Fall Learning Series

Echos of the West: A Journey through History and Harmony

Nov 20, 2025 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Location: Museum of the West | 462 Ute Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Tickets: $0 Members & CMU Students / $7 Adult / $2 Child

Step into the American West with this captivating learning series that weaves together the rich tapestry of Western culture, history, and music! Explore stories of pioneers, and cowboys, and the rugged landscape that shaped their lives. Delve into the vibrant traditions of Western music and poetry, from cowboy ballads and stories to folk melodies, and discover how these tunes echo the spirit of the frontier and where they originated.

Pickin’ Peggy Malone

Pickin’ Peggy Malone brings the soul of the frontier to life with her spirited blend of Classic Country and Western Music, captivating audiences with songs that celebrate the heritage of the American West. Known for her crowd-pleasing, engaging performances, Peggy transforms every show into a lively celebration of cowboy culture and community storytelling. Her repertoire spans nostalgic ballads and toe-tapping tunes that honor pioneers, ranchers, and the landscapes they called home, echoing the resilience and charm of Western life. As an Emmy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Peggy’s voice carries the warmth of tradition and the spark of showmanship, making her a beloved figure in Western music circles. 

Join acclaimed singer-songwriter Rodney Hayden for a soulful exploration of Western music’s roots and rhythms, blending performance with storytelling. A Texas native and troubadour of over two decades, Hayden has graced stages from Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic to the Fillmore West, sharing songs that echo the legacy of cowboy ballads, honky-tonk traditions, and frontier life. His warm, evocative voice and original compositions bring to life the emotional depth and rugged charm of Western soundscapes.  This session invites listeners to discover how Western music evolved from trail songs and dancehall tunes into a genre that still stirs hearts today.

Join award-winning cowboy poet Terry Nash for a journey into the heart of the American West, where grit meets grace in verse and story. Raised on Colorado’s High Plains and steeped in ranching life, Nash brings authenticity and humor to tales of cowhands, mountain trails, and frontier spirit. His original poetry and classic recitations capture the rhythm of Western life, echoing the traditions of ballads and storytelling that shaped generations. With vivid imagery and heartfelt delivery, Nash invites audiences to experience the harmony between land, labor, and lore.