We kicked off the Saturday fest with a film festival –
Breadwinner, Vanessa Cook’s comedy, was definitely a hit. And, of course, The Road to Austin, Gary Fortin’s masterpiece, got an ovation.
The Grove,a documentary about a family, a town, a lifetime of collecting, and the disbursement of the collection… just go see it. Definitely tugs at the heart-strings in a good way.
It was very, very cool to sit out here in the comfy, air-conditioned Flat Rock Theatre with the mountains of Mexico out the front door and brand-new Indie films showing inside.
Then the music… I’ll post reports from the Starlight as they come in. I spent the day at the Thirsty Goat in Lajitas.
Ashley Rose had already gotten quite a bit of attention Friday when she played solo. Her duo act, “The New Vagabonds,” were definitely crowd pleasers.
Jason Blum got us started, Dr. Fun, featuring Griff on slide guitar, showed what the local boys can do.
The March Divide and D.B. Rouse kept the rhythm going… and then, Gary Fortin walked in and told me that Jesse Brand and Butch Hancock were going to do a song swap for the last set.
There is no way I could have planned this one…
If you were there, you know. If you weren’t there… well… here are some pics. Let me see how the video looks…
Butch Hancock and Jesse Brand – Intense Butch and Jesse D.B. Rouse Dr. Fun, with Griff on slide and Joshua on bass Jason Blum The New Vagabonds – audience favorites
The first day of the first annual Viva Terlingua Festival was amazing.
Wednesday was all about getting ready. The Thirsty Goat Saloon at Lajitas Golf Resort and the Starlight Theatre both got new sound systems this week. I spent some time helping Buckner Cooke at the Starlight and Trevor Hickle at the Thirsty Goat dial in their new PA systems.
Then, we set up the photo exhibit. Crystal Allbright and Betsy Blaydes did the work while Butch Hancock and I “supervised” while talking of fractals and eating peanuts.
Butch Hancock supervises while Crystal Allbright and Betsy Blaydes hang his photos. Butch taking pics of his pics. Butch taking pics of my pics.
Thursday, the music started. I was at the Starlight – we’ll have pics from the Thirsty Goat later…
Jeff Haislip started the show, with Griff on national steel guitar. Griff stayed on stage and played with Collie Ryan.
Carlos Maxwell brought the whole band: George Womack on drums, Ted Arbogast on guitar, Neil Trammel on bass, and Robin on interpretive dance and flute. They rocked.
Then, Mexican rock star Andres Cantisani played… lots of “who is this guy?” conversation ensued. Andres and I used to kick around Monterrey, Mexico together playing bars and exploring. Andres also played with me when I toured around Texas in the 90’s and early 2000’s. He’s just gotten better and better…
Joe King Carrasco closed out the show. He’s got a rocking band and man, does he put on a show. Joe danced on the bar, ran through the crowd playing guitar, and just generally blew our minds.
And that was day one. Tonight we crank up with day 2.
When you get to Terlingua – Thursday there will be a check-in table in the lobby of the Lajitas Golf Resort. Check in there to get your wrist band, program, and other goodies.
Fri-Sunday check-ins will probably be at the venues but we’ll announce that later.
Where to stay- the best hotel options in the Big Bend.
1. Lajitas Golf Resort– The town of Lajitas and the Lajitas Golf Resort are basically the same thing. Over half the events at the festival- half the music and all of the films – will be held in Lajitas at the resort.
Also, your best option for breakfast and lunch is the Candalilla restaurant at the resort. There will be special meal deals for attendees in the $10 range.
Normally, Lajitas is pricey – $250 – $500/night for rooms. Since you’re coming to the festival, you get your room for just $99/night – but you have to tell them you’re coming for the festival to get the deal.
All rooms are air conditioned, and are very cowboy-chic. There are two pools. And you can walk to the Thirsty Goat Saloon and the Flat Rock Theatre from your room.
There are only 100 rooms available and they’re filling up fast.
Lajitas also has an RV park with full hook-ups and spaces for tent camping.
2. The Holiday Hotel – Another option is the Holiday Hotel in the Terlingua Ghost Town. 12 rooms within easy walking distance to the Starlight Theatre, where the other half of the music will be. Very hip Sant-Fe style air conditioned rooms- but there are only 12 of them.
Where to eat.
Breakfast and Lunch
1. Candelilla Cafe at Lajitas. We’ve arranged special breakfast and lunch deals for Viva Terlingua Festival attendees. The cafe is about 10 feet from the Thirsty Goat Saloon where the music will be and you can bring your food into the bar so you don’t miss anything.
Another big consideration is that the Candilla is the ONLY air conditioned eating establishment near the Festival.
