Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

Chris talks with Bryon Schroeder, Devin Pettigrew and Erika Blecha of Sul Ross State University's Center for Big Bend Studies about some of their archaeology work that's been making headlines:New York Times: 6,500-Year-Old Hunting Kit Found in West TexasRare Mammoth Tusk Discovered at West Texas RanchIf you want to learn more about the work of the Center for Big Bend Studies, sign up for their email newsletters (or become member!) at their website: cbbs.sulross.edu

National Travel & Tourism Week is May 4-10! Chris and Heather talk about the positive impact of tourism for Alpine's economy, and the benefits for residents' quality of life as well.

Chris talks with Dr. A. Michael Powell and Shirley Powell about their authoritative work in Trans-Pecos botany and Dr. Powell's role in recognizing and formally describing Ovicula biradiata, or "Wooly Devil," a previously unknown genus of plant recently discovered in Big Bend National Park.The find generated a spate of high-profile new headlines, such as this one from the Smithsonian magazine:https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-wooly-devil-the-first-new-plant-genus-discovered-in-a-national-park-since-1976-180986117/Chris and the Powells also talked about Dr. Powell's many books on the flora of the larger Big Bend region, and their work in the herbarium at Sul Ross State University. This scientific collection of plant specimens is the fourth largest in the state.

Chris talks with Krista Kirkland, Lance Johnson and Benjamin Garcia about the upcoming Spirits of the West festival, a 2-day extravaganza of music, drink, food, fine craftsmanship and more!April 25 & 26, ticket info available at https://www.spiritsfestwtx.com/

Chris and Heather are joined by the McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel to talk about events around the Big Bend celebrating International Dark Sky Week, April 22-26.Learn about Star Parties, Astrophotography Workshops, Telescope Tours and much more, culminating in events all day (and into the night, of course) in Alpine on Saturday, April 26.Alpine's Dark Skies Celebration:https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/dark-skies-festival McDonald Observatory's Region-wide Dark Skies Festival:https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/dark-skies-festivalRegister here for the Astrophotography Workshop:https://www.spear3photography.com/event-listSee Stephen's Sprite photography here:https://spritacular.org/Learn how to save money and improve your lighting in a dark sky friendly way:https://darksky.org/

Chris talks with Lisa Nix and Todd Sanborn about their new leadership of the Alpine Gem & Mineral Show. Todd & Lisa have had a long relationship with the Alpine rock show, and now have stepped up to carry the event forward into a new generation! Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064703045076

Heather and Chris talk about Spring Break 2025 in Alpine and the Big Bend. Want to know about a beautiful mountain hike that's not likely to be crowded? Want to know which entrance to Big Bend National Park will probably have a shorter line? We'll survey the things to do in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Terlingua and area parks along with some tips to help make your trip safe and fun while avoiding frustrations!

Chris and Heather talk about the past, present and future of the vibrant Alpine Farmers Market, from its founding by Mark Foster and Debbie Tout to its current home at the Alpine Visitor Center – every Saturday from 9am to noon!

Chris talks with Nick Hurt, guitar instructor at Sul Ross State University, about the 2nd annual Guitar in the Big Bend concert series, coming up Feb 7-8 in Alpine and Marfa. World-traveling guitarists Dr. Isaac Bustos and Dr. Alejandro Montiel will perform as Duo Fortis in two evening concerts. The pair will also be providing a masterclass for SRSU music students, a fascinating and insightful event that is open to the public. Lastly, a Texas Luthier Showcase will highlight the builders of fine instruments and offer a display of rare and interesting guitars from Alpine's Far West Guitars showroom. More event details at https://www.guitarinthebigbend.com/ And coming up March 15, a performance by the Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra (https://austinclassicalguitar.org/acgyo-give-tour-alpine-tx/)

Chris is joined by Dr. Maureen Frank and graduate research assistant Shelby Duperier of SRSU's Borderlands Research Institute to talk about Wildlife Weekend in Alpine, Jan 31-Feb 2. Wildlife Weekend is a three-day celebration and investigation of Texas wildlife, including film screenings, research presentations, guided hikes, family activities, a wildlife art workshop, and much more. This year's event focuses on Bears, Bats and Bighorn! Visit https://visitalpinetx.com/wildlife for more event details and to enter a drawing to win 3 nights lodging at the Holland Hotel during the event! Event partners include Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Bat Conservation International, Texas Wildlife Association, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, Dixon Water Foundation and Visit Alpine, Texas.

