “Concerts in the Courtyard” series, this performance will afford “V” the opportunity share her own stories and songs of Western history with the community. Friday the 13th, The Gypsy is back at the Silver Dollar Saloon and the following day she rounds out the tour entertaining on the streets and in the parade for Hill City’s “Heart of the Hills” annual celebration.

The Calamity Unleashed portion of the tour is just the forerunner for the weeks to come. After leaving the Hill Country, Miss “V” is back to her home state of Wyoming. She’ll be on the air live with Leslie Stratmoen on Riverton’s KVOW July 17th at 8:30 am, then at the Wind River Casino the same day for two performances at noon and 8:00pm as part of their monthly “Seniors’ Tuesday” series. Then “V” will kick off Meeteetse’s “Cowboy Days” weekend extravaganza with a street party at the Meeteetse Museums on July 20th at 6:00pm. Whirling up to Three Forks, MT, The Gypsy Cowbelle performs the next day with a porch party at the historic Sacajawea Hotel at 4:00. Her month culminates with a grand finale in Jackson Hole, opening up for the Grammy award winning singer/songwriter, Kostas, at Stiegler’s Austrian Restaurant on July 28th.

August holds another West Coast Tour in store for this Wyoming Troubadour known as “V”, The Gypsy Cowbelle. Details are sure to come…

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