While Houston might not have as many music venues as Austin, which has more than 250, Space City is still home to several older venues that have been around since the 30s.
Some beloved venues have closed their doors, including the beloved Fitzgerald’s, which opened in the late 70s and closed in 2018.
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But the Houston area from Conroe to Galveston has more than 60 venues, according to past Chronicle reports. These include stadiums, theaters and bars with space to hold live performances.
Only a few have been open for more than 20 years.
Here’s a list of five venues that have been open since before the early 2000s.
White Swan Live
One of the oldest venues is White Swan Live in East End, which opened its doors in 1937, giving space to many local musicians, according to the venue’s website.
Today, the venue typically hosts local punk and heavy metal bands, while also bringing some bands from other genres.
There are live performances throughout the week, with a couple of events on the schedule for the new year.
Address:Â 4419 Navigation Boulevard, Houston, TX 77011
Established:Â 1937
Last Concert Café
Elena “Mama” Aldrete Lopez opened Last Concert Café in the Warehouse District in 1949.
Some of the artists who have walked through its doors include big band legend Xavier Cugat, Houston rapper Devin the Dude and Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré. The venue has expanded over the years, increasing its capacity and improving the space to make for a better concert-going experience.
In April, the venue welcomed emerging artist Geordie Greep while he toured his debut album “The New Sound.”
Address:1403 Nance Street, Houston, TX 77002
Established:Â 1949
Numbers
First opening in 1978, Numbers in the Montrose area was a go-to spot for big names such as The Cure, R.E.M., Iggy Pop and the Pixies.
The venue originally opened as a gay disco at the height of Houston’s gay rights movement, according to the venue’s website. Houston rapper Fat Tony said he remembered seeing a young MF Doom there and opening up for the Wu-Tang Clan.
Today, the venue continues to offer dance-themed nights, special events and the occasional concert.
Address:Â 300 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
Established:1978
Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar
Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar first opened in the Heights as a bar that also sold guitar parts, according to the venue’s website.
Since then, the venue has welcomed big rock and roll names such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Billy Gibbons. After switching ownership in 2024, the venue has consistently featured live music from national and international performers.
The venue welcomed Houston’s The Suffers for a weekend performance in November.
Address:Â 1031 East 24th Street, Houston, TX 77009
Established:1988
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck opened in 1990 and has has been a spot for performers early in their career, including Old Crow Medicine Show, Okkervil River and Justin Townes Earle, plus established peformers such as J.J. Cale and Leon Redbone.
There is live music throughout the week, every week, from national and international performers.
Address:2425 Norfolk Street, Houston, TX 77098
Established:Â 1990
This article originally published at 5 Houston music venues that have been open for 35 years or longer.