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
This Art-Deco movie theater built in 1946 has been, at various times, a movie house, a music hall, a movie theater renowned for cult classic double features, and a modern music venue. Each incarnation has brought superb performances — from Brando to the Allman Brothers — to Dallas fans.
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
A relative newcomer to the Texas music scene, Ballroom Marfa is a visual and audio performance arts space in West Texas. They showcase the work of both emerging and established artists, which helps to launch local music and art onto the national stage. The venue was built out from a historic dance hall that dates back to 1927.
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
Festival Hill is a concert music treasure. Founded in 1971 by famed concert pianist James Dick, the music camp, festival space, and venue hosts a wide array of performances and camps all year round on its 200-acre campus. The Festival Concert Hall (pictured above) is one the finest acoustic spaces in the United States.
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
This local institution is becoming the hottest venue between Austin and Dallas thanks to a sizable outdoor space that doesn't have one bad sight line. Common Grounds is dedicated to bringing only the best shows to Waco, but they also host open mic nights and feature artists of the week to keep the music coming.
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
The Continental Club has been serving up retro rock, rockabilly, country, and swing music on South Congress Ave since the 1950s. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Ely, and Kinky Friedman have all crossed this stage. Today, you can stop on in and hear some tunes by the living greats of Texas country, like James McMurtry.
11. Perot Theatre in Texarkana, Texas
This beautiful concert space and performance hall, is constructed in the Italianate Renaissance style. The Perot has been bringing symphonic and concert performances to the Gateway to the Southwest for nearly 100 years.
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
This legendary Austin joint has been nationally renowned since its inception in 1933, when its founder became the first man in the country to hold a beer license. Thirsty traveling musicians came in for a drink, and the rest, as they say, is history. The bar became a favorite of poets, beatniks, and hippies, and launched Janis Joplin's career. The atmosphere is still great today.
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.