• Andrew Suber on Sound Off! : I’ll have to go in there and have a virgin pina colada one of these days. “Uh, can I have a colada and milk?”
• Andrew Suber on Sound Off! : Thank you, Paula. Say hi to Tony, Maria and the rugrats for me when you get the chance.
• Andrew Suber on Sound Off! : I give newspapers their due… classified ads are still useful in small geographic markets because everyone reads them. People expect online classifieds to...
• Anonymous on Sound Off! : Thank God we finally have a real bar in Alpine. The Saddle Club ROCKS!!
• PAULA on Sound Off! : THANKS ANDREW FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK . I LOVE ALL THE INTRESTING INFO YOU POST AND PEOPLES LIKES AND DISLIKE. MY MY HOW LUCKY WE ALL ARE JUST TO BE ABLE TO DISAGREE...
• Anonymous on Sound Off! : You should have job openings listed on here somewhere Andrew. I’ve been looking for a job in the area for a year now and it’s nearly impossible to find...
• Andrew Suber on ADVERTISING : The average wage here is low.
• Andrew Suber on Sound Off! : Thank you for the feedback.
• Yamnonamous on Sound Off! : West Texas Weekly should have a Calendar of events going on in West Texas at all times! I don’t have any central place to find out what’s going on,...
It's 1/2 Wikipedia, 1/2 Whole Earth Catalog and 1/2 Reader's Digest. Our mission is to disprove Chomsky's statement: "Any dictator would admire the uniformity and obedience of American media."
We can do it together! We can use this new technology to create a better community.
--Do your part, comment on something if it piques your interest.
--Write an article and submit it on a subject you love.
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Shows this weekend:
Thursday, May 13th
Ted Arbogast at Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Friday, May 14th
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
[Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.]
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Shows this weekend:
Friday, April 30th
Groupo Exito on Murphy St. in Alpine, 9:00 PM
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
[Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.]
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
[Each Thursday you can enjoy Big Bend events, dining, video, news and photos from the editorial staff, contributors and readers. To contribute, e-mail your photos, events, thoughts, opinions to the Editor at andrewsuber@hotmail.com, andrew suber [at] hotmail [dot] com.]
Big Bend Video
“Opal Moon” performed by Evelyn Roper. Kudos to Bob Kinford. He has posted all of the Crossroads Gathering video here at YouTube. I wish that more West Texas events would make my job easier by doing this exact same thing!
–See “Hunter Gatherers” in Terlingua this weekend. See below for showtimes.
–South Rim Hula Hooping. For those in the know, Hula Hooping is the preferred method for South Brewster County to raise money, have fun and commune with the dance gods.
Big Bend Photographs
La Junta thrift and fashion took a creative approach to recycling on Earth Day. These outfits are recycled from discarded objects (except, of course, for Lucia and Erin Aguayo’s). Johanna is a light and a credit to our community (she’s also a proud underwriter of West Texas Weekly). Thank you for your support and positivity!
–”Photograph of Ruperta Chavarria in a pretty dress made by Petra Nunez. She was 19 years old and getting ready to go to a dance in 1928. This photo was included in a research paper by Stella Nunez for an American History class at Marfa High School in 1967.”
Big Bend Events
Front Street Books Reception: A closing reception for photographer Ruth Janyn will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 Friday, April 30 at 121 E. Holland, Alpine, Texas. It will be the last chance to see Jaynyn’s color photographs of the Big Bend; refreshments will be served. For more info, call (432) 837-3360.
“Hunter Gatherers”: Last Minute Low Budget Productions presents “Hunter Gatherers” by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb at 8pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through May 1 at the Theater behind the Terlingua Store on Highway 170 in Terlingua, Texas.
Inauguration Ceremony for Ricardo Maestas: Inauguration ceremonies for Dr. Ricardo Maestas, 11th president of Sul Ross State University, will be held at 10 am Friday, April 30, in the Pete Gallego Center, Alpine, Texas.
‘Heat’ Exhibit Reception: The Big Bend Arts Council’s Gallery on the Square will have its “Borderland Heat” reception and show from 5-7 pm Saturday, May 1. The show will remain on display through July. In addition, works by the two newest members are on display. Dwight Gover will have his flintknapping available and Ann Eckly will display her painting in thread. The gallery is at 5th St. and Sul Ross Avenue in Alpine, Texas. For more information about Gallery on the Square, call Diane Baylor at (432) 364-2609.
Whoops and Hollers
Marfa Roller Derby
I have proudly become a sponsor of Marfa Roller Derby. Practices are at Sunday at 2 pm at the slab at Vincainzo Park, Marfa, Texas.
My good friend Mercer Black is looking for other sponsors. I am coming in at the ‘Angel’ level; I think that my modest donation will provide skates and safety equipment to ‘the Romi’. Kudos to everyone involved. And, please, if you are a local business that wants to contribute to a worthy, grassroots sort of hip thing: BECOME A SPONSOR!
–Another local project that I am super-supportive of is Theater of the Big Bend. If you are person who likes to sing and dance and is at loose ends for something fun to do this summer. GO TO THE OPEN CASTING CALL. Parts are available to all ages of men and women. It is always a ton of fun and shows the rest of the world how much talent we have out here in the Big Bend. Open call auditions take place Saturday, May 1st at 2 pm and Monday May 3rd at 5 pm Room 105 FAB, SRSU, Alpine, Texas. For more info, check out their facebook page.
–I received the following letter from Lonn Taylor:
Dear Andrew,
I enjoyed your interview on KRTS yesterday and have taken to heart
your comment that not many Fort Davis people subscribed to West Texas
Weekly. I just subscribed, and I am looking forward to reading your
comments and occasionally responding to them.
For starters, I suggest you ask the Wineaux to drop by Nel’s Coffee
Shop in Fort Davis for breakfast or lunch any day of the week. The
owners, Jerry and Nelda Miles, are the hardest-working people in town.
They keep their cafe open 7 days a week from 6:30 in the morning until
3 in the afternoon, and they have provided Fort Davis with a place
where residents can not only get delicious meals but drink coffee and
solve the world’s problems. This is especially welcome since the
absentee owner of the Drug Store decided that running a restaurant was
too much work and not only closed it but boarded the building up.
Nel’s has become the town’s hottest spot.
Fort Davis may not have the buzz that Marfa does but I like it because
nothing has happened here since the army left, and that was in 1891. I
can drive to Marfa for excitement (and good dining), but for serenity
I’ll take Fort Davis any day.
Lonn Taylor
Fort Davis, Texas
Where the duck chews tobacco and the goose drinks wine
I want to thank Lonn for subscribing and taking the time to write this e-mail… I have a feeling that the Classical Wineaux may make a visit to Ft. Davis. Read Lonn’s thoughts in the Ft. Davis and Marfa newspapers or listen to his dulcet tones on KRTS, 93.5.
Also, I am hearing from lots of folks from Ft. Davis. Look for more future coverage from Steve Chaney.
–Speaking of Fort Davis, Karl Rove (or as Novak dubs him, the Prince of Darkness) will be visiting Fort Davis.
I applaud the Republican party for their ideals: smaller government, fiscal responsibility and strong foreign policy. However, under Karl Rove’s example, they have too often relied upon attacking homosexuals and abortion in order to get short-term gains.
For the vast majority of Democrats, these are relatively minor issues compared to creating jobs, ensuring health care for middle class Americans and balancing the budget. Gay civil rights and abortion availability are wedge issues even within the Democratic Party.
