Author: Gretchen Kirchmann

Boot Barn Wrangler Buy 2, Get One FREE
Starts Feb. 16th to Mar. 18th
Houston Area Exclusive

Locations: Baytown, Cypress, Dickinson, Houston, Humble, Katy, Spring, Tomball

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Rodeo Roundup Feb. 20th City Hall 11 a.m.

Go Texan Day Feb. 23rd

Downtown Rodeo Parade Saturday Feb. 24th 10 a.m.

RodeoHouston Starts Feb. 27th to March 18th 

Celebrating Go Texan Day the Wrangler Way… Long Live Cowboys

Wrangler Jeans and Shirts is offering Buy 2, Get one FREE promotion during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Participating Texas Boot Barn stores include Baytown, Cypress, Dickinson, Houston, Humble, Katy, Spring, and Tomball.

Head to your nearest Houston area Boot Barn to claim this offer to look your best before heading out to enjoy all the action and entertainment. Participate in a city-wide celebration on Go Texan Day Friday, Feb. 23rd, and the Downtown Rodeo Parade on Saturday, Feb. 24th at 10 a.m. by putting your best cowboy gear forward and showing your Western pride.

Plan ahead and save on those new Wrangler Jeans using Advanced Comfort Technology for RodeoHouston.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (RodeoHouston) is at NRG Park from February 27 to March 18, 2018. RodeoHouston has a total purse of $2.17 million dollars, attracts more than 325 contestants and over one million fans. Dating back to 1938 rodeo champions include the legends and modern era greats like 4x World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey from Strong City, Okla. Kimzey won RodeoHouston in 2015 and 2016 pocketing a combined $118,450.

In 2017, event attendance reached a record high of 2.6 million western fans and 33,000 volunteers. This years 2018 all-star entertainment lineup is headlined by two special performances by Garth Brooks, who will both open and close the Rodeo. Other Houston Rodeo artists include Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Brad Paisley, OneRepublic, Zac Brown Band, and more.

 

Mocs are made for walking and CLN is going to follow Britt Bailey on her adventure while covering the WNFR.  Her show “Kickin It with Britt” will feature interviews with Country Music artists, synopsizes and reviews of shopping experiences and much more.  Our CLN team members will need comfortable shoes to keep up with this cowgirl.

“If you have been shopping you know how essential it is to have the comfiest shoes to shop in,” Britt told CLN.   “When you are shopping at the massive opportunities at Cowboy Christmas you need to be as comfy as possible,” she added along with her recommendation to leave the boots until the nightfall.

The brand of Twisted X moccasins has taken the country community by storm.  The comfort of these mocs will have you convinced that you’re kicking about in your most comfortable slippers. “Don’t worry about not being “country enough” because many of the PRCA’s top riders are wearing them, so they still get you the cowboy cred you are looking for,” she replied.  

When it comes to the latest styles, the Twisted X Moc corners the market. Jess Edge with Western Edge in Ames, Iowa helps design the exclusive moc that debuts each year at Cowboy Christmas (and other Christmas location), noted Britt.   The Western Edge store is not your ordinary western store.  It is run by family members and features new and used tack, home décor, and furniture. Jess told CLN, we see many people thru our store and we listen to what they are looking for when they talk about the mocs and turn those wishes into reality with the help of Twisted X.  

Here are just a couple of the new styles that will be exclusively at the Western Edge Booths around Las Vegas.  Mandalay Bay #521; Sands #601; Hunters Christmas #3139. “Let these comfortable, stylish country mocs make it into your suitcase if you are coming out to celebrate the Super Bowl of Rodeo this year,” recommended Britt. 

During the WNFR, Harry Luge will make a guest appearance at the Tropicana on Tuesday December 12th at the Coors Light RV for his dedicated CLN fans on Facebook LIVE.

CLN will have the live feed details posted later on Facebook.

Harry Luge’s tour manager rolled the dice to rearrange his schedule for a last minute appearance in Las Vegas for CLN while we enjoy the WNFR in the fantastic Coors Light RV.

