Regardless of what the mainstream country music scene refuses to accept or believe, cowboy culture is Black culture. It has been from the very beginning.
The success of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – which is based on the club banger from St. Louis’ own J-Kwon – and Beyoncé’s Grammy Award-winning “Cowboy Carter” have resulted in appropriation accusations from current artists and fans of the genre.
They only need a brief history lesson to learn that cowboy culture – and the music it inspired – is rooted in Blackness.
Cahokia native Michael B. Whitfield, known professionally as Michael B. Whit, has been paying his dues as a country artist long before it became fashionable.
Whit’s grind inspired veteran St. Louis promoter Phil of Liquid Assets to bring an event that celebrated country culture to the region this weekend with the inaugural Gateway Trail Ride & Field Party to Rolling Ranch in Sauget, IL. He teamed up with Certified Steppas Trail Riders and Whit to present the event.
Whit, who also owns Rolling Ranch, combined his musical passion and his beloved pastime of farming to create an event that celebrated the music and the lifestyle he loves – and promotes through his artistry.
The three-day event included all the country staples – a pig chase, pony rides, sack races and mechanical bull stations. There was even a line dancing competition that gave away $1000 in prize money. These attractions were split by musical performances and DJ sets with music ranging from country to funk, R&B and hip hop.
The event was the perfect example of how to strike while the iron is hot with respect to the trend of country culture. The added bonus was that the organizers handed country back to the descendants of its originators – and created an unforgettable cultural event that could be enjoyed by the entire family.
Whit – who happens to be an Emmy nominated country artist – was among the headliners of the concert portion. He gave a rousing performance as he sang and strummed the guitar while backed by a full band. They brought classic country twang to the set through selections like “One That I Want” and “Light It Up” – which features the St. Lunatic Murphy Lee. Whit also performed “40 Acres Down,” a seamless mix of country and R&B lyrics, over the music of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” He finished with “Backwoods,” a song that further blended the country and R&B music culture.
The performances continued with national sensation Pokey Bear. A veteran of the blues and southern soul circuit, he kept up a cute groove while maintaining his ladies’ man persona.
“Here Come Pokey” got everyone on their feet. “They Call Me REMIX” kept them there.
He further explained who he is and what he is about before he jumped in the “Good Foot.” The crowd erupted into a line dance.
Pokey Bear comically uttered “What happens in East St. Louis stays in East St. Louis,” before performing “Keep It on the Down Low” and “I Left Home to be With My Side Piece.” He exited the stage to Boosie’s “Wipe Me Down.” He capped off his groovy performance with his signature bop – among other dances – and relished in the cheers of his fans.
The final entertainment of the evening was a line dance competition broken up into two divisions – singles and group dancers. The winners of each category received $500 each based on how loudly the audience cheered. This competition exposed the audience to various line dances that merged Black music with mainstream country. The remix of Morgan Wallen’s “Dangerous” featuring Twista and “Country Girl” by Tonio Armani.
The singles competition took place earlier in the evening with line dances to songs like “Boots on the Ground.” Happy Feet won that competition with his dance to “Help Me Find My Drawls” also by Tonio Armani. He performed the sensual line dance in a black muscle tee with jeans and boots to match. He also caressed and twirled a red towel as he danced.
The final competition brought more hit songs like “Keep on Steppin” by Mike Clark Jr. Couple Sky and Chris performed in all black with shining silver accents that reflected under the spotlight as they danced. They were up against Activate. The group of girl dancers had dips and twirls that showed high enthusiasm and creativity, but they were not able to take home the win from fan favorites Sky and Chris.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
