FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 2, 2008
CONTACT:  Jeff Mammenga, (605) 773-6000; Jeff.Mammenga@state.sd.us

Cultural Heritage Center hosting renown cowgirl poet

PIERRE, S.D. – A multi-award winner in the world of cowboy poetry, Yvonne Hollenbeck will share her poems and stories on Sunday, April 6, at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. 

“Just Give Your Horse His Head: Poetry by Yvonne Hollenbeck,” a free program sponsored by the South Dakota State Historical Society, begins at 2 p.m. in the center’s education room.

From her home on a three-generations-old family ranch near Winner, Hollenbeck travels throughout the United States, captivating audiences in her wake. She is one of the most published cowgirl poets in the West and was named the 2007 “Female Poet of the Year” by the Western Music Association.

“Yvonne Hollenbeck has a delightful program, and we are pleased to be able to bring her to Pierre,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “We’re sure the audience will enjoy hearing Yvonne’s presentation.”

From homesteading to the present, Hollenbeck’s poems have universal appeal to listeners of all ages, male and female. Drawn from her everyday experiences of sharing the range with her husband, Glen, her refreshing verse is filled with the ups and downs of modern ranching. While mostly humorous in nature, her poems take a turn toward serious with stories about her mother’s and grandmothers’ lives.

Copies of Hollenbeck’s books and CDs will be for sale following the presentation. Audience members will also be able to peruse the Heritage Store where western-themed books by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press will be featured.     

Cultural Heritage Center museum hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. Sundays and most holidays. For more information, call (605) 773-6000 or visit www.sdhistory.org.