Devil’s Backbone Tavern

DEVIL’S BACKBONE TAVERN
Fischer, TX

Project: The Tavern Two-Step Project

Devil's Backbone Tavern is one of the last remaining traditional dance halls presenting live music in Hill Country. With Music in Action funding support, Devil's Backbone will put on two family-friendly festivals with the aim to reach new audiences. The Dia De Los Muertos Festival taking place this fall will expand their Tejano music offerings and invite the Hispanic and Latino artists and audiences into the venue. A Spring Break Artist Showcase aims to promote emerging local talent and encourage audiences from the surrounding cities to make the trip out to Fischer.

Venue Info

The Devil’s Backbone Tavern is a nearly 150-year-old treasure steeped in history and beloved by generations of Texans. Originally built as a stagecoach stop in the 1800s, by the 1940s it had become a tavern, gas station, and dance hall.  The gas station and dance hall closed to the public in the 1970’s, but the structures still remained. In 2018, musicians Robyn and John Ludwick, stepped in and helped bring things back to life. They purchased it, and along with their community, poured their hearts, and souls into its restoration. The old dance hall now thrives again with the sound of live music and boots scuffling as they two-step across the floor.