If your taste in an evening out includes live music, Victoria, Texas has much to offer, whether you prefer an evening at the symphony or a two-step around the dance floor.
When it comes to music of the high class variety, Victoria is home to two fine institutions: The Victoria Bach Festival and the Victoria Symphony.
The Victoria Bach Festival schedules several local concerts at locations around the city each summer. Many of the events are free to the public. Show locations include local churches and the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts. The festival has been going strong since 1976.
The Victoria Symphony Society offers concerts throughout the year, such as the Symphonic Spooktacular in October; and Downtown Rhythms, celebrating pop, jazz and movie favorites, in the spring. Throughout the year, the organization brings in great performers from around the world. The organization also regularly presents educational programs. The 2010-2011 season will be the 30th for the organization.
If you prefer an evening with more boots than bow ties, just up the road is Schroeder Hall, the second oldest dance hall in Texas. The hall offers live music and a huge dance floor every Saturday night, and many Friday nights. The atmosphere is family friendly.
If you don’t feel like dancing, several area restaurants offer music and dining. Greek Brothers features live musicians every Thursday night on their outdoor patio. The historic Rosebud Fountain & Grill provides a more intimate venue during the weekends. You also might want to check out the Downtown Bar & Grill, which regularly hosts local bands. The Hardback Café inside of Hastings Books, Music & Video and Colony Creek also frequently hold open mic nights where rising young starts hone their performing skills.
And then there’s my number one choice. If you were to ask me what my favorite social event was, I would have to say, “Give me live music under the Texas stars.” Wait, elevate that one level….dancing under the Texas stars. Lu Raq’s is a unique establishment. While functioning as a full service restaurant indoors, it also provides a bandstand and dance floor outdoors. Many local performers can be found here and occasionally some heavy hitters such as Rotel & The Hot Tomatoes.
Victoria is a town that loves live music. Jam sessions, impromptu concerts and one-night-only events spring up from time-to-time. Just ask around, and you can easily get plugged into the local scene.