Craig Johnson in Casper Star-Trib Sunday, December 19, 2010 edition

The television network A & E gave the go-ahead  for the hourlong pilot, "Longmire," which will be based on Sheriff Walt Longmire, Johnson's lead character in his series of novels. Longmire is fashioned as a Vietnam vet who is the sheriff of a fictional northern Wyoming county.

Johnson's books have won national and international awards, among them the Western Writers of America's Spur Award for the novel of the year for Another Man's Moccasins and France's Prix de 813, awarded to outstanding books translated into French.

See http://wyomingarts.blogspot.com/2010/07/absaroka-countys-finest-on-way-to-tv.html for more info on who are the producers and screenwriters. Filming may start as early as March.

Johnson's 7th book in the Longmire series will be published by Viking on June 2. Hell is Empty will come out just when Junkyard Dogs will be released as a trade paperback by Penguin.

Contact Craig at http://www.craigallenjohnson.com/

Wyoming PBS sponsors Wind River Music Showcase in Lander

From the Wind River Music Showcase web site:

Music is integral to every culture, and with its independent spirit and unique history, Wyoming has its own unique flavor of talented musicians in many genres. Please join us for this four part music series featuring Wyoming musicians performing live at the Museum of the American West in Lander!

Hosted by Wyoming Public Radio’s music director Grady Kirkpatrick, the show celebrates the talent of musicians whose music tells the story of Wyoming’s people. The television series will air in November 2010. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear fantastic live music, get a chance to be on television, and support Wyoming PBS all at the same time!

Showcase Lineup:

Saturday, May 8th, 7:00 pm: Michael Hurwitz (shown in photo) & the Aimless Drifters with opening act “V” the Gypsy Cowbelle

Saturday, June 26th, 7:00 pm: The Teka Brock Band with opening act Jared Rogerson

Saturday, July 17th, 7:00 pm: Anne and Pete Sibley with opening act Doug Andrews

Thursday, July 29th, 7:00 pm: The Jalan Crossland Band with opening act J. Shogren

Presented By, Wyoming PBS, committed to producing the music series because it fulfills an important aspect of their mission - to provide a “cultural resource dedicated to enriching the lives of Wyoming people through telecommunications and other related services.” The Wind River Music Showcase will bring Wyoming music to viewers who might never have the opportunity to hear and see that music in person.

FMI: http://www.wyoptv.org/musicshowcase/

Editor's Note: Mike Hurwitz, Miss "V" the Gypsy Cowbelle and Doug Andrews are Wyoming Arts Council roster artists. Support local music by bringing them to your community through a WAC Arts Across Wyoming grant.