Live Music in Texas

A tour of downtown Beaumont, Texas (vlog)

Published: May 16, 2024910 views

The video above is a solid look at what downtown Beaumont Texas has to offer, from its historic architecture and public art to its live music scene. Located about 90 miles east of Houston along I-10, Beaumont sits at one corner of what locals call the Golden Triangle, which also includes Port Arthur and Orange. Together, the metro area is home to nearly 400,000 people. The proximity to Louisiana means Cajun and creole culture runs deep here, and the whole region traces its growth back to the 1901 Spindletop oil boom. Today, Beaumont holds onto that history while keeping its downtown interesting with murals, sculptures, theaters, and a handful of spots where you can grab food and drinks.

What Is Crockett Street in Downtown Beaumont?

Crockett Street is a historic strip in the heart of downtown Beaumont that used to be part of a red light district. These days it has been redeveloped into a walkable stretch of restaurants and bars. The old buildings give it real character, and it is one of the more photogenic areas in town. Walking through, you will also spot public art scattered around, including a mural of Frank Robinson, the baseball legend who was born in Beaumont, and a bust of Joe Louis, the iconic boxer. It is the kind of area worth spending an hour exploring on foot before heading to a show.

What Live Music Venues Are in Beaumont Texas?

Beaumont has a few solid spots for catching live performances, ranging from intimate open mic nights to full-scale theater shows. Here are the venues highlighted in the video and worth knowing about:

  • Logon Cafe — A laid-back spot that hosts the longest-running open mic night in the Golden Triangle, hosted by Gary. It has a history of featuring Texas songwriters like Hayes Carll, and the hot dogs on open mic night are part of the experience. David Bridwell played a set here during his visit and found the crowd polite and genuinely supportive.
  • Jefferson Theatre — A beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Beaumont that hosts both theatrical productions and live music events.
  • Julie Rogers Theatre — Another downtown theater that serves as a performing arts venue for concerts, plays, and community events.

A Day Trip from Houston Worth Making

If you are based in Houston and looking for something different, the drive to Beaumont is straightforward and takes about an hour and a half on I-10. The downtown area is compact enough that you can walk around, check out the murals and architecture, grab a bite, and still make it to an evening open mic or show. The area also draws people in for fishing and deer hunting, so if you are into the outdoors, there is even more reason to make the trip. Beaumont does not always land on the typical Texas music radar, but it has a real scene with history behind it, and Logon Cafe alone is worth the drive if you time it right for open mic night.

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