The idea behind Big Texas Dance Hall and Saloon is simple: to provide music, drinks and a place for country music lovers to socialize and dance, co-owner John Savage said.

Savage said he began listening to country music during his time in the U.S. Navy because it reminded him of his home in Texas.

Savage returned to the Champion Forest neighborhood in Spring in 1994 and began tending bar at Midnight Rodeo on Holzwarth Road where a partnership with general manager Rick Garza developed, and in 2004 they opened Big Texas Dance Hall and Saloon in Clear Lake.

The Spring location opened in 2005 in the same venue that had previously housed Midnight Rodeo.

“It is dear to my heart because it was the place where I had gotten into the business,” Savage said.

Operations Manager Chris Chelli said the themes in the music reflect the essence of Texas lifestyles.

“A lot of Texas country songs are about road trips, friendships and relationships,” Chelli said. “If this is about ‘Big Texas,’ we’re a medium for people to get that.”

Performances by popular country musicians Jon Wolfe, Stoney LaRue, Kyle Park and Whiskey Myers are planned this fall at the venue.

Live performances, when scheduled, are held on Fridays. Thursday is karaoke night. Country dancing instruction is offered Wednesdays and Thursdays. Lessons are free for beginners and $5 for more advanced students, Savage said.

Savage said he wanted to make the location comfortable for people who do not know the dances and partnered with several instructors to offer dance lessons for beginners in the two-step, polka, swing and waltz.

“I’ve always wanted to provide a place for people [where] they feel safe and have a good time,” Savage said.

Events at Big Texas

  • Wednesday Ladies Night, free admission for women. Free beginner’s dance lessons in two-step, polka and waltz.
  • Thursday Karaoke night, West Coast swing dance lessons. Free admission and free pool all night.
  • Friday Concerts or drink specials, free admission before 8 p.m.
  • Saturday DJ dance night, free admission before 9 p.m.