All Events, Schedules, Performers & Tickets

WEDNESDAY EVENTS

October 2

Buy Tickets

An Evening with the Bar-D Wranglers

• Wednesday, October 2

• 7:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio

• TICKETS: $35 open seating; $45 reserved seating

Bar-D Wranglers ~ Durango, Colorado

This dynamic group of seasoned musicians and entertainers perform songs of the Old West with four-part harmony, humor and yodeling. They have been featured performers at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Carnegie Hall in New York City, San Francisco and Tokyo, Japan. Gary Cook plays lead guitar and does the music arranging. He is a Colorado native and two-time national flat-picking champion. Gary started playing music with his brothers at the ripe age of four. Matt Palmer plays swing fiddle and sings baritone. Matt grew up traveling and playing music professionally with his family and joined the Bar-D Wranglers at just 19 years old. Danny Rogers plays rhythm guitar, sings lead and bass vocals. From Chugwater, Wyoming, Danny grew up playing music with his dad and brothers. He has an incredible vocal range and can hit some low notes that will rumble your britches. David Bradley sings lead and is one of the country’s finest yodelers. Growing up in Texas, David learned from his father, a well-respected musician and entertainer from the Houston area. Joel Racheff plays bass and sings lead and tenor. Originally from New Mexico, Joel provides some comic relief and has been accused of never really growing up.

THURSDAY EVENTS

October 3

Buy Tickets

An Evening with Kristyn Harris and Hailey Sandoz

• Thursday, October 3

• 7:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio

• TICKETS: $35 open seating; $45 reserved seating

Kristyn Harris ~ Burleson, Texas

This multi award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer is known for her Western-Swing spin on original and classic songs of the Western and rural lifestyle. She is recognized for her powerful voice, swing rhythm guitar chops, songwriting, yodeling and energetic stage presence, as well as the passion and authenticity she puts into each performance. Kristyn tours across the U.S. and internationally and especially enjoys partnering up with Hailey Sandoz. When she’s not touring, Kristyn can be found with her “Diamond K” black angus cattle herd, training her newest colt or trick riding. She has been named IWMA Entertainer of the Year five times and is the youngest person to ever receive this award. In addition, she has been named IWMA Female Performer of the Year seven times, and her latest recording was honored by the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City for “Outstanding Western Album.” She has received recognition for her music from the CMA of Texas and the International Red Carpet Awards in the Netherlands two years in a row.

Hailey Sandoz ~ Dallas, Texas

This Texas-bred musician is following a less-trodden path among millennials. Hailey’s style is rooted in Western Swing, Jazz, Bluegrass and Celtic. This remarkable young artist captures the attention of audiences young and old through her dynamic performance and representation of Western Swing – “The Official Music of Texas.” Hailey is known for her exceptional fiddling, jazzy vocals and creative arranging skills. While Western Swing is her most fun wheelhouse, Hailey is at home playing Celtic, Country and anything in between. For the past 13 years, Hailey has traveled across the world performing at festivals and concert halls in the U.S. and abroad, including the Caribbean Islands and Equiblues Festival in France. At age 18, Hailey worked full-time with Grammy award winner Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band. Since then, she has appeared with Bobby Flores on two seasons of the RFDTV series TruCountry. Hailey was named IWMA Instrumentalist of the Year in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. She was honored as the Cowtown Society of Western Music’s Rising Star of the Year in 2019, Academy of Western Artist’s Young Artist of the Year in 2016, and IWMA Crescendo Rising Star in 2015, as well as winning several fiddle competitions. This dynamite entertainer breaks the mold of tradition, offering America a new taste of its origins.

FRIDAY EVENTS

October 4

Cowboy Mosey (FREE and FUN)

• Friday, October 4

• All Day / Everywhere

The Cowboy Mosey is a celebration of the Old West in unorganized, irreverent Durango style. It’s a call for everyone, both locals and visitors, to put on their boots, hats, bolo ties, and other Western-inspired “fashion,” even if not in traditional cowboy style.

DurangoTrain.com

Cowboy Poetry and Music Train

• Friday, October 4

• Time: train departs 8:15 AM. Return arrival 5:45 PM

• Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – 479 Main Ave

Enjoy an historic train ride to Silverton, CO featuring three poets and three musicians. Return trip entertainment will be by the Animas Museum historic narrator.