2. La Posada Milagro. This is a very cool open-air breakfast and lunch (only) taco stand in the Terlingua Ghost Town. They have the best coffee for 100’s of miles in any direction, breakfast tacos and plates and sandwiches. Excellent food reasonably priced.
Not air conditioned.
Dinner Options
1. The Starlight Theatre in the Terlingua Ghost Town. Full menu, featuring chicken fried Antelope, gourmet burgers, Chipotle Pork Loins and a full bar. Half the music shows will be held in the Starlight, so you can chow down, grab a cold beer or a boutique margarita and enjoy.
2. Candelilla Cafe – Lajitas. Steaks, Mexican food, Seafood, and burgers. 10 feet from the music at the Thirsty Goat Saloon.
Where’s the music?
We’ll be running two locations simultaneously: The Starlight Theatre in Terlingua and The Thirsty Goat Saloon in Lajitas. Terlingua and Lajitas are 12 miles apart. Some of the acts are playing both locations, so keep your Festival program handy.
It’s an easy drive from Terlingua to Lajitas on a nice paved road through some gorgeous scenery BUT there are some surprises. If you’re going to be partying, take advantage of the shuttle service that will be running regular circuits from venue to venue.
Where are the films?
The Flat Rock Theatre is a one-minute walk from the Thirsty Goat Saloon in Lajitas. We’ve got some great films scheduled, including “The Road to Austin” and “Trash Dance.” The filmmakers will be at the screenings. Bottom line – you don’t want to skip the films.
There will be local short films and the finalists from the Viva Terlingua Festival’s film contest will be screened.
Photography?
Yep. Rock star photographer, Rodney Bursiel is bringing music and surf photos. There is a strong possibility that Butch Hancock will be displaying his work. And there will be a gallery of Terlingua Musicians photos.
Also, the finalists from the Viva Terlingua Festival photography contest will be showing their work.
Enjoying the desert.
1. Although it’s generally cooler in Terlingua than it is in Austin in the summer, it’s a dry heat, which can be confusing if you’re not used to it. Always keep a few liters of water in the car if you’re driving. As you’re enjoying the festival remember to augment your partying with plenty of water. A liter an hour is a reasonable minimum.
2. The Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are both nearby. The drive West from Lajitas on Hwy 170 is one of the top rides in the country. There are bike trails, hiking trails, horse-back riding, gun range… before the music starts, you won’t get bored.
3. The Terlingua area is home to many musicians, songwriters, artists, etc. There will be lots of jamming opportunities. I recommend that you travel with your guitar (or other instrument) because you never know… the porch in Terlingua is famous world-wide for the impromptu music that happens there. The after-show parties in Lajitas… well, Reckless Kelly, Mike and the Moonpies, and many other touring acts are still recovering and talking about it.
If you’re playing the festival-
1. If your act is all acoustic, let us know how many mics and DI’s you need.
2. If you’re using amps and/or drums: there will be guitar amps on the stage at the Starlight Theatre, where most of the electric shows will be held. You’re welcome to use ’em. There is also a sort of drum kit. You’re welcome to use that, too- you might want to bring your snare, hi-hat, and any cymbals you’re especially fond of. There will also be a bass amp.
We encourage you to use as much of the existing gear as possible so that you’ll get the most stage time possible.
3. We’ve got a lot of entertainers coming, and most sets are 45 minutes or so. This time INCLUDES SET-UP. If you walk on stage with your acoustic guitars (tuned!), plug in and play, you’ll get smiles from the staff and also get to play your whole set.
If you’re a full electric band with drums, work with us to get as much set-up done as possible before your set.
4. The schedule is going to change. There are some last minute additions and cancellations. Check with us when you pick up your bracelets to find out when you’re really going to play. It will be the same day as your slot on the schedule. Be prepared to play two sets, just in case.
5. The Lajitas General Store is the only place South of Alpine where you can find strings, picks, etc. You might want to stop at Trans-Pecos Guitars in Alpine on your way down. Say “hi” to Mark Pollock, the proprietor, and tell him I sent you.
6. The Starlight Theatre is offering some specials for participating musicians. Drink and possibly food discounts. Check with the Starlight when you get here.
7. Performers will get “all access” wristbands. You’re encouraged to support the other acts. Also, there are some amazing Indie Films being shown. Take advantage of the whole festival.
For the very first time, the Viva Big Bend Festival came to South Brewster County.
Trevor Hickle and I found out a few days before the shows that we were going to be the sound crew for the festival. This involved some scrambling and long days, but allowed us to meet and hear some new friends and hang out with some old buddies.
It was a blast. The O’s, Butch and Rory Hancock, and Mike and the Moonpies were professional and put on amazing shows. Emilie Clepper premiered her new band and pretty much floored us all in English and French.
