It’s once again time for the return of the Cowboy Petry and Western Music Festival to the Malad Valley. As in past years, the event will take place over two days, and will be held at the Iron Door Playhouse in downtown Malad.  

The afternoon sessions are held for no charge, and give the performers a chance to try out new material, practice their craft, or speak or sing in front of a smaller, less formal audience.  The afternoon sessions are Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday from 11-5 p.m.  

The Evening sessions have a scheduled program, and carry a cover charge of $15 to support to artists and groups involved, including the Iron Door.  Both evening sessions begin at 6:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the International Western Music Association, and will feature the music of Saddle Strings, as well as Many Strings.

The Cowboy Poets of Idaho and the International Western Music Association have been a part of the much anticipated poetry and music event at the Iron Door Playhouse for a number of years, during which they have brought out members to share their love of poetry, humor, music, and the history.  The weekend of cowboy poetry generally brings together a group of performers of many types—some more serious, some less so. Younger, older, married, still thinking about it, and just ornery.  

A full weekend usually offers up a range of moods from the fanciful and comic to the serious and reflective, with a number of personal stories shared and songs with deeply personal messages shared.

In the past, fans have come into town from around the valley as well as farther flung places, and spent a leisurely morning and afternoon streaming in and out during the free session—though most who come in tend to end up staying more often than not.

The Iron Door Playhouse is one of Malad’s most cherished historic locations, and is a perfect spot for the performance.  If you have never attended in the past, you’ll see what I mean.   

Put the dates on your calendar and plan to make it downtown for some, if not all, of the yearly treat of the poetic flavor.  Given the roster of performers, there is bound to be something that catches your interest and edifies your soul.  OR at least makes you laugh, which is its own good.