BearsRanch.com

Horseback Trail Ride

• Friday, October 4

• Bears Ranch, by reservation only

• 51 Haviland Lake Road (approx.. 18 miles north of Durango)

• (970) 844-4049 | BearsRanch.com | bearsranchdurango@gmail.com

WE HAVE A PERFECT HORSE FOR YOU! Join fellow horseback riders at Bears Ranch (where the Rapp Corral used to be located on Hwy 550N) for a beautiful 2 hour horseback ride. Ride through stunning aspen groves and enjoy breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains. There is no better way to see Colorado and feel inspired by the scenery than on a horse. After our ride, we will return to the stable for a delicious catered lunch and genuine cowboy entertainment. Space is limited, book early. (970) 844-4049. www.bearsranch.com

Poets and Musicians in the Community (FREE and FUN)

• Friday, October 4

• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Various Locations:
– Four Leaves Winery
– Diamond Belle Saloon
– The Balcony

Open Mic Session – Cowboy Poetry and Music

• Friday, October 4

• 2:00 – 3:30 PM

• Balcony Bar – 600 Main Ave

Hosted by Karren Little and J. Michael Mullins

Come and sing a western song or recite a cowboy poem. Open to all.

FREE Admission, space available.

Buffalo Roping Productions Presents: Mechanical Steer Roping

• Main Avenue and 5th Street Parking Lot and Corral
• 4:00 – 6:00 PM
• Downtown Mechanical Team Roping (NEW!)
• Trick Roping Demonstrations
• Try it yourself!

When a mechanical steer bursts from a chute, team ropers chase down and rope a mechanical steer by the horns and back legs. Separate divisions and prizes for experienced ropers and newcomers. Local cowboys and cowgirls help anyone that would like to try.

Western Art Gallery Walk

• Friday, October 4

• 5:00 – 7:00 PM

• FREE

Sorrel Sky Gallery

• Montana Hat Display and Presentation
• 828 Main Avenue

Toh-Atin Gallery

• Skyhorse Saddle Display and Native American Jewelry
• 145 W. 9th Street

Buy Tickets

Doris Daley, Al “Doc” Mehl & Invited Performers

• Friday, October 4

• 7:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel, 501 Camino del Rio

• TICKETS: $35 open seating; $45 reserved seating

Doris Daley ~ Diamond Valley, Alberta

This Alberta ranch-raised poet is a favorite on stages throughout the U.S. and Canada. She has performed with the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and at cowboy gatherings in Texas, Colorado, California, Utah, Nebraska, Alberta and British Columbia. Waddie Mitchell says, “If cowboy poetry were fresh milk, and the cream that rises to the top was the very best, then Doris would be very rich and very fattening.”

Doc Mehl ~ Diamond Valley, Alberta

Newly transplanted from Colorado to Canada, Doc weaves the history and mystery of the West into his “west-eclectic” poetry and music. He has released five CDs of original music and two of original cowboy poetry. Doc’s spoken-word recording, The Great Divide, was named “Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year” by both the Western Music Association and the Academy of Western Artists, and his 2020 book of poetry, Good Medicine, was named “Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year” by the Western Music Association. In the words of songwriter Jon Chandler, “Listening to Doc Mehl is like having Lyle Lovett in one ear…and Tommy Smothers in the other!”

SATURDAY EVENTS

October 5

Chuckwagon Breakfast

• 7:30 – 10:30 AM (or until food is sold out)

• Main Avenue and 8th Street

• TICKETS: $15.00 purchase on site.

Enjoy western breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, biscuits, and cowboy coffee.

Horseback Social

• 8:00 – 10:00 AM

• Main Avenue Downtown

Meet hundreds of cowboys, cowgirls, and other horseback riders as they ride and mingle on the streets of historic downtown.

Street Exhibits and Activities (NEW)

• 8:00 – 11:00 AM

• Main Avenue Downtown

Have you ever seen a blacksmith up close? How about a saddle maker? See these exhibits and many more that showcase western, agricultural, and rural youth groups like 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Basin Rodeo Team and much more.

