The Longhorn Ballroom will kick off its re-opening with four shows this spring, headlined by Asleep at the Wheel, Emmylou Harris, Lucero, and Old Crow Medicine Show.
Ray Benson’s Asleep at the Wheel will be the first act to take the stage, a symbolic throwback to the Western swing that Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys delivered at the venue in the 1950s. Owner and operator Edwin Cabaniss announced the spring opening last month and promised the first concerts would be announced soon. The 2,000-capacity independent venue will be booked by his agency, Kessler Presents. (Cabaniss also reopened the Kessler Theater in Oak Cliff and the Heights Theater in Houston.)
“We first played the Longhorn in 1974, and for a bunch of young Bob Wills fans, it was a thrill,” said Ray Benson, the longtime frontman for Asleep at the Wheel. “I have seen the ups and downs of the Longhorn over the last 50 years, and am very excited and relieved that Edwin and his team are going to continue to honor the tradition of this special place and make sure it is never forgotten or lost like so many other of Texas’ historic venues and dance halls.”
Benson’s band plays March 30, with support from singer-songwriters Brennan Leigh and Joshua Hedley. Old Crow Medicine Show takes the stage the following night, March 31, alongside special guest—and beloved local—Joshua Ray Walker. Virginia country artist Morgan Wade headlines April 1, sharing the bill with the cowpunks Lucero and singer Kaitlin Butts.
Emmylou Harris will close things out on April 22, the first time “the long-reigning queen of Americana” has played the storied Longhorn stage.
Tickets for some shows go on sale today, while others go up Thursday and Friday. Head here for purchasing information, and look below for the full slate.
Mar 30: Asleep at the Wheel with Brennen Leigh and Joshua Hedley (on sale 2/1)
Mar 31: Old Crow Medicine Show with special guest Joshua Ray Walker (artist presale 2/1, public on sale 2/3)
Apr 1: Morgan Wade with special guests Lucero and Kaitlin Butts (on sale 1/31)
Apr 22: Emmylou Harris (on sale 2/3)
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