Music Friendly Community

Beyond its rugged landscapes and historical charm, Alpine is home to a thriving live music scene, earning it the coveted designation of a “Music Friendly Community” by the Texas Music Office.

Alpine’s designation as a “Music Friendly Community” ensures local businesses, community organizations, and government officials work together to create an environment where music can flourish. This collaboration extends beyond the festivals, encompassing initiatives to promote local musicians, provide performance opportunities, and support music education.

Alpine had to meet several criteria to become a certified “Music Friendly Community” and made in official in July of 2020. As part of the criteria the City of Alpine has a Music Advisory Board and a liaison to work with this board and the Texas Music Office. The seven-member Alpine Music Advisory Board is comprised of musicians, venue operators, event organizers and educators from Alpine’s small but vibrant musical community.  Alpine’s liaison to the Texas Music Office is Director of Tourism Chris Ruggia. The current board members can be found on on the City of Alpine website Music Advisory Board.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES 

The town’s dedication to live music is evident in its numerous venues, ranging from intimate bars and restaurants to larger outdoor spaces, each offering a unique atmosphere for experiencing the diverse sounds that permeate the region. Local musicians, as well as touring acts, find a welcoming audience in Alpine, drawn by the town’s genuine appreciation for live performance.

In a town of 6,000 residents, the music Neil Trammell has seen in Alpine has been amazingly diverse. “If you look, you can find what you want,” said Trammell, singer for local band The Doodlin’ Hogwallops. “Have an open mind and an open ear, you’ll have a good time.”

The Ritchey

Steeped in history, The Ritchey opened in 1886 as a hotel and saloon serving Alpine’s bustling rail yard cowboys, and it has been reborn as the undeniable heartbeat of the town’s live music scene. Rescued from near demolition in 2000, its restoration has gifted Alpine a welcoming social and cultural hub, anchored by its remarkably active music program.

Belying its small-town location, The Ritchey resonates with live music seven nights a week, hosting a vibrant mix of local talent and traveling musicians. The intimate primary venue, an adobe courtyard sheltered from the late afternoon sun, transforms into a magical open-air listening room as the desert evening descends. Even on the hottest days, guests find cool comfort under the vast Big Bend skies, where the music intertwines with the brilliance of the region’s famed stars.

The Ritchey is the cornerstone of Alpine’s supportive local music community, consistently showcasing its talent while also attracting an ever-growing array of touring acts. Looking ahead, the upcoming 2025 addition of an upstairs performance space will expand its capacity for indoor shows during inclement weather, and a planned larger courtyard stage promises even greater musical experiences. The Ritchey isn’t just a venue; it’s a vital thread in the fabric of Alpine, fostering community and enriching its cultural landscape through the power of live music.

Railroad Blues
Prolific music acts such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Del Castillo, Billy Joe Shaver and Kinky Friedman have graced the stage at Railroad Blues. The venue that sits on US-90/Holland Avenue and parallel to the railroad tracks was named by Texas Monthly as one of the “Best Small Town Live Music Clubs in Texas” in 1999.

Out of the almost 20 years he co-owned Railroad Blues, Richard Fallon’s favorite memory was seeing the African reggae band, Tidal Waves. But seeing Ian McLagan, from the British band Small Faces, was another favorite moment for him. McLagan was one of Fallon’s icons during his teen years, so to run sound for him in his bar and share a drink with him was surreal.

In 2013, Railroad Blues entered a new era when it was purchased by Tim Wilson of El Paso, who made sure to keep the spirit of the original Blues. In addition to bringing in live music they host karaoke, a weekly jam session and are the prime location for Viva Big Bend! The Blues has hosted the final show of every Viva with local favorites the Doodlin’ Hogwallops!

The Granada Theatre & Alcove Social
A classic movie house renovated into Alpine’s premier events venue, the Granada Theatre is one of the largest spaces for live music! In addition to large events and shows they host weekly local singers and small bands in the neighboring bar, Alcove Social. Both venues are available for private parties and can be

The Holland Hotel
The historic Holland Hotel is Alpine’s classic railroad hotel. The current building was opened in 1928 and designed by famed El Paso architects Trost & Trost. The Holland and its restaurant, The Century Bar & Grill, offers occasional live music in a beautiful enclosed courtyard or the elegant historic lobby, depending on the weather. The Holland serves as the Box Office for Viva Big Bend hosting FREE shows during the afternoon as festival goers get to town to pickup wristbands and purchase Viva souvenirs!