Kids & Horses (FREE and FUN for KIDS)

• 8:00 – 10:00 AM

• Main Avenue Downtown (700 block)

Ride a horse! For kids ages 12 and younger. Hosted by wranglers from Bears Ranch and Colorado Trails Ranch.

Petting Corral (FREE and FUN for KIDS)

• 8:00 – 10:00 AM

• Hermosa Café Art Yard (726 Main Ave.)

Stop by and get acquainted with friendly farm and ranch critters. Hosted by Colvig Silver Camps.

Quick Draw Art Contest

• 9:00 – 11:00 AM

• Alpine Bank Parking Lot (1027 Main Ave.)

How fast can you draw a cowboy picture? For all ages, lots of prizes. Hosted by the Durango Creative District.

Wild West Shootout

• 10:00 AM

• (a reenactment on Main Avenue – 800 block)

The infamous Arizona Bushwhackers had a devilish scheme to rob the Strater Hotel over in Durango. Unbeknownst to them, Colorado Ranger R.T. Drummond got wind of their plot, thanks to the sharp eyes of the Southern Ute Tribal police. By sheer luck, U.S. Marshall Wyatt Erp happened to be riding through the county on his way to Trinidad, CO. With the courageous townsfolk rallying together, a trap was set that the Bushwhackers would never see coming. Don’t miss this showdown!

Cowboy Parade (FREE and FUN)

• 10:30 AM

• Main Avenue, Historic Downtown

Stay after the Horseback Social for Durango’s traditional Cowboy Parade featuring our finest horseback riders, horsedrawn wagons, walking groups, and other non-motorized entries.

Cowboy and His Creator

• 11:00 AM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Main Ballroom

• 501 Camino Del Rio

Performers: Dale Page (host), Doug Figgs, Ernie Martinez, Randy Huston, George Ray Russell, Jack George.

Western Heritage

• 11:00 AM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Animas Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio

Performers: Doris Daley (host), Jon Chandler; Micki Fuhrman

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Riders of the Sage

• 11:00 AM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Anasazi Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio

Performers: Terry Nash (host), Peggy Malone, Doc Mehl, Duane Nelson

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Grand Marshal Presentation – Eldon & Linda Simmons

• 11:30 AM

• Strater Hotel – Mahogany Grill & Oak Room

• 699 Main Avenue

Hosted by Scott Perez

Spurs That Jingle

• 12:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Main Ballroom

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Wayne Wendle (host), Dale Page, Tecia McKenna, Merna Lewis

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Stories of the Range

• 12:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Animas Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Mary Kaye Holt (host), Duane Nelson, Jack George

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Cowboy Lore

• 12:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Anasazi Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Sherl Cederburg (host), Micki Fuhrman, Dan McCorison, Lindy Simmons

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Makin’ Music

• 12:00 PM

• Strater Hotel – Diamond Belle Saloon

• 699 Main Avenue

Outlaw Bohdi Linde & The Ramblin’ Rangers

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Chuckwagon Tales

• 1:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Animas Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Tecia McKenna (host), Merna Lewis, Dan McCorison, Sherl Cederburg

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Hard Times

• 1:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Anasazi Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Doug Figgs (host), Duane Nelson, Mary Kaye Holt

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Sagebrush Songs

• 1:00 PM

• Strater Hotel – Diamond Belle Saloon

• 699 Main Avenue

Jon Chandler & Ernie Martinez

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Buy Tickets

Cowboy Comedy Revue

• 1:15 – 2:50 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Main Ballroom

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

• TICKETS: $20, Open seating.

Performers: Doc Mehl (host), George Ray Russell, Randy Huston, Terry Nash, Doris Daley, Lindy Simmons, Peggy Malone

Cowboys and the Land

• 2:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Animas Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Outlaw Bohdi Linde (host), The Ramblin’ Rangers, Wayne Wendle

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Sun and Saddle Leather

• 2:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Anasazi Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Jack George (host), Doug Figgs, Dale Page, Sheri Cederburg

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Four Corners Jam

• 3:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Main Ballroom

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Hosted by Jon Chandler; Performers: Ernie Martinez, Randy Huston, Peggy Malone

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Rendezvous

• 3:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Animas Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: Dan McCorison (host), Outlaw Bohdi Linde, Doris Daley, George Ray Russell

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Tales from the Trail

• 3:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel – Anasazi Room

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

Performers: The Ramblin’ Rangers (host) Wayne Wendle, Doc Mehl, Terry Nash

$10 General Admission
Available for purchase at the door only
Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Poetry

• 4:00 – 4:40 PM

• DoubleTree Main Stage

• 501 Camino Del Rio.

