Casino Star to host Our America program

ByRobert Stevens
Clive Romney performs during a previous appearance. Romney will be one of the featured performers during “Our America: Voices of the West” on Monday, April 13 at the Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison.
Sam DeLeeuw performs during a previous event. DeLeeuw, a cowboy poet who now lives in Sanpete County, is scheduled to appear as part of the Casino Star Theatre’s “Our America: Voices of the West” program on Monday, April 13.

GUNNISON—The Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison will host a free community program on Monday, April 13 featuring music, storytelling and student participation as part of local America 250 observances.

“Our America: Voices of the West” is scheduled for April 13, at 7 p.m. at the historic theater. Organizers said the event will blend live music, cowboy poetry and community-focused storytelling centered on Western life and local identity.

Featured performers will include Utah musician and storyteller Clive Romney and cowboy poet Sam DeLeeuw, who now lives in Sanpete County.

Romney’s presentation, “American History at the Crossroads of the West: Utah,” will combine storytelling, poetry, original music and projected images to explore Utah history within the broader American story, according to event organizers.

DeLeeuw, an award-winning cowboy poet, will bring a local connection to the program. Organizers said her work reflects Western life and is known for balancing humor with more reflective themes.

The evening will also include participation from local students. A youth speech contest for students in grades 9 through 12 will ask participants to respond to the prompt, “What does America mean to you, and how does your community help shape that story?” Selected finalists will deliver their speeches live during the event.

Cash prizes will be awarded, with $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $75 for an honorable mention. Student singers may also apply to perform the national anthem at the event. Organizers said a soloist or small group will be selected and will receive a $75 stipend.
Applications for both student opportunities are due Tuesday, April 7. Information and submission details are available at casinostartheatre.com.

Opening ceremonies will include the posting of the colors by American Legion Post 105, followed by the national anthem performed by a local student.

“It’s a chance to come together as a community, enjoy a meaningful evening, and hear stories that feel close to home and reflect who we are as Americans,” Casino Star Theatre Foundation Executive Director Lori Nay said in a statement.

Organizers said the program is expected to run about 75 to 90 minutes and is open to all ages.

The event is presented by the Casino Star Theatre Foundation as part of local America 250 celebrations. Organizers said support for the program comes from local donors, businesses, foundations and public arts funding sources, along with Gunnison City.

“Our America: Voices of the West” will be the final live performance of the season at the Casino Star Theatre. Live programming is scheduled to resume in September, while the theater’s weekly movie schedule will continue through the summer.