The 11th Annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival brings stories and music to the Great Plains June 8th and 9th. This year’s festival features the Grammy award-winning storyteller, author, musician, and playwright, Bill Harley. Considered one of the premier storytellers in the country, Bill draws large audiences at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and many regional festivals. His stories on the trials and tribulations of growing up have dubbed him by one critic as the Garrison Keeler for kids. Many adults know his work, too, as a commentator on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. His music, reflecting a variety of styles and topics, is often humorous but usually carries a message.

Musical performers, The Wells Family, out of North Carolina, is a band that has created an extremely unique sound that appeals to audiences in every genre, uniting both younger and older generations with their versatility. Their music has been accepted in a variety of music categories including Bluegrass, Gospel, Country, Folk, Americana, and Pop. This band has a powerful acoustic sound, along with great songwriting skills, inspiring accapellas, family tight harmonies, driving instrumentals, and a great sense of humor! Not only are they talented and gifted musicians, they are awesome performers.

Along with the featured Friday and Saturday evening performances at the Fox Theater, Saturday performances will be at the High Plains Museum, Sehnert’s Bakery and the Bieroc Café, and Norris Park. John Hubert will host railroad stories at the High Plains Museum and Cloyd Clark, Mary Ellen Goodenberger, and Merrill Ream will moderate 125 Years of Stories at Sehnert’s Bakery and the Bieroc Café commemorating McCook’s quasquicentennial.

Two workshops are offered and open to the public Friday, June 8th at the McCook Community College conducted by Bill Harley and The Wells Family. For more information about registration contact Carol Stensvad at the McCook Community College.

Saturday morning and afternoon events are free to the public. Tickets for the Fox Theater performances are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the Chamber, Hershberger’s, McCook National Bank, Sehnert’s Bakery, and Country Whimsey. For more information contact Mary Dueland at 345-6163 or the Chamber at 345-3200.

Mary Dueland