by Michael Buckley
Says Julian “Westy” Oliver, 10 years old and a Colorado native. Westy feels he was also born to be a cowboy singer and poet. A home educated student who really likes learning; especially all kinds of history. He enjoys riding horses, 4-H, ranch work, hiking and playing music. He practices playing music for 40 minutes in the a.m. and 30 minutes in the p.m. each day.
Westy is a recipient of CUP’s 2013-2014 voice scholarship. He has appeared in several Curtains Up Pagosa musical theatre productions prior to moving to Northern Colorado. Last fall he was honored to be invited to join many other great cowboy poets and musicians at the Durango Poetry Gathering where he performed as part of the Rising Stars Showcase in the backdrop he loves so much; Southwestern Colorado.
He loves reading Western history, enjoys poetry related to the spirit of the old-time Cowboy and delights in writing his own poems. Westy also enjoys sketching, painting and sculpting western scenes.
Music is a great joy for Westy, following in the footsteps of his older brother Colin, an accomplished musician, film maker and actor. Colin has been and is an inspiration to Westy. Dad, Mom, Colin and Westy reside in Estes Park.
Westy plays classical violin, Texas Fiddle (his instrument dates back to 1745), sings and is learning guitar, Mandolin and piano. Performing and competing in fiddle contests throughout the country is a treasured part of Westy’s experiences. Gene Autry, Baxter Black, Sons of the Pioneers, Kati Glassman and Bob Willis are a few of his favorite musicians and poets.
“I’d rather sink with faith than swim without it.” “Life is like a puzzle, one piece at a time; you don’t know what it looks like until it’s finished.” Quotes from an amazing young man. Westy performed recently at the WMA-CO Showcase/Jam, at the Greeley VFW, in Garden City, Colorado.
You can find more information about Westy and other members of the Western Music Association WMA Colorado Branded at wmacolorado.org.