Chris and Heather look back at some of 2024's big events in Alpine, and pull up your calendar now – because you are about to get a snapshot of a year's worth of great upcoming events!

Chris talks with Fort Davis NHS Chief of Interpretation Chelsea Rios and Blackwell School NHS Visual Information Specialist Tori Villareal about these two flagship destinations in the Big Bend region. When can you see Fort Davis in all the trappings of a Victorian Christmas? What are the latest developments at Blackwell, one of the nation's newest National Park Service units? Listen and find out!!!

Chris talks with the Alpine Visitor Center's Heather Yadon and Historic Alpine's Wendy Little about the extensive menu of holiday events in Alpine this month, from Santa to Music to Shopping to Tree Lightings to Parades and more. One highlight is the new "Navidad en los Adobes" historic tour of adobe homes and churches, with a presentation on the history of adobe in the region at The Ritchey. Tickets are available at https://historicalpine.org/ NOTE: Since this recording, Doug Moreland's Cowboy Christmas Ball at the Granada Theatre has been moved from Friday, Dec 20 to Saturday, Dec 21 (right after the Christmas Parade)

Chris talks with Artwalk Director Lance Johnson and Kerri Blackman about the latest installments of West Texas' longest-running arts festival, coming up Nov 22-23.

Chris talks with Interpretive Ranger Charlie Ewing of Davis Mountains State Park (https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains) about the expanded opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Big Bend region's cooler months. Plus we get an update on what's going on with Indian Lodge!

Chris welcomes Heather Yadon back to the podcast to talk about some upcoming events, the new home of the Saturday Farmers Market, the latest from the Alpine Visitor Center – and an Alpine Restaurant Update!

CORRECTED AUDIO! Chris talks with Producers Chris Sibley and Tyler Savage, whose new feature film, "Marfa Lights" is currently underway in Alpine and Marfa. What does it take to make a movie in the Big Bend? And it might not even be too late to jump on screen yourself! Listen to find out more!

Chris talks with Producers Chris Sibley and Tyler Savage, whose new feature film, "Marfa Lights" is currently underway in Alpine and Marfa. What does it take to make a movie in the Big Bend? And it might not even be too late to jump on screen yourself! Listen to find out more!

This episode is a table-turner! Chris missed the episode from two weeks ago because he was in Big Bend National Park, serving a turn as the park's Artist in Residence. So for this episode, Chris invites his friend Tim Johnson (owner of the Marfa Book Company and organizer of the annual Agave Festival) to be the interviewer! Tim and Chris discuss the park's art residency program, Chris' wildlife artwork, and the projects he worked on in the park. You can see Chris's artwork at https://chrisruggia.com/ and get a free illustrated e-book on Black Bears in the Big Bend.

Rodeo Week at Sul Ross State University is coming up Sep 24-28, 2024! Chris talks with Rodeo Coach CJ Aragon about the origins of the cattle drive across campus(!!) and the ins and outs of some of the most dangerous rodeo events. What's the best technique for wrestling a steer to the ground? What's CJ's #1 tip if you decide you want to ride a bull? Listen and find out!

Chris talks with Brian Carrico and Collin Bibb of Byways Hospitality about the status of their ambitious plans for the Holland Hotel, the Maverick Inn, and Fort Davis's Hotel Limpia. In particular, the Holland has a long history as a central landmark and community hub for downtown Alpine. The project has involved acquiring both state and national historic designations and working from the hotel's original design drawings to ensure that the planned improvements are true to the original vision of architects Trost & Trost! All of the hotels remain open for reservations: https://www.thehollandhoteltexas.com/ https://www.themaverickinn.com/

Chris talks with veteran guide Mike Davidson about enjoying the warm weather months in the Big Bend region. Why are the desert mountains cooler than most Texas cities? When are the best and worst times to hike? How much water do you need, and can too much make you sick? Book an information-packed tour with Mike (in air-conditioned comfort!) at https://gobigbend.com/

Chris talks with Monty Welt, who recently spearheaded a moving community art project creating a temporary mural at the site of the Memorial Day Weekend Fire in downtown Alpine. Monty has created a steadily growing series of high quality artwork on Alpine's walls, and he also serves as President of Create Space (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558647581025), an arts collective offering shared studio space, weekly life drawing sessions and an endless supply of energy and encouragement for artists living in (or visiting) Alpine!

