Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

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 offerin...

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...

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 Al...

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...

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 –...

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...

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 schedul...

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!