update
Maren Morris burst onto the country scene with original songs like “My Church” and “Rich.”

Maren Morris, a rising star you might want to know!

“Can I get a hallelujah, can I get an amen?” sings Texas-born, Nashville-dwelling Maren Morris on “My Church,” the lead single from her self-titled LP. Though sing, however, might not be the most appropriate verb–she belts, in her dynamic range that can growl soulfully one moment and twangily howl the next. It’s an honest performance from an artist and writer who stands out for the singular point of view, sheer creativity and fearless approach to music she’s developed since she began performing and writing as a young child. Using the boldest colors from across many genres as her palette, and country as her canvas, Morris’ stories are vivid paintings that can be gleefully fun, tearfully heartbreaking, and a perfect balance of modern and timeless. In the five songs of her EP, it’s easy to discover all of the diverse and dynamic sides that make up Maren Morris—from the confident, danceable swagger of “80s Mercedes,” to the island jam of “Drunk Girls Don’t Cry,” and the soulful confessions of “Wish I Was.” And, of course, the thrilling pop-country-gospel amalgam of “My Church,” a track that was written while Morris was cruising along in her car listening to the radio. She had an an epiphany: there’s something downright spiritual about letting your body and mind be enveloped by the power of music.

0G6A1954MUSTANGS TO THE EXTREME X10

FROM WILD TO MILD

With approximately 100 days to transform wild to mild, trainers from across America continue to take the challenge of competing with an American Mustang at Extreme Mustang Makeover events in 10 U.S. cities. Trainers compete for cash and prizes while displaying the trainability of American Mustangs, in hope of finding a suitable adopter for the horse. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to recognize and highlight the value of Mustangs through a national training competition, showcasing the beauty, versatility, and trainability of these rugged horses.  After being selected, a trainer picks up an American Mustang that has been virtually untouched by humans, and has approximately 100 days to gentle, halter break, saddle train, build trust, develop a relationship with the horse . Help the Mustang Heritage Foundation celebrate 10 years of the Extreme Mustang Makeovers where it all began, Fort Worth, Texas, September 15-17 at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center.  In the past 10 years, and with over 4000 competitors, only 78 trainers have gotten to claim the title of Extreme Mustang Makeover Champion. The best prize is the fact that 5,238 mustangs have been adopted at Extreme Mustang Makeover events. Visit extrememustangmakeover.com

updateWESTERN DESIGN IN JACKSON HOLE

The Western Design Conference is a four-day celebration of one-of-a-kind functional furniture, fashion, jewelry and home accessories.  The juried show and shopping expo bring together artists, scholars, collectors, interior designers, architects, and fashion designers with a passion for the West. From documented American craft to home design and fashion, the show encompasses all aspects of the finest in Western design. This event, held at the Snow King Center in Jackson Hole, Wyoming,  features museum-quality creations capturing the spirit of the West.  Visitors can meet the artists whose handcrafted works in leather, metal,home accents, woodworking, mixed media, jewelry, and fashion will be showcased and available for purchase. WDC takes place September 8-11.

Visit westerndesignconference.com

western eventsOUT & ABOUT

Pendleton Round-Up Rides for the 106th Time!

While the rodeo is the heart of the Round-Up week, the Round-Up refers to all of the excitement that draws thousands to Pendleton in the second full week in September each year. Pendleton’s Main Street is closed to motorized traffic and becomes a festival grounds, with vendors and live music throughout the week. Whether it’s the Happy Canyon Night Show Pageant, the Indian Pow-Wows and vendor booths, the Westward-Ho! Parade or the nightly shows on Main Street, the whole town transforms into a fun-filled festival for all.  Celebrating its 106th outing, the 2016 Round-Up Rodeo starts on Wednesday September 14 and runs through Saturday September 17—but the festivities actually begin on the Saturday prior, starting with the  Dress-Up Parade through downtown Pendleton. On Saturday evening, an outdoor kick-off concert is held in the Happy Canyon Arena where country crooner Lee Brice will headline. Each night after the Rodeo, the Happy Canyon Indian Pageant is held in its own outdoor arena, featuring a spectacular theatrical performance portraying the Native People, emigrants who came through the area on the Oregon Trail, as well as a portrayal of Pendleton’s Wild Frontier Days. September is the perfect time of  year to visit Pendleton, Oregon, and it’s easy to make a week-long vacation in and around the area. Visit pendletonroundup.com for all the details.