April 2016 – Grant County Copper CowBelles

The Yarbrough Band is a Las Cruces-based award-winning classic western band whose favorite shows are the ones where people get up and dance. Their goal is to keep the tradition of Classic Country dance music alive in the Southwest. You can find the Yarbrough Band performing throughout New Mexico and southeastern Arizona at county fairs, wedding receptions or local events. Their music appeals to people of all ages. At rodeo dances, for example, you will find just as many, if not more, youngsters on the dance floor as old-timers.

The band began in 2007 as a family three-piece band with a young Jacy on vocal and fiddle, Dawson on the guitar and father Jason on vocals and bass. Over the years they have had a number of talented musicians join the family. Currently, Mike Matthews is on drums and vocals, Bill Radcliffe on guitar and the legendary Jimmy Tomlinson is on the Pedal Steel. The Yarbrough Band describes themselves as a “tight-knit, fun lovin’ family band” heavily influenced by older country artists like Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and Patsy Cline.

The Yarbrough Band will perform Saturday, April 30 at the annual Copper CowBelles Shindig. A long-standing tradition in Grant County, this dinner, dance and silent auction is sure to have something for everyone. The Shindig was originally started as an event for local ranchers to get together and socialize. Today, the event appeals to individuals from all walks of life and the highlight is the dance.

Kim Clark, Copper CowBelle President states, “If you like to dance, the Yarbrough Band is a treat. They play a mix of classic country covers and a few original songs that have a way of getting people out of their chairs and on their feet.”

You can get tickets to the dinner and dance at Aunt Judy’s Attic, Western Bank, Farm Bureau Insurance; Susan Sumrall or Mimbres Feeds in Deming. Ticket prices are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. The doors open for the dinner at 6 pm and the Yarbrough Band starts up at 7:30. This event at the Flame Convention Center in Silver City is a fundraiser for the CowBelles and proceeds support local agricultural projects throughout the year. For more information, go to www.coppercowbelles.com or the Copper CowBelles Facebook page.

“Many people in Grant County come up to me and state that they look forward all year long to attending the CowBelle’s Shindig, and dancing to the Yarbrough Band,” stated Clark.

From left are Bobbie Neal-Little, 2015 Cowbelle of the Year, and 2015 Copper Cowbelles President Jo Ann Miller. (Courtesy Photo)

This annual award is bestowed on a member for outstanding service to the organization and to the promotion of the ranching way of life. Bobbie Neal-Little exemplifies this honor. She has served over 15 years as a Copper CowBelle and although she stays quite busy with her family, she always makes time to help a neighbor and support local youth.

Bobbie has been instrumental in assisting the Silver City Museum with “Trunk lessons” on ranching as well as collecting artifacts and histories for an upcoming ranching exhibit. She works hard to promote the fundraising efforts for the Copper CowBelles with the annual Shindig, coming up April 30, as well as the annual Grant County Fair booth and other venues which fund scholarships for Grant County students majoring in Agricultural fields.

The local chapter of the New Mexico CowBelles organization, Copper CowBelles, began September 1976. The Copper CowBelles, with members from all walks of life, have made themselves known as a group of women who want everyone to know the importance of the beef industry to Grant County and The State of New Mexico.

Month: April 2016

The Yarbrough Band Returns to Silver City for Annual Shindig

Copper Cowbelles Honors 2015 Cowbelle of the Year