Make Your Hotel Reservations now or Call the hotel at 866-505-7829 and use code 2611IWMAGRP. The room rate this year is $179 for reservations made before October 21.
Tickets available on-line.
WEDNESDAY, November 11
10:00 am–8:00 pm Member Registration & Ticket Sales
12:00-1:30 pm Opening Lunch with Special Guest Speaker Orin Friesen
1:45-5:00 pm Showcase Performances – Cisco Jim, Grace Clark, Steve Cormier, Jim Mathis, LeeLee Robert
12:00-6:00 pm Music & Merchandise Boutique
7:00-10:00 pm Swing Dance with Syd Masters & The Swing Riders
10:30 pm AFTER HOURS MUSIC - Fireplace Jam
THURSDAY, November 12
8:00 am–7:00 pm Member Registration & Ticket Sales
8:00 am-5:00 pm Music & Merchandise Boutique/Vendor Area
Educational Sessions
8:00-9:30am Coffee with the DJs -
Western Artists, come meet over a dozen Western Radio DJs and hear them introduce their radio shows! Find out how you can get airplay of your Western Music and Cowboy Poetry on their radio shows.
9:45-10:45 am Polish Your On-Stage Poetry Performance - Floyd Beard
Sponsored by Susie Knight
A good show onstage starts well before the show date. Thoughts on set list selections, tips for practice and preparation, thoughts on mic use, show killers to avoid, make your stage presence shine, Don’t Just don’t!, how to engage your audience, simple ways to enhance your moments in the spotlight.
11:00 am-12:00pm DJ to DJ - Aspen Black
This peer-to-peer workshop is for DJ's only, terrestrial and digital. No artists allowed (except artists who are also active DJs). It will begin with a short presentation on how DJ's fit into IWMA's mission - influencing charts, awards, and artists' careers, and genre growth, followed by a moderated group discussion to "talk shop". A questionnaire will be sent out to all DJ's prior to the conference asking for questions or subjects you would like discussed with regard to being a DJ, or a DJ playing western artists. The top 3-5 most-asked questions/subjects will be researched to present a brief industry POV, then discussed peer-to-peer, with hopes that attendees will learn some things, share their knowledge with others, and leave with a deeper sense of belonging as part of the IWMA mission to "preserve and promote western music and poetry". The workshop will close with a brainstorming session: "How can the IWMA can better support DJ's who play western music and poetry?"
11:00am-12:00pm The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY (of AI)! (Part I) - Bill Lindsay, Hamblen Music Co.
Trying to play catch up? (Or just give up?) Writer’s block, should you use AI to help you get over it? Should you perform an AI song? Should you play a submission on the radio if you don’t know if it’s AI or not? Even if you think you are fully against AI, (or fully for it), you need to understand the good that may be out there to help you, the bad that may be coming, and the ugly things to watch out for! In this seminar, we will cover a lot of info regarding AI, including some ways to spot a possible AI song, and what is currently happening with it in the music industry.
11:30am-1:00pm A Brief History of Western Music – Dan McCorison
Presenting a brief overview of the history of Western Music using narration, slides and live renditions of songs. The slides along with a suggested script will be available for anyone interested in doing presentations at schools, churches or wherever people might be interested in learning about a big part of the culture of the American West. There will be places in the program where the presenter can sing songs relevant to the script and slides. Of course, poetry can easily be included too!
1:30-3:00 pm The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY (of AI)! (Part II) - Bill Lindsay, Hamblen Music Co.
1:15-2:45pm International Outreach: Australia
Join our new Australian members for a look at Western Music & Cowboy Poetry “down under.”