Karl Rove and his disciples are in part responsible for the divisiveness and rancor in the Washington today. He revealed the identity of Valerie Plame (an undercover government agent). Treason?
–Last week was 4/20. My jeers go to Julie Vega who coerced her Sul Ross students with extra credit to picket the Purple Zone (the Big Bend’s only source of adult toys, adult DVDs and tobacco accessories, or, as I like to call it, my one stop shopping choice). There were ten picketers on their side who picketed about an hour.
On the other side (supporting the harmless things that go on between consenting adults) were 50 protesters. You get my cheers for supporting freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of contract.
It’s easy to demonize and pick on a small business owner who is selling accessories to lifestyle choices you don’t agree with. The hard thing is to do something that really matters. Kilos and kilos of hard drugs move through our area due to organized crime– why doesn’t Ms. Vega go undercover in a Mexican drug cartel if she cares so strongly about this subject?
My support and enthusiasm goes out to the Purple Zone. If people really have a problem with pornography they should attack the national companies that provide pay-per-view pornography to each home in America instead of a local businessperson who pays local taxes and provides local services.
–In regard to 4/20 (a national day to partake of cannabis) I received the following message from a member of the Terlingua Liberation Front:
Today is 4/20. Reflect on the holy medicinal herb that has been demonized and slandered by the same crazy baldheads that sell you liquor, sugar, tobacco and synthetic pharmaceuticals… “A true Rasta man dinnae drink the rum. A true Rasta man dinnae gamble. Opie apa opie a ya. Jah jah sent me ‘ere to catch vampire.”
–Big thank-yous to all participants so far in the 2nd Annual Big Bend Photography Contest : Justin Vogt, Elena Goodrun, Paula Curry, Daryl Hoelzer, and Voni Glaves. Hurry up and get your entries in! We only have until May 2nd.
Big Bend Web Resources
–I want to give a big heartfelt thank you to Jay Valles. We have inspired one another in providing a voice to local folks. His website, La Voz, provides hard-hitting political news concerning our area. He examines political issues that some of the local newspapers are a little squeamish about investigating. I highly recommend this site to all my readers. Check out this archive of his original content.
The Altar of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Marfa, Texas, 1920
–Are you interested in the best and funkiest site for Texas Roadhouse music? Try Texas Roadhouse Live. “Texas Roadhouse Live, a Texas-based live concert music television program showcases the finest regional and national talent as they pass through the Lone Star State. Shot entirely on location, Texas Roadhouse Live takes the viewer directly into the Roadhouses, cafes, bars and dives that have made the Texas music scene the notorious experience it is. So grab a beer and relax as we take you up close and personal with some of today’s finest bands and some of yesterdays legends.”
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Shows this weekend:
Thursday, April 22nd
Ted Arbogast at Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Friday, April 23rd
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
[Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.]
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
[Each Thursday you can enjoy Big Bend events, dining, video, news and photos from the editorial staff, contributors and readers.]
Big Bend Video
Texas Monthly takes a look at some of the amenities at the Terlingua Ghosttown, Terlingua, Texas.
–Nathan (tumbler and acrobat) on finding Terlingua.
Big Bend Photographs
Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine
Thank you to reader Daniel Chamberlain. See more of his local photography at Into the Green.
Big Bend Events
Tea Party Rally Today– 4-6 pm at the Railroad Park in Alpine, Texas, corner of Holland Avenue and 7th Street. Protest against overly high taxes.
–Celebration benefit for Doyle Tucker: Sat April 17th, 6:30 pm at the Alpine Country Club. Music by Bake Turner. Silent Auction. Pork loin dinner – donations welcome, no charge at the door. For more information or to make financial or silent item donation, contact Mike Nelson at 432.238.2661.
–Alpine Chamber Mixer: The Alpine Chamber of Commerce mixer will be from 6-8 pm Thursday April 15th at the Holland Hotel. Expect music from the Doodling Hogwallops, food and fun.
Big Bend Gem and Mineral Show this weekend: The annual Gem and Mineral Show takes place this weekend at Kokernot Lodge in Alpine from 9 am to 6 pm Sunday. Admission is free.
–Alpine Dark-Sky Star Party: Sierra la Rana and the Big Bend Astronomical Society (Alpine-Big Bend Texas) will host the Alpine Dark-Sky Star Party on April 17th, . The Dark-Star Party will be in recognition of Earth Day Week and participate in the Global Astronomy Month’s “Thirty Nights of StarPeace,” a worldwide-scale event that will join together astronomy groups in neighboring countries, one patch of Earth at a the time, on successive nights during the month of April 2010.
The Dark-Star Party is open to the public free of charge and the organizers will provide coffee and hot chocolate. There are 8 telescope pads available located at the Sierra la Rana Astronomy Village. Please feel free to bring a telescope and/or binoculars to share with event attendees.
Dave Oesper will moderate the star party starting off with viewings of Mercury and Venus from 8:30 – 8:45 p.m. and then a twilight presentation will immediately following the viewings begin at 8:45 p.m. and lasting until 9:15 p.m. approximately 30 minutes. The presentation will be an inspirational talk both on both what is viewable in the night sky and the joys of observational astronomy in general from Sierra la Rana and the Big Bend region in general.
Big Bend Dining Notes
Talgar’s– Talgar’s has been open for about a year and I am puzzled why it is often empty. The food here is fresh, well-prepared and plentiful. Today I had four jumbo flautas impeccably plated on a bed of red cabbage with copious amounts of fresh avocado, sour cream and cilantro. The flautas were hand-rolled and large; the chicken flavorful and moist without being greasy.
Before I’ve had the fish tacos and a chuleta, a mexican hamburger. I will admit my bias; I personally think that Talgar is a great person and great cook (particularly her Christmas tamales). However, this is one of the few places in Alpine that is really trying some different– a fresh, vibrant approach to cooking from Mexico and the rest of the Spanish-speaking world. If you haven’t tried it and you live locally– please, trust me and go in for an al fresco dinner on the beautiful patio.
The wine list is modest, but carefully selected to augment the latin flavors.
102 West Murphy Street Alpine, TX, Lunch ~ T-Sa 11:30-2:00, Dinner ~ Th-Sa 5:30-9:00 Ph# 432.837.5101 (it may be prudent to call ahead) Approximately $10-15 per plate.
These bands came through Alpine and Marfa. Do any locals have comments? Three Chinese bands touring America– exciting!
–Do you FourSquare? This is a new online game that uses the GPS feature of cellphones to introduce you to new places. I’m addicted! Check out foursquare here.Here’s my profile. I’m the mayor of four places! Harry’s Tinaja, La Trattoria, Bread and Breakfast and the Murphy Street Raspa Company. How about some free snacks for your hungry mayor?
This video comes from Apparent Motive, from Terlingua, Texas:
This video is revolutionary. It depicts a Terlingua Liberation Front free human being giving his response to the 2010 Census. This is a true patriot, hiding his face so he can’t be isolated and shot before more people follow his example and decide they are mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore!
–John Wells demonstrates a StepperSpinner. Be sure to attend the Green Scene in Terlingua on Saturday and see his oven demonstration.
–This isn’t a Big Bend video per se, but its making the rounds in local social media. Enjoy!
–RIP JACK ROSE. OPIUM MUSIC. THE SOUL OF THE WEST. YOU WILL BE MISSED JACK.
