Bar-D Wranglers to perform Thursday

by Sally Jack
Contributing writer
Longtime favorites of residents in San Juan County, the Bar-D Wranglers will return to the area to delight audiences with a concert sponsored by Kigalia Fine Arts on Thursday, October 10. Tickets may be purchased at the door or with a Kigalia concert series season pass.
Showtime begins at 7 p.m. at the San Juan High School Auditorium in Blanding and will feature songs of the Old West with four part harmony, classic cowboy songs, yodeling, and the signature silliness the Bar-D is known for, along with instrumental music by master musicians.
The Bar-D Wranglers got off to a rough start this year when Gary Cook, leader of the group, experienced serious cardiac trouble on the eve of opening night of the 2024 season, which put him in the hospital for triple bypass heart surgery.
After a record 35 years of never missing a day on stage, Gary was to miss the first month of shows at the Bar-D Chuckwagon in Durango, CO, while former band members filled in as pinch-hitters so that the show could go on.
Bar-D is not the same without Gary Cook, and it’s hard to replace what Gary can do, so it’s good to have him back for this performance in Blanding.
Now in their 55th season, the Bar-D Wranglers currently include Gary Cook, Matt Palmer, David Bradley, and Joel Racheff.
Gary Cook has been with Bar-D for 35 years, plays lead guitar, and sings harmony vocals. Gary is a two-time national flat-picking champion, and an inductee to The Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame.
Matt Palmer plays fiddle and sings baritone. Matt grew up traveling and playing music professionally with his family band. Matt joined the band 23 years ago at the ripe age of 19.
David Bradley sings lead and is one of this country’s finest yodelers. Originally from the Dallas area, David learned his skills from his father. He was formerly with The Sons of the Pioneers and continues to impress crowds with his vocal skills. He has been with Bar-D for five years.
Joel Racheff plays upright bass and sings lead and tenor. A Wrangler for 20 years, Joel also adds fun to the show by providing comic relief.
For Western music at its finest, you won’t want to miss the Bar-D Wranglers October 10 in Blanding.