Steel in Austin

[Derrick Phillips]

Hey Folks,

The wife is taking me to Austin for my birthday for these dates: May 22-26

This will be our first time - we’re staying downtown within walking distance of the bars.

Any recommendations for catching some steel? We will be there Thursday flying out Tuesday.

Thanks for any advice!

[Shaan Shirazi]

Here's a few recommendations although not walking distance from downtown.

Thursday 5-22 (9-12) Chaparral at the Broken Spoke with either Bob Hoffnar or Gary Newcomb on steel.

Sunday 5-25 (4-7) Three Chord Rodeo at the Austin Beer Garden Brewery with Lauren Ellis on Tele and Steel. The ABGB Sunday afternoons are packed and a lot of fun with excellent pizza, beer and music.

Monday 5-26 (10-1) Dale Watson at the Continental Club with Don Pawlak on steel.

[Craig Stock]

Check here for upcoming shows in Austin, you can also get a free copy most places around town, has a good events listing schedule, but best to ask the pro's here that are in the scene.

https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/music/

[memphislim]

Every Sunday at the White Horse you have Simon Page with Silo Road and Michael Small (me) with Armadillo Road on steel from 8pm till close.

The White Horse
500 Comal St, Austin, TX 78702

[Robert Simms]

I play at the Broken Spoke every Wednesday with Michael Monroe Goodman at the Broken Spoke, but looks like you're coming in on a Thursday.

[Bob Hoffnar]

I’m playing Friday the 23rd in the restaurant part of the broken spoke from 6:00 till 8:00 with a great singer songwriter named Pierce Saxon. It’s just me and him so I will be playing all three licks I know in every tune. It’s a great scene that you gotta check out.

[Derrick Phillips]

Thx guys…this is great info.
Looks like I’ll be able to make a few of these - making it to the Broken Spoke is a goal. “Last of the true Texas Dancehalls”

Any places where they sell guitars? Would love to sit behind some different steels. I’ve only ever played my Mullen and ETS.

[Rich Ertelt]

Thx guys…this is great info.
Looks like I’ll be able to make a few of these - making it to the Broken Spoke is a goal. “Last of the true Texas Dancehalls”

Any places where they sell guitars? Would love to sit behind some different steels. I’ve only ever played my Mullen and ETS.

Spoke is a must.

Regular guitars, all sorts of great places. Steel guitars, none that I ever saw.
I've seen a Fender pedal steel in Austin Vintage once, and a dual professional. That is all I remember and I was there for 20 years.

[Robert Simms]

Turns out I just picked up a gig tomorrow night (Friday 23rd) at the Moody Ampitheater with the Tex Hombres for Two Step night. They do a lot of 90's and 2000's country covers. Free admission!
https://do512.com/events/2025/5/23/two- ... ht-tickets

[Derrick Phillips]

Good deal Mike. Looks like Moody Theatre is near the hotel. Will try to make it up there. Thx for letting me know.

[Derrick Phillips]

Alright looks like we’ll get in town early enough to make it to the broken spoke to see Bob then Head over to the Moody to see Mike Simms.

I’ll be the tall bald guy watching yall playing steel!

[memphislim]

Don't forget about the White Horse on Sunday. 3 great bands, two with steel, great crowd and plenty of room to dance. Food truck in back.

[Derrick Phillips]

Awesome. Thx. Thats also walking distance. You start at 8?

[memphislim]

Silo Road with Simon on Steel (usually) go on at 8, my band Armadillo Road goes on at 10.

[Shaan Shirazi]

Looks like your plate is pretty full but in case you wanted to venture up North to the Little Longhorn Saloon there will be steel Friday through Sunday. All shows at the Longhorn are free and the bands play for tips.

Friday 9-12, Brandon Rosage with Allen Kentfield on Steel. (I'm on bass).
Saturday 9-12, Jake Penrod with James Shelton or possibly Jake himself on steel.
Sunday 4-8, Jason Roberts with Dave Biller on steel. This is IMO a can't miss show as Jason and his band are essentially the modern Texas Playboys. It's free and you can play Chicken Shit Bingo!

[Rich Ertelt]

Sunday 4-8, Jason Roberts with Dave Biller on steel. This is IMO a can't miss show as Jason and his band are essentially the modern Texas Playboys. It's free and you can play Chicken Shit Bingo!

Dave Biller, he guitar player? I had no idea he played steel. Killer guitar player.

Longhorn is also one of those "must" places. I saw Dale Watson with Ricky Davis there many moons ago.

[Robert Simms]

Thanks for stopping by the Moody Ampitheater on Friday. Nice to meet you. Hope you’ve enjoyed your trip!

[Derrick Phillips]

Hey folks - Just got back from our trip to Austin — and wow, it was honestly life-changing for both me and my wife. The way the whole city supports and embraces music was eye-opening. We came back seriously wondering if we’re living in the wrong place!

As a performing guitarist and steel player — and just music lovers in general — it's the place for live music. Huge thanks to everyone who shared tips, and a special shoutout to Shaan Shirazi for the amazing recs and helping us get plugged into the scene. Thanks dude!

We stayed at the Van Zant Hotel off Rainey Street - and walked to Bangers for some beer and sausage then off to the Moody Ampitheater. We took 2-step lessons before seeing Mike Simms and his Dark Blue Mullen G2 perform with Les Hombres - 2 solid hours of 90s country. Got to meet and chat briefly with Mike afterwards.
Wanted to check out Bob Hoffner before Moody, but it wasn't in the cards. We will hit up the 'spoke on our next trip.

Saturday was BBQ and shopping day - we hit up Terry Blacks for some brisket and ribs. Incredible. The walked up and down South Congress, found a band playing in courtyard near Allen Boots - and 2 girls in bikini's on horses - Also went to Black's original BBQ on Monday.

Sunday was Chicken Sh!t bingo at the Little Longhorn Saloon - got to see Jason Roberts with Dave Biller on Steel. Got to meet and hang with the band and Shaan Shirazi - was a highlight of the trip. And my wife won $125 from bingo. After too many beers we then we to the White Horse to catch memphis slim, Michael Hall and his Marlen - amazing environment - and the steel was cutting through.

Monday we hit up SoCo again for Sushi and our new friend Dale Watson at the Continental Club with Don Pawlak on steel - wow what an experience. First time seeing or hearing him. I'd heard about him - the show as great. After about 3 songs you feel like he's an old buddy of yours. Wild. This being our 4th night in Austin, we were playing to make a it a short night, but once Dale started we were hooked man. He started a little after 10 - and didn't leave the stage for 3 hours and 10 minutes. Highly recommend his show.

So that was our trip to Austin - we will be back - and bringing some friends! Thanks again to the players and folks that helped with recommendations and information.

[Robert Simms]

Certainly a fun town and it was great to meet and talk to you. Glad you had a fun time.

Mike

[memphislim]

Nice meeting you too Derek. Glad you had fun at the White Horse, it's always a good time there on Sundays.