Keep them doggies rollin’

Classical and Western music combine for a Western-themed concert at the Reno Hilton this Saturday titled “Rhythm and Rawhide: The True West in Words and Music.” The program includes the sagebrush-tinged poetry of Waddie Mitchell and performances by Grammy-nominated balladeer Don Edwards. Mitchell is Nevada’s most famous cowboy poet, and Western music fans know Edwards as one of the best in the musical genre. The two collaborated on the album, A Prairie Portrait, which they recorded with the Fort Worth Symphony in 1999 and released on the Western Jubilee record label. This weekend’s show is one of many orchestra performances they have done around the country. The duo will play selections from A Prairie Portrait backed by the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert also includes popular western-style tunes such as the theme from Bonanza and "The Ballad of Davy Crockett." In addition to the music, the fund-raising event includes a western-style dinner and a live auction. Tickets will put you back at least $125, but the money will benefit the Reno Philharmonic Association and the Reno Rodeo Foundation. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. May 17 in the Reno Hilton Showroom, 2500 E. Second St. Call 323-2380 for details.