Luge will travel from Arizona to Nevada attending the Gary Leffew Bucking Ball in the late evening hours and then head back East to reconnect with his band members on the road.

Click on and Hang on!

“Drunk in My Drink”

Available now on iTunes and Google Play.

Those are a few lyrics that describe a scene of a morning hangover with a foggy memory. The uptempo song is sure to create buzz among listeners with the parallels of their quandary of liquid courage and sober reasoning. The next lyrics create even more “no you didn’t moments” with “The 70 texts to my ex….they ain’t going over well. Why was I streaking? Way to cold to be that bold…”

The Tropicana home of Gary Leffew’s Bucking Ball will host the BFO outside during the day.  According to the BFO press release, fans should expect to see the explosive show they’ve come to love with more artistic flair and special effects than ever before. The Nevada desert is where dreamers come to fulfill their biggest fantasies, whether it’s cashing in at the tables or walking away with a world championship.

BFO has $100,000 on the table for payout. The BFO Las Vegas Championship is Dec. 7-10 and 13-16, at the Tropicana.

“There’s a lot of money up for grabs in Vegas, and that atmosphere is what gets everybody excited,” said Weston Rutkowski, the reigning Bullfighters Only world champion. “It’s the bright lights,” he said.

“That’s where you go to prove to people that you know what you’re doing. It’s also a chance for several other bullfighters to catch me in the standings. I can’t sit back and let them come at me. I’ve got to go in there and earn that world title.”

Chasing Rutkowski in the world standings is Kris Furr a 26-year-old originally from Hamptonville, North Carolina.  Furr started 2017 off working for Barnes PRCA Rodeo in Perry, Georgia and is currently third in the world standings.  

Marty Barnes, owner of Barnes PRCA Rodeo, complimented Kris’s ability.  He said, “Kris is an outstanding bullfighter. I was always confident to have him in our arena during the last three years.”  

“The Barnes gave me my start in 2014,” stated Furr and continued, “They were the first PRCA rodeo I worked in Shawnee, Penn. then straight to their rodeo in Atlantic City in New Jersey. “

Miles Jones, another regular bullfighter for Barnes PRCA Rodeo, is a qualifier for the BFO.  Jones also from North Carolina fought bulls at Minnesota’s oldest PRCA Rodeo in Buffalo, Minn. this past June thrilling the crowd with his moves and velocity.  “He is a good hand, and I’m excited to see him have success in the BFO matches,” said Barnes.

Together the duo is representing the East Coast well for professional bullfighters.   “They worked our rodeos from Minnesota to Georgia to New Jersey to Wisconsin and always did a good job. They always accepted the challenge of any bull we turned out of the chute,” finished Barnes.

Jones got an invitation to the BFO Las Vegas qualifier just last month.  “I’m really excited about it, and I’ve been waiting for a shot to go to the BFOs,” he told CLN.  The last time he competed in Las Vegas he won the 2014 NFR Bucking Stock Sale.  “What better place than the biggest stage in rodeo. I’m just going to go out there and make the best of it,” continued Jones.

The first round of the qualifiers is December 8th, and the winner moves to preliminary round, semi-finals and finals.

The one-armed bandit slot machines and blackjack tables will see plenty of cowboy hats next week.  Furr has a guaranteed seat in the bullfights championships.

“It’s gonna be hard.  This is the first time I’ve fought bulls for money in Vegas,” Furr acknowledged about staying focused.  The last time he fought bulls in Sin City was at the stock sale on his permit in 2014.

Furr is looking forward to the PRCA Convention first where he’ll continue filling his rodeo schedule for 2018.   “Usual you and just one other guy (are at a rodeo).  Most bullfighters run with other bullfighters.  We all come together as one big group,” Furr acknowledged noting what makes Las Vegas so special.

“I worked 30 rodeos…. oh man I probably went to 20 bullfights,” Furr referenced about his  2017 year.

To elevate the sport of freestyle bullfighting, Bullfighters Only has announced that a $50,000 bonus will be awarded to the 2017 BFO World Champion upon the completion of the 2017 BFO Las Vegas Championship. Plus this year marks the third year of the Roughy Cup, which was the first BFO competition ever in December 2015.