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Big Bend Events
Davis Mountains Theraputic Riding Center Beginning April 6th the DMTRC will be offering programs to people with disabilities using horse riding as a means of therapy. Research shows that theraputic riding improves the physical, cognitive, social and emotional functioning of people living with physical and developmental disabilities. For people living with disabilities ranging from cerebal palsy to autism, riding a horse has been shown to improve balance and joint mobility, increase muscle strength, overcome fear and anxiety, and enhance the person’s ability to set and achieve goals. For more information about how to get involved (whether as a volunteer or a patient) contact Margret O’Donnel at info [at] dmtrc [dot] org or call Fonda Ghirardi at (432) 426-2363.
2010 Texas Poet Laureate Karla Morton at SRSU On April 8 from 2:15 to 3:15 Karla Morton will be providing a poetry reading hosted by SRSU. It will take place in the Morelock Academic Building in room 302. Morton, described as “one of the most adventurous voices”, uses a mix of American poetry, prose and story-telling with a distinctly western flair. Morton is also the first Woman named Texas State Poet Laureate in more than 15 years.
Train Writers Retreat Features Japanese Haiku Hike April 9 – 11 will be the date of the 19th annual event hosted by the Texas Mountin Trail Writers of the Big Bend area and will feature a special Haiku walk in which Donna Greene, the president of the Texas Mountain Trail Writers, will be working with hikers/writers on the Haiku Writing art. Participants will be given handpainted booklets with a Far Eastern theme, also rustic lodging is available at the camp or in town at the motel/hotel of your choice. For more information, visit the website: www.texasMountainTrailWriters.org.
Terlingua Green Scene getting Ramped Up On April 10 in Terlingua Ghost Town, there will be live demonstrations begining at 11 AM on how to cook with a solar oven, build with paper-crete, knit with recycled materials, and much more. All day there will be art, music, food and drinks. This is a family-friendly event with activities for the whole family. Starlight Theatre will be hosting a story-telling event in the evening. For more information, visit www.TerlinguaGreenScene.com.
Big Bend Photos
Thank you to reader Darlene LeFevre for submitting this beautiful picture of the River Road between Lajitas and Presidio, Texas.
–Thank you to reader Mr. Gringo for this snapshot of the immortal Jackie Pepper and Susannah– his beautiful back-up singer.
Come to Our Census Dept.
I received the following opinion from reader George Covington:
One tragic incident comes to mind and, of course, it happened in Terlingua. Now, to begin with, I’m not certain why the Census people would bother to even go to Terlingua, because as we all know and has been stated in this column before. The area is inhabited by ancient hippies, parole violators and Satan worshippers; none of whom are capable enough to fill out forms, even if they can write. The incident involved a census taker who had never met a javelina. As my regular readers know, a javelina is like a skinny pig with teeth, tusks and a really nasty attitude toward those who would interrupt its carefree lifestyle. The intrepid Census taker discovered quickly that this is one animal that you do not want to mess with and in a fit of panic, a call is made to Terlingua’s Medical Emergency Team. When the MEs showed up they shot the javelina, which was a pet. Those who are uninitiated in to the wily ways of the west might ask, “Why was such an action taken against an unarmed pet?” A better question might be, “why do medical emergency folks in Terlingua carry guns?”
Read more of George’s opinion at the Alpine Avalanche (and thanks to Mike and Cindy for giving me some encouragement and advice regarding a personal issue).
Whoops and Hollers Dept.
Yr Humble Editor
Mark your calendars. My nasal tones will be heard on April 19th on KRTS’s Talk at Ten (a great show I listen to constantly). I’ll be talking about local news, blogging and new media. Thanks to all the staff there– and congrats for meeting their $70,000 pledge drive goal.
–Daniel Chamberlain, Marfa Resident, has an excellent article on the Green Scene that appeared in Arthur Magazine. ” Plus, no matter how much of a bohemian air the place may have, it’s still Texas, and while the true-to-life cowboys and good ol’ boys have a streak of tolerance and hedonism that is unique to this wild region of the Lone Star state, their presence is enough to ensure that the thick-skinned hippies and outsiders that find their way here are decidedly outlaw in spirit, if not vocation.”
Daniel, can I get you to submit some of your excellent prose and photography to WTW?
–Billy Joe Shaver on trial for assault: “Willie Nelson and Robert Duvall showed their deep friendship for Billy Joe Shaver, who us accused of aggravated assault for shooting Billy Coker in the face March 31, 2007 in Lorena, by sitting through about three hours of deadly dull proceedings Thursday in Waco.”
–Dallas Observer comments on Brooklyn folkies Yeasayer; Yeasayer? Or Mehsayer? Marfa Ballroom is bringing them out and it promises to be a great show. I, for one, am really excited. Can I get a couple of press passes, Ballroom?
–Kudos to City of Presidio for mention in National Geographic: “The hoped-for remedy is a battery, a Texas-size battery, which could eventually end up playing an important role in wider use of green power generation such as solar and wind. The U.S. $25 million system, which is now charging and is set to be dedicated April 8, will be the largest use of this energy storage technology in the United States.” Click here for the full article.
–Hey, Texas. Let’s get together and do a little better. According to impartial third parties Texas has worst record of prison sex abuse. Texas has 5 of the 10 U.S. facilities with the highest sexual assault rates. This isn’t just sexual abuse at the hands of other prisoners… it’s also at the hands of guards.
A society is judged by how its most marginalized members are treated. By this standard, we are a society in peril.
Sometimes a Great Quot-ion Dept.
Whoso would be a man must also be a non-conformist. –Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series
I think we ought always to entertain our opinions with some measure of doubt. I shouldn’t wish people dogmatically to believe any philosophy, not even mine. -Bertrand Russell
Nowhere else in history has there ever been a flag that stands for the right to burn itself. This is the fractal of our flag. It stands for the right to destroy itself. -Ken Kesey
Nuttier than a Fruitcake Dept.
Recent Last Patriot post “The Terlingua Ranch is F@#$ed” has ruffled some feathers on the Ranch. There’s a Yahoo group that people swap information on. I want to thank Ronald Mahan for defending me in the following post:
I do not know if that story from the West Texas Weekly is true or not – but it is my opinion that the publisher – Andrew Suber is definitely not a “fruitcake”!
He is a lifetime Brewster County resident who has been educated as a lawyer – and most probably knows just how much of this scandal he can report without being sued. His father – Craig Suber – was sued by an earlier POATRI board – for putting up gates to limit public access across his Terlingua Ranch property – and that case is in mediation! Andrew Suber has ample reasons to illuminate any improprieties that Directors Demetri and Jordan may have committed and gotten caught doing!
Some of the Terlingua Ranch property owners are naive enough to believe that POATRI does not hide most of the unpleasant facts of life from the property owners. I recently heard the rumor that the new ranch manager the POATRI board hired – had a criminal record. My checks with the Texas Rangers disclosed the new manager did have a criminal record and the man had been convicted of a felony – cattle rustling!
My proof from the Texas Rangers was given to Director Demetri – but she never released that information to the property owners! Last year’s POATRI board had the new Ranch Manager resign and nothing was disclosed about their serious error of judgement – in failing to protect the property owner interests.
Who would want to send their POATRI fees to a convicted felon? Our new POATRI board has pledged a lot’s more transparency and openesss!
Thank you Ronald! I think I might have a notarized certificate that says that I am not a fruitcake (but at that point I will be certified.)
SISSY NOBBY DEPT.
