If you’re into origin stories, here’s a true Texas tale for you! Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon in Bandera is celebrating their 50th Anniversary on April 27 and 28, 2018. Friday night will see a hopping dance floor to the tunes of Darrell McCall ($10 cover charge), and Saturday night will feature the singer/songwriter honoree, Arkey Juenke, with his signature white button up shirt and red neckerchief!
Things to Do
Celebrate 50 Years of Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon!
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Facebook/Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar
Located at 308 Main St., a red door at street level leads down to a cavernous honky tonk under the Bandera General Store. The building was constructed in 1921, and the downstairs originally opened as The Fox Hole. In the 1940s, the dance hall became The Silver Dollar, then in 1968, the venue was purchased by Arkey Juenke, who renamed the place Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon. Legend has it that the name “Blue” derived from the time when a record producer noted to Arkey that he played “all those blue songs,” sad country tunes.
Photo Courtesy of V. Schmidt
The walls of Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon contain the memory of lonesome, twangy country music. There are a few of Arkey’s original songs in several movies too, including Race with the Devil and the 1974 version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. As the first inductee into the Bandera Music History Project Hall of Fame, Arkey has also seen his place ranked one of the top three honky-tonks in the state by Texas Highways magazine. Most recently, Arkey was the recipient of the Texas Treasures Business Award for 50 years of business, and the Texas Music Office Award for his contributions to Texas Music and entertainment.
If you can’t make it to the golden anniversary party, don’t fret! Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon is open every day by 11 a.m. Beer, wine, and setups are sold. If there isn’t a band playing or pickers strumming, a fantastic jukebox will be on. Bring cash, your friendly Texas attitude, and keep an eye out for the table in which Hank Williams, Sr. carved his name. Give Vivian and Peggy a hello while you officially become an Arkeyologist!