“If I could go in there and win everything I’d be making six figures as a bullfighter.  I remember when I was a kid fighting sheep, I got paid $10 a rodeo. Not even a performance, a whole rodeo.  That is a step up,” he joked.

“Bullfighters Only is underlined by our commitment to freestyle bullfighting and showcasing the sport’s very best athletes,” said Aaron Ferguson, founder, and CEO of Bullfighters Only. “Our sponsors have been the guiding force for us from the beginning, and they continue to grow with us.”

The Las Vegas champion will win $25,000. The winner of the BFO world title, which could be different than the winner of the Las Vegas Championship, will win $50,000. The total purse for the Las Vegas Championship is $50,000, so the BFO will pay out more than $100,000.

“BFO Las Vegas is truly our crown jewel event,” Ferguson said. “the competition will be heated, and we’re going to see some upsets along the way.”

“My initial draw to the bullfights was to help my career and work more rodeos. Today I love them both equally. It’s kinda the same love, and they go hand in hand, ” Furr said.   Furr books his rodeos first and competes in bullfights where the money is right to make a living.

“Cowboy protection….Joe Baumgartner was my idol. Any video I could watch since I was a kid,” he shared.  This past September Kurr told CLN their path kinda crossed, “Oh my God that is Joe Baumgartner and I was star struck at Pendleton…Will Smith could have walked by and I wouldn’t have cared.”  

Kurr likes the bullfighting style of Mike Matt and Greg Ruhmor. ” I love watching the old Wrangler bullfights. I like watching Greg stand out there bouncing around…then gets on his knee shoots the bull with a pistol.”  

BFO’s Seeded Bullfighters

• Weston Rutkowski
• Toby Inman
• Kris Furr
• Dayton Spiel
• Schell Apple
• Justin Josey
• Zach Call
• Tanner Zarnetski
• Cody Emerson

Las Vegas Championship Schedule

All performances begin at 2 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7: Roughy Cup – a stand-alone competition featuring the top nine athletes in the BFO. The event has become a staple for BFO fans.

Friday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 10: Qualifier Rounds – An open door for the sport’s rising talent, providing a chance to compete at the elite level. Nine of the 27 bullfighters competing will advance to the Preliminary Rounds.

Wednesday, Dec. 13-Thursday Dec. 14: Preliminary Rounds – Winners from each performance advance to Championship Saturday.

Friday, Dec. 15: Wild Card Round – Bullfighters will get one final chance to advance to Championship Saturday.

Saturday, Dec. 16: The 2017 BFO world champion will be crowned at the completion of a 9-man semifinals, followed by the 3-man Hooey Championship Round.

For 10-nights straight the Texas Jamm Band is performing at the Gary Leffew Bucking Ball.  The band featuring members of George Strait’s own Ace in the Hole Band will entertain rodeo fans.  On the 25th anniversary of the movie Pure Country the lyrics from the song Heartland…will come alive with twin fiddles playing at the Tropicana.  The Texas-size dance floor and best drink specials cater to rodeo fans.

When you hear twin fiddles and a steel guitar, You’re listenin’ to the sound of the American heart.

The crowd will be dancing to twin fiddles, triple at times and a fourth on occasion.  Band members Benny McArthur, Mike Daily, Ronnie Huckaby, Mike Kennedy, Jon Kemppanien, Rick McRae and Tom Batts will take the stage gifting rodeo fans with traditional country music.  “It is fantastic to have twin fiddles and incredible for triple fiddles,” said McArthur.

Linda Brown, tour manager and agent for the band, said, “(Gary Leffew) Bucking Ball…it’s so suited to who they are. Their favorite audience is the people that dance.  Those dance halls are where these guys cut their teeth.”  When Scotty Alexander joins them on stage, he’ll be the fourth fiddle according to McArthur.

The Texas Jamm Band features award-winning musicians and songwriters with deep roots and respect in Country Music.  They are part of the unprecedented 60 number one hits with George Strait.

