Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend: Recent Episodes
Chris Ruggia
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.
Chris talks with Will Snodgrass, who has just opened Far West Guitars on 6th Street in downtown Alpine. Will shares his love and passion for music and how his mission is to welcome everyone to enjoy the art and beauty of fine musical instruments. Chris and Will also talk about the inspiration they have gotten from two guitar legends, Mark Pollock and Michael Stevens, and their contributions to the Alpine community and far beyond.
Chris and Heather recognize National Travel & Tourism Week with a talk about the best ways to enjoy a summer trip to Alpine and the Big Bend, from the surprisingly cool summer temperatures in the mountains, to a few choice spots to while away a warm afternoon in comfort, to enjoying the starry night skies on a deliciously cool – even chilly! – desert evening.
Chris and Heather talk with Heidi Wassermann about visiting Wassermann Wranch and meeting the extended family: hobnob with Donkeys, Alpacas, Kangaroos, and Carl the Camel!
Chris is joined by Big Bend rock shop impresarios Judith Brueske, Paul Graybeal and Sue Franklin to discuss to Alpine Gem & Mineral Show, April 14-16, 2023 at the Alpine Civic Center. One of the finest small gem and mineral shows in the country, the vendors and displays combine science, art and much more!
Chris talks with Kerri Blackman and Krista Kirkland about the 2nd annual Spirits of teh West Wine & Beef Festival, coming up April 21-22 in downtown Alpine. Visitors can taste and meet wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across Texas, paired with specialties from West Texas beef producers. Before April 5, 2023, go to visitalpinetx.com and enter to win two VIP wristbands for the event!
When you have one day – or four! – in the Big Bend, it's hard to decide what to do, there's so much to choose from! Heather and Chris lay out four different day trips from your home base in Alpine that can fill out a nice Spring Break visit, or you can pick just one or two if you have less time on your trip. This is definitely an episode to come back to each time you are thinking of coming out to Alpine and the Big Bend!
Chris talks with Mary Bones, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend, about the completion of the new Emmet and Miriam McCoy building expansion and its Grand Opening on March 10, 2023. The new building, connected to the current historic structure, doubles the Museum's footprint with multiple areas for art exhibits and special events.
Chris talks with Bill Sain, a long-time leader in the American Birding Association, and Maureen Frank, Associate Professor of Conservation Biology at Sul Ross State University about BIRDS! The Big Bend area hosts a tremendously rich diversity of bird species, and watching them is an endless source of pleasure for newbies and veteran birders alike. What are the easiest birds to find? What are the rarest birds in the area? What bird did Bill's dad want to be reincarnated as? Listen and find out!
As we look forward to Feb 17-18, 2023 and the next installment of the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering, we look back to grammy-winning poet Joel Nelson's keynote address to the 2020 Gathering – which provides a history of the event – and then Chris visits with musician Jim Wilson about his history with the Gathering and we share a couple of tracks from Wilson's "Border Bravo" album.
One ill-timed corrupted audio file, and CONGRATULATIONS! We are rebroadcasting this great earlier episode: Chris talks with Alpine-based author J.J. Rusz about his ongoing series of "Big Bend Country Mysteries" and with Front Street Books manager Julie Green about Alpine's excellent downtown independent bookstore.
Chris and Heather talk about Alpine happenings for 2023 that we are all looking forward to. Have your calendar ready for this one!
What happened in Alpine in 2022? Chris and heather are joined by Alpine Radio's Martin Benevich (KVLF 98.7FM & KALP 92.7FM) to talk through the last year's highlights for visitors!
Chris and Heather talk with Alpine Police Chief Darrell Losoya about questions of public safety in Alpine and the Big Bend.
In honor of this weekend's ArtWalk 2022, we are revisiting our conversation with Jan Moeller and Carol Fairlie of the Big Bend Arts Council!
Chris talks to Keri Blackman (founder) and Ty Muennink (incoming director) about Artwalk, Alpine's biggest arts festival: https://artwalkalpine.com
Held every November during the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will be art exhibits at 25 different locations, more than a dozen food vendors, and free live music on three stages around downtown! November 18 & 19, 2022.
It's National Friends of Libraries Week! Chris talks to Alpine Public Library Director Don Wetterauer and past President of the Friends of the Alpine Public Library Lee Smith about APL's tremendous visitor services including free public use computers, a welcoming place to rest, relax and hang out, and the Re-Reads Used Bookstore!
Chris talks to Stephen C. Hummell of McDonald Observatory about the newly designated Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve - the largest (and ONLY international) Dark Sky Reserve on the planet! So, what's a Dark Sky Reserve? What can we all do to help keep our skies dark and our stars bright? And what's up at McDonald Observatory these days? Listen and find out!
Chris and Heather talk with Lisa Gordon, Director of the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, about the variety of activities and exhibits available to visitors there. A network of moderate-difficulty hiking trails, a botanical garden, geology and mining exhibits, and a charming gift shop await you! What's Chris's go-to hike at the Nature Center? We know you're DYING to find out!
