Singer-songwriter Chuck Pyle, billed as “the Zen Cowboy,” performs 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Chilkat Center.

Pyle’s songs have been recorded by John Denver, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Suzy Bogguss. Among country music fans, his best-known songs are “Cadillac Cowboy” recorded by Chris LeDoux and “Jaded Lover,” recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker,

“He mixes up great melodies with straight-from-the-saddle poetry. It’s absolutely going to be fun,” said Anne Hanssen, vice-president of Haines Arts Council.

Pyle’s songs are about “forgetful cowboys, heroic highway patrolmen and brainstems gone ‘critical,’” according to promotional information.

He attained regional fame with a theme song he wrote for the PBS series “Spirit of Colorado” that many consider the unofficial state song. He is a 40-year performer who says he quotes bumper stickers, proverbs, world leaders and old cowboys in his shows.

Pyle has played on Austin City Limits, E-Town and Mountain Stage.

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