Brown noted, “They are extraordinary individuals on and off the stage…they do so many philanthropic things in their communities. They don’t do things for the recognition they do it because it’s the right thing to do.”  

In 1983 Benny McArthur had the opportunity to join George Strait and has been with him ever since. McArthur’s  talents are many: guitar, fiddle, vocals, songwriting, producer and studio musician.  He started playing the steel guitar at age 8. His older brother Jerry took lessons McArthur recalled, “he would teach me, and I was playing.”

On December 1,  McArthur celebrated his 37th wedding anniversary with his wife, Tammy, at home.  Their 12-year-old granddaughter made them dinner, and he kindly took time for a telephone interview with Cowboy Lifestyle Network. December is also his birthday month and he’ll turn 65 the day after Christmas.  Speaking of Christmas, he wrote When it’s Christmas Time in Texas for George Strait.

McArthur told CLN about writing the song lyrics, “A friend of mine ran a Ford dealership, called me up… want to make $100 by taking a one-ton dually from Austin to Franklin, Texas?” he said.  McArthur  agreed to the dealer transfer and by the time he reached Bastrop, Texas he’d written the lyrics “there may not be snow in San Antonio.”  Eleven pages of verses later he’d whittle them down with the help of the “song doctor” his wife.  

The crowd at the Tropicana will experience a large musical selection. How does the Texas Jamm Band select their sets?  “There is one rule of thumb…we play the kind of music you can dance too. We play up-tempo, medium and slow by alternating.  Amarillo by Morning will always fill the dance floor,”  he replied.  In addition to their music, the sets will include songs by Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, George Jones, Mel Tillis, Ray Price and yes, of course, George Strait tunes.  Brown informed CLN that each night would have a different setlist…but confirmed some favorite songs would repeat.  

McArthur, a very accomplished fiddle player, is self-taught.  “You’re Something Special to me….has a really good fiddle, everybody just packs the floor,” he kindly mentioned when asked about some of his favorites.  

The first song he learned on fiddle was Honky-Tonk Stardust Cowboy.  “I loved it at the time.  I was very fortunate when I was 17 and 18 (years old), I met Mel Tillis… they had three fiddles and they just blew me away.   My friend and I decided to be fiddle players,” he continued.  “Nowadays you might see one fiddle player (in a band)…they certainly aren’t doing traditional country music,” he shared.

A Texas-size dance hall serving the best drink specials in town featuring the Texas Jamm Band with a triple fiddle at the Tropicana during the WNFR is like hitting the jackpot.  McArthur noted, “we always do, Bob Wills Faded Love, the anthem of Texas and some cajun stuff.”

McArthur concluded by saying, “I’m  a very blessed person, I have a wonderful wife, kids and family. The Lord has blessed me to play music and make a living.  We’d just like for everybody to come out and see us.  We can guarantee them a good time. “

Free admission, free parking. Come country swing to When it’s Christmas time in Texas, during December with the songwriter himself.

Boot Barn Wrangler Buy 2, Get One FREE
Starts Oct. 26th to Nov. 6th
Las Vegas Only Special Exclusive

PBR Built Ford Tough Series World Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas
Starts Nov. 1st to 5th 2017

Now is the time to stock up on affordable, durable & comfortable Wrangler RIGGS WORKWEAR during Boot Barn’s Welcome Back to Vegas Sale for the PBR.

Save big with the Buy 2, Get one FREE Wrangler deal during the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series World Finals

Only in Boot Barn at the  is the Buy 2, Get One FREE on all Wrangler specialty apparel during the promotional dates of October 26 through November 6, 2017.

Participating Boot Barn stores include 2280 W Warm Springs Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119. 2315 Summa Dr., Suite 1C ; 2280 W. Warm Springs and 7265 Las Vegas Blvd. South

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t let the first snow flurries of the year buck you off the road this season. Cooper Tires knows from deer season in November to the Spring thaw around Easter weekend northern drivers are focused on traction.

PBR and Cooper Tires are an ideal match for the Western industry. PBR was the fore way into the western lifestyle marketing, based on fan exposure and the Americana base with other sponsors, mentioned Chris Pantani with Cooper Tires.

