 "Photo: Buddy Burkhalter")
The only remaining Drag dive bar and one of Austin's oldest local music mainstays, Hole in the Wall, turns 34 this week and is celebrating with a weekend of free shows.
The small bar, located across the street from the Jesse H. Jones Communications Center on Guadalupe Street, has featured live, mostly local bands most nights of the week since it came under new ownership in February.
One of the longest-standing businesses on the Drag, the venue has seen many changes in its three-decade tenure and has survived several changes in management, openings and closings, and new business regulations, such as a smoking ban. But it remains one of the most popular local music venues in the area, with a large base of regular customers, said its general manager, 24-year-old Nathan Hill.
"The atmosphere is what brings people in," Hill said. "We have a wide scope in music, from country to punk to jazz, and the drinks are cheaper than most other places."
The bar was temporarily closedin 2002 then bought out by Austin's Pizza the same year. Hill said that under corporate ownership, it lost its Austin character and stopped housing as many live shows.
Hole in the Wall's new owner Will Tanner, who took over the bar in February, said he plans to renovate the patio to bring back some of its old-time character.
"I think people have an aversion to old businesses being owned by corporations," Hill said. "Everybody wants an original Austin place to have its own twist."
Many remember Hole in the Wall for its big-name shows and quirky nature before it was shut down but still relish it as a place where youthfulness is prevalent.
"I like that it's a young place," said guitarist Brandon Turner, who has played at the bar with his band for two years. "It's a college-area bar, and there are typically a lot of good bands that play there."
Turner said he has been playing shows at the Hole in the Wall for two years and that Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson have played there.
"Spoon did some of their first shows here. Townes Van Zandt used to play here and drink here," Hill said. "Townes Van Zandt used to sit around waiting for us to open, get drunk and get kicked out."
Thursday night's show featured Haunting Oboe Music with Red Monroe and Frank Smith. Tonight's features Pataphysics, Silver Pines and the Cari and Jason Band. The anniversary celebration concludes on Saturday with Chris Bretch, Leatherbag and the Archibalds.
