February 15, 2023 553 PM
PRESIDIO — Over the weekend of February 24, Rio Bravo Ranch will host its second annual “unplugged” songwriters festival. The intimate event will feature food trucks and catering by local businesses as well as acoustic sets by regional and up-and-coming artists.
Lauren Cecil — who runs the upscale lodging and Jeep rental operation along with her husband, Charlie — envisions the event as “a miniature Woodstock.” The acoustic sets will feature Blan Scott and Drew Cooper on Friday night and duo Mike McClure and Chrislyn Rose on Saturday night.
So far, most of the guest list are out-of-towners coming to camp on the property — but the Cecils would like to extend a 50% discount to locals, bringing the ticket price down to $100 a pop for music and food. Festival attendees can extend their stay through Sunday with a half-day river trip led by Angell Expeditions for an additional $85 plus tip.
The list of vendors includes the Presidio Trading Post & Cantina, the Pink Flamingo, Mayahuel Ojinaga, Marfa Spirit Co., Watson Vineyard Wine and Tall City Brewing Company. Musician Chrislyn Rose will be leading an optional outdoor yoga session on Saturday morning.
After a trial run last year, Cecil thinks she’s figured out some of the secrets to hosting a successful event: keeping things small, offering top-tier food and beverages, and taking advantage of the beautiful setting along the River Road. “It’s really organic, there’s a lot of impromptu stuff,” she said. “You never know what’s going to happen, but it always ends with hanging out around the campfire.”
For more information, contact Lauren Cecil at 432 229 3302 or [email protected]
