Joy Harjo and Larry Mitchell Perform at WYO

On Saturday, Feb. 25, Ucross Alumni and U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, presented an evening of music and poetry at the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center. Harjo was joined by musician Larry Mitchell, who is a familiar face at the WYO.

The evening began in the WYO lobby with a VIP reception, and a meet-and-greet with Harjo. Around 200 people attended the reception, and the WYO Theater was filled for the concert.

Harjo recently concluded her historic third term as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States. A member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, she was the first Native American to hold the post and the second poet laureate to be appointed a third term in the position’s history. She has written 10 books of poetry, several plays and children’s books and two memoirs. As a musician and performer, Harjo has produced seven award-winning music albums. Her last album is titled “I Pray for my Enemies”

Harjo came to northern Wyoming when she had a residency at Ucross,

She talked about how the February weather in Wyoming leads to getting more work done inside.

Although this is here first time performing at the WYO, Harjo is no stranger to Wyoming, and has traveled around the around the state.

She has also performed at the University of Wyoming, and said about the WYO Theater, “The WYO is great. It feels really warm.”

Harjo was joined on stage by her longtime musical collaborator, Grammy award-winning producer, engineer and performer Larry Mitchell.  Mitchell is a peformer who has toured the world playing guitar with well-known artists including Tracy Chapman, Billy Squier, Ric Ocasek and Miguel Bosé. In his original compositions, Larry skillfully weaves guitar textures that showcase his virtuosity as a solo artist and ensemble player.

.Mitchell was born in Brooklyn, New York, but now lives in Alabama, and said he likes the small town. He talked about his music.

Mitchell is a familiar face in Sheridan, having performed at the WYO four times. “The stage people know him,” Harjo said. He talked about the WYO.

He also talked about his collaboration with Harjo, and her stage presence when performing.

During the intermission of the performance, Ucross President William Belcher, presented Harjo with an Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts, and there will be a follow-up story about the award and its presentation on Sheridanmedia.com.