Advertise on podcast: Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

Tejano legend Ruben Ramos is returning to Alpine! "El Gato Negro" is headlining a Valentine's Day Black & White Gala fundraiser for Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at the Alpine Civic Center on Saturday, February 14. Chris talks with Berta Martinez about the event, featuring dinner with the Mariachis Aguila from 6-8pm, Fly on the Wall DJ from 8-10pm and Ruben Ramos and the Texas Revolution from 10pm-1am. Tickets are $75, call Berta at (432) 386-3399 or Rory at (432) 386-2620 for more information.

Chris talks with Sul Ross State University classical guitar instructor Nick Hurt about Guitar in the Big Bend, an annual free concert series bringing world-class performers to Alpine and Marfa. https://www.guitarinthebigbend.com/

Chris talks with Connie Santillan and Isaac Gutierrez of The Magical Warehouse about the 2nd Annual Far West Comic Con, returning to Alpine Saturday, January 24 at the Alpine Civic Center. Anime voice actors, cosplayers (and a cosplay contest!), K-pop dancers, Hot Wheels races, Super Smash Bros and Magic the Gathering tournaments, and an array of vendors with original art, handmade treasures, gaming gear, pop culture collectibles and much, much more! themagicalwarehouse.com/farwestcomiccon/

Chris and Heather look back a the year in Alpine, and then ahead to the 2026 calendar of events.

Chris talks with Dr. Maureen Frank and Eliana Goodwin of Borderlands Research Institute about Alpine's upcoming 3rd annual Wildlife Weekend, January 30-February 1, 2026! The event celebrates Texas wildlife with science, art, film, photography, family activities and guided hikes/walks. Find full event details here. Programming will include experts from Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Singing Dog Wildlife, Fin and Fur Films, Bat Conservation International and many more.

Chris talks with his dear friends Eden Hinshaw and Amelie Urbanczyk about their Italian restaurant, Lucia, a distinguished new addition to Alpine's dining offerings. The three also discuss the origins of The Swifts, their band that has entertained Alpine audiences for the last 10 years.

Chris talks with Kay Tscheyka, Board President for the Alpine Public Library, about Alpine's most excellent little library and their Silent Auction fundraiser for ArtWalk, Nov. 21 & 22. For more information about ArtWalk, see our previous episode on the subject!

Chris talks with ArtWalk Director Lance Johnson and the event's co-founder and Board President John Davis about this year's event, coming up Nov 21-22 (always the weekend before Thanksgiving!) Enjoy two days and nights of free family-freindly fun with local and visiting artists and musicians! More information at artwalkalpine.com

Chris and Heather discuss the state of visitor access to Big Bend National Park during the current federal government shutdown as well as some alternate destinations and activities in the region.

Chris talks with Sul Ross State University music professors Andrew Alegria and Nicolas Hurt about their October 11 recital of music for guitar and voice, as well as additional upcoming performances by visiting musicians, SRSU students and faculty, and members of the community.

Chris talks with Alpine Historical Association President Wendy Little and historian and long-time AHA Board member Matt Walter. Matt shares his journey to becoming a regional historian as well as some stories of the creation of Alpine and Sul Ross State University. To become a member of the Alpine Historical Association, visit historicalpine.org

Chris talks with Dr. Maureen Frank and Dr. Alex Chavez of Sul Ross State University about seasonal migration patterns and what they mean for the birds that you are likely to see as summer turns to fall in the Big Bend. What is the best online bird resource for beginners and experts alike? What birds like to hang out with prairie dogs? What hawk pretends to be a turkey vulture? Maureen and Alex answer these burning questions and more!

Chris talks with Cyndi Perdue, founder of the Big Bend Bluegrass Association, and bandleader Edgar Loudermilk about the 2025 Big Bend Bluegrass Festival, coming to Alpine October 3 and 4!

Chris talks with Pam Knapen, Director of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, about a wave of new activity in town, with new restaurants, a gallery, and the long-awaited reopening of Indian Lodge! Get details from the Fort Davis Chamber at fortdavis.com

Chris talks with Karina Canteñs, Museum of the Big Bend's Curator of Temporary Exhibits and Events, and Tim Oliver, Premier Artist for the 39th Annual Trappings of Texas exhibit and sale of contemporary western art and cowboy gear. The Trappings of Texas Opening Weekend will be held September 18-20, 2025. Event sponsorships are available now, and online ticket sales will start soon. Visit the Museum's website for details.