Casper, Wyoming

Casper native Pete Martinez has been lots of places since he last performed in his hometown.

He returns Sunday, June 11, to sing during opening ceremonies for the first event of the 2006 College National Finals Rodeo, and then he'll do a mini-concert that day at intermission between the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. runs of Broncs 'n Bulls at the Casper Events Center.

In November, he had dinner at Vice President Dick Cheney's house.

"That was cool," he said this week. "But I'm the only one who didn't get to eat dessert. I just picked up my guitar and started singing for them while they were having dessert."

Martinez attended Fort Casper and CY schools and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1979. He then graduated from Casper College and attended the University of Wyoming.

He has released two CD's on the Rodeo Records label, "Changes" and "I Would for You." His single, "Bull Rider," has become a rodeo favorite nationwide.

Martinez said this week that in addition to his appearance at Bulls 'n Broncs, he has another surprise in store for two CNFR contestants.

"The all-around cowgirl and all-around cowboy on Saturday night will receive a Fender guitar trophy with my logo, provided by Art Guitar and local sponsors," Martinez said.

The CNFR performance will kick off the "Coming Home Wyoming" tour this summer and into the fall for Martinez, with stops in Jackson, Gillette, Cody, Sheridan, Riverton/Lander and Cheyenne. It will be his first multi-stop tour in his home state.

Specific tour dates will be announced on his Web site, petemartinezusa.com.

Martinez was in Casper twice last June, first to participate in a tribute to Chris LeDoux and sing at the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Fashion Show and Luncheon during the CNFR and then as part of the free River Days celebration to dedicate Platte River Commons and the Three Crowns Golf Course.

But it's clear that the former professional bull rider is most comfortable in an arena full of rodeo fans -- as long as he can take his guitar.

"As a former contestant, I feel a closeness to the competitors," Martinez said. "I want to be a part of the CNFR. I really want to help in any way I can, and if that's by simply sharing my music, I'm glad to be able to do it."       

NIRA Commissioner John Smith appreciates what Martinez has to offer.  

"Pete is a talented individual, and we couldn't be more pleased to have him come and perform at our marquee event," Smith said.

Casper, Wyoming

CASPER, WYOMING–Sitting on top of 2,000 pound bulls is a thing of the
past for Casper native Pete Martinez. But that does not keep the talented cowboy from reminiscing about his experiences in the rodeo arena.

"As a former contestant, I feel a closeness to the competitors," says Martinez, a Nashville recording artist who has just released his second album to audiences nationwide. That closeness shows in more than just his music. It shows in his support of the up and coming rodeo athletes of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

"I want to be a part of the CNFR. I really want to help in any way I can, and if that's by simply sharing my music, I'm glad to be able to do it."

At the 2005 CNFR, Martinez performed for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Foundation style show. This year, his show will make the trip up the hill to the Casper Events Center where he will kick off the 2006 CNFR during the Sunday Bulls and Broncs compeition. His song, "Bull Rider", will be featured in the opening ceremonies. In addition, Martinez will put on a half hour concert during the intermission between the two Sunday performances.

NIRA Commissioner, John Smith, appreciates what Martinez has to offer. "Pete is a talented individual, and we couldn't be more pleased to have him come and perform at our marquee event," says Smith.

In addition to his performance, Martinez will also be donating a custom-designed electric guitar to the national All-Around champions upon the CNFR's completion.

According to CNFR Openings Production Manager, Marty Campbell, "Pete is an extremely talented individual. I discovered that last year when he did our tribute to the late Chris Ledoux. I was glad to be able to secure him for this year's CNFR, and I really look forward to the opening and concert in which he will be performing."

The College National Finals Rodeo will kick off on June 11 at the Casper Events Center.

COWBOYS & INDIANS
July 2003, 10th Anniversary Issue

Pete Martinez / CHANGES
Rodeo Records, petemartinezusa.com

While a glut of honky-tonking crooners have attempted to stake out George Strait territory in the past decade or two, it is nonetheless a rare and pleasurable experience to find an album that start to finish delivers the goods. Every track on Pete Martinez’s Changes is solid, from the dance-hall-ready “Who Changed Your Tune” to the Hank Williams-penned “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still in Love With You,” which Martinez handily makes his own.

Martinez was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, and was just 4 years old when his father first put a guitar in his hands. Growing up listening to the music of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Elvis, he formed his first band in high school and continued to perform throughout college. Martinez began an active career as a rodeo bull rider, while at the same time playing in Rocky Mountain-area joints and developing a following of fans. He next moved to Denver, where he was lead singer for Country band Way Out West.

Today Martinez performs in concert across the country, and his growing popularity has resulted in an endorsement by Wrangler as his official sponsor. Look for a new album to be released this summer, which includes a Martinez-styled remake of Fats Domino’s “I Hear You Knocking.”
—Ben Minton

For more information or to get copies of the albums, visit www.petemartinezUSA.com or write to Rodeo Records USA, 5400 E. Jewell Ave., Denver, CO 80222.