Eagle’s Nest: This is Romayne Wheeler’s home; it doubles as our concert venue. It hangs over the canyon edge, with floor-to-ceiling windows affording breathtaking views of the 2-kilometer-deep Batopilas Canyon. A grand piano dominates the space on the lower of the two floors; you might enjoy this beautifully-written New York Times article about how Romayne moved the piano there in 1995. For the concerts, you can choose “balcony seating” (on the upper floor) or seating on the main floor. You will sit on exquisite wooden furniture, handcrafted by the Rarámuri furniture maker Arnulfo Luna.
Kitchen: Members of the public and musicians, including Romayne, will share meals in or outside the kitchen, just next to the entrance to the Eagle’s Nest. A picnic table just outside the kitchen offers panoramic views of fields and canyons.
Bell Garden: Located a one-minute hike below the Eagle’s Nest, the Bell Garden affords magnificent views. A tree, from which wind chimes gently tinkle in the breeze, provides shade, and two benches allow for profound meditation.
Lookout: While there are many look-outs near the festival site, this term refers primarily to a look-out just steps from the Stone House. It can be easily accessed via steps carved in the rock, and includes a bench that allows you to stare in awe at the incomparable views. On a clear day, the neighboring Mexican state of Sinaloa can be glimpsed from here.
Stone House: This was Romayne’s first permanent residence at the festival site. It contains a full bathroom, a table and chairs, an upright piano, two double beds on the main floor, and a loft with considerable sleeping area. Of the two possibilities for accommodation, it is the more charming, but less private.
Clinic: The completely modern clinic was built with the money raised over decades through benefit concerts performed by Romayne and with the support of the Fundación del Empresariado FECHAC. Rarámuri come here from all over the region for basic medical care. It contains two private rooms and a full bathroom accessible to festival guests. While it lacks the charm of the Stone House, guests who prefer a more private sleeping arrangement may choose to stay here.
School
The school was also built through money raised from Romayne’s concerts. It includes a one-room school house, a kitchen, and a bedroom for use by students from neighboring communities, some located a 90-minute hike away. Some parts of the Sunday party will be based here.
Runway
The landing strip, which was handcrafted with resources from the nonprofit, is the dominant feature of the community where the festival is based. You will land here.
Romayne’s Cave
The cave where Romayne stayed during his visits from 1980 to 1992 is accessible only on a hike led by an experienced guide. You will be awed and humbled to visit this place where a great musician spent 2 months each year with a solar piano before he decided to devote his international piano career towards helping the Rarámuri.
