Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend Of The Broken Spoke

The documentary film "Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of The Broken Spoke" transports us back in time to the heyday of classic country music and presents us with the intimate rhythm and blues of the famous Broken Spoke in Austin, Texas. Screened in 2016, this compelling piece is brought to life by the vibrant performances of Alvin Crow, Jesse Dayton, and James Hand, among others.

The spine of the film revolves around the legendary Broken Spoke, Austin's last traditional country music dance hall, founded by James and Annetta White more than fifty years ago. It quickly became a haven for those who enjoyed good old toe-tapping country music and was touted as 'honky-tonk heaven'. The film shines a spotlight on both the establishment and the soul of the place—the people who breathed life into it.

Alvin Crow is one of the artists profiled in this excellent documentary. Crow has been a standard-bearer for traditional country music for decades and has performed with legends like George Strait, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Willie Nelson. In the film, Crow shines a light on the Broken Spoke's heyday and the stuff that honky-tonk dreams are made of. His lively performances help illustrate the essence and allure of this cherished country music institution.

Similarly, the multi-talented Jesse Dayton plays a crucial role. Not only a renowned country musician, but Dayton has also directed films and gained significant attention in the Americana music scene. The film shows how Dayton's high-energy performances and commanding stage presence contributed significantly to the enduring mystique of the Broken Spoke. You feel the tenderness and honesty in his music – the essence of traditional country – and can clearly see what makes him, and thus, this country music institution, so unique and lasting.

James Hand, a compelling underdog in the world of country music, is the third celebrated personality featured. A fan-favorite, he maintained his authentic style, consistently delivering powerful performances full of raw emotion that encapsulates the spirit of Broken Spoke.

While focusing on the lives of the legendary trio, the filmmakers didn't miss out on showing us other vibrant aspects of the Broken Spoke. The irreplaceable role of the owners, James and Annetta White, is highlighted, illustrating how their love for traditional country music turned their dance hall into a cultural prodigy. The film explores the deep dedication they pour into ensuring the Broken Spoke remains a beacon for passionate country music lovers.

The film also provides an important commentary on the rapidly changing face of Austin and its cultural landscape. This is skillfully encapsulated through the lens of the constant threat to the venerable institution's existence due to Austin's growth and gentrification. The high-rise apartment complexes emerging in the backdrop of the Broken Spoke presents an unsettling contrast, questioning the future of a historic music establishment in a rapidly evolving city.

However, the documentary isn't all melancholic musings over a bygone era. It is an uplifting and celebratory homage to honky-tonk music and the dancing and camaraderie it engenders. Audiences get treated to country music's rich legacy, with unforgettable performances by living legends and thrilling glimpses of a classic Texas two-step in action.

"Honky Tonk Heaven: Legend of The Broken Spoke" welcomes viewers to the resilient world of traditional country music, a world on the brink of disappearance, captured with heartfelt honesty. It is a tribute to the foot-tapping, heart-wrenching, and timeless country music that the Broken Spoke has housed over the years.

This film is more than just a story about a music dance hall; it's a collection of tales about real people with real passion— for traditional country music, for the magic of dance, and for preserving a slice of Americana. Its charm lies in weaving these tales together to form a colorful tapestry that portrays the ever-resilient spirit of honky-tonk music and the quintessential part it continues to play in the heartland of Austin, Texas. Whether you're a country music veteran or a curious newcomer, this film is bound to leave you feeling a bit nostalgic, a bit hopeful, and a whole lot more informed about 'honky-tonk heaven.'