Portales native Cole Brakebill has worn many creative hats over the years—musician, filmmaker, painter—but his latest project may be his most ambitious yet. His debut documentary series, In Open Air, is set to premiere on Panhandle PBS on February 20, 27, and March 6, exploring the evolution of public art in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.

A 2002 graduate of Portales High School, Brakebill grew up on Roosevelt Road V, a place that would later inspire the name of his successful country-hip-hop music group, Roosevelt Road. After years of recording and releasing music, his passion for storytelling led him to filmmaking, where he found a new creative outlet behind the camera.

His journey into video production began in a garage, using an iPhone to document the restoration of old Chevy trucks. A friend lent him a real camera, and from that moment on, he was hooked. What started as a hobby quickly turned into Roosevelt Road Video, a professional production company that has taken Brakebill across the country—from shooting rodeo films with World Champion Cowboy Shad Mayfield to directing a music video on the beaches of Florida.

But In Open Air is different. This is the project that pushed him to new creative heights.

“It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever taken on,” Brakebill said. “I wrote it, directed it, narrated it, shot most of it myself—it was overwhelming at times, but I never let that stop me from finishing it.”

The documentary examines Amarillo’s unique public art landscape, from the ever-changing spray-painted canvases of Cadillac Ranch to large-scale murals, hidden gems, and the stories of the artists who bring them to life. As someone who spent years painting aircraft before shifting careers, Brakebill brings a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic expression.

While he’s built a life in Amarillo with his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters, Olivia and Charlotte, Portales remains close to his heart. The roads, the community, and the small-town values shaped the way he tells stories today.

“Growing up in Portales gave me a perspective I wouldn’t trade for anything,” Brakebill said. “I want to tell stories that feel authentic, that connect with people, whether it’s music, film, or something else entirely.”

In Open Air is more than just a documentary—it’s a love letter to art, storytelling, and the West Texas culture that inspires him. Brakebill hopes the series resonates with audiences not just in Amarillo, but back home in Eastern New Mexico as well.

The series will air on Panhandle PBS beginning February 20 at 7:00 p.m. Central Time. In the meantime, Brakebill encourages folks to follow Roosevelt Road Video on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and future projects.

For a small-town kid who grew up on Roosevelt Road, this is just the beginning.