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The spotlight on the Murray Park Amphitheater stage grew brighter, and the air filled with the audience's laughter and applause for Michael Robinson, Stan Tixier and Don Kennington of the cowboy-poetry performing group Sidekicks.

Taking the stage first, Kennington brought his poems to life with animated arm movements as he acted out parts of the poems. He had the audience gasping for breath in a fit of laughter when he impersonated the female antagonist of one poem. While reciting his poem "Shoeing Ol' Rivet," he bent his knees and grabbed at an invisible horse's hoof. Then, out of breath, he put the imaginary hoof down and leaned on the rear end of the horse. His facial gestures corresponded with the poem's moods.

" 'Cause he's having trouble breathing and I ain't sure just what to do," recited Kennington, "I hope he ain't a-dyin'. He'd be wasting three new shoes."

Kennington has been writing poems for more than 25 years and has won the Silver Quill Award. Despite all of his experience, he still has bouts of stage fright.

"I've done this a hundred times and still get nervous" Kennington said.

Tixier came up to the microphone, his cowboy hat aglow under the spotlight. "He's fast, well-schooled and gentle but the vet said he's half blind. I never lied, young fella. I told you all I could. Fact is I warned you, cowboy, 'that horse don't look too good,' " recited Tixier from his poem, "A Good Looking Horse."

Retiring from the U.S. Forest Service gave Tixier time to write. He has written three books of poems, which he also offers on audiotapes, and the novel Green Underwear, about the life of a forest ranger. He has a second novel, about racehorses, in the works. Tixier says he has always had a knack for remembering poems. So far he has memorized more than 100 poems of his own and other poets - or approximately eight hours worth of poems, he said.

The headliner of the act came to the mike next. Robinson's hand rested on his guitar as he recited his poem, "NaughtyCat": " 'That birdy,' sharply snarled the cat, 'was worthless for a song; It never hit the proper notes, and sang the lyrics wrong!' "

Robinson began to sing "Home on the Range" and then persuaded the audience to sing along.

"They're talented and entertaining. It's a beautiful setting. I hope they sing more," said Carol Ann Langford of Salt Lake City.

Robinson continued tapping his foot while adding his own songs to the lineup. His deep baritone voice joined the echo of his guitar.

"As long as your eyes are a- lookin' at me, Love, and I'm lovingly lookin' at you, /

Though there ain't any windows to gaze from, we're both really lovin' the view," Robinson sang.

After retiring, Robinson got serious about writing poems and songs. He has been named the winner of the Western Legends Roundup three times. He has performed more than 1,000 shows and written more than 500 songs and poems.

"Being able to present my philosophy of life to other people is very satisfying" Robinson said.

When the sun was gone and the moon was in the sky, the show ended with all three poets singing "Happy Trails." Because the crowd generated enough applause to earn an encore, each poet recited one last poem before the audience departed.

The Murray Park AmphiÂtheater holds shows like Sidekicks all summer as part of its summer evening amphitheater series. The series lasts until September and showcases family-oriented, local acts.