3:00-4:00pm Novelty Tales & Tunes of Tin Pan Alley - Michael & Judy Muldawe
Sponsored by Bonnie Rutherford
As part of the afternoon programming at the International Western Music Association Convention, Michael and Judy Muldawer (The Muldawers) will present “Novelty Tales and Tunes of Tin Pan Alley,” a lively blend of music, history, humor, and storytelling. With Michael on guitar and Judy on ukulele, the duo will perform some of the great novelty songs of the Tin Pan Alley era — witty, quirky, and irresistibly catchy tunes that once delighted audiences in vaudeville theaters, on early radio, and around family pianos across America. The audiences will enjoy whimsical stories and songs full of comic situations, unusual characters, and the tongue-in-cheek humor that made Tin Pan Alley music so memorable and entertaining during the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. Combining warm harmonies, spirited musicianship, historical insight, and plenty of humor, this unique afternoon program offers both entertainment and a delightful glimpse into a musical era when novelty songs ruled the stage and laughter was part of every performance.
10:00 am-5:00 pm Showcase Performances – The Arizona Wildflowers, Aspen Black, Mike Booth, Marci Broyhill, Jeff Davidson, DoubleTake, Miki Fuhrman, Kailer Hedden & Kira Vettenurg, Merna Lewis, Tecia McKenna, Claudia Nygaard, Randy Palmer, Sarah Pierce, Ramblin’ Rangers, George Ray Russell & Bruce Johnson, The Timberline Cowboys, Ron Wilson
10:00 am-4:00 pm IWMA New Mexico Chapter Hosted Jam
Contact Vivienne VanLandingham
6:30-9:00 pm IWMA Benefit Dinner & Concert
Sponsored by Michael & Judy Muldawer
9:30 pm AFTER HOURS MUSIC - Fireplace Jam
FRIDAY, November 13
7:30 am–6:00 pm Member Registration & Ticket Sales
8:00 am-6:00 pm Music & Merchandise Boutique, Vendor Area
8:00 am-9:30 am IWMA Chapter Officers Breakfast
8:15 am-4:00 pm IWMA Youth Chapter Meeting & Workshop
9:45 am-3:45 pm Campfire Stage Hosted by Aspen Black
Sponsored by IWMA Kansas Chapter
Marci Broyhill, Larry Cann, TJ Casey, Ron Christopher, Jeff Davidson, Kerry Grombacher, Chri Guenther, Kailer Hedden & Kira Vettenburg, Kacey & Jenna, KC LaCourse, John & Joanne Lowell, Jim Mathis, Tecia McKenna, Duane Nelson, Cam Pierce, Sarah Pierce, Dakota Robinson, Lindy Simmons, Ramblin’ Rangers, The Timberline Cowboys. Jessie Veeder, Phillip Wildman, Ron Wilson, Mark Lynn Young
3:45 pm-5:00 pm Open Mic Hosted by Aspen Black (sign up on site)
Sponsored by IWMA Colorado Chapter
10:00 am-5:00 pm Showcase Performances
Sponsored by IWMA Patron Members
Lori Beth Brooke, Larry Cann, TJ Casey, Jon Chandler, Sherl Cederburg, Patty Clayton Trio, Doug Figgs, Rik “Yonder” Goodell, Chris Guenther, Kacey & Jenna, Carol Markstrom, Ernie Martinez, A.K. Moss, Mark Munzert, Duane Nelson, Prairie Moon, Yampa Valley Steve
10:00 am-4:00 pm IWMA New Mexico Chapter Hosted Jam
Educational Sessions
9:00 am-12:00 noon Songwriting Workshop – John Lowell
Veteran songwriter John Lowell will offer a three-hour workshop on the craft and art of songwriting. In this workshop, participants will be actively writing songs, exploring different ideas, concepts and techniques to increase creativity and improve their songwriting skills. Participants should come prepared with a notebook, a writing utensil, a recording device (smartphones are fine) and a guitar.
1:30-2:30 pm Using One Mic - Roger Eilts, Leo Eilts & Syd Masters
Tips on how to best use a large diaphragm mic in a live setting. Understanding vocal placement, instrument staging, and how to set one up if you are running your own sound. Learn how each member of the band needs to learn how to use the microphone.
