The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) Celebrates 40th Anniversary with National Tour and Upcoming Events

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) has celebrated its 40th Anniversary with sold-out shows across the nation, making stops in Denver, CO; Fort Worth, TX; Memphis, TN; and Oakland, CA from January to July 2024. Highlights of this milestone year included the announcement of BPIRs 2024 Buckle Series at The BPIR Texas Connection Series and the debut of "Be The Unexpected," featuring legendary actress Pam Grier alongside 14-year-old BPIR Champion Barrel Racer Kortnee Solomon and her celebrated barrel horse, Player. This exciting collaboration was in partnership with Visit Fort Worth.

In addition to the thrilling performances, BPIR released its Swag Merchandise, unveiled NextGen, and teamed up with Wade & Associates Group, LLC to search for the next Soul Country Music™ Star  across four cities: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and DC/Maryland, offering a $10,000 award. Media features included Ebony, CBS The Today Show, and recognition in the USA Today 10Best People’s Choice Award.

The celebration continues in Los Angeles with three days of events.

Thursday, July 18, 2024: Festivities begin with the first Soul Country Music Star (SCMS) competition, brought to you by Wade & Associates Group, LLC in association with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo at The Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA. The competition, which began online on June 4, 2024, spans four cities: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and DC/Maryland. It provides diverse country music artists from these regions with opportunities to showcase their skills and a chance to win $10,000. This initiative aligns with BPIR’s mission to keep the Black Cowboy Experience alive and expand its boundaries through country soul music. 

The Los Angeles SCMS schedule begins with a red-carpet reception at 6:30 pm, followed by the competition at 8:30 pm. SCMS is hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Actor Obba Babatundé 



Artists can compete by uploading their links on SoulCountryMusic.com. Tickets for attendees are available online.

Friday, July 19, 2024: The day begins with a FREE Youth Agriculture & Conservation Festival from 12 pm to 3 pm, produced by BPIR Foundation (BPIRF), the non-profit arm of BPIR. Sponsored by a USDA grant, the festival aims to raise awareness of agriculture, providing insights on scholarships, mentoring, and available internship programs. Attendees can enjoy pony rides, farm animals, rodeo games, food trucks, resource vendors, and more. This event is open to young adult organizations (ages 14 to 21). Admission is free, and lunch coupons are provided to the first 200 registered students. Registration is available online.

The same day, BPIR hosts the 40th Year Western Party of the Year from 5 pm to 9 pm, featuring music, games, food trucks, vendors, celebrities, and more. Tickets are available online. Media and celebrity talents are invited to attend.

Both Friday events will take place at The Autry Museum of the American West, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 7:00 pm & Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 3:30 pm: The BPIR Los Angeles Rodeo will be held at the Industry Hills Expo Center in the City of Industry, CA. Both shows are sold out, offering attendees a chance to experience the excitement and excellence of Black cowboy culture, including food, fashion, and thrilling rodeo competitions.



Media are invited to attend all events by sending credential requests to krprmedia@gmail.com. Celebrity talents can send their requests to the same email.

Saturday, July 20, 2024: at 7:00 pm & Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 3:30 pm: The BPIR Los Angeles Rodeo will be held at the Industry Hills Expo Center in the City of Industry, CA. Both shows are sold out, offering attendees a chance to experience the excitement and excellence of Black cowboy culture, including food, fashion, and thrilling rodeo competitions.



Media are invited to attend all events by sending credential requests to krprmedia@gmail.com. Celebrity talents can send their requests to the same email.