Zen Cowboy says, "Always ride the horse in the direction it’s going." This week his direction is toward Great Bend, for a concert in the Back Room of the Barton County Arts Center.

Chuck Pyle, aka the Zen Cowboy, will perform at 8 p.m. in the Back Room, located at Forest and Main. Admission is $12. Seats may be reserved at the Arts Center, phone 620-792-4221, or by e-mail through bartonarts1@sbcglobal.net.

Pyle has won high praise from both fans and peers alike throughout an inspired performance career of over 40 years. When reviewers first gave him the "Zen Cowboy" moniker, he decided to take the nickname to heart, shaving his head and blending his upbeat perspective with old-fashioned horse sense. He mixes infectiously hummable melodies with straight-from-the-saddle poetry, quoting bumper stickers, proverbs, world leaders and old cowboys.

An accomplished songwriter, Chuck’s songs have been recorded by John Denver, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Country fans know him best for writing, "Cadillac Cowboy," recorded by the late Chris LeDoux, and "Jaded Lover," recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker.

His music has made him a favorite of Bill & Melinda Gates who have had him play at their home in Seattle. Since writing the theme-song for a PBS series called Spirit of Colorado, he’s attained local fame, and even sings for the opening session of the Colorado State Legislature.

His 11th CD, "The Spaces in Between," is 12 all-new songs, each with finger-style guitar out front of a crackerjack rhythm section.

This program is presented in part by the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the City of Great Bend, and CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Great Bend.