Chris talks with Viva Big Bend founder and organizer Stewart Ramser about the 2024 music festival taking place July 24-28 with over 65 shows at 19 venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio and Fort Davis! https://vivabigbend.com/

After the devastating memorial Day Weekend fire in downtown Alpine destroyed five storefronts and the businesses inside, the Alpine community has banded together with a series of events June 28 & 29, 2024, to help our neighbors get back on their feet. Friday, June 28: 5pm - popup art show at TEXPOP Museum of Popular Culture 6pm: LET IT RAIN Music Fest at Granada Theatre & Alcove Social (15 bands on 2 stages!) Saturday, June 29: 1pm - black bear book release event at Front Street Books 4pm - Fajita Dinner / Live Music / Silent Auction at American Legion benefiting the artists from Big Bend Arts Council's co-op gallery, destroyed in the fire

Chris talks with Bret Scott, director of this summer's outdoor production for the Theatre of the Big Bend: "Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood". Chris and Bret also talk about directing plays, stage combat, and where puppets come from. The high-action comedy will be performed Thurs-Sun at 8pm through the month pf July. Tickets are available at: https://bit.ly/sulross-theatre/

Chris explores some of the businesses that visitors can find on Alpine's historic Murphy Street, talking with Greg and Molly Egan of Murphy Street Provisions, based in the landmark Valadez Grocery building; and with Ginger Hillery, proprietor of Petit Bijou, the teeniest, tiniest wine bar in Texas!

Chris talks with Kerry Laird – professional writer, sometimes musician, and active wheelchair user – about navigating Alpine and the Big Bend region on wheels, both in town and on the trails of our state and national parks.

Chris talks with three experts on all things cycling in Alpine and the Big Bend! What's the easiest way to get started? Reagan Stone can help! What's the best mountain bike trail in the region? Kevin Urbanczyk will tell you! And if you want to find a fun and welcoming group to join for a road biking adventure through the Big Bend landscape, Jim Hector has the skinny! Find out more about Alpine cycling at https://stateofmindtexas.com/

Chris talks with guitarist and instructor Nicolas Hurt about a series of classical guitar events happening April 12-14 in Alpine and Marfa: "Guitar in the Big Bend". Nick has big plans for this new annual event, and the first installment features performances, a masterclass and workshop with Romanian guitar virtuoso Dragos Ilie – along with Jeremy Waldrip and Nick himself.

April 19-20 is the 2024 Spirits of the West Wine & Beef Festival (https://www.spiritsfestwtx.com/), so Chris is talking with Director Lance Johnson and Event Coordinator Krista Kirkland, as well as James Smith of the Chateau Wright Winery in Fort Davis! Spirits of the West brings to Alpine two days of superlative food, drink, and live music!

April 2-8 is International Dark Sky Week, and Alpine is celebrating with events on April 5 & 6, just prior to the Main Celestial Event: April 8's total eclipse. Chris and Heather talk with McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel about the eclipse, the Dark Skies Celebration events, and the latest on the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve!

What's that? You don't actually need a saddle? Well, don't think for even a second that this means Big Bend Saddlery is not for you. Watch master craftspeople at work! Browse hats, clothing, jewelry, ranch gear and – of course – incredible house-created leather and silver work in all kinds of unexpected forms. Chris talks to Gary Dunshee and Mattie Sargent about the past and present of this historic Alpine business.

Heather and Chris talk about the year to come in Alpine – fun and varied events and festivals happen here almost every month through the year! From Cowboy Poetry to Dark Skies to Wine, Fine Food, Art and Live Music, pull out your calendar for this one because there will definitely be some dates you want to remember. We'll see you when you get to Alpine for the next big event!

On Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, Guitarist/Filmmaker/Teacher Nick Hurt will be performing and screening a short film at the Museum of the Big Bend's new Cultural Events Center. Chris talks with Nick about the film, "Serenade, I Miss You: Four Works for Solo Guitar" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO2m1zJhPmo) and about new Texas music for the classical guitar, and Nick performs two pieces – including one originally written and recorded in Alpine!

Chris talks with Bill Adams and Matthew Hewitt of the Borderlands Research Institute about a new event that BRI and Visit Alpine are planning for Saturday, February 3: Wildlife Day in Alpine! The event will be a full day with lots of free opportunities to learn about and celebrate our non-human friends and neighbors in the Big bend region. Don't miss it! https://visitalpinetx.com/wildlifeday

Chris talks with Big Bend National Park Chief of Interpretation Tom VandenBerg about wintertime hiking in and out of The Park. What's the difference between summer and winter hiking? In the winter you can comfortably visit areas of the lower desert that can be downright hazardous in the midday of summer – January is a great time to try out some of those desert hikes you might have been shying away from!

