MUSIC, STORYTELLING, AND HISTORY!
Once again, our Community Stage will feature fantastic music and local and regional history.
WOUNDED KNEE & IMPACT OF NORTHWEST NEBRASKA
Broc Anderson is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Curator for the Buffalo County Historical Society in Kearney, Nebraska. He graduated from Chadron State College with his bachelors in Social Science Education in 2017, and graduated with his masters in History at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2022. Like Sandoz, Broc shares the same passion and interests for northwest Nebraska and High Plains. More specifically with his research, Broc builds upon Sandoz’s work by exploring the social, economic, and political relationships between the Lakota from Pine Ridge and non-natives in northwest Nebraska during the late nineteenth century.
In his presentation, “Wounded Knee & Impact of Northwest Nebraska,” Broc describes how the northwest panhandle region, from the 1870s to the early twentieth century, had a complex economic and social relationship with the Pine Ridge Reservation. As the United States continued promoting settlement westward, the US military became the main proponents in displacing the Lakota from their land in Nebraska. Along with the droves of miners and merchants to the Black Hills, the additional free land opportunities in northwest Nebraska forcibly relocated the Lakota who continued to struggle to control their way of life. Businessmen from around the country and within the border town communities of Gordon, Rushville, Hay Springs, and Chadron sought the advantages of new economic opportunities being so close to a Native reservation. At the same time, the aggressive assimilation policies and practices of the progressive era were largely taken advantage of by individuals who sought to gain politically and economically in their dealings with the Lakota. Broc is an entertaining presenter and loves to engage with his audience.
In “Preserving and Empowering Native Histories on Public Land,” Broc explores the importance of incorporating Native American histories and perspectives related to the interpretation of various historic sites and places on public lands. Drawing from examples across Nebraska, Broc examines how historical narratives have often been shaped by a limited perspective that did not include or limited Native voices. Now in the 21st century, Native peoples are continually working alongside with communities to reclaim, reinterpret, and preserve their own histories in these traditional places.
David Boye
INSTRUMENTAL AND CLASSICAL MUSIC INSPIRED BY NATURE
David Boye is a musician, composer and National Park Artist In Residence who creates instrumental guitar music inspired by the infinite vistas and wonders of the natural world. He performs solo instrumental acoustic guitar music that evokes the moods of the wide open prairie and wilderness of Nebraska and the west. His original compositions were inspired by nature’s grandeur during residencies he participated in with the National Park Service in past years, including at Rocky Mountain National Park and Homestead National Monument. With the use of guitar “looping” (live multi-tracking) Boye creates a variety of textures and sonic palettes during performances. It is suited perfectly for concerts in natural settings, such as the Willow Tree Festival. His music incorporates recordings of found sounds from National Parks sampled on his travels throughout the United States. He tours annually in National Parklands presenting this music in a unique and uplifting program that evokes the mystery, magnificence and infinite allure of the wild beauty of the wilderness of the west.
AWARD-WINNING SINGER & SONGWRITER
Carol Markstrom is a singer-songwriter who loves performing and traveling. She lives in Tucson, Arizona and is a former professor at West Virginia University. She sings of noteworthy people, places, and events of the West, including Native American cultures. Her music has been recognized by the Academy of Western Artists, the Native American Music Association, the Red Carpet Awards in Europe, and many other awards. Carol entertains audiences across the U.S., including Alaska, as well as Europe.
Spotlight on the Gordon Creative District
Panel presentation with Helen Ianiello; Tim Liebermann; Casey Walton and Dr. Anpo Charging Thunder. Emcee, Mitch Gallant
In February 2026, Gordon Creative District was officially named a certified Nebraska Creative District and was awarded a $10,000 Nebraska Arts Council Certification Grant. The Nebraska Creative District Program utilizes the arts as an economic driver to support communities in Nebraska by telling their stories and elevating the value of the arts.The Gordon Creative District is a diverse and vibrant art destination in the Sandhills of Nebraska that embraces its rural heritage and drives economic growth. The Gordon Creative District’s mission is to encourage artistic and cultural creativity through advocacy, promoting programs and activities, supporting our multicultural rural community and providing opportunities for diverse expression. This panel of local business leaders will share some of the cultural and artistic projects that are part of our community’s new official creative district.
Wacipi 101: Presentation on Lakota style of dancing.
Santana Young Man Afraid of His Horses and Karl Eagle Bull
Gordon Wacipi made history on July 18 at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. It marked the first Native American powwow held in connection with the local fair and rodeo in approximately 60 years, bringing together singers, dancers, and the community to celebrate Indigenous culture and tradition. This presentation will feature Santana Young Man Afraid of His Horses, one of the community leaders who put this Wacipi together, and Karl Eagle Bull, who was the event’s Arena Director. They will talk about the origin of the Lakota style of dances and conduct demonstrations for the audience.
Willow Tree Festival 