–One last tiny shout-out, “Aziz Ansari is F@#$ing Awesome. And his brother Aniz isn’t too bad either. Big up to all at the double T posse at tallarico.com. “
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Matt’s Pick This Week goes to A Few Too Many!
Shows this weekend:
Thursday, March 11th
Kevin Dean at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Ted Arbogast at Starlight Theater in Terlingua, Texas, 8:00, PM
Friday, March 12th
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
[Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.]
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
[This feature is brought to you by the Classic Wineaux, West Texas Weekly's Contributing Editor Nightlife.]
We are Brothers in Brew
The Classic Wineaux would like to buy a drink for the following people:
Dr. Doug aka Dr. Black aka Dr. Blackman aka Doug Blackman
Vicki Harris
Boyd Elder
Charlie Bell
Beth Garcia
Hola! I am the Classic Wineaux, the Gonzo journalist who has the stones to bring you the lowdown on Big Bend watering holes, beer joints and dives.
Who is the Classic Wineaux? He is a middle-aged aspiring writer who smokes filter-tipped cigarettes, drinks bourbon and loves a 99 cent well drink. I live in an RV, clean my rifle and listen to Country and Western eight-tracks. Don’t f!@# with me!
The bar scene in the Big Bend is lame this time of year. Sorry, folks. My advice is to hit the French Quarter (the folks who don’t have enough money to leave NOLA after Mardi Gras are the real deal) or Austin’s pubs. If you’re not drawing a fat-ass disability check like I do, you may not have the resources to rent a weekly hotel room and do so. You might be stuck out here in this s#$%hole swilling Natural Light.
However, this article ain’t about where to go, it’s about where ain’t to go. What are the biggest s@#tholes where knife fights, ugly women and watery drinks abound?
And don’t get me wrong, I love dives. Here’s the secret to running a dive, though: get a lady of the white trash persuasion with tattoos, double Ds and a case of clinical psychosis behind the bar serving drinks. Let her slutty girlfriends run up huge tabs and sleep with the patrons. I’ll walk ten miles of corduroy road to drink at that bar! Second tip, have a jukebox with some Tom Petty and Bob Seeger on it. Third tip, let the spirits and friendship flow freely until someone shoots someone out there in the parking lot.
Here are the Classic Wineaux’s five worst bars in the Big Bend
1. The Pressboxx, Alpine, Texas
This is a dive. But it’s not a good dive. No liquor, just beer. No girls. Dingy, depressing and dirty. The only event is bi-weekly karaoke. Two pool tables and a jukebox full of pirated CDs are the only entertainment.
The Pressboxx is next to a s!@#$y hotel. It looks like the kind of place where truckers get handjobs.
Dr. Rangra is committed to change and transparency for Brewster County. He has tirelessly campaigned to bring county government back to the people of Brewster County. Join him Friday at the Adobe Rose in Marathon, Texas at 6:30. There will be live music, free food and drinks. Most importantly, there will be a candidate who will listen to your problems and fight for you.
To find out more about Dr. Rangra’s campaign for Brewster County Judge, visit his Facebook campaign page and become a fan today! Early voting starts soon, so choose Dr. Rangra for Brewster County Judge.
MY LIFE
I am married to Anjali, and we have one child, Amit. Our family also includes two dogs, Kishmish, a Maltese, and Gypsy, a mixed breed rescued off Hwy I-10.
My parents, Sri Kundan Lall Rangra, and Srimati Rampyari Rangra were both school teachers. I am third in a family of four brothers, and three sisters.
After receiving my B.Sc (Hon’s), and M.Sc (Hon’s) in Chemistry at Panjab University, I taught for two years at Hindu National College, Hariana (my village).
I came to the States in 1962 for my Ph.D.. at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. I am a member of Sigma Xi Chapter of Oklahoma State University 1965.
I joined the Sul Ross State University faculty in 1967 as an Assistant Professor in Chemistry and was promoted to the rank of Professor in 1974. I was the Foreign Student Advisor for about ten years, and for several years was the Radiation Safety Officer at SRSU. Click for more…
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Matt’s Random Video This Week is:
“With A Spirit” by Sound System 009. I know, this is the stupid song everyone puts on their “People Falling Down Funny” or “Best Party Pics” photo and video compilations on You-Tube. It’s 9 minutes long (or longer in the original version) fairly repetitive trance/techno; However, I find this song to be full of variations through each section. There are comprehensive lyrics, several verses in fact, with a refrain/chorus and layer upon layer of ambient instrumentation. I can’t get enough of it. I somehow feel like this song is a link to the future of music. I know, I may be way off base and consider it possible that no souls share my opinion of said work, but there are deeper psyche triggers, I find, in the soothing melodic tones that strike me as rather nostalgic – of what I’m not sure, but nostalgic nonetheless. I hope you enjoy. If not, let me know. Leave a comment, I’d love to hear your opinion!
Shows this up-coming weekend:
Thursday, February 11th
Kevin Dean at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Friday, February 12th
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Ron Thielman’s High Society Orchestra at Paisano Ballroom, 8:00 PM.
Sunday, February 14th
The Dry Creek Diggers at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Monday, February 15th
Lonesome Cowboy at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Tuesday, February 16th
Big Mountain Boogaloo at Harry’s Tinaja in Apline, 8:00 PM.
Doug Scharnberg at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
[Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.]
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
[My dear friend Mercer Black does an excellent job of putting the Big Bend and Texas Mountains Travel Guide together. In my experience, it's one of the most effective ways for local small businesses to advertise to tourists and travelers. In addition to being cost effective and attractive, copies of the guide are circulated to people before they start planning their trip. This makes it especially effective for lodging advertising. It's one of the few print publications I'll advertise with.
Those interested should contact publisher Mercer Black of Marfa Publishing immediately via email to bigbendtravel@gmail.com or by phone to 512-739-4465.]
A Sample of the Layout
Last Chance to Participate in the 2010 Big Bend & Texas Mountains Travel Guide
The Big Bend & Texas Mountains Travel Guide has, for twenty-five years, been the primary free travel directory for the greater Big Bend region – Del Rio to El Paso, Midland/Odessa to the National Park. It covers 16 communities, 2 national parks and 14 state parks. (A full list of these communities and parks is below).
This is a high-quality, full-color magazine, chocked full of beautiful photography and informative content. The 2010 edition features, almost exclusively, the work of David Leggett, a talented photographer who has for years endeavored to capture the grandeur of West Texas skies and landscapes. (See more of his work at www.phlography.com.)
Also new in 2010, the guide will be PERFECT BOUND as opposed to the traditional saddle stitch. Perfect binding dramatically increases the shelf life of a magazine, making it more of a souvenir book than a brochure.
The 2010 guide’s 100,000 copies will be distributed at over 100 locations, including all area chambers and CVBs (Convention & Visitors Bureaus), all 12 TxDOT Travel Information Centers, the El Paso airport, Texas Sate Capital building, State Fair of Texas, San Antonio CVB and over 60 regional convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, hotels and retail establishments. Click for more…
UPDATE: My warmest heart-felt congratulations to Alpine’s Mary V. Stringfellow for her 90th birthday.
—UPDATE: Everyone’s Invited! Blue Water is celebrating our customers. We had so much fun with the parties we threw a year ago we wanted to do more but construction ate up all our room. Now that the restaurant’s big room is available we hope to throw a party every month. There will be free food and drink for 200 hundred people and of course free live music. Free Music, Free Food, Dance, Party!
