The Broken Spoke, Austin’s legendary honky-tonk, is commemorating a significant six-decade milestone with a line-up of festivities throughout November. This landmark venue, situated at 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., has been a cornerstone of Austin’s music and dance culture since its inception on November 10, 1964. The celebration is off to a rollicking start, with events to honor the rich history of a place that’s seen the likes of Willie Nelson and George Strait gracing its stage. According to
CBS Austin
, the week-long anniversary events feature musical performances, starting with veteran Broken Spoke musician Alvin Crow.
Despite challenges and the changing landscape of the city, the Broken Spoke continues to proudly host live country music and weekly two-step nights. “This was not in the city of Austin and look at what it is today. It has remained timeless in an ever-changing city,” District 5 City Councilman Ryan Alter told
CBS Austin
. Alter also made a poignant proclamation, declaring Saturday, “Broken Spoke Day.” The month-long festivities are meant to firmly underline and showcase the endurance and the unaltered essence of what founder James White built, which was, and still is, lauded as “The last of the dancehalls.”
The venue isn’t only celebrated for its past glory. Just recently, international pop sensation Dua Lipa dropped by the Broken Spoke, labeling it “HONKY TONK HEAVEN” on her social media during her time in the city for the Austin City Limits Music Festival, as reported by
KVUE
. This kind of high-profile visit suggests that the charm and draw of The Broken Spoke transcend not only generations but also genres.
The family-run establishment resonates with a sense of continuity and heart. Annetta White, co-founder and wife of the late James White, recounted the early days by saying, “When we first opened, we didn’t have any money left. We spent it all on licenses and furniture and all this stuff,” as recounted to
CBS Austin
. Now, the torch has been passed on to the next generation, with Ginny White and her husband Mike managing the day-to-day operations. Ginny White shared with
CBS Austin
, her commitment to preserve her father’s legacy: “it’s very important to keep it going, especially for, like I always think, because of my dad.”
For those looking to join in the celebrations or to learn the traditional dance that has had countless boots scooting across The Broken Spoke’s floor, Terri White, daughter of James and Annetta, teaches dance lessons every week. The full schedule of anniversary events, which promises to be an engaging docket for country music aficionados and two-stepping amateurs alike, can be found on The Broken Spoke’s website. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a curious newcomer, The Broken Spoke invites all to pay homage to its storied sixty years – a testament to its enduring allure in the heat of Austin’s ever-booming live music scene.
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