Chris talks with Cyndi Perdue, founder of the new Big Bend Bluegrass Festival as well as visiting artist Edgar Loudermilk and Alpine-based musician David Keller. What IS Bluegrass, really? And what pioneering country legends can Edgar claim in his family tree? Find out here, along with how to get those tickets!!! October 7-8, 2022 in Alpine!
Chris talks with Mary Bones, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend, about the upcoming Trappings of Texas exhibit and sale of fine contemporary western art and cowboy gear. They are joined by master engraver Buddy Knight and veteran painter/illustrator Mike Capron for some fascinating insight into their artistic process! Don't miss the opportunity to see these two at work during the Trappings of Texas Opening Weekend events, September 15-17, 2022!
Chris is joined by Fiesta 1888 event organizers Mary Ann Lujan and Elidia Polanco, Tejano Sundays host (and Puro Party All Star) Robert Alvarez, and legendary musicians Little Joe and Ruben Ramos. Little Joe y La Familia and Ruben Ramos & the Mexican Revolution will appear August 20 on historic Murphy Street with Puro Party All Starz opening up.
Chris talks with Mattie Sargent of the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo and CJ Aragon, Sul Ross State University Rodeo Coach, about the upcoming Ranch Rodeo and College Rodeo in August and September at the S.A.L.E. Rodeo Arena in Alpine.
Chris and Heather talk Frequently Asked Questions! What do visitors want to know before they come out to the Big Bend? What do they want to know about the Alpine Visitor Center itself? It's non-stop question and answer ACTION!!!
Chris and Heather talk with Viva Big Bend music festival organizer Stewart Ramser and Doodlin' Hogwallops vocalist and bassist Neil Trammell. Viva Big Bend is a music festival held the last weekend of July and featuring almost 70 live shows at 18 venues in 5 communities (Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon and Terlingua).
Chris talks with Sandy Price and Monte Mudd from the Big Bend Chamber of Commerce about visiting South Brewster County. A small group of communities in a BIG landscape, Terlingua, Study Butte, Lajitas and Terlingua Ranch offer a unique culture, first-class outdoor activities and vibrant small businesses right at the edges of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. But be aware – during the busiest seasons (especially Spring Break), the high number of visitors is putting a strain on the infrastructure and services of these little towns, so please do your part to help keep your impact to minimum!
Chris talks with Alpine Cowboys General Manager Kristin Cavness, Team Manager Sean Persky and Third Baseman James Prockish talk small-town baseball! Alpine's beloved Cowboys baseball club start their 2022 season off at the start of June and face some brand new oppponents in the Pecos League. And all of the action happens in beautiful, historic Kokernot Field, built in the 1940s on the o6 Ranch by Kristin's Great-Grandfather, Herbert L. Kokernot, Jr.
Chris is joined by Justin Bragiel, lead counsel for the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association to talk about...hotel taxes! What?!? Taxes!?!? No, really – What are they for? How do they help the community? Why can't we use the money to fill that pothole or fix the sewers? Find out how Alpine uses HOT funds, and you'll even get to hear Justin say nice things about us!
Chris talks with local musicians Rick Ruiz and John Ray about Alpine's small but vibrant and welcoming live music scene: the local bands, the venues, the events and festivals. We'll even tell you where to bring your instrument whenever you are ready to jump in and join us!
Chris talks to Kerri Blackman and Rachel Maxwell, masterminds behind a new and unique culinary event in Alpine: the Spirits of the West Wine & Beef Festival, May 27-29, 2022! Eleven Texas wineries, distilleries and breweries will offer three days of exquisite pairings of wine and spirits with signature appetizers, most using Big Bend ranch-raised beef. The event will also feature live music, fine art, workshops and more.
Chris talks with four members of the Chihuahuan Desert Gem and Mineral Club about the booths, displays, demonstrations and more that visitors will find at the annual Alpine Gem & Mineral Show in mid-April. We also talk about the history of rock collecting in the Big Bend, the region's distinctive agates, rock hunting trips in the area and the small rock shops in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis and Balmorhea.
After giving a general overview in our last episode, Big Bend National Park Chief of Interpretation Tom VandenBerg returns to tell Chris and Heather the details about actually visiting what we lovingly call "THE Park". Entrance fees, speed limits, camping reservations, river trip outfitters, and info on the ONLY official US border crossing into Mexico where there is a burro waiting to take you into town for tacos!
Chris and Heather finally make it to Big Bend National Park! They talk with Chief of Interpretation Tom VandenBerg about some of what makes BBNP the best park anywhere ever. Did we say that out loud? Anyway, we cover the Basics – the unique convergence of desert ecosystems that makes the Park truly special and, of course, Tom's favorite hike. What is it? Listen and find out!
Chris and Heather talk to Linda Beranek, President of the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, about visiting Alpine's sister to the East. From the Gage Hotel to the Post Park, and all of the restaurants, gardens, galleries and shops in between!
