Charley Crockett kicked off his set of $10 Cowboy album release shows on Monday night with an electric performance at Austin’s Broken Spoke dance hall, and it will surely go down in country music history. Since Crockett unveiled the album back in January, fans have been eagerly anticipating its release, with excitment building as he gradually dropped singles over the past few months. Now that the album is officially out, Crockett is now making his way through Texas, treating audiences to intimate shows for just a $10 cover charge, and Austin, TX was the first stop!
Charley Crockett has certainly been basking in the spotlight recently, having released a live album from the legendary Ryman Auditorium, performing on television for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and even playing sets at recent festivals such as Texas’s Two Step Inn and California’s Stagecoach. Returning to the Broken Spoke was a nostalgic change of pace and a nod to Crockett’s roots, reflecting the journey that he has taken throughout his career. Despite the cozy setting of the Broken Spoke, the atmosphere was charged with enough energy to rival that of a stadium. Although Crockett wasn’t set to perform until after 9pm, fans began lining up with lawn chairs around lunch time, sharing beers under the sun as they waited hours for the doors to open. By the time staff began letting people inside, the line weaved through the parking lot and down Lamar past the apartment building. With no advanced ticket sales and a limited capacity inside, everyone waited anxiously to see if they would make the cut.
The Broken Spoke has a special place in the heart of every country-lovin’ Texan. It’s no secret that numerous legends, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Garth Brooks, and more, cut their teeth on that honky-tonk stage. The historical dance hall has been around since the 1960s, and it continues to bring in country music fans of all ages. As owner James White likes to say, “We ain’t fancy, but we’re damn sure country.” And I couldn’t have said it better myself. I mean, where else could you get a killer chicken fried steak while watching Charley Crockett perform ten feet away? It doesn’t get more country than that.
Charley Crockett has earned respect from fans for many reasons: his undeniable talent, his genuine honesty, and his tireless work ethic. It’s evident to anyone watching that he pours his heart and soul into every performance, no matter the size of the stage. You don’t need to know every song in his repertoire to appreciate a Charley Crockett show. He’s a born entertainer, effortlessly transitioning between genres like country, blues, and even R&B, all the while telling the story of his humble beginnings and the obstacles he overcame to reach where he stands today.
“People they just got all kinds of ways of categorizing you,” he said in between songs as he stood under the neon lights of the Broken Spoke stage. “That’s alright, I signed up for it. Underneath it all, whatever y’all wanna call it, I’m proud to be that, but I’m nothing but the blues. Let me show you what I’m talking about.”
Even though the dance floor in front of the stage was packed with revelers, that didn’t keep people from two-stepping along to their favorite songs near the back amongst the tables. Fans stood on chairs and railings, eager for a glimpse of the $10 cowboy himself. It was an unforgettable night. As Crockett prepares for his shows in London next week, we Texans proudly lay claim to him, cherishing the special moments with him here at home.
Charley Crockett’s $10 Cowboy tour kicks off this month, with shows lined up all the way through September. Secure your tickets now! You won’t want to miss this Texas troubadour!
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