Downbeat tonight for Viva Big Bend music festival

By MICHELLE SALGADO MUÑOZ

MARFA, ALPINE – The first Viva Big Bend music extravaganza begins this evening though Sunday at locations in Marfa and Alpine.

Along with almost 50 music performers, other events include a musicians’ art show and an event for children.

Five musicians playing the festival will showcase their artwork at the Galeria Sibley in Alpine called “Musicians and their Artwork.” Artist-musicians are Bob Schneider, Doug Moreland, Matt Skinner, Landry McMeans with The Lonesome Heroes, and Brian Salvi with Woodsboss.

Murphy St. Raspa Co. will host events for the kids during the weekend. Children’s author Wendy Parnell will lead the children’s activities, which include dancing, a raffle to win Parnell’s autographed books and craft activities. Snow cones, ice cream and other refreshments will be available and the activities are open to the public.

There will be free music at the Holland Hotel’s courtyard in Alpine beginning this afternoon. The performances are open to the public and the hotel bar is sure to be lively as the musicians rock the courtyard.

There will be a lunchtime show at the Gage Hotel in Marathon on Friday, July 27. This show will be the only event outside of Marfa and Alpine in effort to expand the festival by featuring more of the Big Bend region. Tessy Lou and the Shotgun Stars will provide the entertainment and the event is open to the public.

Mike and the Moonpies will perform a show at the Kokernot Field on Saturday, July 28 following the Cowboys’ game against the Roswell Invaders. You can purchase a ticket to the game to watch the post-game performance, or holders of Viva Big Bend wristbands will get in with no extra charge.

Industry events will be held in the USO Hall in Marfa on Friday and Saturday:

The Southwest Regional Folk Alliance Radio Panel will explore how live radio programs, internet radio and social media networks can be independent yet interconnected to create a wide avenue of opportunities to connect with audiences. This event will be on Friday, July 27 and is free for those with a VBB wristband.

The Titan Music Group/Semaphore Music Wine Tasting and Industry Mixer event is inviting VBB performers and music industry individuals to attend this complimentary wine tasting and industry networking opportunity hosted by Nikki Rowling, president of Titan Music Group and Chris Castle, president of Semaphore Music. The event will be Friday, July 27 and a RSVP and VBB wristband will be required to attend. RSVP at: nikki@titanmusicgroup.com.

The “Meet the GRAMMYs” Luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 28. The event aims to educate attendees about the Academy, focusing on how to submit music for Grammy consideration, how the Academy helps musicians in financial/medical need, how the organization fights for the rights of music makers and opportunities for professional development and outreach. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided and those interested will need to RSVP by sending an email to RSVP_Texas@grammy.com or call 512-328-7997.

Terri Hendrix will hold a songwriting workshop on Saturday, July 28. Attendees can expect to leave armed with information about crafting songs, booking venues, creating contracts, preparing set lists and even paying musicians you hire. The workshop is free for those with a VBB wristband.

Confirmed venues hosting music showcases for the inaugural Viva Big Bend include: Railroad Blues, Granada Theatre, Kokernot Field and the Reata Restaurant in Alpine, and Planet Marfa, USO Hall and Padre’s in Marfa. Courtesy shuttle buses will run during the nighttime shows in both Alpine and Marfa.

Passes are still available at vivabigbend.com or at the box offices at the USO Hall in Marfa and Holland Hotel in Alpine. Limited amount of VIP passes are available for the Friday and Saturday shows at the Granada Theatre.

Stewart Ramser, publisher and editor-in-chief of Austin’s Texas Music magazine, is the creator of Viva Big Bend and has already begun the planning for the event in 2013. He recently bought a home in Alpine.

Information: www.vivabigbend.com.