Green's 'Dance Hall & Dreams' book is perfect for Texas music enthusiasts
Book Review
Mike Konvicka

Texas singer-songwriter Pat Green's tune "Dancehall Dreamer" is now a book.

Titled "Dance Halls and Dreamers," the 183-page hard cover book is filled with stories and pictures of 10 of the historic older dance halls in Central Texas. The book is now on sale.

"It's history co-mingling with a few cold beers and good music," said Green in a news release

Author Luke Gilliam and photographer Guy Rogers III spent a day recording candid interviews and taking actionpacked color photographs.

Each of the chapters documents a venue's personality, history, and atmosphere as everyone prepares for and parties at the biggest show in town.

A three-time Grammy nominee Green shares his memories and favorite stories of each venue. He also gives fans a backstage pass into his world with a performance at his favorite dance hall, Gruene Hall.

Willie Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Robert Earl Keen are included as well as established stars Jack Ingram, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Cory Morrow, and Kevin Fowler. The book also includes upand comers Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen.

The stories will make you want to head out and check out these historic venues. Willie shares his views at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth.

Morrow bring the Luckenbach Dance Hall to life with his tales.

Green makes you feel like home at Gruene Hall, which is one of the oldest and in New Braunfels.

"Every artist becomes tangible, approachable when you get here," said Morrow.

Keen shares tales about John T Floore's Country Store in Helotes.

"It was probably the first real honky tonk that we played," said Keen.

Hubbard explores the Sons Of Herman Hall in Dallas.

"It's not a night club," said Hubbard. "It's set up more as a theater. It has a deep sense of integrity about it."

Fowler gives insight to the historic Coupland Dance Hall.

"If I had every beer that has spilled on that dance floor, I could drink for a lifetime," said Fowler

Cross Canadian Ragweed enlightens readers on Stubb's Barbecue in Austin.

Wade Bowen acquaints readers of Saengerhall in New Braunfels.

"I think it's got everything set up perfect to go out and have a good night of drinking and listening to music," said Bowen.

The Randy Rogers Band travels to Schroeder Hall between Victoria and Goliad.

Last but least is one of best honky tonks in Texas, the Bandera Caberet which Jack Ingram visits.

The book may be purchased at. http://dancehallsanddreamers. com/ or at http://www.utexas. edu/utpress/books/gilpat. html