Time:7:00PM Saturday, January 23rd
Location:Blue Water, 1 mile south 118
—UPDATE: Presidio County Livestock Show and FairMarfa Ag Barn Showcasing the talent and hard work of Presidio County 4-Hers and their leaders in the following competitions: Foods and Nutrition, Photography, Ag Mechanics, Dog Obedience, Lambs, Goats, Rabbits, Poultry, Swine.
Show starts at 8 a.m. Free all day and open …to the public. BBQ at 6 p.m. followed by the auction where every 4-Her will sell one project (except dog obedience). Pee Wee Show tentatively planned around noon.
—UPDATE: There will be a Rally on Sunday, January 24, 2010 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Granada Theatre, Alpine for the re-election of Brewster County Judge, Val Beard.
—UPDATE: Happy Birthday to Adrina Drina, Jeff Milam and Callie Meeks! I guess awesome people just happen to be born on January 22nd.
Big Bend News
Watch out for the Chupacabra!
Described by some as the Latino Bigfoot, the Chupacabra is a mysterious creature that bleeds animals without leaving a drop of blood.
Goatsucker!
Robert Garcia of Horizon City, a town near El Paso, believes that the Chupacabra killed 30 of his chickens. KOB reports on the story: “A man in Horizon City, Texas—near El Paso—believes a chupacabra killed 20 of his chickens one morning, and ten more the next day.
The chickens were killed without a drop of blood in sight, and his dogs never made a sound either night.
Robert Garcia said this week, “We started looking at the bite marks and there were two. The first thing that came to our mind was the chupacabra!”
The chupacabra is believed to be, part reptile, part coyote and all bad. Scientists say the creature doesn’t exist, but don’t tell that to Garcia.”
–Alpine Democratic Rep. Pete Gallego has formally announced that he will seek re-election in 2010. “I have been privileged to the people of southwest Texas, to be their voice in the House of Representatives. Working together, we’ve made a difference.,” said Gallego. “I will be running hard to once again earn your vote – and I’ll continue to bring West Texas common sense to the challenges our state faces. Now, more than ever, we need core values, sound experiences, and tenacity working for us and making a positive difference for our children and families.” Visit Rep. Gallego’s website to learn more about his platform.
– I mistakenly reported that Evi and Randi Quaid were arrested in Hudspeth County. They were detained in Hudspeth County because Presidio County doesn’t have an adequate jail. They were, however, arrested in Marfa.
The National Ledger reports on it: “Randy Quaid and his wife, Evi, pleaded not guilty to felony fraud charges at a Santa Barbara Superior Court earlier this week. The Quaids were taken into custody in Texas earlier after failing to show up for their court dates.”
This home video shows some strange behavior in the Quaid home… “”I’m taking this camera with me to film whatever Evi’s doing and hopefully we don’t end up in jail or anything,” says the person filming. “I’ll keep her calm, okay.” Quaid responds, “We have to be careful that she doesn’t make unwarranted accusations.”
ELECT QUATRO JAMES TO PRESIDIO COUNTY JUDGE
The preceding is a paid political advertisement from a local, private citizen
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Big Bend Events
[From the El Paso Times] Berman’s work will be shown in the “Border Stories” exhibition opening Thursday at the University of Texas at El Paso Centennial Museum. He will also open an exhibition Jan. 29 of some of his older work at Adair Margo Fine Art in Downtown El Paso.
Margo once bought a Bruce Berman photograph that she still displays in her home.
"Border Sisters", Bruce Berman
“It is a constant reminder that there’s joy to be found in Juárez, a place we’ve been told cannot survive,” Margo said.
Berman, now in his 60s, teaches photojournalism at New Mexico State University. He grew up in the working-class South Side of Chicago, obtained his credentials at the University of Oklahoma and earned his stripes as a freelance shooter covering civil-rights protests and other news in his native Chicago, what he described as a city in revolution. To learn more about Bruce Berman, read this article in the El Paso Times.
Big Bend Photo of the Week
"Fashion Week Marfa", Lesley Slenning
This week’s photograph comes from Lesley Slenning. This talented photographer captured Romi and Adrian making some alterations for their upcoming Marfa Fashion Show.
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The Purple Zone is the Big Bend’s only source for unique tobacco accessories such as hookahs, vaporizers and flavored tobaccos. Check out their NEW LOCATION, 100 N. Cockrum, just across the street from their old location. NEW YEARS SPECIAL- Buy one 19.95 Adult DVD and get a 2nd one FREE! Just give them coupon code #WTW352.
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Matt’s Pick this week goes to Adrian and the Sickness. This looks like its going to be a great show. Hopefully I’ll get to make it out to Padres to catch it.
Adrian and the Sickness at Padres in Marfa, 8:00 PM.
Paul Sprawl at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Sunday, January 24th
The Dry Creek Diggers at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Tuesday, January 25th
Big Mountain Boogaloo at Harry’s Tinaja in Apline, 8:00 PM.
Hank Woji at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
[Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.]
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
CBS7 news reports on whooping cough coming to West Texas. “Recently the Permian Basin region has received reports of several cases in adults and infants which is cause for concern because the bacteria can be deadly for children and is easily spread through coughing, sneezing and talking.” Perhaps you should delay that shopping trip to the Midland mall?
–Secret drone that the Houston Police Department are using to monitor citizens
–There is a poll here on the left sidebar to answer the question: which candidate for Brewster County Judge are you voting for? To see the results, vote in the poll. It promises to be an exciting race!
At this point, I do not feel well-informed enough about the candidates to make an objective endorsement. After interviewing both of them, we’ll see.
– La Entrada is dead. And I, for one, am very happy about it. We cannot squander our future and the legacy of generations not-yet-born just to make a quick buck… especially when the buck is not that lucrative or quick.
The long-term success of this area (the Big Bend) will be in upscale tourism. End of story. The valley in South Texas is a much more natural place for this commerce… the Port of Houston is in close proximity. The manufacturing basis of Mexico is already concentrated on the other side of the border.
This was a big boondoggle at public expense that would help Midland-Odessa and Fort Stockton more than it would help Alpine, Presidio or Marfa. I am glad it’s gone.
CBS7 reports on it: “The Texas Department of Transportation gave their official position this week, saying the study will not be completed, and no more money will be spent on it at this time.
La Entrada El Pacifico is a proposed trade corridor that would have helped transport west Texas products to Mexico’s west coast, stretching from the Midland-Odessa area down into Presidio. The corridor would have consisted of four-lane divided highways and railways.
According to the Alpine Avalanche, TxDOT says the study has been halted, because projections by a consultant show there is no need for the corridor for the next 20 years.”
ELECT AVI RANGRA TO BREWSTER COUNTY JUDGE
The preceding is a paid political advertisement from a local, private citizen
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Big Bend Events
Bride of Terlingua
George Covington sent in the following work of art, the Bride of Terlingua. It is done on scratchboard by Tim Roberts of Fort Davis, Texas and portrays a macabre resident of the Terlingua Graveyard in the Terlingua Ghosttown. Mr. Roberts will be illustrating the use of this medium at a public meeting of the Big Bend Arts Council.
–Alpine Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet
Tickets are now on sale for the annual chamber banquet & appreciation evening and can be purchased directly from Dona Ward & JR Smith at the chamber office. The evening is geared to be a great night, wonderful food, music by Bake Turner, door prizes and awards including Ambassador of the Year. Tickets will not be sold on the door, so please pre-purchase yours today. Tickets are $25.00 per person.
