Cooper Barn Jams bring music and community together at Prairie Museum
October 15, 2026
The Prairie Museum of Art and History wrapped up its 2026 Cooper Barn Jams season Oct. 15, closing a series that invited Colby-area residents to gather for live music, conversation and an evening together in one of the museum’s most distinctive spaces.
Held on the third Thursday of each month from April through October, the casual jam sessions gave local musicians a chance to play and community members a place to listen, visit or enjoy time with friends. Dennis Meitl helped set up the music, while attendees were welcome to take a turn performing.
The setting is part of the experience. Visitors climb a grand staircase to the Cooper Barn’s loft, where the historic structure’s scale and open space create a warm, relaxed atmosphere. The barn measures 66 feet wide, 114 feet long and 48 feet high. The museum describes it as the largest barn in Kansas and an “8th Wonder of Kansas Architecture,” a designation it received in 2008.
Throughout the even several musicians took turns playing for a supportive crowd. Some guests listened together, while others played games or talked. The simple setup made room for people to enjoy the music and the company without a formal program.
Prairie Museum Executive Director Jenny Linden said she enjoyed the sessions as a way for neighbors to spend time together and for local musicians to perform.
“I really enjoyed the Cooper Barn sessions this summer. I think it was a lovely way to enjoy space with community and to hear local musicians get the chance to perform,” Linden said.
One performance stood out for her. “My best memory of the season is listening to Dennis Meitl perform ‘The Gambler,’ because he sounds exactly like Kenny Rogers!”
The monthly jams are one part of the museum’s broader effort to make its campus a gathering place as well as a destination for exhibits and local history. The museum’s mission includes serving Thomas County and the greater northwest Kansas area through education, hosting visitors and organizations, and enhancing quality of life on the High Plains. Its outdoor campus also includes historic buildings such as a sod house, one-room schoolhouse, homestead and church. More information about their operations can be found at prairiemuseum.org
Linden said she hopes the community continues to enjoy the barn together in the coming season. “Without the pressure of feeling the need to donate or purchase something, instead just being together enjoying life music,” she said.
The museum has not announced dates for the next Cooper Barn Jams season. The Prairie Museum of Art and History is at 1905 S. Franklin Ave. in Colby. For museum information and future programs, visit prairiemuseum.org.