Rebel Fest Honoring Robert Ybarra Is Coming to the Big Country!

UPDATED: Rebel Fest Event Schedule below

In loving memory of Robert Ybarra, who inspired us all with his passion for life, music, and his beloved Hawley community.

The Challenge That Sparked a Movement

It all started with a simple yet bold challenge. Robert Ybarra, a vibrant and passionate high school senior at Hawley High School, had a dream. He reached out to one of his favorite country music artists, Jacob Stelly, daring him to perform at his high school graduation. What happened next would unite an entire community in ways no one could have imagined.

Jacob Stelly, never one to back down from a challenge, issued his own: If the students could rally a set number of responses on his Facebook page, he would play at their graduation. What seemed like a long shot quickly became a symbol of Robert's unwavering determination and his love for his school, friends, and music. The response was overwhelming. The Hawley community and surrounding areas rallied together, gathering ten times more responses than Jacob Stelly had requested. The deal was set, and Jacob Stelly performed.

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A Devastating Loss That Shook the Community

A year after he graduated, Robert Ybarra was tragically taken from us in an automobile accident on July 4th. The young man who had brought so much life, joy, and spirit to his friends, family, and school was gone. The heartache spread far and wide, as those who knew Robert struggled to make sense of the sudden loss. He had been an outstanding athlete, a star student, and a rodeo bull-riding enthusiast with a heart as big as his dreams.

Rebel Fest: A Celebration of Life, Music, and Community

Rebel Fest was born in honor of Robert Ybarra’s memory and the incredible impact he had on his school and community. What started as a single concert has grown into a vibrant annual music festival that celebrates the very things Robert loved: music, friendship, and the coming together of community.

UPDATED: Rebel Fest Artists Performance Event Schedule

• Jeff Martin: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Brett Patterson: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
• Chris Lackey: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Jackson Hatch: 4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
• Awards & Auction: 5:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• Caleb Sutton: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Della Rose: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Jacob Stelly: 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Though Ybarra had worked so hard on the friendly challenge, many in the community vowed to ensure Robert’s legacy would never be forgotten. So, therefore, Rebel Fest is a benefit to raise money for the Robert Ybarra student athletes scholarship fund.

Jacob Stelly, the artist Robert admired so much, headlines the event, co-headliner is Della Rose (both videos seen below) joined by a lineup of incredible musicians, including Chris Lackey, Caleb Sutton, Jackson Hatch, Brett Patterson, and Jeff Martin. The festival is more than just music, it's a day of love, laughter, and remembrance, with events that unite the community in a spirit of celebration.

From a BBQ cook-off featuring chicken, ribs, and brisket to a corn-hole tournament and bounce houses for the kids, Rebel Fest has something for everyone. It’s a day that honors not just Robert Ybarra, but the unity and strength of the community he loved.

Join Us in Honoring Robert Ybarra

This year’s Rebel Fest will take place on Saturday, September 28th, at Potosi Live. It’s a day to remember a young man whose spirit continues to inspire and to celebrate the life he lived with passion, determination, and love for his school and community.

Come join us as we gather to honor Robert Ybarra, through the music, the laughter, and the joy of a community that will never forget him. Tickets are on sale now online at Stubwire $25-general admission, $30-pit, $50-VIP,  and kids 10 and under get in free.