What: Dinner, Awards & Dancing- Where: Alpine Country Club- When: January 16th 2010- Time: 6.30p. [A great event from a worthy charity. My congratulations to each of the nominees and my appreciation to the organizers.]
–DanceTahiti Contemporary Tahitian Ballet Company will be launching 2010 with a vibrant performance at the Historic Yucca Theatre (208 N. Colorado) in Midland, Texas on January 30. If you’re in the area around that time, we’d love to have you come and and give us your loudest yells!
Big Bend Photo of the Week
Terlingua Black Eye Pea Off
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The Purple Zone is the Big Bend’s only source for unique tobacco accessories such as hookahs, vaporizers and flavored tobaccos. Check out their NEW LOCATION, 100 N. Cockrum, just across the street from their old location. NEW YEARS SPECIAL- Buy one 19.95 Adult DVD and get a 2nd one FREE! Just give them coupon code #WTW352.
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Whoops and Hollers
Is it just me, or did country music used to be a lot better? Check out this awesome video: “Flyin’ High written by Jimmy Bryant. Performed by Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant from the “Hometown Jamboree”, KLAC-TV Los Angeles, circa 1953. Live from the American Legion Stadium in El Monte, CA.”
The Dude Abides
–I know there are some Big Lebowsky fans out there… well, hold on to your @#$%ing White Russians ‘cuz the Dude has been translated into the style of Shakespeare:
BLANCHE
Trifle not with the fury of two desperate men. Long has thy wife sealed a bond with Jaques Treehorn; as blood is to blood, surely thou owest to Jaques Treehorn in recompense.
WOO
Rise, and speak wisely, man—but hark;
I see thy rug, as woven i’the Orient,
A treasure from abroad. I like it not.
I’ll stain it thus; ever thus to deadbeats.
[He stains the rug]
THE KNAVE
Sir, prithee nay!
BLANCHE
Now thou seest what happens, Lebowski, when the agreements of honourable business stand compromised. If thou wouldst treat money as water, flowing as the gentle rain from heaven, why, then thou knowest water begets water; it will be a watery grave your rug, drowned in the weeping brook. Pray remember, Lebowski.
–Belgian Electric Body Music going out to my main man, John Seebach:
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surf the local web! recommend this site to yr friends
this is yr thoughts, yr comments, yr voice
westtexasweekly.com
west texas weekly [dot] com
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Big Bend Dining Notes
–Had a very nice lunch at Tacos Del Norte. A guacamole salad made to order, a barbacoa torta and a mandarina soda to polish it off. The food was fairly fresh and flavorful. I was a little surprised the tab for me and my friend came to $27; I don’t know if the quality of the food justifies that. The selection of salsas was good and the produce seemed fresh. In all, I give it a B+ for flavor. This is a diner, so don’t expect ambiance or fancy flatware– expect an authentic Mexican meal with a reasonable value. The NYT reports: “This restaurant was opened by Rosario Martinez, who came from Mexico via Chicago, where she lived for 20 years before her husband found construction work in Marfa. Set up in the old Pik ‘n’ Pak market, with two giant Speedy Gonzales murals on the walls, it’s a three-generation operation, offering homemade tortillas and chorizo, tacos and burritos in a style definitely more Mexican than Tex-Mex.”
1500 W San Antonio St, Marfa, TX, 79843 432/729-4540
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Do You Want to Sell Your Terlingua Ranch Lot?
Do you have a Terlingua Ranch lot in foreclosure? Have those maintenance fees got you down? Do you need to sell your vacation home to pay your mortgage? We can help you. Terlingua Hills will give you a fair price for Terlingua real estate in cash. Learn more; contact Terlingua Hills at andrewsuber@gmail.com that’s andrewsuber [at] gmail [dot] com.
Terlingua Hills Development pays $$$$ for lots.
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Big Bend Historical Marker of the Week
Persimmon Gap, 1899 Photo
Erected in 1936 near Marathon, in Brewster County, this marker delineates the Comanche Trail.
From Marathon, take US 385 S. about 42 mi, to Persimmon Gap entrance to Big Bend. Marker is in parking lot to entrance station.
Marker Text: You are now traveling the Comanche Trail blazed by Comanche Indians, en route from the western plains to Mexico, and traveled later by emigrants and soldiers. It extended south from the Horse Head Crossing of the Pecos by Comanche Springs (Fort Stockton) to the Rio Grande.
Thank you to the Texas Historical Commission.
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Big Bend Web Resources
TXDot Map of Road Conditions
This week I am taking a look at the Texas Department of Transportations information on road conditions. Frankly, the map function is much more useful than the text function. Here, the orange represents local construction. This is a good resource for planning a road trip on Texas Highways.
Big Bend Video of the Week
Paul Minor, from a recent concert at Padre’s Minor. Paul is leaving us for Austin. I’ve known Paul ever since he fronted Superego and booked bands for the Hole in Wall.He’s an amazing talent who has a lot to offer the music community out here. We’ll miss you, Paul!
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Your Letters and Comments
I received a lot of comments regarding Dr. Udo Glau’s thoughts on the Chinati Foundation. Some were hostile:
“If you don’t like the art here in Marfa, go back to Germany! We are very proud of Mr. Judd and his accomplishments! You are an embarassment to art and obviously are a fake and a phoney!”
“U r too old to get what is going on here in Marfa. Get a clue and stop criticizing if u dont know what u r talking about.” Some were supportive:
“The people of Marfa should thank you for visiting and spending your money there.”
“I say this essay is a funny and clever work of art in itself, and it makes me want to see Judd’s oeuvre myself.”
“Critical comment is healthy. Grow up!” Other comments hinted at more controversy:
“Smells like a put-on to me. Let me count the ways.[...]I think someone’s pulling our shenkels. So who’s the troll? And what’s the motive? Inquiring minds….” Some were just confusing:
“Udo Glau > U. Echo > Umberto Eco > Umberto Umberto > Humbert Humbert > Vladimir Nabokov > Monty Cantsin > Monte Cazazza > Montgomery Clift > Adrina Drina > Udo Glauflugel > Udo Glau”
[Unknown people took and discarded political placards from the front of a local business. In the following letter, Clarence Russeau addresses that issue.]
Dear Editor,
Like so many people in the United States, I’m proud to say I’m an American. I served in the Armed Forces proudly so that people who will never know who I am can express themselves regardless of race, creed, religion, and nationality they would be fearful of bullies and intimidation but would have the ability to vote and express their thoughts the way they see fit.
I’m honored to live in Alpine, TX. A place were the people are tolerant of diversity whether it’s in thought or mannerisms. It’s a good thing to live in a place were I can worship and vote for whomever I choose and not be told who to vote for through fear, intimidation, or reprisal. I chose to live in Alpine and found it had all the ingredients to raise a family. A place were my child can have a healthy expression of who they are and grow up to be a asset in the community they decide to reside in. Click for more…
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Matt’s Pick this week goes to White Denim. always interested in strange combinations of music, such as roots/punk. Get out there and check them out! And don’t forget to have a fantastic week!
Thursday, January 14th
Kevin Dean at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Friday, January 15th
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Jonny Burke and the Good Moanin at The Railroad Blues in Alpine, 10:00 PM.
West Texas weekly brings you the best in West Texas live music. When plan your trip to Marfa, Terlingua or Alpine, get the skinny on Big Bend Live Music and go out there and support local music.