In 2010, they signed a sponsorship with Flint Rasmussen and rolled out as the recognized tire brand of the PBR. Today they are also a proud sponsor of 7x PBR Stock Contractor of the Year, Chad Berger along with the Team Cooper Tires riders.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network tips our hat to the duo that produces and sponsors exciting bull riding across the world. Run them in boys can take on multiple meanings this time of year.

For bull riders, it references the chutes loading with the bulls, and for mechanics, it means a flood of customers in the waiting bay are wanting their winter tires on before the snowfall.

Tire Traction sounds like a PBR bull’s name, but in reality, it’s a critical driver safety term. Winter road conditions demand that drivers know the durability of their tires to make it through winter on a good tread. Cooper Tires produces both the Cooper Weather-Master and the SUV upgrade of the Cooper Discover Line. Pantani recommends checking online www.coopertire.com for a local dealer or buy online at Tire Rack or Discount Direct.

Ryan Dirteater rides Jared Allen’s Pro Bull Team’s Billy Jack for 86 during the third round of the St. Louis Built Ford Tough series PBR. Photo by Andy Watson Bull Stock Media

Boot Barn Wrangler Buy 2, Get One FREE
Starts Oct. 26th to Nov. 6th
Las Vegas Only Special Exclusive

PBR Built Ford Tough Series World Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas
Starts Nov. 1st to 5th 2017

Wear those Wrangler’s especially with the Buy 2, Get one FREE offer in Las Vegas during the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series World Finals 2017.

To celebrate the return of thousands of PBR fans, and PBR’s second year at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Boot Barn wants to make sure you look your best before heading out to enjoy the ultimate bull riding fan experience in America’s beautiful City of Lights.

‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man.
– ZZ Top

Special fundraiser to benefit the victims of Las Vegas at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Gilbert, Arizona on Monday, October 16th, from 6-9pm. Proceeds and donations from the fundraiser will be directly donated to the GoFundMe account for “Las Vegas Victims’ Fund.”

The charity event will feature food and drink specials, and live performances from local country bands featuring Harry Luge, Georgia Chrome, Trey Odum Band, Kody Herring Band and Zona Road.

Additionally, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row will be raffling off a pair of tickets to four AMAZING concerts in the valley for Chase Rice, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan and Shania Twain!

Arizona Fundraiser Featured Performers

Harry Luge

The Harry Luge Band performs a high energy show with a wide variety of styles of music. “Drunk in My Drink” available for pre-ordering now on iTunes and Google Play.

Georgia Chrome

Georgia Chrome covers it all from brand new chart topping country to old school Americana, delivered from the souls of collective national touring musicians together in a one-two sonic punch.

Trey Odum

Born and raised in the Deep South, country crossover singer/songwriter Trey Odum is the perfect combination of southern charms, a powerful voice and a unique songwriting philosophy.

Zona Road

Since late 2011, Zona Road has been working their way around the Western Dance Hall circuit, playing from Sacramento to El Paso and everywhere in between.

CLN: How did you get involved with this event?

Harry Luge: I became involved with this event because of my love for Faith, Family and our Country. I was blessed that Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row reached out asking if I would be a part of the fundraiser. Without any hesitation I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of!

CLN: Your work ethic and love of music has taken you from father’s honky-tonk to clubs, casinos, rodeos and NASCAR races all across America. Striking so close to home, has this vicious attack on American country music fans affected the way you view yourself and your work?

Harry Luge: I believe what I do isn’t work. its what I love! I have been blessed with family and friends that have supported me on this journey from my fathers old honky-tonk, all the way to Nascar races, rodeos and festivals like Country Thunder. The humble hustling never stops, it only multiplies. The opportunity to give back, grow, and learn is what I strive for every day.

LAS VEGAS ROUTE 91 FESTIVAL SHOOTING

Funds will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting.

