A year after a successful debut, Leo Downey and the herd at the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch are ready to host the second edition of Buffapolooza on Saturday (Aug. 29) and members of the community are invited to attend this family event.
Music will include both local acts and the Drew Rouse Trio.
Downey was introduced to Rouse when the musician visited the buffalo ranch and they quickly became friends, leading to the Buffapolooza gig. Downey will also take to the stage as part of Buffapolooza, playing both on his own and alongside the Rouse trio.
Downey, who gave up a record deal in order to move to his Blaeberry ranch, will be busy during the afternoon. In addition to performing, he’ll be giving free buffalo tours and will lead a native fire demonstration that he learned from a Chumash leader.
“You can (make a fire) really quickly if you have all the material ready…in a few minutes you can make a fire,” Downey explained, while noting that it was a skill with a learning curve.
“When I learned…it was a winter survival course in California so it was raining and snowing and everything was wet including us and it took me three days to get a fire…you really have to practice.”
Keen observers will get a chance to try their hand at building a fire in the way of the Chumash as well.
As for the herd, it’s doing just fine despite the death of bull Chester Sr. a couple years ago. Chester’s son, Chester Jr., has taken over as the leader and the herd’s numbers are at 17 and growing.
“I love giving the tours. I see people from Europe mostly…they’re amazed to be here and to see the buffalo for the first time,” Downey said.
Of course, a trip to the ranch wouldn’t be complete without some locally grown grub, and buffalo burgers will be for sale throughout the afternoon’s entertainment.
While the event is free, a suggested contribution of $10 will be accepted to cover the cost of the band. Buffapolooza will kick off at 11 a.m. and continue until approximately five in the afternoon.
