Wyoming Arts Council

Miss “V” kicks off second year of Family Days events at State Museum

Featured News | August 25, 2014

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The news comes from the Wyoming State Museum:

Miss “V” the Gypsy Cowbelle kicks off the second year of Family Days at the Wyoming State Museum September 6 with a two-part program presented by the State Museum and the Laramie County Library System.

Families are invited to the Wyoming State Museum anytime between 10 a.m. and noon for a Homespun Instrument workshop. During the workshop, participants will have an opportunity to learn about the role of music in Wyoming’s past, including looking at instruments and hearing a variety of songs. Participants will then be able to make their own homespun instrument, such as kazoos, shakers, and small drums, and learn how to play it with Miss V’s help.

Participants are then encouraged to bring their homespun instruments to the Laramie County Library’s Cheyenne branch at 1:30 p.m. for an ice cream social, followed by a special concert with Miss “V”. Children will be able to play along with Miss “V” during her concert. For those who did not participate in the workshop, there will be some extra homespun instruments on hand so that they, too, can join in.

According to Nathan Doerr, Curator of Education at the Wyoming State Museum, “Miss ‘V’s personality captures everyone’s attention – from children to adults – and it’s hard not to be pulled into her performances and let your imagination run wild. She’s truly a Gypsy Cowbelle.”

Her “Genuine Cowbilly Music” likewise has a flavor all its own, blending original lyrics and strong rhythms on the guitar and homemade banjo with the classic tones of old-time country, cowboy and folk music.

Miss “V” is a member of the Wyoming Arts Council’s Artist Roster.

Family Days: Homespun Instruments is supported in part by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Family Days is a free program of the Wyoming State Museum that provides children and their families with fun and educational opportunities to explore Wyoming’s natural and cultural resources. The program is held on the first Saturday of the month, September through May, at the Wyoming State Museum. Each month’s program has a different theme. All ages are encouraged to attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Nathan Doerr, Curator of Education, at 307-777-7021.

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