…is an ongoing project to capture and share with you perfectly unpolished fragments of Texas culture. Music, jug wine, bourbon, beer and cook-offs with great food bring people in communities together, and we are compelled to seek out and document the social and cultural impact of the common man—that is the lifestyle we feature. We are intent on bringing you the same beauty we see in the rickety, creaky and sometimes forgotten gathering spots: the Texas Honky-Tonks.
As part of this, photographer C.C. Ekström and writer Olle Florstam has set out a collaboration under the label of AOG to capture the spirit of these institutions, to be compiled in a future publication. On our journeys together we have, among other things, had sit-down heart to heart interviews with personalities such as Fred Eaglesmith, Red Steagall, James Hand, Wayne Hancock, Kevin Russell and Ruby Jane Smith.
We’ve soaked up atmosphere, swirled in saw dust and spilt out beer at more than 30 different Texas Honky-Tonks, such as the Devil’s Backbone Tavern, Buzzard’s Roost, Old Times, Steve’s Place and Dean’s Store. Talking to beer drinkers, bartenders, old-timers and newcomers has given us an invaluable insight into, and understanding of, this vibrant culture. We’ve hung out after-hours at Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon, listening to the regulars playing old country tunes by the fireplace and in the company of circling vultures, howling coyotes and rattling diamondbacks traveled thousands of miles of dusty Texas roads.
Welcome to Almost Out of Gas!
Great pictures! Glad to see a camera on the circuit.
Hi Sarah. thanks for dropping by. Yes, not to many out there shooting the stuff. A lot of writers though.
See you at the honky-tonks…
Sincerely
/C
Conny, Olle….love you work pleaseeeeee dont stop
Great shot of Club 21 in Uhland. It burned to the ground a couple of weeks ago. Sad, sad story. Just goes to show you, you might not pass that way again so enjoy it while you’re there!
Thanx a lot Deb. Very sad story indeed, you better enjoy ‘em while they still there! We’ll keep in touch. / Olle
Just stumbled across this blog. Love the idea, love the execution of said idea.
You guys should check out Longview, Tx as there are several great Honky Tonk’s up this way.
Sheila’s Wild West club being my favorite. Fits James Hands’ description to the letter of what a Honky Tonk is.
But there is also a bit of history up here with the REO Palm Isle having been bought and currently in the progress of re-opening.
Keep up the great work.
Hi Johhny! Sorry it took a while to reply. You kind of fell in between. I will absolutely check out Longview. I’ll keep y’all posted about next mayor trip.