When I first arrived in Durango nearly 17 years ago, I was still learning the rhythms of a place that felt both familiar and completely new. Not long after we settled in, someone invited us to the Bar D Ranch for a concert by the Bar-D Wranglers. I agreed without quite knowing what to expect.
Growing up in the Midwest, cowboy music wasn’t part of my daily soundtrack. I hadn’t spent evenings at chuckwagon shows or summers listening to Western harmonies under open skies. So I remember sitting there that first night, watching the sun dip low and the stage come alive, thinking—this is different. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out.
But then something unexpected happened.
As the Wranglers began to sing and share their stories, I started recognizing melodies I already knew. Songs that had floated through my childhood—heard on the radio, at family gatherings, or tucked into the broader American songbook—suddenly revealed their roots. Through cowboy ballads and tight-knit harmonies, I realized how deeply connected much of our shared musical history truly is. Stories of land, humor, faith, hardship, and home had traveled far beyond geography.
That first Bar-D concert didn’t just introduce me to a local tradition—it opened a door. It helped me understand Durango more deeply through music that carries history and storytelling at its core. Over the years, the Bar-D Wranglers have become part of this community’s fabric for me—steady, generous storytellers who remind us that music connects us long before we can explain why.
Founded in 1969 and based right here in Durango, the Bar-D Wranglers have spent over fifty years preserving and sharing the spirit of the Old West through music. Best known as the musical heart of the Bar D Chuckwagon Supper Show each summer, the Wranglers have also performed far beyond the ranch, appearing at iconic venues across the country, including the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. Along the way, they’ve gained a dedicated following attracted to their warmth, humor, and unmistakable sound.
Their Christmas Jubilee naturally extends that legacy. Featuring classic carols, Western holiday favorites, and original arrangements, the show feels festive and familiar. Stories are woven between songs, delivered with the Wranglers’ trademark wit and easy rapport. Laughter flows effortlessly, as does reflection. It’s a performance that welcomes audiences of all ages, inviting everyone to settle in and enjoy the moment.
For many families in our area, the Christmas Jubilee has become its own tradition—an annual event that celebrates the season and unites generations. There’s comfort in its familiarity, but also joy in how vibrant it feels each year. No two nights are exactly the same, and that’s part of the magic.
From their roots in Durango to their recognition on national stages, the Bar-D Wranglers remain true ambassadors of cowboy music and storytelling. Their Christmas Jubilee is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of the power of shared songs, laughter, and experiences.
As the holidays draw near, this cherished tradition provides a chance to slow down, listen closely, and come together. Whether it’s your first Bar-D concert or one of many, the Christmas Jubilee welcomes you into a story that feels both deeply local and universally meaningful—filled with harmony, humor, and the unmistakable spirit of the season.
Note from the Publisher: If you need a good laugh to round out the season, I highly recommend watching one of my all-time favorite Bar-D moments—Cy Scarborough telling the tale of “Rindercella.”It’s a classic piece of Bar-D storytelling and guaranteed to deliver a full belly laugh. Sometimes the best holiday gift is shared joy.
