The 2008 Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival will be held May 30 & 31. Returning to the festival this year is nationally-renowned storyteller from Oklahoma City, Barbara McBride-Smith. At her third appearance in McCook, Barbara will demonstrate why she has performed at the National Storytelling Festival seven times. For over thirty years, she has been a teacher, a school librarian, a theological seminary instructor, a traveling storyteller and a writer. Her tales deliver these experiences in a powerful, yet heartwarming way.

Joining Barbara will be Andy Offutt-Irwin telling hilarious, heart-filled stories. Andy started out in comedy but added music and storytelling because he had a lot more to say! A native of Covington, Georgia, his southern humor and touch of mischief will leave you begging for more. Andy has also been a featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival.

On the musical side, the feature for this year is the Boulder Acoustic Society. Shredding guitar licks, soaring gypsy violin, a little ukulele and the thump of an old time bass bounce around with jazz accordion and creative percussion to create a new sound. It is American Roots music with an edge of punk rock and the grace of chamber music. They come with their own electricity. They perform with a powerhouse of energy.

In addition to the featured Friday and Saturday night performances, the festival offers college workshops on Friday, free Saturday sessions at the High Plains Museum, community stories at the Bieroc Café, and the Kids Fest and performances at Norris Park.

For more information visit www.buffalocommons.org,
Mary Dueland dmandue@ocsmccook.org 308-345-6163