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.

The Grant County Copper CowBelles met March 22, 2016.  President Kim Clark opened the meeting.  The Pledge, creed and cowbelle prayer were read by hostesses Kathy Davis and Judy de Pedro.  Guests were introduced as FSA County Executive Director, Mackey Irwin and trainee Shelby Johnson.  There was discussion about partnering with the local rodeo association to sponsor Penny Conway who runs a program called Cowboys and Kids.  She visits schools and shares information about rodeo animals and how well they are treated.  She also provides booklets about rodeos.  The decision was tabled until the next meeting.  Our cowbelle sign at the rodeo arena has been displayed for several years with no fees being charged.  All signs are coming down this year to be redone and only put back up if box seats are purchased at a minimum of $800.  It was decided that this was cost prohibitive unless enough members wanted to go together and buy the tickets for personal use.  

Bobbie Neal Little announced that the ranching exhibit at the Silver City Museum has been postponed again due to the retirement of the director.  She is certain that it will eventually be opened.  A tally was made of the members who intend to go to Margie McKeen’s Ranch Days April 19th and 20th.  Pat Hunt will call her to say who is volunteering to help.  Pat Hunt made a report about attending the District III meeting held in Las Cruces on March 17th.  

The upcoming Shindig was discussed for the remainder of the meeting.  Committee chairs are making progress but the biggest concern is obtaining items for the silent auction.  Tickets were distributed to the members for them to sell.

Fiesta de Mayo – Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction

Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Flame Convention Center, Piños Altos Road, Silver City, NM.

Doors open at 6 pm. Beef Brisket dinner will be served from 6 pm to 7 pm. The Silent Auction will be held from 6 to 8:30 pm, past silent auction items have included western prints and furniture, wildlife décor, Iron work, handmade crafts and gift baskets.

Kick up your heels to the western music of the Yarbrough Band. The band starts at 7 pm and ends at 11 pm.

Tickets: $30 advance purchase and $35 at the door. Get them at Aunt Judy’s Attic, Western Bank, Farm Bureau Insurance–Susan Sumrall, or from a Copper CowBelle member.

No host bar – No one under the age of 21 will be admitted. Seating is limited! Reserved seating is open to the public at 6:45 pm.

Proceeds from this event help fund scholarships, beef education and promotion. More info at www.coppercowbelles.com.

“Join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, making new friends
and renewing old acquaintances!”

If you are looking for something fun to do this Independence Day, why not drive up to Glenwood for the Frisco CowBelles 33rd Annual Celebration!

The Copper CowBelles held their meeting today at the Silver City Museum Annex.

The museum will begin a two room exhibit in November about Ranching. We are looking for local ranching family histories, and loaned artifacts to be displayed. Contact Bobbie for more info: littlebobbieneal (at) gmail.com.

We also made a donation to the Annual Ice Cream Social that the museum holds every Independence Day.

(As a side note: Bobbi Neal-Little was also named Volunteer of the Month for June 2015 – she is a CowBelle and pictured on the left)