Central Market presents The Texas Dance Hall Tour, a four-day weekend destination tour from October 26-29th, 2017 in Galveston and throughout Austin County which is one of the oldest counties in Texas. Think of it as a “land cruise” with our port-of-calls being several of the state’s historical dance halls, featuring a range of notable Western Swing, Ameripolitan and Texas artists and hosted by Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel.
The Texas Dance Hall Tour aims to entertain, educate and engage the public around Texas’ cultural and musical heritage. In the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, dance halls flourished and at one tme there were over 1,000 halls in Texas. Although there are now fewer than half remaining, there are more historic dance halls in the state of Texas than anywhere in the country.
“There wouldn’t be Texas music without our Texas dance halls. This is where Bob Wills, Willie Nelson and George Strait cut their teeth. We are losing these establishments and need to support the communities and these establishments.” – Ray Benson A portion of the proceeds will go to the Texas Dance Hall Preservation. The Texas Dance Hall Preservation is committed to saving historic Texas dance halls and the authentic music and culture that is still found in them. https://texasdancehall.org/