Acknowledgments

A book about community is, fittingly, the work of one. To the venue owners, bookers, hosts, sound engineers, bartenders, and door staff who shared their hard-won lessons — the wins and the costly mistakes alike — thank you; this book is your collective wisdom as much as mine. To the artists who fill these rooms with music night after night, and who taught me what it means to do right by the people on the stage: thank you. To the Texas honky tonks and dancehalls that raised me, fed me, employed me, and gave me a lifetime of nights worth remembering: this book is a small repayment of an enormous debt.

And to the friends and family who have stood beside me in these rooms for as long as I can remember — you are the reason any of this matters. God loves honky tonks. That is why He gave them angels.

Brian C.

Chelsey B.

George F.

Jeff M.