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Rising stars with local roots, NPR storyteller, Native American artist headline Buffalo Commons
McCOOK, Neb. — A couple of brothers raised in the Imperial area, are one of the headliners at this year’s 25th Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival in McCook June 10-12
Originally from Imperial, The Talbott Brothers are an alternative/indie-rock duo that combines honest songwriting with down-to-earth messages that prove to be prevalent in today’s world. Nick and Tyler Talbott are now based in Portland, Oregon.
Other headliners include storyteller Kevin Kling, best known for his popular commentaries on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” His autobiographical tales are as enchanting as they are true to life. Artist Shonto Begay will also be featured this year. He is a Diné (Navajo) painter, illustrator, author and educator. His art captures the striking beauties of a Navajo upbringing and the realities of modern reservation life.
There are several opportunities to see the Talbott Brothers at several free and ticketed events planned for this year’s festival including starting June 10 when McCook Community College will lead a tour around McCook to see “Where Art Happens.” This day-long tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will explore what’s new and what the future may hold for area artists, and tours of six area galleries. The cost is $30 and includes lunch.
On Friday night the Talbott Brothers along with Kling and Begay will be on stage at the historic Fox Theater for “Let Art Tell Your Story” at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, and are available at MNB Bank, Sehnert’s Bakery (308-345-6500), through EventBright, and at the door.
On Saturday, free events include community stories at the High Plains Museum starting at 9 a.m. with the headliners Shonto Begay at 9 a.m., Kevin Kling at 10:20 a.m. and the Talbott Brothers at 11:15 a.m. with “Harmonies from the American Heartland.”
From noon-3 p.m. at Norris Alley between the Keystone Building and the Fox Theater Kids Fest will feature the headliners.
Other free events include an open microphone and community stories and poetry at Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Café starting at 1 p.m. From 3-4 p.m. at the George W. Norris Home, there will be stories about the history, life, and achievements of the Fighting Liberal.
Tickets are already sold out for the 6:30 p.m. Dinner Cabaret at Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Café, featuring Kling and the Talbott Brothers.
On June 12 the festival concludes with “Voices from the Past,” a free event at the High Plains Museum from 2-4 p.m. featuring informal stories about artists past.
For more information about this year’s festival, please visit buffalocommons.org