If you’d like to support the victims and their families, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department encourages you to contribute to this fund. If you cannot financially support the victims, here’s some additional information on other ways to help:

Give Blood

United Blood Services will take donations by appointment only. For more visit: http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/lv/

Local Physical Donations

If you would like to donate water, canned goods, or non-perishable items, please visit Three Square and Catholic Charities: https://www.threesquare.org/ or https://www.catholiccharities.com/.

The LVMPD appreciates the outpouring of support, but their substations cannot currently manage the physical donations and they kindly ask you donate them to the organizations to ensure their distribution. For the latest info, please visit: https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/1OctoberFestivalShooting.aspx

Nashville recording musician Harry Luge will debut his single “Drunk in My Drink” on October 27, 2017 which recounts a few mishaps after a night of too much fun.

Today’s advancement in technology means that unfortunately mishaps while drinking are captured on cell phones and via text messages. A text message encouraged by a colleague or friend with images better left unsent and proofed when sober might just be sent.

“Drunk in My Drink” Release Date: October 27, 2017

Available for pre-ordering now on iTunes and Google Play.

Pre-Order Sweepstakes

Harry Luge is giving away a One-Of-A-Kind Acoustic Guitar signed by Blake Shelton,Chris Young, Thomas Rhett, Aaron Watson, Terri Clark, Dierks Bentley and himself, just to name a few, to one lucky winner who pre-orders,

All you need to do is:

1. Pre-order #DrunkInMyDrink on iTunes or Google Play.
2. Take a screen shot of your receipt
3. Post picture and tag @harrylugemusic

You only have till Thursday night at midnight to enter!!

Good Luck!!

www.harrylugemusic.com

iTunes

Google Play

Upcoming Performances

Fri, Oct 27 @ 9:00 PM
RELEASE PARTY
Denim & Diamonds , Mesa, AZ

Mon, Oct 30 @ 8:00 PM
Whiskey Jam
Nashville, TN

Two Tylenol and some hair off the dog isn’t how I really want to start my day…I can’t recall. Who put that drunk in my drink and those three sheets in the wind,…

Those are a few lyrics that describe a scene of a morning hangover with a foggy memory. The uptempo song is sure to create buzz among listeners with the parallels of their quandary of liquid courage and sober reasoning. The next lyrics create even more “no you didn’t moments” with The 70 texts to my ex….they ain’t going over well. Why was I streaking? Way to cold to be that bold…

Although Harry Luge is known for his songwriting and original music, he also entertains large crowds with current / classic country and pop music. No stage is too small or too large. Harry Luge is always catering to the audience.

Luge strives to create a unique sound of his own, one that tells a story full of truth, hurt and hope. “Drunk in My Drink” is just one of those songs that perhaps tells the truth and humor of finishing a 12-pack off or ordering one too many whiskey sours and running up a tab you simply can’t recall.

Over the years Luge has released more than five albums, his first in 2000 with an 8-track EP, (2005) Ride, Ride, Ride, (2006) Outlaw’s In, (2015) Panic Room, (2015) Harry Luge. He worked with producer Dennis Money on a new album releasing this month including the single Drunk in My Drink. His music is available on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and other digital platforms. He is a regular performer at favorite events and venues such as Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Blue Martini, Country Thunder, Country Stampede, NASCAR’s Phoenix International Raceway, state fairs and rodeos across the country. He has opened for superstar artists including Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Chris Ledoux, Neal McCoy, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry and much more.

Las Vegas Route 91 Festival Shooting

Funds will be used to provide relief and financial support to the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas mass shooting​.

If you’d like to support the victims and their families, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department encourages you to contribute to this fund.

If you cannot financially support the victims, here’s some additional information on other ways to help:

Give Blood

United Blood Services will take donations by appointment only. For more visit: http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/lv/

Local Physical Donations

If you would like to donate water, canned goods, or non-perishable items, please visit Three Square and Catholic Charities: https://www.threesquare.org/ or https://www.catholiccharities.com/. The LVMPD appreciates the outpouring of support, but their substations cannot currently manage the physical donations and they kindly ask you donate them to the organizations to ensure their distribution.

For the latest info, please visit: https://www.lvmpd.com/en-us/Pages/1OctoberFestivalShooting.aspx