Nestled in the mountains of central Idaho, the picturesque town of Challis bustles every August when it plays host to the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival. Regarded as one of the state’s premier musical gatherings by both attendees and artists alike, the BBR is a family-friendly event that draws thousands of visitors from across the globe, bringing artists and fans together in an unparalleled setting for three unforgettable days. 

This year, the BBR will be held from August 9th-11th and will feature fifteen plus Americana, Texas, and Red Dirt artists including Grammy, CMA, ACM, and ASCAP winner Suzy Bogguss who is making her second appearance. Ahead of the Festival, Bogguss kindly took the time to speak about what makes the BBR special to her, her varied musical career, and what's ahead.

Currently, you’re on tour with your trio and in August, you’re heading out to Challis for the BBR.
This will be my second trip, but I’ve known the boys since the early 90’s when they were little. I was performing fairs and things like that and the boys would open for me when they were with their Dad [Muzzie and the Boys]. In fact, the first time I played the BBR, Gary showed me a picture of him giving me a kiss on the cheek when he was about eight (laughing). It’s pretty neat to see how far they’ve come and how they’ve evolved as musicians as well.

That’s so incredible. Did you stay in touch all through the years?
You know, I lost track of them for a long time, but when I became a fan of Reckless and the Motorcars, I put two and two together. Then, when I got to sing at the BBR for the first time, we rekindled everything.

So, in addition to your friendship with them, what drew you back to play the BBR again?
It is such a unique festival. I try to tell people, especially folks who haven’t been, that the BBR is what a festival is supposed to be. Some festivals you play, the music is the background, and the BBR is so much more than a big boozefest, it’s truly a celebration of music. I love that the people who come love the bands and are there to participate in celebrating music as well as having a great time.

The first time I played, the audience was singing every word to every song. There’s something about that feeling of participation and communication with the crowd that is so energizing and beautiful. I’m picky about what words I use and what I try to communicate in a song and sometimes I wonder if anyone cares about what I’m doing, so it’s a great feeling to know that someone is moved by what you’re singing. You feel validated and know people appreciate you.

The crowd is very attentive. The setting is also pretty amazing.
It’s unbelievable. I don’t know if they’re still doing this, but the first time I was there they had police or patrol on horseback and it made everything so low key. It felt like what a festival is supposed to be - nothing should have to be enforced, everyone should take responsibility for themselves and respect the grounds and what you’re participating in. It felt like everyone cared.

For the past few years you have been playing with your trio, how do you adapt from playing more intimate venues to outdoor stages?
We tailor the show for wherever we are, but I always want to do the songs people know me for. I play a lot of small theatres during regular times of the year and I tend to babble a lot, tell really bad jokes (laughing), and talk to people one on one in the audience. In larger venues and outdoor areas, I have to be more concise, so I try to not babble as much and if I’m going to talk between songs, I have to make it count (laughing).

​Nestled in the mountains of central Idaho, the picturesque town of Challis bustles every August when it plays host to the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival. Regarded as one of the state’s premier musical gatherings by both attendees and artists alike, the BBR is a family-friendly event that draws thousands of visitors from across the globe, bringing artists and fans together in an unparalleled setting for three unforgettable days. 

This year, the BBR will be held from August 9th-11th and will feature fifteen plus Americana, Texas, and Red Dirt artists including the "Chick with a Pick", esteemed guitarist Rosie Flores who makes her first appearance in Challis. Ahead of the Reunion, Flores graciously took the time to chat about playing the BBR, her friendship with the Brauns, exploring her creativity, and what's ahead.

You tour all over the U.S. and in August, you’ll head to Challis for the BBR. Have you made the trip before?
I have always wanted to go, so when I got invited this year I was completely thrilled. It’s something that the guys and I have been talking about for a long time, and I guess my time is now. My plan is to fly in and do the whole shebang and treat this as a little bit of a party and a vacation. Everybody is working and on their own train, but every once in a while you get to cross paths and be on the same bill with someone you really like, so this makes for a great event for that reason. Plus, I’m excited to get to listen to some great musicians and bands I hardly ever get to see and be pleasantly surprised by some bands I have never seen. I look forward to making new friends and hanging out with old ones.
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​And the other thing I am excited about is that Reckless Kelly will be my band! I’m thinking maybe we can be called Reckless Rosie (laughing)!

That has a nice ring to it!
You have known those guys for a long time, so how do y’all prepare to play together…or do you even need to?  
They are so good that we can get up there and play, which we do a lot if we happen to be in the same town. But, I’m actually going to put some effort into preparing this time since we are doing a whole set together. Maybe we will get together and rehearse once, but they don’t need more than one rehearsal. Willy is such an amazing singer, I cannot wait to get up and do some harmony with him and sing “Wild Horses,” and I’m excited to play with Dave [Abeyta] who is one of my favorite guitar players. Over the years, we’ve formed a mutual admiration society with one another. When we get up there, it’ll rock.

No doubt.
Both you and Reckless have been around for over 20 years, did you become fast friends early on?
I’ve known Cody and Willy since the very first version of Reckless Kelly. My drummer, who helped produce Millican, told me all about them. I went to see them on 6th Street and immediately knew they were playing my kind of music. They were so young and so cool and sounded like a cross between Tom Petty and Steve Early with Dylan’s songwriting. We started writing together, supporting one another’s shows, and sitting in with one another. They used to have this hangout in Austin where they’d get together with their friends to hang out and jam and whenever they’d come to L.A. when I was living there, I would go see them and we’d have jam parties too. We’ve been pals a long time and I just adore them to pieces.