The Continental Club may be one of the most iconic, legendary spots in Austin. Since SXSW cancelled, and everyone is in the spirit of supporting local, I thought it would be perfect timing to share about this historic spot with live music.
The Beginning:
The legendary Continental Club opened in 1955 and has been deemed as the one the oldest Austin clubs. It’s roots were started as a supper club, then Austin’s first burlesque club and later became a casual bar which opened every morning at 7am.
70s
Most of the Continental Club’s reputation was built during this time as the place where you could hear some the leading legends of today, like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Paul Ray and the Cobras, along with Joe Ely.
80s
These legendary bands continued throughout the 80s and in 1987, the club was renovated to make it as close to it’s original 1950s version as possible. Many of the original murals that you see on the walls today.
Present
“From ’87 to the present, The Continental Club, now a historical landmark is the premier roots rock, traditional country and blues, rockabilly and garage rock club in the country.” During SXSW, there is no doubt, this will be a hub for music lovers. Even after the crowds have left, many artists such as Junior Brown to Link Wray to Robert Plant have graced the stage. Folks like Bill Frisell, Southern Culture on the Skids, Alejandro Escovedo, Barfield the Tyrant of Texas Funk, Wanda Jackson, Toni Price, James Burton, and the legendary Dale Watson will continue to play daily at this iconic, historic spot in Austin. I hope you get a chance to check it out, if you’re visiting from out of town.
Please note: Image from @continentalclubatx