Amigo
The Amigo is making it’s mark on the Alpine music scene thanks to their Tuesday open mics hosted weekly by Alpine musician Donnie Bason. There is a core group of talent that kick things off then others are welcome to join in and take a turn on stage. This weekly gathering is popular among all the local musicians giving them a chance to jam together and form new acts. The Amigo also host live music most weekends and is an official venue during Viva Big Bend hosting shows Friday and Saturday night during the festival!

Other Venues
Sometimes a musician doesn’t need an official stage to play in Alpine. The Alpine Visitor Center hosts music under the pavilion, on the porch or even a music circle on the front lawn!  Live music can pop up on the patio at Cow Dog Food Truck just because, Cedar Coffee for Poetry Slam, Skelton’s Runway special events,  American Legion benefits and anywhere in between.

MUSIC CRAFTSMAN & STORES 

Luthier Michael Stevens
Custom guitar maker Michael Stevens has done repairs and custom work for guitar legends with the likes of Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson, Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. He is most known for creating the Christopher Cross’ double neck guitar and the Guit-steel guitar that features a double neck slide/guitar for Junior Brown. Stevens was recently honored by Fender with a limited edition guitar built as a homage to the first guitar he built at Fender’s Custom Shop in 1987.

Far West Guitars
Far West Guitars – a true gem for musicians and collectors alike. This store distinguishes itself with a deep reverence for local talent, prominently featuring instruments crafted by iconic guitar makers from the region. This unique approach transforms a simple retail space into a vibrant showcase of West Texas’s rich musical heritage, offering a distinct experience that sets it apart from national chains and even other independent shops.

Walk into Far West Guitars, and you immediately feel the difference. While you’ll find a curated selection of popular brands and vintage pieces, your eye is quickly drawn to a special section dedicated to local artisans.

One of the cornerstones of Far West Guitars’ unique identity is its commitment to showcasing legendary local luthiers, most notably Michael Stevens. Stevens is a highly respected luthier with a rich history in both Texas and California. His career began in the Bay Area, and he was later hired in 1986 to be the Senior Design Engineer at the renowned Fender Custom Shop. While there, he played a key role in designing iconic models like the Eric Clapton signature Stratocaster and was the first to have his own name on a Fender instrument he created.

After his time at Fender, Stevens returned to his home in Alpine, Texas, where he continues to build custom instruments out of his personal shop. His guitars are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, tone, and unique features, including his work on the Guit-Steel hybrid for musician Junior Brown. By displaying and celebrating Stevens’ work, along with that of other local figures like Doyle Bramhall and Mark Pollock, Far West Guitars doesn’t just sell instruments—it pays homage to the influential figures who have shaped the musical landscape of the Trans-Pecos region.

This focus on local, influential makers provides an unparalleled opportunity for customers to acquire instruments with a personal story and a deep connection to the local culture. Will, the owner at Far West Guitars, is a knowledgeable enthusiasts who can share the history and craftsmanship behind each piece.

RingTail Records
Located on the same block as the Granada Theater, RingTail Records is the record store in Far West Texas where you can find a variety of vinyl, cassettes and CDs, and occasionally get a peek at the “secret” murals along the store’s west wall – but only when the “Dog Yard” door is open. What you can’t find in the store can be ordered with the owner Michael McCollum.

Music Events

Two annual festivals stand as cornerstones of Alpine’s musical calendar, drawing music lovers from far and wide: the Viva Big Bend Music Festival and the Big Bend Bluegrass Festival.

Viva Big Bend transforms the entire region into a sprawling music venue each year in late July. Over five days, a diverse array of artists perform in various locations across Alpine and neighboring towns. The festival’s lineup reflects the state’s musical heritage, showcasing both established acts and emerging talents.

The Big Bend Bluegrass Festival  brings a different, yet equally vibrant, musical tradition to Alpine celebrating the soulful sounds of bluegrass. People from all over the country come to hear the spirit of the Appalachian Mountains right here in Far West Texas. The festival’s intimate setting fosters a sense of community, where musicians and attendees share their passion for this timeless genre.

Lone Star Cowboy Poetry Gathering, ArtWalk, and Spirits of the West also bring live music to Alpine has part of their annual events.

Updated from an original article by Sarah Vasquez