Galveston's historic "Balinese Room" is no more. :(

[Bluebear]

http://www.balineseroom.net/

"The legendary Balinese Room nightclub in Galveston has been restored and reopened, after nearly twenty years of neglect and vacancy. The historic night club (formerly a plush gambling casino and show venue featuring Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Jack Benny and all the stars of the 40's and 50's) is located 600 feet into the Gulf on a pier at 21st Street (across from the Galvez Hotel on Seawall Blvd.)

The Balinese Room was fabulous: air conditioning, casino gambling, superb food and drinks, and stellar entertainment. The Maceos booked top stars at the Balinese Room. Headliners included Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Duke Ellington, Mel Torme, Jayne Mansfield and Gene Autry. Also appearing were Sophie Tucker, Joe E. Lewis, the Ritz Brothers, Peggy Lee, Marjorie Reynolds, Phil Harris, Guy Lombardo, Ted Mack, and Jimmy Dorsey. ZZ Top wrote the famous song “Balinese” in 1973: “And everybody knows, it was down at the Balinese.”

[Paladin]

1. Now That's A True Shame

What a lovely, seedy old landmark, dating from the era when Galveston was a true hot spot. And the Maceos---Texas' favorite mobbed-up family. Really sorry to hear this.....

[Bluebear]

2. I have a soft spot for seedy forgotten bits of Americana

Depressing as they are sometimes, their demise symbolizes an era or time being chipped away.