The Little Red Hen Theatre, in partnership with the Wakefield Heritage Organization, will present Cattle Trails and Songs of the West, presented by Jean Wells, on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m.
This engaging, family-friendly program is free of charge and open to audiences of all ages.
When the Union Pacific built the railroad across Nebraska in 1867, cattle ranching was almost unknown in the state. With a surplus of cattle in Texas, massive drives brought herds north by way of the Great Western Trail from San Antonio to Ogallala, where they were shipped east to markets. Cowboys spent four months on the trail—singing songs to pass the time and soothe the restless herds. These songs, often rooted in European folk traditions, became the foundation of western music.
In Cattle Trails and Songs of the West, scholar and performer Jean Wells—joined by musician Simon—brings these stories to life through music, history, and demonstration. Audiences will discover the origins of western music, the grit of trail life, and the culture shaped along the cattle drives.
Jean Wells is an independent scholar, inductee into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, and renowned trick rope expert. With a passion for history and performance, she has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing the legacy of the American West. Her presentations seamlessly blend scholarship, storytelling, and artistry, making history accessible and captivating for all ages.
This presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Wakefield Heritage Organization as part of the HN Speakers Bureau, with additional support provided by the Dixon County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Humanities Nebraska (HN) provides major funding for this program and receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Nebraska State Legislature, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and private donations.
The Little Red Hen Theatre is proud to partner with the Wakefield Heritage Organization, which works diligently to preserve and share the history of the Wakefield community through exhibits, events, and events like Cattle Trails and Songs of the West.