Chris is joined by David Keller (co-owner) and Mateo Mares (manager/co-operator/music boss) of The Ritchey – a beloved hangout and music venue recently re-opened in one of Alpine's oldest buildings – and they talk history, community and music!

Chris and Heather talk with Abbey Branch, President of Historic Alpine, about the slate of festive events in Alpine for the holiday season. Dec 1 & 2 is "Christmas in Alpine", with special events for shopping, treats, music and community fellowship. Then on Dec. 16, the Alpine Christmas Parade takes to the streets. Get more schedule information at https://visitalpinetx.com/christmas/

Chris talks with Kerri Blackman and John Davis, the founders of ArtWalk, Alpine's largest celebration of the arts! This year is the 30th annual event and it includes an Art Car exhibition and parade. Nov. 17 & 18, 2023 (always the weekend before Thanksgiving)

Heather Returns! Chris talks with Heather Yadon about goings on at the Alpine Visitor Center, and she answers the TWO MOST-ASKED QUESTIONS from Alpine visitors! What are they? Listen and find out!

Chris talks with Marjie Scott, the Empress of Theatre (no – wait – she's the Chair of Visual and Performing Arts) at Sul Ross State University. They discuss the upcoming production of David Mamet's Oleanna and the department's upcoming projects for the Spring and Summer, as well as a recent Hispanic Heritage Symposium and the ever-popular Alpine Historic Ghost Tour! Tickets and schedules at bit.ly/sulross-theatre

Chris talks with Interpretive Ranger Charlie Ewing about Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge, their beautiful mountain setting and a bit about their history, with structures built by the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps.

Chris talks with Big Bend Ranch State Park Interpreter Layla Spurlock about what's new in the biggest state park in Texas! In addition to some highlights of visiting the Park, learn about three upcoming events (in October, November and December 2023) that will be celebrating the 100 Year anniversary of Texas's State Parks program.

Chris talks with Museum of the Big Bend Director Mary Bones and Trappings of Texas Premier Artist Alice Leese about this year's edition of the nation's longest-running exhibit & sale of contemporary western art & cowboy gear.

Chris talks with Benjamin Garcia, who has purchased an re-opened Alpine's landmark downtown events facility, the Granada Theatre. The Granada (https://granadatheatre.events) is hosting an ambitiously varied calendar of activities, and the Saddle Club next door has also re-opened with a new bar, restaurant and – soon – a co-working space!

Chris talks with Fort Davis NHS Superintendent David Larson about the history of Fort Davis and its impact on the surrounding region. They also discuss the changes in concepts and best practices of historic preservation between 1961, when the Fort became a National Historic Site, and today.

Chris talks with Mattie Dunshee (of the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo committee), CJ Aragon (SRSU Rodeo Coach), and Clay Miller (past participant in the Ranch Rodeo) about this year's Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, August 11-12, 2023. What's new this year? What IS a ranch rodeo, anyway? and what's coming up for the Sul Ross State University Rodeo Team at their competition in September?

Chris talks with Stewart Ramser, founder of the Viva Big Bend music festival (https://vivabigbend.com), about plans for the 2023 event, held July 26-30 in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, Terlingua and Presidio. Then Chris talks with Scrappy Jud Newcomb about his 34 years as a professional musician and his upcoming showcase at Planet Marfa on Saturday, July 29.

Chris talks with DJ Stout, the author and designer of the beautiful book, "The Amazing Tale of Mr. Herbert and the Alpine Cowboys Baseball Club". Stout's book is the definitive history of the Cowboys and Kokernot Field, with a wealth of beautifully preserved photography from the team's heyday in the 40s and 50s. In addition to being a renowned graphic designer (former art director of Texas Monthly magazine and a partner in Pentagram, a leading international design firm), DJ is also a native son of Alpine AND the Cowboys – DJ was born here during his father Doyle Stout's tenure as a player with Mr. Herbert's team!

Chris talks with Blackwell School Alliance Board member Daniel Hernandez and Fort Davis NHS Superintendent David Larson about the Blackwell School, Marfa's segregated school campus which closed in 1965. The school is an unusually well-preserved example of the sort of institution that could be found across the south, both before and after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision put an end to legal segregation in schools. The Blackwell School Alliance is a group of alumni and other community members who have acted to save the building from demolition and created a small museum to share the experiences of the students. Since Congress approved the addition of the Blackwell School as a National Historic Site, the National Park Service has begun the long process of working with the community to collect and tell its story.