Ernie Sites – Cowboy Poet

Late last month, I had the opportunity to attend a private concert with Ernie Sites, the Yodeling Cowboy.  According to his website, Ernie “combines traditional and original western singing/songwriting, yodeling, cowboy poetry, storytelling, and trick roping demonstrations with his own personal brand of western humor and wit.”  Ernie also happens to be a friend of one of my co-workers, who arranged the concert at The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve.  The invitation said “bring a dish to share, practice yodeling on your way over, and wear your best cowboy gear.”

I brought a dish, didn’t practice my yodeling (it would have actually come in handy if I had), and wore a bit of cowboy garb.  Ernie, true to this reputation, was funny, entertaining, and a singer that can stir emotion.  Being in one of the most beautiful places in Idaho, with Stalker Creek flowing nearby and the dusk falling, while quietly singing along to “Sweet Baby James,” was definitely a great start to the summer.

Ernie was kind enough to let me take pictures during his performance.