Gruene Dance hall   ©2012 MacKinnon

Gruene Hall, was built in 1878 by Richard Gruene and is located in the historical town of Gruene, Texas (now a part ofNew Braunfels), and bills itself as "the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas." Gruene Hall has hosted such acts as Willie Nelson, George Strait, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Lyle Lovett, Hal Ketchum, Gregg Allman and many more. It was also used as a set for Michael, starring John Travolta. Gruene Hall has been run under the proprietorship of Pat Molak and co-owner Mary Jane Nalley for 35 years. Booking agent of 30 years, Tracie Ferguson is credited with starting the original music approach that has made Gruene Hall an iconic music venue, helping to jump start the careers of Lyle Lovett, Townes Van Zandt, Hal Ketchum, Bruce Robison, Nanci Griffith, Ryan Bingham, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams and many others..  

-Mark MacKinnon