Listen and be changed

Once upon a time . . .they lived happily ever after.

It's the sequence of events that take place in between those two phrases that we are all eager to find out about. We'll have plenty of opportunity to do that this weekend at the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival in McCook. Organizers have put the finishing touches on the festival schedule and there is truly something for everyone.

The tradition of the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival began in 1997, and has been entertaining and enlightening listeners every year since then. Sometimes the stories make you laugh, sometimes they make you cry. They always make you think. You never leave a festival performance without seeing the world in a different light.

Often, the stories are like an episode of Seinfeld. They are about the mundane occurrences of everyday life -- attending grade school, renewing a driver's license, hunting or fishing with a loved one. But it's the art of the presentation that reels you in. The storyteller baits the listener by constantly raising questions and answering them in a way we had never considered. By the tone of his/her voice, the raise of an eyebrow, or sometimes by a long pause of silence, the storyteller can cast a line and capture your undivided attention. By the end of the presentation, we begin to think about our own lives and commonplace situations that we could and should share with others.

It's fascinating to hear the featured artists -- Andy Offutt Irwin and Barbara McBride Smith -- spin their tales. But it is also motivating to listen to local legends -- John Hubert, Walt Sehnert, Mary Ellen Goodenberger to name a few -- contemplate life on the Golden Plains.

The musical performers tell stories of their own. While we enjoy the beat and marvel at the magic of the instruments, we also pay special attention to the lyrics. The words hold a powerful allure independently. When combined with a captivating melody, the musical performance of The Boulder Acoustic Society is sure to delight this year's festival audience.

We've reported the schedule, we've given you the bios of the artists -- the rest is up to you. Take some time during this busy summer weekend and attend a few of the Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival events. You will not be disappointed. You will not go away unchanged.