HomeMy WebLinkAboutBryan theater restoration, newspaper clipping, (05/03/1995)Bryan theater to be restored to former glory
By DAVID HOWELL
Eagle staff writer
For decades, it was known as the Dixie
Theatre, one of Brazos County's oldest
venues. Then, just a few years ago, new
owners renamed it the Stafford Opera
House.
It seems the traditionalists have won
this battle.
Under the stewardship of John
Williams and Willie Bennett, the old the-
ater at 106 Main St. will be returned to its
former glory — and its old name.
Williams said he'll spend about $30,000
on remodeling, sound equipment, addi-
tional seating, air conditioning and a
liquor license. "It seemed like a shame to
take the first theater ever built and
change its name," Williams said. "The
name lends history to the building and
the town."
In years gone by, the 330 -capacity
venue played host to famous acts includ-
Please see THEATER, page A5
Eagle photo/Dave McDermand
John Williams, (left) and Willie Bennet show off the Dixie Theatre in the middle of the restoration process.
he's going to stick to what he
Theater
believes is an already winning
formula.
Basically, we're going to do
From Al
about the same thing as we did
"It
with the 3rd Floor," he said.
seemed to work before."
The Tulsa, Okla. native bought
ing Jimmy Cliff, Michelle
the 3rd Floor Cantina from the
Shocked and, more recently, Gin
Palomares brothers last August.
Blossoms.
He hired Bennett, 47, to be his
Now, both men hope it'll
general manager.
become a premier music place
Williams is leasing the Dixie
again.
"We're going to book a lot of
Theater for two years from
Ronnie Monroe, the building's
rock 'n' roll, reggae and country
owner.
performers," Bennett said. "It'll
be a contrast to the 3rd Floor."
Williams and Bennett respec-
tively own and mp nage the 3rd
Floor Cantina, just across the
street from their new venture.
They envisage their new club
appealing to students, while the
3rd Floor continues to play its
eclectic mix of blues, jazz, R&B
and country rock.
The Dixie Theatre will offi-
cially reopen June 1. Sunset
Heights, Killer Bees and Rusty
Vier and other bands are sched-
uled to play in the first month.
Williams, 41, said the rundown
building will be renovated, but