All images in this post are credited to Sara Newsome-Thigpen with Rustlin’ Rose Photography

What a night to remember and a true campfire story to tell one day! The one and only Dave Stamey graced Cavvietta Quarter Horse & Cattle Company in Wilson, North Carolina, this past Valentine’s Day weekend with his musical talent and humble buckaroo nature.

His sold-out show was intimate and full of fellowship, and his confounding wit was front and center for the night. With each song introduction, he wove in small pieces of his life, past and present. I found myself near tears (both joyous and awe-struck) throughout the evening. Laughs rang out periodically, as did some impressive yodeling.

Good Ol’ Cowboy Music

Mr. Stamey performed some recent releases, including Wild Again from his album Porch Music, with a mix of old hits, including Buckaroo Man, Man I Hated That Truck, Good Dog and Come Ride With Me. Each one landed soundly on ears that have anticipated his performance for months—one such couple said they drove 9.5 hours one way, from Alabama, just for this show.

As an experienced musician who’s performed on much larger stages than the one he occupied on February 15th, 2025, he sang with just as much heart and soul as you hear on each of his albums. Listeners young and old came together to form a crowd that genuinely appreciated Mr. Stamey for his artistry, and he didn’t disappoint a lick.

My favorite part of the night had to be the part of the show where Mr. Stamey played Campfire Waltz. He says he integrates this as a regular part of his shows, to set up an obvious opportunity to ask a partner to dance. Campfire Waltz is one of my favorite songs of Dave Stamey, and to be honest I had to tune it out while dancing for fear of happy tears ruining my mascara. Much like Mr. Stamey’s other songs, this one exudes admiration of the wonders of nature and the one you love.

About the Artist

Dave Stamey was raised in Montana and cowboyed and packed across the country, while also working as a dude wrangler for a time. In a passing conversation, he mentioned that he most loved packing mules through the mountains. He currently resides in Tulare County, California, just at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

Mr. Stamey’s newest album, Porch Sitting, is available on all the familiar online platforms, but in true Dave Stamey fashion, CDs are available for purchase. He’s a decorated cowboy artist and entertainer who embodies the true meaning of cowboy, from character to clothes.

It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dave Stamey. Thank you for an incredible night that will live on in our memory for the rest of our lives.