Wednesday night was also George Goss’s birthday, and he brought his party to Lajitas- cake and everything – so the crowd was twice as big and several times as festive. George was also celebrating the 1,000,000th view of his “Ain’t No Honky Tonks in Jail” video on YouTube. Quit a birthday present!
It was a great rehearsal for the upcoming Viva Terlingua Festival. It was also exhausting, and it was just six bands in two days at one location. I have a suspicion that running sound and co-ordinating 30+ acts over four days at two locations is going to be an adventure.
Now we know what gear we need to acquire (mics, lights, backline, direct boxes) and have a better idea of what’s going to be involved.
Pics from Viva Big Bend Festival below- enjoy!
The Anthony Ray Wright Band The Anthony Ray Wright Band The O’s. The O’s. Butch and Rory Hancock Emilie Clepper and new band. Emilie Clepper band – tight fit on that stage. Moonpie Mike – Mike and the Moonpies MIke and the Moonpies closed the show with a very tight set. Rory Hancock’s strat Moonpie Mike and Trevor Hickle
The 4th of July celebrations in Terlingua were fun this year.
There was a parade and burger-bash on the 4th and an outdoor pool party with live blues by the Fabulous Vortexans on the 5th.
Saturday, the 4th, the American Legion post hosted a burger and hot-dog feast after the parade.
The parade itself was impressive, but held way too early in the day. The idea was that at 10:30 in the morning it would be cool enough that people would enjoy sitting on the side of the road watching the parade.
Although the concept was good, it turns out that Terlinguans would rather deal with the heat than get up early. I missed the parade, but made it to the party.
Saturday, there was a celebration and inauguration at the Lajitas Golf Resort. After a hotly contested election and run-off, Claymore Henry, the goat, beat out George Goss, local celebrity for the office of Mayor.
From the 50’s until just a few years ago Lajitas has had a goat for Mayor named Clay Henry. Previous goat/Mayors were famous for drinking beer. It’s unknown if Claymore will have a taste for the brew, but odds are that he will. It runs in the family – he’s a direct descendent of the original Clay Henry.
So, Saturday Lajitas hosted a party at the pool to introduce the new Mayor. Big Bend Brewing Company provided beer. BBQ, burgers, and hot dogs were available. And local blues band, The Fabulous Vortexans, provided the music.
Check out the pics-
George Goss provided entertainment at the burger bash on the 4th.
People from all over are entering the Film, Photo and Songwriting contests… We’ll know which walls will be used for photos once we know how many photos we’ve got to work with… we’re not going to run out of walls. We’ve got an entire resort to work with. We’ve also got a few high-profile films that will be showing – “The Road to Austin” by Gary Fortin
The music line-up is starting to come together. I’m still talking with some potential headliners, but we’ve already got an amazing show lined up.
There’s so much local talent- I’m so looking forward to showing the world the quality of singer/songwriter we’ve got down here. Here are a few that we’ll be seeing. Remember that musicians live interesting lives and this is the first festival we’ve put on out here… this line-up will expand and change between now and the day of the show.
Joe King Carrasco Band!
Jesse Brand is going to take a break from writing sessions for Garth Brooks’ latest CD to join us!
Jesse Brand
NEW!! The Bottom Dollar String Band just signed on to play the Fest!
Bottom Dollar String Band
One of my favorite people, who just happens to be a huge star in Mexico, will be playing the fest. Welcome Andres Cantisani!
Andres Cantisani! Matt Harlan
Grammy Award and Will Rogers Award winning songwriter Gill Prather will be there.
Grammy Award Winning Songwriter Gil Prather – will perform and judge songs.
Local Favorites, Los Pinche Gringos, will be rocking the stage.
Los Pinche Gringos Jalepeno Schwartz – Songwriter, DJ at Marfa Public Radio, and judge Dr. Fun
Do you and/or your band want to play at the Viva Terlingua Festival?
Have you made a film that needs an audience?
We’ve got 3 stages and four days/nights to work with for music, and a fine movie theatre for screenings, so there’s lots of room.
There will be lots of local musicians – Collie Ryan, George Goss, Trevor Hickle are in and Butch Hancock has given us a firm “maybe.” I expect several more to join the party.
Get in early on this- right now, it’s a blank slate and we’re open to creative ideas. This is a great opportunity to get yourself, your songs and/or your band in front of a receptive crowd of true music lovers.
We’re talking to several sponsors- we’ll have a budget, but this ain’t Bonaroo, buckaroo. It’s a party in the most beautiful desert on the planet far from the constraints of civilization.
We’ve also got several very cool indie films scheduled to screen, but there’s room for more.
Contact Pat O’Bryan at koanwrangler@gmail.com or go sign up at http://viva-terlingua.com if you want to be involved.
