TDHP Helps Devil’s Backbone Tavern Reopen After January Ice Storm

A late-January 2026 ice storm forced Devil’s Backbone Tavern to temporarily shut down after frozen pipes caused multiple breaks in their plumbing system and well head. The owners moved quickly to complete emergency repairs so this historic dance hall and music venue could reopen.

TDHP later reimbursed nearly $3,000 in repair costs using remaining funds from a previous emergency grant source — helping ease the financial burden on this nearly 75-year-old community landmark.

Built by Czech and German immigrants and cherished for generations of music and dancing, Devil’s Backbone Tavern is exactly why TDHP exists.

Continuing the Momentum: 
Our 2026 Preservation Grant Round

Texas Dance Hall Preservation is proud to announce that our 2026 Preservation Grant round will open this April.

While our 2020 disaster relief efforts proved how much Texans will rally in a crisis, our goal has always been to build a sustainable future for these historic landmarks. For years, the highest our annual preservation funding reached was $20,000—but thanks to your growing support, we "shook things up" last year by raising that bar to $50,000.

We are continuing that momentum in 2026. By focusing on one major grant cycle per year, we are providing deeper, more meaningful support to the halls that need it most.

2026 Grant Highlights:

• Greater Impact: We are awarding a total of $50,000 in matching grants this year.

• Substantial Support: Individual matching grants will be available up to $10,000 for repairs, renovation and restoration.

• Timeline: Applications open in April and are due two months later.

Our ability to offer these $50,000 rounds is a direct reflection of our fundraising success. Your membership and donations are the fuel that allows us to keep the music playing and the foundations firm.

Photos: Part of Germania Farmer Verein's preservation helped to replace the stage foundation. You can see the cedar that was holding up the stage and the cinder block replacement which will serve Anhalt Halle for another 150 years!

Strengthening the Future of Our Historic Halls:
A Survey for Hall Managers, Board Members and Owners

At Texas Dance Hall Preservation, we don't just celebrate the past; we work to ensure the future. This month, we are launching an intensive outreach initiative to listen to the folks who keep the doors open every day.

By gathering real-world data on rising costs—like music licensing and insurance—we are developing new advocacy programs that speak directly to the needs of our historic halls. We are committed to building a stronger, more connected network of hall leaders and providing the resources they need to thrive in 2026 and beyond.

Lights, Camera, Preservation! KLRN Dance Hall Series

Get ready to update your watch list! San Antonio’s PBS affiliate, KLRN, is launching a five-part documentary series dedicated to the historic dance halls of South and Central Texas. The series premieres Thur, March 26 at 7:30 pm and the following four Thursdays. If you are outside the San Antonio broadcast area, you can still join the fun. Once the episode airs, it will be available for on-demand viewing anywhere in the state at klrn.org

Behind the Scenes
Led by Executive Producer Shari St. Clair, the crew visited ten iconic halls to capture the stories that make these venues community treasures. Host Jay Pennington even brushed up on his footwork with help from Erin Frazier, owner of Austin’s Blue Moon Dance Company, who schooled him in the Texas two-step.

TDHP in the Spotlight
Texas Dance Hall Preservation was honored to help tell these stories. TDHP Executive Director Jean Spivey, along with Board Members Laura Pishion and Bill Arnold, were interviewed to discuss the history and the vital mission of keeping these legendary halls alive.

Photos: TDHP Executive Director Jean Spivey, Blue Moon Dance Company owner Erin Frazier, KLRN Host Jay Pennington, Blue Moon Dance Company instructor Julie Wilmer. Then Jay practices the two step with Julie. 

 Your support fuels everything we do — from preservation grants to emergency assistance and advocacy across Texas.

Texas Dance Hall Preservation, Inc., PO Box 150068, Austin, TX 78715. Phone: 512-400-4315