 Honky-Tonk Heaven Nancy Rosenberg Published Publishing Information Published on Nov. 2002 In the heart of Cowtown, in the bull's eye of the Fort Worth stockyards, you'll find a massive entertainment complex that is the heart and soul of the traditional Southern honky tonk: Billy Bob's Texas. For those new to town or those just passing through, Billy Bob's offers a glimpse into another world. Here the cowboy hats and belt buckles are taken seriously, and the parking lot full of pickups verifies the authenticity of the cowboys inside. Billy Bob's is everything a Texas-sized honky-tonk should be: it's loud, obnoxious, and a whole lot of fun. The complex covers five acres and boasts 32 bars, a restaurant, gift shop, pool tables, an arcade, and live professional bull riding. "We pride ourselves on providing entertainment for the whole family," says general manager Marty Travis. "Moms and dads, kids and grandparents can all come spend an evening together, and everyone has fun." "Fun" is actually a bit of an understatement. This place is a hoot. For starters, there are two massive dance floors, and they are put to good use. In this laid-back Southern city where country and western dancing is still considered a skill, couples artfully glide and twirl beneath a shimmering mirrored saddle that slowly rotates above the main dance floor. They know the jitterbug, the two-step and the California swing. And while Billy Bob's plays host to some real stars, it would be a mistake to overlook the house bands. Their soulful ballads and toe-tapping tunes ensure a virtual stampede towards the dance floor once the lights go down. Past headliners at Billy Bob's include Waylon and Willie, Reba, Garth and Shania Twain. There's Marty Stewart and Chris LeDoux and Neal McCoy. Not a country fan? "We're working hard to bring in entertainers that appeal to a wide range of folks," says Travis. Like Ringo Starr, 38 Special and the Righteous Brothers. "We pretty much have something for everyone, and we're really good at making sure people have a good time," brags Travis. I look at the happy crowd. He's right. |
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