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

Chris talks with Victoria Contreras, Archivist at Sul Ross State University's Archives of the Big Bend, about the Border Archives Bazaar coming up on Saturday October 10 from 10am-4pm at the Espino Conference Center on the Sul Ross campus. Organized by the Border Regional Archives Group (BRAG), the Bazaar features rare documents, photographs, maps, publications, and more, that showcase the unique history and cultural heritage of our region.

Chris talks with Cyndi Perdue, founder of the Big Bend Bluegrass Association and the Big Bend Bluegrass Festival, about this year's lineup of artists and activities. The Big Bend Bluegrass Festival will be held at the Alpine Civic Center October 2 & 3. The lineup includes: Special Consensus The Edgar Loudermilk Band Catahoula Drive Finley River Boys Righteous Intonation Everett Davis Evie Dorsey

Chris talks with Brian Carrico of Alexa Management and Byways Hospitality about renovations underway at the Holland Hotel, Maverick Inn (to be re-opened next year as the Siesta) and Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis. We are all looking forward to the vision of a restored and renewed Holland Hotel blossoming at the heart of downtown Alpine! We're looking at YOU, 2027!

Chris talks with Wild Yeti Films co-owners Grant Kauffman and Renee Layson and West Texas Producer Randall Kinzie about Season 1 of their online TV series, "Expedition: Tales of the Big Bend," which recently received three Telly Awards. View all nine episodes at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvj5JlrQjYvQFoXa2O7cnxw

Chris talks to Museum of the Big Bend Directory Emily Wilkinson about the 40th annual Trappings of Texas. Trappings is the longest-running show and sale of contemporary western art and fine custom cowboy gear. The Opening Weekend is September 17-19, and the exhibit continues through October 31. Full event details at https://www.museumofthebigbend.com/trappings-of-texas/

The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo is coming up August 7-8, followed by the Sul Ross State University Rodeo September 24-26! Chris talks with Mattie Sargent of the Ranch Rodeo and Sul Ross Rodeo Coach CJ Aragon about the two events. It's always an entertaining and educational conversation with these two! At least, Chris learns something every time...

Chris and Heather explore the schedule of events around the Smithsonian "Spark! Places of Innovation" on display at the Museum of the Big Bend through August 8. Companion events during the exhibit's run covering the arts, history, technology and cultural heritage can be found in Alpine, Fort Davis, Marfa, Big Bend National Park, Presidio, San Elizario and El Paso! See the full schedule at www.museumofthebigbend.com/spark-schedule/

Chris talks with Stewart Ramser about the 15th annual Viva Big Bend music festival, bringing more than 65 live music performances to more than 20 stages in 6 communities: Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, Terlingua and Presidio! Full event info, wristbands and hotel packages available at vivabigbend.com.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the Big Bend region with celebrations in Alpine, Fort Davis and Marathon! Chris talks with Kirsten Moody of Alpine Community Projects about Alpine's July 4th Celebration and then to Pam Bilbrey of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center about Fort Davis' Coolest 4th of July. Marathon's July 4th schedule can be found here.

Chris and Heather talk with Museum of the Big Bend Director Emily Wilkinson about an upcoming traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute. "Spark! Places of Innovation" comes to Alpine July 3-August 8 through a partnership with the Smithsonian and the Texas Historical Commission. A busy schedule of companion events are being planned throughout the entire Texas Mountain Trail Region. Full event information will be coming soon to museumofthebigbend.com.

Chris talks with Jody and Castine McIntyre about their efforts in support of Alpine’s music industry. They are building a business to provide services for Big Bend region venues and musicians, currently including booking and sound for the Granada Theatre, Alcove Social and Cow Dog. www.FarWestTalentTx.com

Chris and Heather talk about the array of events coming up in Alpine for Summer 2026! One big highlight is "Spark! Places of Innovation" a Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibit coming to the Museum of Big Bend from July 3-August 8. The exhibit is part of the Museum on Main Street program with the Texas Historical Commission. There will be companion activities to the Spark! exhibit throughout Alpine and the Texas Mountain Trail Region.

Chris talks with Tony Curry, the nephew of Jim Kitchen – who, as a Sul Ross State University student, first carried "The Desk" up Hancock Hill back in 1981. Chris and Tony discuss the history of this quirky Alpine landmark, and the network of hiking trails on Hancock Hill leading to it. https://visitalpinetx.com/attractions/#hancock-hill-trails

April 17-20 is a jam-packed weekend in Alpine! Chris talks with Lisa Nix about the Alpine Gem & Mineral Show, which (what a coincidence!) is also hosting booths and activities for Alpine's Earth Day and Dark Skies Festival. Adelina Beall of Keep Alpine Beautiful fills us in on April 18 Earth Day events at the Gem & Mineral Show as well as at the Alpine Public Library and the Patty Manning Memorial Pollinator Garden. McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel, meanwhile, holds forth on April 18's daytime Dark Skies activities at the Gem & Mineral Show and Alpine's own Star Party that night at Kokernot Park – preceded by a very special science-packed Owl Walk! More info: Gem and Mineral Show Earth Day / Dark Skies Festival

Chris talks with Saul Garza about the return of Alpine's Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 1 & 2 for its 30th year! Enjoy a parade, car show, and two days of street dances with live music featuring Tejano headliners La Diferenza, folklorico dancers, a "gran mercado" of vendors and much more! See more details on the event's Facebook page.