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DJ Vapocruch & Bowflexx at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Sunday, January 17th
The Dry Creek Diggers at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Tuesday, January 19th
Big Mountain Boogaloo at Harry’s Tinaja in Apline, 8:00 PM.
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Random Video:
Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors:
Railroad Blues The premier live music venue in the Big Bend– Try their world famous Sangria!
La Posada Milagro– Beautiful, unique rooms in the Historic Terlingua Ghosttown
[Big Bend Live Music is a feature brought to you by Matt Hodges, Contributing Editor Music. If you have a gig you'd like to share with the world, email him at matt.hodges@live.com]
Wednesday, December 30th
Jim Keaveny and Shand at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Doodlin’ Hogwallops with Tampiquena at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Holland K. Smith at Granada Theater in Alpine, 8:00 PM. For more information, Click Here
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This article is brought to you by these local sponsors: Murphy Street Raspa Company– Must visit landmark in Alpine that offers Raspas, Treats and Bike Rentals La Loma Del Chivo Cool Renewable Energy Hostel Nectar Computers– On-site Maintenance, System Repairs, System Upgrades
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Friday, January 1st
Open Mic Night at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Bethany Poppenhagen with Vinnie and Dr. Fun at The Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Holland K. Smith at Padres in Marfa, 8:00 PM.
The Wind with Brian LeBarton at the Ballroom in Marfa, 8:00 PM.
Sunday, January 3rd
The Dry Creek Diggers at Harry’s Tinaja in Alpine, 8:00 PM.
Monday, January 4th
Ted Arbogast at the Starlight Theater in Terlingua, 8:00 PM.
Tuesday, December 15th
Big Mountain Boogaloo at Harry’s Tinaja in Apline, 8:00 PM.
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Do you have a local live music event here in the Big Bend? Share it with the world, email Matt Hodges at matt.hodges@live.com You can also leave it as a comment on this post.
–The biggest news is that Alpine has been covered in ice and Fort Davis and Marfa have been covered in snow. I-10 was closed for a period of several hours due to the extreme weather. Click here to read more on that story.
A reader sent these pictures of a snowbound Marfa. I have reports of spontaneous snow angels and deep hibernation with fires and brandy due to the bad weather.
West Texans are notorious for not liking cold weather… this is the time of year we drink indoors in front of the fire place and watch marathons of bad television in our pajamas.KVUE provides video on bad weather
–A wheelchair-bound New Brunswick man was inadvertently killed in Fort Stockton by police. Despite his history of mental illness and drug abuse, this is a tragedy that should have been avoided. What surprises me is that I haven’t seen coverage of this in the local media. The other thing that surprises me is that he managed to wrestle the gun away from the Pecos County Police Officers twice despite being confined to a wheelchair. Texas Rangers are investigating this incident. To read an article on this from CBC news, click here.
– About 70% of you believe that Marfa has been overexposed in the media. To weigh in on this issue, vote in the poll in the left sidebar. The good news is that I’ve also received several responses of “where’s Marfa?”, so perhaps things are not as dire as some people believe.
As a side note, I’ve heard silly, unsubstantiated rumors that Padre’s Marfa is being shut down. Don’t worry! This is just an ill-informed rumor.
Snow on Marfa
–Bill Bourbon is running for Precinct 2 Commissioner here in Brewster County. In general, I refrain from endorsing candidates for political office because I often don’t have the time to thoroughly research their views and records. However, I heartily endorse Mr. Bourbon. He is politically active, a long time resident of the area and a thoroughly decent human being. I also agree with Mr. Bourbon’s concern that there is a lack of transparency in local government. I hope that West Texas Weekly can be a place where politics can be discussed openly and frankly by readers and officeholders.
In related news, I am going to interview Dr. Avinash Rangra concerning his campaign for County Judge soon.
–Boyd Elder, Hugh MacLeod and Romi are some of my favorite people out here. You can learn more about Hugh’s views on art at gapingvoid.com. You can purchase these handsome leather jackets created by Boyd Elder at boydelder.com. Romi will have a fashion show at Padre’s Marfa in February.
–Our rather long weekly quote comes from Edward Abbey:
Benedicto: May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poets towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through miasmal and mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across the white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you — beyond that next turning of the canyon walls.
–TERLINGUA CHILI COOKOFF: SUNRISE OVER THE CHISOS:
–Many media outlets’ editorial staff have criticized the recent suit attacking the Open Meetings Act:
Jack McNamera defends the recent suit by Texas towns and the first suit by Councilpersons Rangra and Elms:
In his Nov. 15 commentary “Don’t let lobbyists undermine the Texas Open Meetings Act,” special contributor Fred Hartman complains of the Texas Municipal League’s efforts “continually trying to chip away at the public’s right to know” and cites a lawsuit here in Alpine — “This lawsuit is being paid for by taxpayer dollars as well — outrageous.”
Well, it might be objectionable if true but Hartman is wrong. The lawsuit “Rangra v. Brown” was financed by the plaintiffs, Avinash Rangra and Anna Monclova. The case was dismissed for “mootness” because Rangra’s term-limits as a three term city councilman meant he no longer had “standing.” The courts took so long deliberating that Rangra was out of office.
Click here to read the rest of this intelligent and well-researched look at the suit. McNamera contributed a special piece to the Austin Statesman on this subject.
–DANGEROUS CUTE OVERLOAD:
–Reader Mary Lancaster reminds us about the upcoming tour of historic Alpine homes: “It will be Dec. 12th from 1p – 5p. Tickets can be purchased for a minimum donation of $10, which includes all 7 homes/businesses on the tour and refreshments at Talgar’s, at the Chamber of Commerce or through a board memember. Our website is www.historicalpine.org. ”
–BROWN SANTA CHRISTMAS PARADE
Participants line up at Civic Center, Friday, December the 4th at 6 PM and Parade begins at 6:30 PM Parade will go east on Holland Avenue and turn north at 5th Street and contiue to the Longhorn Restaurant. Bring your Brown Santa donations there for the “Chicken Fried Steak”. Cost will be $7 or toy of at least equal value.
–FIRST ANNUAL TOY RUN
Motorcycles register at Antelope Lodge at 11 AM December 12.
Brisket Plates at Harry’s Tinaja Ride begins at 1 PM in Alpine to marfa, to fort Davis and back to Alpine. (Sheriff’s escort.) $15 per entry ($25 with additional rider) plus unwrapped toy.
50/50 raffle will also be held to benefit needy for Christmas. Toys and donations may be dropped off early at Antelope Lodge. Questions call: Albert ledezma 915-667-6866
–Reader John Elsbury sent in the following picture of a redneck Christmas display:
–If you’re looking for an amazing and funny journey through the Big Bend, be sure to check out The Oasis of My Soul, Ara Gureghian’s weblog about his travels in the area. He rides a BMW motorcycle with his helmeted dog, Spirit. Ara’s story is a unique one; he’s been a bakery owner, a personal chef and a nomad. This blog features tons of great photography from the area.
–WARNING: THIS VIDEO FROM THE TERLINGUA CHILI COOKOFF CONTAINS EXPOSED BREASTS:
I didn’t make it down to the Chili Cookoff this year. I grew up in Terlingua, and the idea of driving an hour and a half to be hassled by five different varieties of cops didn’t appeal to me. Also, if this is the highlight of what goes on (wet t-shirt contests with corny DJs, scummy boyfriends letting their skanky girlfriends rub up against middle-age beer drinkers, sexual assault, etc.) then I don’t really want to go. Not because I am morally opposed to nudity, just because it seems sort of a whack sausage fest. However, send me your photos and video and I will be happy to post them on your behalf.