February 2022 marks the 75th anniversary of the first broadcast of our podcast production partner KVLF radio in Alpine. In this episode, Chris talks with Martin Benevich, the current owner of KVLF (AM) and KALP (FM), and with Ray Hendryx, who ran the stations for almost 40 years after taking over from his father Gene Hendryx, who started working at KVLF within weeks of its founding in 1947.
Chris talks with Kay & Gene Nowell and Bob Saul about the Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering, coming to the Sul Ross State University campus on Feb. 18 & 19, 2022. They discuss the origins of cowboy poetry as an art form, the tradition of cowboy poetry gatherings and their long history in Alpine, and details about the 2022 event.
For our 20TH EPISODE(!), Chris talks with Wendy Little, Director of the Texas Mountain Trail Region, and Stewart Ramser, publisher of the Big Bend & Texas Mountains Travel Guide.
Chris and Heather review a few of the happenings around town in 2021 and then give a rundown of the busy events calendar for Alpine in 2022. Pull out your calendar for this one!
Chris talks with Jan Moeller (Painter and Big Bend Arts Council President) and Carol Fairlie (Painter and Sul Ross State University Professor of Art) in a wide ranging conversation about the Big Bend Arts Council, Alpine's downtown art galleries, the local arts community and more.
Chris talks with Alpine-based author J.J. Rusz about his ongoing series of "Big Bend Country Mysteries" and with Front Street Books manager Julie Green about Alpine's excellent downtown independent bookstore.
Chris and Heather talk with Melissa Henderson, Director of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, about Alpine's picturesque neighbor to the north. We discuss history, stars, science, shopping and more!
Chris is joined by the co-founders of Artwalk (formerly Alpine's Gallery Night), now in its 28th year! Kerri Blackman and John Davis talk about the past and present of the event, held the weekend before Thanksgiving every year with activities, art shows and live music all over downtown Alpine.
Chris talks with Abby Boyd, Director of Tourism for the City of Marfa, about Alpine's lovely neighbor to the west. We talk architecture, art, and hours of operation! Pro Tip: when in doubt, go to the Visitor Center!
Chris and Heather talk about the recent Texas Travel awards and the four wins received for Alpine: Museum of the Big Bend, Viva Big Bend music festival, Alpine's downtown murals and Visit Alpine, Texas' social media accounts.
Heather and Chris talk with University President Pete Gallego about everything Sul Ross has to offer to visitors, to students and to the community of Alpine! Museum of the Big Bend, Sports, Art & Theatre, Hiking Hancock Hill and more!
Chris and Heather talk with Abbey Branch, the President of the new Alpine Historical Association, about their plans and programs including Historic and Hispanic Heritage Walking Tours, Ghost Tours and more!
Chris and Heather talk with Mary Bones, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend, about the upcoming Trappings of Texas – the nation's premier exhibit and sale of contemporary Western Art & Cowboy Gear.
Chris talks with Chachi Hawkins and Sul Ross State University Rodeo Coach CJ Aragon about the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo (2nd weekend in August) and the SRSU Rodeo (4th weekend in September), the differences between Ranch Rodeo and College Rodeo, and the skill and talent that visitors will get to see when they attend these two great programs!
Chris and Heather visit with Park Interpreter Amber Harrison for a deep dive into the biggest state park in Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park!
Chris and Heather discuss a few of the great outdoor (and indoor) activities families can enjoy in Alpine and the Big Bend region.
The last weekend of July is VIVA time! Chris talks with event founder and organizer Stewart Ramser (vivabigbend.com) and Two Tons of Steel's Kevin Geil (twotons.com) about the return of Viva Big Bend for 2021, featuring 65 performances over 5 days in 5 towns across the Big Bend!
Chris and Heather welcome Bill Wren of McDonald Observatory for a discussion of the incredible night skies in the Big Bend region, stargazing activities, and ongoing programs to preserve the precious resource of our dark night skies.
Chris and Heather welcome Mary Bones, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend, for a conversation about the Museum, its history at Sul Ross State University, its excellent exhibits and upcoming programming. The Museum of the Big Bend tells the rich story of the region's history and many cultures, and is a must-see starting point for any first-time visit to the area.
Chris talks with Kerri Blackman and John Davis of Alpine's ARTWALK about the development of the many murals in downtown Alpine, as well as plans underway for two new ones. Hint: Come see us for the Viva Big Bend music festival July 29-August 1, 2021 to enjoy the unveiling (and a 5K run!) for a mural celebrating Texas Musicians!
Join Chris, Heather and Erik for a discussion of some of the many fantastic scenic drives around the Big Bend region from your home base in Alpine, Texas. Also: sights and attractions along the way, and some Big Bend travel tips!
In this first episode of our podcast about visiting Alpine and the Big Bend region, Chris, Heather and Erik discuss some of the things that make Alpine a great place to visit: the weekly Midweek Mercantile & Music street fair; beautiful Spring weather and stunning dark night skies; and upcoming events like the 4th of July celebrations in Alpine and Fort Davis and the Viva Big bend music festival.