Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival

The Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival enters its 13th year of bringing the nation’s most revered performers to the stage of the Historic Fox Theater. Returning this year is featured teller Bil Lepp, a five-time champion of the West Virginia Liar’s Contest. His outrageous, humorous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a champion liar, his hilarious, insightful stories often contain morsels of truth which shed light on subjects such as politics, religion, death, relationships, and human nature.

Also featured at this year’s festival is Dovie Thomason, an award-winning storyteller, recording artist, and author.  Dovie is recognized internationally for her ability to take her listeners back to the “timeless place” that she first heard old Indian stories from her Kiowa Apache and Lakota relatives. She has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and numerous art organizations across the United States for her commitment to traditional cultural arts.

Both tellers have made numerous appearances at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Musical performers are the Finders and Youngberg band from Colorado. The band consists of four distinct musicians, young veterans of the folk and bluegrass circles merging styles, songs, and voices.  Banjo, harmonicas, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, and guitar blend to create harmonies, articulate pickin’, and lively storytelling.

The 13th annual festival is June 12th and 13th, and starts with a storytelling and a music workshop at the McCook Community College.  Friday and Saturday evening performances will be at the Fox Theater.  Other events will include free sessions on Saturday at the High Plains Museum, the Bieroc Café, and Norris Park. 

For more information contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308-345-3200, Mary Dueland at 308-345-6163, or go to the website at www.buffalocommons.org .