7:00-9:00 pm IWMA Friday Night Opry - Hosted by Roger & Leo Eilts
3 Trails West, The Arizona Wildflowers, Floyd Beard, Valerie Beard, Lori Beth Brooke, The Butler Band with Shaza Leigh & Birdie Nichols, Larry Cann, Sherl Cederburg, Jon Chandler, Ron Christopher, Doug Figgs, Gone With The West, Rik “Yonder” Goodell, Chris Guenther, Kristyn Harris, KG & The Ranger Trio, Kacey & Jenna, John & Joanne Lowell, Dan McCorison, Miss Devon & The Outlaw, Glenn Moreland, Mark Munzert, Claudia Nygaard, Randy Palmer, Prairie Moon, Ramblin’ Rangers, LeeLee Robert, Tom Swearingen, The Timberline Cowboys, Western Troubadours, Jessie Veeder, Mark Lee Young
9:30 pm-?? AFTER HOURS MUSIC - Fireplace Jam, IWMA Colorado Chapter Jam
SATURDAY, November 14
7:00-8:30 am Veterans Appreciation Breakfast – Hosted by Jerry Hall
Breakfast sponsored by Butch & Karen Killion and Tex & Patti Hamel
The Arizona Wildflowers, Floyd Beard, Aspen Black, Mike Booth, TJ Casey, Sherl Cederburg, Jon Chandler, Grace Clark, Jeff Davidson, Rik “Yonder” Goodell, Kristyn Harris, Ernie Martinez, Miss Devon & The Outlaw, Mark Munzert, Sonja Oliver, Ranger Jane, Lindy Simmons, The Timberline Cowboys, Yampa Valley Steve, Mark Lynn Young
8:45-9:45 am IWMA Membership Meeting – Open to all current and future IWMA members
10:00 am-5:00 pm Music & Merchandise Boutique, Vendor Area
10:30 am-1:00 pm Poetry Contest
Contest sponsored by Floyd & Valerie Beard; Buckle sponsored by Mark Munzert & Kathleen Kelley
Mike Booth, Marci Broyhill, T.J. Casey, Sherl Cederburg, Jeff Davidson, Sawyer Dietrich, Rik “Yonder” Goodell, KC LaCourse, William “Dub” Lloyd, A.K. Moss, Duane Nelson, George Russell, Lindy Simmons, Phillip Wildman
12:10 pm-1:10 pm Youth Chapter Showcase
1:00 – 5:00 pm Performer Showcases
3 Trails West, The Butler Band, Miss Devon & The Outlaw, Gone With The West, Kristyn Harris, KG & The Ranger, John & Joanne Lowell, Dan McCorison, Tom Swearingen, Mark Lynn Young
1:15-2:30 pm Team Penning Contest
Tom Swearingen & Randy Palmer, Steve Jones & Vic Anderson, Lindy Simmons & Michael J. Mullins, Jeff Davidson & Ron Wilson, Shaza Leigh & Birdie Nichols, Doug Figgs & Floyd Beard, Phillip Wildman & Lori Nelson, KC LaCourse & Birdie Nichols
2:45-3:45 pm Harmony Contest
Sponsored by 3 Trails West
The Arizona Wildflowers, DoubleTake, Gone With The West, KG & The Ranger Trio, John & Joanne Lowell, Miss Devon & The Outlaw, Prairie Moon
2:30-3:30 pm YBarJ Wranglers Masterclass Showcase - Hosted by Judy James & Jean Prescott
2:30-4:00 pm Giving Back Foundation Songwriting Contest - Hosted by TJ Casey
4:00-5:00 pm Cal Farley Boys Ranch Poets
6:30-7:00 pm Awards Pre-Show - Featuring the Patty Clayton Trio
7:00-10:00 pm IWMA Awards Show
10:30 pm AFTER HOURS MUSIC - Fireplace Jam
SUNDAY, November 15
9:00-11:00 am Sunday Morning Gospel Concert – Hosted by Belinda Gail
NOTE: Performers and times may be subject to change.