Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend 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.