In this episode of the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering Podcast, host Jim Buchanan sits down with Monk Maxwell, Wanda Maxwell, and Joe Konkel.
Performing together as Maxwell and Joe, celebrating the music, memories, and community spirit of Arizona’s ranch country.
From community ranch dances of the 1940s and ’50s to fiddle tunes learned the hard way. Monk shares how music quite literally saved his life. Wanda reflects on growing up with gospel harmonies, cowboy songs, and yodeling roots. At the same time, Joe talks about a lifelong love of music, multi-instrument mastery, and the joy of making music with close friends.
The conversation is woven with live performances of classic cowboy and old-time tunes, heartfelt stories of dancing halls, and handmade fiddles. As well as the deep impact music has in senior centers and memory care communities, where a toe tap or a smile is the greatest reward.
This episode is a tribute to living history, lifelong friendship, and the enduring power of music to heal, connect, and keep traditions alive.
The 38th Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering is held from August 6 to 8, 2026, at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center on the Yavapai College campus.