$10 General Admission
– Available for purchase at the door only
– Children 12 and younger free with paid adult

Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch was established in 1939 at the site of Tascosa in west Texas. Its purpose was to provide an alternate path for troubled boys, giving a second chance for a successful future. In 1992, girls joined the program. These talented poets are beginning to show up at some of the most popular cowboy gatherings all over the country. They bring a sense of hope that cowboy poetry is alive and well among young people, and the legacy continues.

Storm on the Mountain Poster Session

• 4:30 PM

• Toh-Atin Gallery

• 145 W 9th Street

Hosted by J. Michael Mullins; Performers: Sherl Cederburg, Doug Figgs, Outlaw Bohdi Linde, Peggy Malone, Dan McCorison, Terry Nash, George Ray Russell, Lindy Simmons, The Ramblin’ Rangers, Duane Nelson

Tim Cox; Artist’s Reception

• 5:30 PM

• Toh-Atin Gallery

• 145 W 9th Street

Autographed Prints – $25

Buy Tickets

Gone With the West & Invited Performers

• Saturday, October 5 – 7:00 PM

• DoubleTree Hotel

• 501 Camino del Rio

Gone With the West ~ Nashville, Tennessee

This dynamic group delivers high onstage energy, honey-smooth harmonies and seasoned musicianship, with an entertaining mix of traditional and original Western music. The band was the featured performing group for the IWMA’s annual award show in Albuquerque and is wrapping up a second year of touring the Western states. This powerhouse band includes multiple IWMA/AWA/Wrangler-winning vocalist and songwriter Mary Kaye Holt; vocalist/keyboardist Micki Fuhrman, winner of a WWA Spur Award (Best Western Song) and the 2023 Wrangler (Best Traditional Western album); Spanish-born singer/songwriter/guitarist Tecia McKenna; and Coloradoan Merna Lewis, aka “The Barefoot Fiddler,” a fourth-generation fiddle player.

Mary Kaye Holt is a singer/songwriter, business owner and brand ambassador for Gone With the West. Her songs are an authentic window into the cowboy culture and ranching heritage she has lived and understands. From her flat-brim hat to her bench-built boots, Mary Kaye is the real deal of what Nashville promises in Country-Western music.

Micki Fuhrman grew up in a river town in northwest Louisiana and, beginning in her teens, headlined Shreveport’s venerable “Louisiana Hayride.” She recorded for MCA Records, Word Records, and twice guest-starred on The Grand Ole Opry. She released Westbound in 2022, an album of Western original and cover songs, which includes “You Oughta See Wyoming,” the Western Writers of America Spur Award winner for Best Traditional Western Song. Also an author, Micki’s short stories (written as Vonn McKee) have been named finalists for both the Western Writers of America Spur Award and Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award.

Tecia McKenna was born in southern Spain to an Air Force Californian and a Spanish mother, and has always been musically gifted. Since she was very young, she’s loved entertaining, expressing a great appreciation for Western music and the cowboy way. She finished high school in northern Virginia and then pursued a career in the music business, performing across the U.S. and Europe. After raising a family, she has continued writing, performing, recording and being an active member of the worship team at her church! “I feel truly blessed to be able to do what I do,” she said. “Music is very much a part of who I am and I can’t imagine not being able to express my heart through it.”

Merna Lewis is a Colorado native with a rich musical heritage spanning at least four generations. Since the age of 14, she has performed and toured with a number of talented artists, songwriters, and musicians. Known as “The Barefoot Fiddler,” her melodies are born from years of unprecedented passion, education, tenacious dedication and persistence. Merna was nominated 2023 IWMA Musician of the Year and has been featured in a number of media publications. She performs on a daily basis with various artists in and around Nashville, both live and in the studio.