Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a beloved music spot in Bakersfield, California, is now up for sale after 28 years.
Founded in 1996 by country music legend Buck Owens, this venue has been a hot spot for country music on the West Coast. Its recent closure announcement marks the end of an era for the local community and country music fans.
“We are proud of the legacy of the Crystal Palace… 28 years of the best of local and national entertainment, great food and thousands of special occasions,” stated the venue. “Since Buck’s passing in 2006, we’ve tried to maintain the excellence that he expected, even as it became more and more difficult during these challenging times of increasing food and labor costs.”
The statement continued, “A combination of this business climate and the wishes of the Owens family members to step back from the responsibilities of management requires finding new owners to utilize this beautiful venue. We know Buck would want us to thank the people of Bakersfield and fans from around the world for all of their support over the past 28 years.”
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Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace isn’t just a music venue— it includes a nightclub, bar, restaurant, and museum displaying items from Owens’ career. The whole place is designed to give the feel of an Old West town.
According to his official website, Owens, well-known for his roles in country music as a musician, singer, and band leader, realized a lifelong dream with the Crystal Palace. He aimed to create a place where country music artists could perform and connect with their fans. The venue quickly became a top destination for country music, earning awards such as the CMA and ACM Nightclub of the Year.
Owens and his band, the Buckaroos, were frequent performers at the venue. For Owens, the Crystal Palace offered a warm and intimate setting that reminded him of his early days in the industry.
As Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a legacy of musical history. Despite the impending closure, all upcoming events at the venue are continuing as planned, according to the venue’s statement.