The Gypsy Cowbelle

“…having coordinated dozens of presenters for library events, I consider Miss “V” one of the best that I have worked with. She was prompt, professional, communicative and as many other library staff members stated, delightful to work with.”

— – Jennifer Rife ~ Laramie County Library

A bona fide troubadour, The Gypsy Cowbelle (a.k.a. Miss “V”) offers intriguing glimpses into American culture, history and lore. Her musical performances pair a diverse selection of original ballads with traditional cowboy, country and Americana covers. Compelling lyrics accompanied by solid rhythms on the guitar and her homemade Plank Banjo define “V”s signature “Genuine Cowbilly” sound. Her subtle humor, engaging personality, creative spirit, and penchant for discovering ‘the road less travelled’ culminate in unique performances that entertain and provoke thought in equal measure. Listeners enjoy stepping back to rural places and simpler times.

While caretaking a homestead ranch for fourteen years, Miss “V” honed skills such as driving teams, making tack, running pack strings, building banjos, and cowboying. Two decades spent exploring rural America and her backcountry have afforded “V” her rich understanding of the land and its people. The Gypsy Cowbelle’s fascinating story has been captured in magazines, books, newspapers, radio interviews, and television broadcasts nationwide. Whether she is entertaining Wyoming’s First Lady or playing around the campfire on a remote wagon train, Miss “V”s infectious smile has a way of brightening the mood at any venue.

“Through music, I aspire to unite audiences, reveal history, evoke creative thought, celebrate universal themes and depict characters found along a road less travelled…”

“V”

Ideal Entertainment for:

Cowboy Poetry Gatherings
Historical Societies
House concerts
Folk Festivals
Ranch & Trail
Hoedowns
Banquets
Museums
Libraries

File Downloads:

Gypsy Cowbelle Educational Programs

Miss “V” is pleased to offer a wide range of educational programs and interactive workshops. Myriad opportunities exist for communities interested in bringing The Gypsy Cowbelle to town for multiple presentations. Please contact “V” to develop a residency program catered to your community!

Homespun Instruments

Homespun Instruments is an interactive workshop which stimulates music making, creative expression and positive group dynamics through the use of a wide array of simple and homemade instruments. A brief overview of historic origins and construction of selected instruments sets the stage, after which participants ‘join the band’, as Miss “V” leads traditional folk, cowboy and classic country tunes. The program is excellent for students, family-oriented community events, living history demonstrations and folk festivals.

Dawn In The Night

Dawn in the Night (Chautauqua Performance) is a unique and compelling portrayal of Amelia Earhart set in 1934. Highlights of Ms. Earhart’s flying career receive equal attention as her ideological trappings, while details surrounding her disappearance are not the focus of the presentation.The body of the performance, focuses on Amelia's life prior to 1935, though additional questions and post-script follow when Miss “V” appears for the final segment of the performance, covering the last three years of Ms Earhart's life.

The Modern Day Homesteader

homesteading; teamster; gypsy cowbelle, miss v, ranching, western history

The Modern Day Homesteader documentary presentation incorporates slides, music and narrative to depict the artist’s personal account of one homestead ranch. After spending fourteen years on a historic claim in northwest Wyoming and working with the homesteaders themselves, Miss “V” shares her singular insight about life on the ranch. During her extended stay, she maintained a lifestyle in accordance with the way pioneers lived over a century ago. Engaging Q & A discussions are generally inspired by the documentary presentation.

Introduction to Leatherwork

Introduction to Leatherwork is a hands-on workshop geared for smaller classes of students 14+ and/or adults interested in exploring the fundamentals of leatherwork. Simple projects will be incorporated as a means for learning the basic components of carving and stamping leather. It is ideal for beginners who possess some artistic flair and those seeking a new, creative outlet. This is a great activity for activities clubs, BOCES, art societies and mentorship programs. A small material fee and/or additional time allotment may apply.