–Newsflash from Jack MacNamera: “I just spoke with Tana Gunville’s attorney Mike Barclay of Alpine at 2:50 p.m. He said the jury had just returned a verdict of “Not Guilty” on both charges (“produces/traffics in counterfeit device” and “tampering with a witness, victim or an informant”) in the US v. Gunville case.
The case was tried in San Antonio before US District Judge Xavier Rodriguez after transfer from Judge Robert Junell.” [emphasis added]
To read more about this, check out Jack’s news website, The Nimby News. Jack also complains that Mike Perry of the Avalanche was a little too soft on the folks responsible for the library falling down and that the Avalanche story regarding that was almost a re-election piece for Val Beard. Mike said he would publish that e-mail in the letters section, but I didn’t see it this week.
–WARNING TO THE PEOPLE OF MARFA: Your town is becoming overexposed in the mainstream media! You need to kick out the Quaids before it becomes any worse. Here is the chain of events: 1) features in the NYT travel blog, 2) mentioned in Details or W magazine, 3) mentioned in People magazine, 4) Paris Hilton buys a condo, a reality TV show called Marfa Style runs on FOX and Hollywood Squares films for a week in front of the Judd Foundation. Quick! Kick them out! The first three have already happened!
There’s a poll regarding this subject on the left sidebar of the homepage. Participate in order to see the results!
–Willy Nelson, Leon Russell and Ray Charles
For more awesome video, links and news visit my FriendFeed.
–My Contributing Editor Marfa, Amanda Mayo let me know “Alister M and Lusitania at Ray’s Bar tonight in Marfa! Listen at 10:30am for an interview with Steve from Alister M….marfapublicradio.org or 93.5fm.”
–”The Center for Big Bend Studies is hosting its 16th Annual Conference on November 13 and 14 at the Sul Ross State University Morgan University Center. Over 30 presenters will speak on the history, archaeology, and culture of the Big Bend and northern Mexico. There is a complimentary Social for registrants, and vendors of books, apparel, and more. Sul Ross students, faculty, and staff may come to all sessions for free, but should register if they plan on attending the majority of the conference.” If you are interested in Big Bend history, geography or archeology, you have to attend this conference. Check out their website here.
Big Bend Ranch Park
–”November 14, 2009 — Big Bend Ranch SP — La Fiesta — Big Bend Ranch State Park welcomes a new era of family recreation and outdoor adventure opportunities. Come celebrate with the state park staff and residents of the local communities of the Big Bend area as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department presents this public awareness event at the ranch. Free park entry, a free barbecue lunch and a variety of free tours and activities will be offered to each guest who wishes to participate in the outdoor recreation opportunities promotion of Texas’ premier primitive wilderness park. Accessible for the mobility and visually impaired. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; reservations required (432) 358-4444.” Visit their official site for more information.
–I recently became an editor on the Open Directory Project. If you are a web junkie like me, this is a good way to give a little back to the web community. It’s a directory edited completely by human volunteers.
From a search engine optimization standpoint, this might be the best single listing you can get because other directories use the ODP database to populate their own directories (the Google Directory for instance). So, if you get listed here you will get about 50 more high quality links in the course of a couple of months.
Here’s some advice on submitting your site:
1) Find the absolute best category to submit in. Look around for a while and find a category that has your peers in it.
2) Write a succinct, factual directory listing that follows ODP guidelines without puffery. The editors would like to accept your entry without having to edit it.
3) Be patient. If you re-submit, your prior entry is erased. This is all volunteer work, so its backed up, especially in large categories. Submit your entry and forget about it.
4) Have a personal friend who is an editor
–Interview magazine has a little bit more about why Elijah Wood was in Marfa, Texas on Halloween. The band that played Masquerade Marfa is signed to Wood’s Simian Records. Click here to read that article.
–I am looking to start a monthly blogging seminar. If any of you folks out there think that it would be helpful, e-mail me at andrewsuber@hotmail.com to demonstrate your interest.
–If you are a 100% reliable web developer, KRTS is looking for a contractor to make some small additions to their current site. Contact Tom Michael at KRTS to submit a bid.
My goal here at West Texas Weekly is to show you the world I love. The world of the Big Bend. The scenery of the Davis Mountains, my wonderful friends in Alpine and Marfa. The rugged badlands of Terlingua and Study Butte where I grew up.
Those things are more important than me, myself. That’s why I enjoy using video to document them; it allows people to speak with their own words in their own fashion without editing. I hope my work reflects my genuine interest in life out here.
These videos were taken with a $100 camera and a humble attitude. I hope that you enjoy them.
How to Make Flour Tortillas
Victor and Christina of Murphy Street Raspa Company are wonderful additions to Alpine, Texas. Just the other day, Victor’s Mother had a demonstration of making tortillas. Growing up, a warm flour tortilla with margarine was a common snack in Terlingua.
The Big Bend Sky
These are mammatus clouds that occurred during a terribly violent storm that Terlingua endured. Wikipedia tells us that: “Mammatus, also known as mammatocumulus, meaning “Mammary cloud” or “Breast cloud” is a meteorological term applied to a cellular pattern of pouches hanging underneath the base of a cloud. The name “mammatus” is derived from the Latin mamma (udder or breast), due to the clouds’ characteristic shape, as some believe there is a resemblance between the shape of these clouds and the breast of a woman.”
The clear skies and beautiful sunsets are one of the things that make life in the Big Bend unique.
Bon Iver at the Crowley Theatre, Marfa
This whole area is special. The best thing is when sensitive, aware artists understand how special it is. This band, in this setting, with this particular audience was transcendent. A lot of long-term residents get a little sick of Marfa’s reputation in the national press as a hip scene. You can’t let that make you callous to the really beautiful moments that transpire here.
Lena and Tyler’s Wedding
These are two beautiful people that I feel lucky to count as friends. They are amazing assets to the town of Marfa, Texas.
Big Bend Balloon Bash
This video shows off the beauty of an Alpine, Texas morning to full effect. The vantage point of a balloon enhances it.
Uh-Clem and Jeff on the Terlingua Porch
Uh-Clem is an ambassador of the Terlingua Ghosttown to the world. Here, on the Terlingua Porch, he explains his philosophy regarding flashlights. The Terlingua community has done an excellent job of helping him through his medical problems. Jeff plays a little uke, and the Chisos mountains in the Big Bend National Park loom on the horizon.
Big Bend Wildfire
John and Beverly at the Marfa Film Festival
I was criticized by someone for not editing out Beverly from this. I’ve known Beverly and John for a long time, and if they were really serious about me editing them out, I would. Here, I was standing with my camera and they walked into frame… so, to me, this is just as much their experience intruding into mine as vice versa.
I first met John and Beverly in Terlingua about 20 years ago when they camped at Terlingua Creek at Joe Moss’s place. The have an amazing attitude that shows in their many projects: jewelry, art cars, chimeneas, sculpture, etc.
Brahma Bull Loose in the Big Bend
Thank you for reading West Texas Weekly. If you’ve enjoyed these videos, please visit my sponsors. They are all local businesses that keep pop-up ads and ads for mortgages from infesting this website. If you’d like to see more video, dig through the site or visit my YouTube account.
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