Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon will celebrate a Reunion of the Historic Esquire Ballroom this weekend.
The event this Saturday, July 18, will pay tribute to the space made famous many years ago by renowned well-known singers and performers. The event starts at 2 pm at the same original location at 11410 Hempstead Road. The bar's owners invite everyone to attend and mingle with many of the people that were regulars many years ago at the historic entertainment venue.
Now known as Neon Boots, the thriving ballroom and concert venue that was once the Esquire Ballroom was built in 1955 by Raymond Proske. The Esquire was home to many well known acts of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Most notable is Willie Nelson, where he was offered a job by house performer Larry Butler after Nelson asked him to listen to a few songs he had wrote including one called "Crazy". Nelson, desperate for money offered the songs for $10 each. Butler knowing that these songs were "too good" instead offered Nelson a $50 loan and job performing with his band. One night during his commute from Pasadena to The Esquire, Nelson wrote the song "Night Life" about working at the bar.
Another well known performer was Patsy Cline, in fact the Broadway musical "Always...Patsy Cline" takes part in the historical Esquire Ballroom bar when she had a chance encounter with a fan. It chronicles her evening with the fan when Cline fears she may not be able to fill the ballroom with a large crowd. Many other infamous acts performed at the Esquire Ballroom include George Jones, Charlie Pride, Jim Reeves, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Willie Nelson, and many many more.
Neon Boots Dancehall and Saloon has set aside a separate bar dedicated to this history called the Esquire Room. The Esquire Room showcases various performer's photos and Esquire memorabilia from over the years to keep the history alive in Houston. One very interesting view is when you see the reflection of Patsy Cline in the glass looking outward into the main bar you can see her reflection right on the glass as if her ghost is still there mingling with the guests.
Since the Esquire closed in 1995, it has been several other ventures and bars that have come and gone. The new owners of Neon Boots have completely restored the building and upgraded its features throughout. The new Neon Boots Dancehall and Saloon will feature a huge dance floor and performance stage, six bar stations, bottle and table service, beautiful outdoor area with custom constructed deck and patio. The owners have incorporated games such as horseshoes, a giant Jenga game and other games for the enjoyment of their guests. Every Sunday Neon Boots provides free food, free pool, great drink specials and fantastic live entertainment. Neon Boots Dancehall and Saloon is a great country and western bar and club that is very welcoming to everyone.
Notable Personalities and Bands that have performed here (Esquire and Neon Boots) listed below.
Ty Herndon
Jimmy Heap
Joe Berry
Johnny Bush
Johnnie Lee Wills
Johnny Rodriguez
Justin Fulcher Band
Kelly Scoppa
Kenny Rogers
Kitty Wells
Larry Butler
Lee Roy Matocha Orchestra
Lefty Frizzell
Leroy Van Dyke
Lester Flatt
Lonzo & Oscar
Loretta Lynn
Marty Robbins
Mel Tillis
Merle Haggard
Patsy Cline
Porter Wagoner
Ray Krenek Orchestra
Ray Price
Red Steagal
Rick Trevino
Rita Hardt & The Rhinesones
Ronnie Milsap
Rose Maddox
Roy Clark
Tammy Wynette
Tanya Tucker
Tom T. Hall
Ty Herndon
Wanda Jackson
Waylon Jennings
Web Price
Willie Nelson
Neon Boots Hosts Esquire Ballroom Reunion July 18
Friday, July 17, 2015