SIERRA VISTA - "It's kind of like a reunion," said Steve Conroy, co-chair of the 15th annual Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering. "We're bringing back some favorite people we haven't seen in awhile, but, as always, we're introducing the community to some great new talent."

The Cochise Gathering has become a staple of entertainment for residents and visitors to the county, is an "Arizona Treasure" declared by Gov. Janet Napolitano, and makes the first weekend in February one of Sierra Vista's most exciting and busy of the year. The 2007 event brings in 70 performers from 11 different states. The theme of "Cowboys and Vaqueros" puts a spotlight on history, particularly the years after the Gadsden Purchase when the Arizona Territory boomed with cattle and cultural co-existence and cooperation.

"I think the fact that we've reached our 15th anniversary shows a lot of things," said Conroy. "It proves our stability and that we've polished the enterprise over the years. Community involvement remains high and we've become a professional, well-oiled operation."

But don't read "city slick" into that interpretation.

Conroy, and co-chair Bob Fusco, are quick to acknowledge that The Gathering couldn't or wouldn't happen without the support and help of literally hundreds of sponsors and volunteers.

Volunteers assist with everything from housing visiting artists (developing long-standing friendships along the way) to designing the stage sets and planning social receptions for the performers. Sponsors, in addition to monetary donations, offer in-kind contributions such as printing services, sign-making and food for the green room backstage.

"The whole community nature of the event makes it one of the favorite Gatherings among performers," Conroy added. "They love coming here because they are so embraced by the town."

spirit, most performers spend Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. offering small, concurrent "mini-shows," of 50 minutes in length throughout the day at Buena High. There's also a morning sing-along for students involved in the Western Heritage program. All Saturday sessions are free and afford a chance to see a wide variety of performers over the seven-hour duration.

Poets and musicians move from room to room in different combinations. For example, "Vaqueros & Song" at noon in the library will feature Jon Richins and Mariachi Batiz, while simultaneously in the Band room, "Fresh Poems" are offered by Royce Hodge, Byrd Woodward, Trey Allen and Linda Kirkpatrick.

Performers mix it up at different times of the day, presenting different themes.

"The Saturday shows are a give-back," said Conroy. "It can be a family outing, and you can control who you see. The more exposure people have to the range of artists we present, the more we can improve and grow."

SO YOU WANT TO GO:

It's now first-come, first-served for tickets to The Gathering.

Get to the Buena Performing Arts Center an hour before the performance and go to the box office - Friday and Saturday night shows are at 7 p.m. with the Sunday matinee at 1 p.m.

All performances are $17 for adults, $6 for students in grades one through 12, and $15 for seniors and active or retired military. It's open seating. Save the complimentary program book. You might want to collect autographs at Saturday's free, themed 50-minute sessions with more than 50 performers all over Buena High - or when you drop by the Friday or Saturday night free jam sessions at the Windemere Hotel after the shows.