March 1, 2023 417 PM
PRESIDIO — Last weekend, Rio Bravo Ranch wrapped up their second annual songwriters festival, celebrating acoustic tunes in a jaw-dropping setting along the Rio Grande. People across the region made the trek to Presidio for the event, and locals served up top-notch food, drink and outdoor experiences for the attendees.
Festival organizer Lauren Cecil — who runs Rio Bravo Ranch along with her husband Charlie and their daughters — said that she envisioned the festival as “a miniature Woodstock.” This year’s festival lived up to expectations with a variety of intimate acoustic sets under the West Texas stars.
The festival was headlined by Mike McClure, a legendary singer-songwriter from Oklahoma who was a founding member of The Great Divide. McClure performed alongside Chrislyn Rose on Saturday night. The night before, Blan Scott and Drew Cooper performed country-infused tunes.
Local vendors included Hiram Carerra of the Presidio Trading Post & Cantina, the Pink Flamingo, Mayahuel Ojinaga and Marfa Spirit Co. The Presidio American Legion pitched in to lend chairs and tables, and Watson Vineyard Wine of Coleman and Tall City Brewing Company of Midland also made the trek to offer refreshments.
The Rio Bravo Ranch crew was very pleased with how the event unfolded — and to see the generosity of their guests, who pitched into a raffle benefiting local first responders at the Presidio Volunteer Fire Department. “Rio Bravo Unplugged was amazing and even more amazing was that everyone there helped raise money,” said Cecil.
