Buffalo Commons saddling up for 'Lassos & Lagends'

McCOOK, Neb. — An old west theme ties together the 26th annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling & Music Festival, set June 9-11 in McCook.

“Lassos & Legends — Where History Happens and Traditions are Born” is headlined by musicians and storytellers like Brigid and Johnny Reedy, Andy Hedges, Brandon Bailey and R. P. Smith.

Brother and sister Brigid and Johnny Reedy have been called two of the brightest talents on the Western music scene, blending exceptional musicianship, sibling harmonies and a voracious appetite for good music such as cowboy, western swing, gypsy jazz and blues.

Andy Hedges is a Texas songster, reciter, storyteller, guitarist collector of cowboy songs and poems and chronicler of the American West.

Brandon Bailey is a former bull rider who blends his passion for western culture, rodeo and the outdoors with his talent for art.

R.P. Smith is a Buffalo Commons regular who claims to support his ranching habit by entertaining folks with his unique brand of cowboy poetry and country commentary.

Highlights of the festival on Friday include a community tour at 9 a.m., Boots, Broncs & Branding Irons bus tour at 2:30 p.m. and How the West Has Fun at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Theatre. Tickets for the bus tour including lunch are $30; call (308) 345-8122 or bceregister.mpcc.edu to register. Tickets for the Fox event are $15 for adults and $5 for 12 and under.

Free events are set for the High Plains Museum Saturday morning, with a free open mic at 12:30 p.m. at Sehnert’s Bakery.

A free Kids Fest is 1:30 at the McCook City Library, with cowboy tales and crafts at 3 p.m.

A dinner cabaret Horse Sense and Cowboy Tales is set at 6:30 p.m. at Sehnert’s Bakery. Tickets are $45 including dinner and show, call (308) 345-6500; registration is required.

A free event, Voices from the Western Past is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Museum of the High Plains.

For more information visit www.buffalocommons.org.