The Art Box

The Art Box - Episode 283 - Big Voice, BIG Talent and Busy - Back with Kristyn Harris

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
It has been an incredible journey watching our ultra-talented friend Kristyn Harris as her career and travel schedule continue to soar. From music and rodeo life to cows, steaks, and horses, we dive into it all in this lively and fun-filled conversation. Sit back and enjoy as we catch up with one of Western music’s brightest stars!
Catch Kristyn’s amazing talent: https://www.kristynharris.com/

The Art Box - Episode 282 - The Creative Apple Does Not Fall Far from the Tree - Meet Serafina

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
Serafina comes from a family of remarkably talented artists, but she’s carving her own creative path with a passion for mask-making. While she doesn’t follow her parents' mediums, her artistry shines through in her award-winning designs, earning her recognition and admiration. In fact, her work is so impressive that Linda couldn’t resist ordering a custom mask! It was a true pleasure to interview this exceptional young talent and explore the inspiration behind her craft.

The Art Box - Episode 281 - Modern Spirit of the American West - Welcome Back Jessie Veeder

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
Our hearts are always a little fuller when Jessie Veeder stops by for a podcast. A true icon of the American West, she brings her warmth, wisdom, and undeniable talent, reminding us why her voice and storytelling resonate so deeply with those who love the land and its traditions.
Jessie Veeder is a country singer-songwriter, storyteller, and rancher whose music and words capture the heart of the rural American experience. Raised on her family's fourth-generation cattle ranch in North Dakota, Jessie weaves her deep connection to the land, family, and small-town life into her soulful, heartfelt songs. With a voice rich in warmth and authenticity, her music blends classic country, folk, and Americana, resonating with those who cherish wide-open spaces and honest storytelling.
Beyond music, Jessie is a dedicated mom, writer, and advocate for rural living, using her platform to celebrate the resilience and beauty of life in the countryside. Whether she's performing on stage, writing about ranch life, or raising her children on the same land she grew up on, Jessie Veeder embodies the modern spirit of the American West.
Find our more about Jessie: https://jessieveedermusic.com/home

The Art Box - Episode 280 - Cowboying, Photography and a Beautiful Voice - Meet Melanie Larue

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we introduce the incredibly talented Melanie Larue, a woman of many skills and passions. From working cattle and living the cowboy life to capturing the West through her photography and gracing audiences with her beautiful voice, Melanie embodies the spirit of the modern-day cowgirl. Join us as she shares her journey, the stories behind her images, and the deep connection she feels to the land, the animals, and the music that moves her soul.
Follow Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanielaruephoto/

The Art Box - Episode 279 - Pure Energy with Hot Club of Cow Town

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
Get ready to swing! In this episode, we dive into the electrifying performance of the Hot Club of Cowtown—and oh my goodness, what a show! This dynamic trio—Elana James, Whit Smith, and Jake Erwin—brings a mesmerizing fusion of Western swing, hot jazz, and dazzling musicianship that keeps toes tapping, heads bobbing, and seats swaying. Their infectious energy and masterful sound transport audiences to a place where rhythm rules and the spirit of the West meets the soul of swing. Don’t miss this lively conversation celebrating one of the most exciting bands on the scene today!
Find out more about Hot Club of Cowtown: https://hotclubofcowtown.com/
 

The Art Box - Episode 278 - One All Around Great Guy - Gus Brackett

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome back our good friend Gus Brackett—but this time, he turns the tables and starts interviewing us! It’s always a pleasure to have Gus on The Art Box, bringing his wit, storytelling, and deep-rooted knowledge of the cowboy way of life.
Raised on a working cattle ranch spanning the wide-open spaces of Southwestern Idaho and Northeastern Nevada, Gus was on horseback by age five and sold his first steer at ten. His love for storytelling started in a one-room schoolhouse, where he first penned cowboy tales inspired by the rich oral history passed down from his grandfather, Noy Brackett, and legendary cowboys like Uncle Rolly Patrick and Truman Clark.
In 2010, Gus began writing the Badger Thurston series, chronicling the grit, humor, and adventure of the West. Today, he still lives and works on the same ranch where he was raised, serving as Chairman of the Board of the very school where his storytelling journey began. At home with his wife Kimberly, their four children, and a barn full of animals, Gus continues to write—so keep an eye out for more books in this incredible series!
You can find his books at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00J8RGB2M
 

The Art Box - Episode 277 - Day One Wrap Up from Elko

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we wrap-up our first day and plot out a strategy for day two.

The Art Box - Episode 276 - Horses, Cows, Family and Basketball - Annie Mackenzie

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Annie Mackenzie, her sister/manager Megan and nephew Blaze. Annie from Jordan Valley, Oregon is a true embodiment of the Western lifestyle. From raising horses and cattle, milking along her old pickup, to the bonds of family and her new job of coaching basketball, Annie shares her journey and the values that shape her life. With deep roots in ranching and a passion for stories, she brings heart, grit, and wisdom to our conversation. Join us for an inspiring look at the balance between tradition, hard work, and the love of the land.
Connect with Annie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oregon_annie/?hl=en

The Art Box - Episode 275 - Rubbing Butterflies on Your Heart - Wisdom of Henry Realbird

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Henry Realbird a renowned Crow Nation cowboy poet, storyteller, and former Montana Poet Laureate (2009-2011). Born and raised on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana, he grew up riding horses, ranching, and deeply immersed in Native traditions and the cowboy way of life. His poetry, often performed in both English and Crow, captures the vast landscapes of the West, the struggles and joys of ranching, and the spiritual connection between people, land, and horses.
Henry is known for his lyrical, rhythmic style, often performing his poetry on horseback, bringing an authenticity and deep-rooted passion to his work. His books include Horse Tracks, Wolf Teeth, and Ride the Wind, reflecting themes of survival, identity, and the beauty of the open plains.
A true embodiment of the cowboy poet spirit, Henry Real Bird's work bridges cultures, preserving both Indigenous and Western traditions through powerful storytelling.
Learn more about Henry at: https://www.westernfolklife.org/blog/tag/Henry+Real+Bird

The Art Box - Episode 274 - Meet Miss Rodeo Nevada 2025, Cyd Curle

Thanks to a generous grant from the Nevada Arts Council, Linda and Steve are broadcasting from the Elko Convention Center at the 40th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. A heartfelt thank you to the Western Folklife Center for their incredible hospitality and dedication to preserving the spirit of cowboy poetry and Western storytelling!
In this episode, we welcome Cyd Curl, Miss Nevada Rodeo 2025, who shares her deep-rooted love for the Western way of life. From growing up in the saddle to baling hay and mastering dressage, Cyd’s journey is as inspiring as it is exciting. Join us as she brings the spirit of rodeo to life with her stories, passion, and undeniable charm!
Learn more about Cyd at: https://missrodeonevada.com/miss-rodeo-nevada-2025-cyd-curle/