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14 Texas Music Venues That Put The Life Into Live Music

Come for the music. Stay for everything else. Thanks to these great venues, Texas is a music destination past, present, and future.

1. Rubber Gloves in Denton, Texas

Rubber Gloves began in 1997 as a performance space but converted into a no-nonsense music venue to serve the college community of Denton. Since then, many incredible bands have graced their stage, including local groups formed at the University of North Texas' prestigious music programs.

2. The Granada Theater in Dallas, Texas

3. ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, Texas

Since its 1974 pilot episode featuring Willie Nelson, ACL Live has been bringing live music to fans smack-dab in the middle of the "Live Music Capital of the World." The Moody Theater is the spacious new home of that terrific heritage. The venue also houses exhibits from acclaimed photographers Scott Newton & Jim Marshall.

4. Ballroom Marfa in Marfa, Texas

5. Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon in Houston, Texas

Neon Boots is a country western dance hall serving the LGBT community of Houston. They host concerts, dances, bingo, and more, but it is the history of the ballroom that elevates the space to legendary status. Formerly the Esquire Ballroom, this dance hall saw many famous acts from the '50s, '60s, and '70s take the stage, including Willie Nelson, who wrote his song "Night Life" about working at the Esquire.

6. Round Top Festival Institute in Round Top, Texas

7. Victory Grill in Austin, Texas

Victory Grill was opened on V-J Day in 1945 to celebrate the return of African American soldiers fighting in WWII. The nightclub was a staple on the Chitlin' Circuit and later the blues and jazz scene. The Victory has hosted B. B. King, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Janis Joplin, and many more during its long history. It is included in the National Register of Historic Places for its incredible contributions to live music.

8. Common Grounds in Waco, Texas

9. Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Texas

Dan's Silverleaf is an intimate venue that offers great live experiences for local acts and touring bands alike in the passionate music community of Denton. It's the type of place where bands simply sound damn good. And the bright turquoise paint job sure makes this musical gem shine.

10. The Continental Club in Austin, Texas

11. Perot Theatre in Texarkana, Texas

12. 11th Street Cowboy Bar in Bandera, Texas

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar calls itself the "Biggest Little Bar in Texas." With a storied history, unique decor, top-tier live country western and swing music, and an eclectic clientele of cowboys, bikers, and plain ol' folk, the title holds up. The bar even has pick-up gigs and jam sessions, so grab your guitar and come on down for a great time.

13. Threadgill's in Austin, Texas

14. Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas

Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. One hundred years of country music legends have stepped through the swinging screen doors — and each signed a self-portrait to hang on the wall.