The American Cowboy program is a fun-filled, action-packed and educational 50 minute program that brings to life the image of America to the World, the cowboy. Cowboy Ken and Cowgirl Christy talk, sing, tell tales and trick rope their audience through about 25 years of one of the most colorful periods in American History. Their program takes a wide look at the Great Plains between 1865 and 1890. Their story begins at the end of the Civil War and the start of the great American cattle drives. By the conclusion of the program the audience arrives at the end of this era as a result of the wide spread use of barb wire and the growth of the railroads.

In between performances, audiences will learn about the Mexican / Spanish roots of the cowboy. They will learn many new and interesting facts about cowboy life and the work they did on the prairie. The show includes authentic period cowboy songs like Whoopie Ti Yi Yo, Cowboy’s Dream, Old Texas Now and Home on the Range. Everyone will enjoy hearing an old cowboy “Windy” (tall tale) called “Skeeters” about Red River Joe and his newly found respect for skeeters (mosquitoes). True historical stories like Prairie Mom, which deals with a woman’s life and role during these times, gives children and adults alike a real connection back in time.

Finally, everyone will be thrilled with the incredible Old West Arts of trick roping and bullwhipping. Cowgirl Christy, International Award Winning trick roper will demonstrate some of the most famous cowboy rope tricks. Included are : the flat loop; merry-go-round; spoke hop; the old in and out; pop-off; cowboy hand shake; cowgirl cancan; the Texas skip; and finally a giant big loop spin. She will also demonstrate the bull whip and explain how it works and how the cowboys used it.

For Schools

This program comes with a workbook for teachers to use with their students, historical booklet and cassette of old cowboy songs for the school library and to be used in conjunction with the workbook.

Educational Objectives:

K-6 California Standards are met in theatre (storytelling), music, and social studies and language arts.

1. To expose students to the history of one of the most colorful characters and periods in American History. The cowboy from the second half of the 19th century (1865-1890) is the best known American icon as well as the image of America to the world.
2. To demonstrate storytelling and stories, from the cattle drive era, in many different forms. These include true historical life stories, historical depiction stories and tall tales.
3. To expose students to some of America’s great folk music. In this case, old cowboy folk songs like Whoopie Ti Yi Yo, Cowboy’s Dream and Home on the Range that were written by the cowboys as they lived on the prairies during the late 1800’s.
4. To demonstrate some of the Old West Arts skills that were developed by the cowboys of the old west (Trick Roping and Bull Whipping), an authentic American Folk Art form.
5. To provide historical connections to the cowboy era by:
   1. Explaining how the historical roots of the American Cowboy came from Mexico/Spain over a 300 year period in time. This is reflected in their clothing, animals, equipment, skills and vocabulary.
   2. Connect the beginning to the great cattle drives to the end of the Civil War, the overall western movement and the expansion of the railroads across the west.
   3. Explaining how changes in technology or new products that are developed often change the people, their lives and culture (i.e. barb "wire"
6. To discuss geography, the environment and other natural resources which were part of the cowboy’s life.
7. To discuss the role of women and their lives on the Great Plains during the golden age of the American cowboy.
8. To leave students and teachers with a historical image of just who the American Cowboy was and what his life was like. An image that extends well beyond depictions on TV, in the movies or on cartoons.

Additional School Assembly Information and Programs

Additional Show Information

1. The cowboy show can be performed indoors our outdoors. Outdoor programs require a PA System and if it is to be held at night – lighting.
2. The cowboy show can be modified to meet additional needs: a bit more connected to the western movement with western movement songs and stories along with some cowboy information and trick roping.
3. The program can be performed as a one person show depending on budgetary requirements
4. Cowgirl Christy and Cowboy Ken are available for interactive walk around trick roping – especially good for family fun nights, festivals, fairs etc.
5. Show can be performed in segments and modified in many ways to meet a wide variety of our clients needs.
6. If you have any special needs or requests, contact us, and we’ll be glad to try and work with you.
7. This program is available from Ventura to San Diego and out into the desert. Some Travel charges may apply.

The Performers: COWBOY KEN & CHRISTI LEWIS

Cowboy Ken is a professional storyteller and children’s music artist. He performs with his guitar, branding iron and ropes for children and family audiences. Ken brings to life the American Cowboy which is the image of America to the world. He has performed at over 2000 schools, festivals, libraries and community events throughout Southern California. His personal enthusiasm, his endearing smile, the sparkle in his eye and his performing experience combine to engage, educate and involve his audiences right from the start.
Christi Lewis is a third generation performer who grew up entertaining with her family’s Western Variety Show featuring trick roping (both on the ground and on horseback), bull whipping, singing, horse and dog acts, clogging and cancan. They toured throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. She now performs and amazes audiences at schools, corporate events, parades and rodeos. For over 5 years she has held the international title for the women’s largest “big loop spin”.
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