October 5th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Allegany Allied Arts is pleased to welcome The Naked Cowboy to Cumberland for a two day visit. More details and related appearances to be announced soon.

Born Robert John Burck December 23, 1970 in Cincinnati, OH, The Naked Cowboy is an American Busker who has claimed worldwide fame in association with New York City's Times Square. He wears only cowboy boots, a hat, and briefs with his registered Trademark "Naked Cowboy" hand painted on his butt in red and blue. He can be seen on any given day in Times Square regardless of rain, sleet, snow, terrorist or assassin threats with his guitar strategically placed to give the illusion of nudity.

Burck began busking as Naked Cowboy Christmas Day in 1997 where Naked Cowboy first appeared on Venice Beach in Los Angeles. He discovered that he earned much more money after a friend suggested to him that he dress only in his underwear in order to generate higher earnings. Burck has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati.

Although he is best known as a fixture of New York City's Times Square where tour guides on passing buses point him out, Burck is also a regular in the streets of the French Quarter during the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. He also makes appearances in his hometown of Cincinnati, at the Memorial Day weekend Taste of Cincinnati festival and the Riverfest Labor Day Festival. He also can be seen annually at events in Austin, Texas, during the South by Southwest Music Conference, Nashville, TN during Country Music Association's Fanfare and he travels internationally on a regular basis for corporate events and has visited such countries as Germany, Japan, Australia and Ireland.

Sunday evening November 5, The Naked Cowboy will be appearing at Mezzos for "An Evening With The Naked Cowboy" from 6pm-10pm. A selection of merchandise and photo opportunities will be availble. More info about An Evening With can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/129626374359428/

The Naked Cowboy is accompanied by his personal Videographer, Ron Israel. Ron and Naked Cowboy will also be appearing Monday, November 6 at Oscar's for "The Film Lab" with an emphasis on videography and production, in addition to other topics. Ron Israel's career has ranged from his early days as "Dentist of the Stars" whose patients included Mink Stole and Edith Massey of John Waters fame, to teaching video editing and production at Coppin State College, to personal videographer for Robert Burck (aka "The Naked Cowboy").

Be prepared for a wide ranging discussion, drawing on Ron's extensive experience recording and producing theatre events, operas, dance concerts, and documentaries. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from his days producing film festivals, fashion shows, and cabaret theatre. Maybe even a few bits of gossip from his time as a public relations director who has worked with lots of national celebrities. More info about The Film Lab can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/109199176457334/