What folks are saying about Classical Cowboy
 

It is my pleasure to report to you the outstanding nature of Wylie Gustafson's (Wylie & The Wild West) performance in February, 2009, with the Pigeon Forge (TN) "Saddle Up" Symphony Orchestra.

"Professional from beginning to end" would be my description of our experience with Wylie. He was prompt to rehearsal and very meticulous and organized as we went through each song. This was the first year we finished the rehearsal with the guest artist early. (The orchestra members really appreciated that!)

The actual performance went as smooth as the rehearsal and several members of the audience who had attended in previous years told me this was the best yet. I would have to agree and attribute this to Wylie.

It was a joy to perform with this professional entertainer and I would encourage any orchestra who might have this opportunity to not pass it up. It will be a wonderful musical experience for everyone!
−Dr. Russell Ramsay
Director Pigeon Forge "Saddle Up" Symphony
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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I can sum up Wylie’s performance with the symphony with one
word: Wow!

Wylie & the Wild West have been fan favorites at Saddle Up! in Pigeon Forge since their first appearance in 2003. In 2009, along with Paul Zarzyski, they were the featured artists for our Cowboy Symphony. They were phenomenal.

The combination of Wylie’s music and Paul’s poetry was perfection.
I was in the audience that night and honestly didn’t want the performance to end. I’m certain that western music and cowboy poetry made many new fans that evening.

If you have the opportunity to attend one of their symphony performances, I encourage you to do so. You’re in for an evening
of exceptional entertainment.
−Leon Downey
Executive Director Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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This spring, I listened as the sounds of two western troubadours gently transported an appreciative audience from the mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., to the sprawling ranches and wide-open
ranges of the West. The Cowboy Symphony, featuring the musical nuances of Wylie and the Wild West and the poetry and storytelling
of Paul Zarzyski, is a rare but much-needed entertainment offering. The stories told through music and song take the audience on an almost magical journey, back to a simpler place and time where cowboys are still heroes, and their horses remain trusted and faithful companions.  

Both Wylie and the Wild West and Paul’s music and stories are
family entertainment at its finest and the symphonic accompaniment provides a lush background upon which their fine western tales linger.  It is history peppered with humor, all wrapped up in strong family values and ethics, just the way things should be.  I can think
of no better way to spend an evening than getting lost in their
stories, melodies and unwavering reverence for a way of life that more people should become acquainted with today.
−Trish McGee
Publicist, The Dollywood Company

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What a combination! Wylie Gustafson’s melodious voice, Paul Zarzyski’s animated poetic humor and the lush sounds of a full orchestra. The Cowboy Symphony is a true delight. Yodeling,
cowboy poetry and strings are a recipe you won’t find around
many campfires.
−Tom Adkinson
VP Communications, BOHAN Advertising|Marketing
Nashville, Tennessee

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Western music is one of our favorites, and nobody plays it like Wylie & the Wild West.  The band’s music fit like a hand in a glove with
the symphony orchestra. What a wonderful idea! What a great musical performance!
−Russell and Linda Fox
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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My 13-year-old daughter and I attended the Saddle Up! Cowboy Symphony in Pigeon Forge featuring Wylie & the Wild West.
Having never been to an event like, this I had no idea what to
expect. As Wylie and his band took the stage and began to sing
songs of the wild west, images of horses, campfires and men who
are everything a man should be—honest, hard working and full of grit—filled the air. The music painted magnificent pictures in my mind, and when the symphony joined in, it took the whole
experience to a higher level of joy than I could have imagined.
The artistic blend of a symphony and the wonderful storytelling,
sing-along adventure that Wylie & The Wild West provided was
and will always be one of the favorite moments of my life.  My daughter loved the song “Manalito” and requests that I play it
for her all the time.  Each one of Wylie's songs holds a magic that takes you on a unique journey. His music reminded me of time spent with my father, and my hope is that when I’m gone, this music will remind my daughter of our time together.
 
The only regret I have for that evening was that the show was not recorded. I bought five of Wylie’s CD and have enjoyed each immensely.  Had the show been recorded, I would have gladly purchased as well!
−Rich Benjamin
Director of Marketing & Sales, WonderWorks
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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I attended the Cowboy Symphony not knowing quite what to expect. Being a fan of western movies I thought I knew what Western and
cowboy music sounded like. I soon learned that I really had no clue.  
 
Wylie opened his mouth to sing, and I fell in love! Talk about putting poetry into words and music! One minute you are laughing and the next almost in tears. Wylie and his guys make you feel you’re right
in the middle of all the action going on in the song. Who needs the movies!
 
Any man that can sing Western music with a full orchestra backing him up is a TRUE ARTIST! Wylie and the Wild West are truly amazing! I can’t wait to see them again!
−Penney Ward
Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee