Author Archives: Brittany Fietsam

Every third Monday of the month at 7:30pm, the Fayette County Country Music Club holds their very own Country Music Opry at the La Grange Knights of Columbus Hall. A house band of local musicians play each month along with the occasional out of town musicians who stop by to play for publicity and experience in front of a crowd of about 300 to 400 people.

Even though the set up is nothing fancy, the musicians that play are usually not very established, and the average age of the people who come to watch is probably around 65, the Fayette County Country Music Club Opry was a big part of my childhood days. Because my dad and grandpa are a part of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic charity fraternity, they would often have to work during the opry. I can remember as early as age three or four watching the musicians sing old country songs, from Hank Williams to Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton. I can probably sing almost any traditional country song that is thrown at me word for word, and I have the opry to thank for my impressive skills.

When I was younger, I remember my older brother, Chase, and I giving my mom the hardest time about going and after dragging us there, we were always more interested in playing “wall ball” and eating hamburgers in the back room than sitting with all the “old people” and listening to “ancient country music.” We stopped going to the opry with my parents when Chase got into middle school and they trusted us to stay home alone for a few hours by ourselves. The last time I attended was probably my sophomore year in high school to watch my friend, Briana Adams, play.

I recently thought about the Fayette County Country Music Club Opry when considering what to blog about. I got really excited about the opry because it is actually perfect for this class. When I called my mom to see if it was something that still went on, she was surprised about my new interest in it.  Looking back now I wish my juvenile self had realized how cool it actually is that little La Grange puts on the Fayette County Country Music Club Opry (at the point in my life where this tends to be happening more and more). I plan on going to check it out again soon, which I know will make my grandma happy, and I am not ashamed to say I am truly excited to hear some good traditional country music!

I wanted to share some footage from the opry, so I found some videos on YouTube. The videos are a few years old, but I feel they give a good sense of what the Fayette County Country Opry is like! Also, you should check out my friend Briana Adams! She’s so talented and definitely has a very traditional country feel!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY2vGxR7QCo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMs-lCzjbvY#t=571

If you ever find yourself lost in Fayette County, Texas, on a Wednesday night during the summer or any weekend throughout the year, and you’re not afraid of a little sweat, there is one place you don’t want to miss out on! Located in between the back roads of two small Texas towns, La Grange and Schulenburg, lies an even smaller community known as Swiss Alp. This little community that is so easily missed holds the best little dancehall in Texas, Swiss Alp Dance Hall.

Swiss Alp Dance Hall

Swiss Alp Dance Hall was built in the early 1900s and has been the place to go for young adults that live in surrounding towns since then. However, the dance hall is not limited to just young adults. During a show, you will find people of all ages two-steppin’ the night away. Swiss Alp Dance Hall mostly hosts Texas country artists, such as Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager and Aaron Watson, as well as more local artists such as the Emotions.

No matter who is playing, you can expect a good time with great people and a little sweat. This cute little tin-roof dancehall has no air conditioning, only large windows that are opened for shows and big portable fans, so it can get a little toasty on a crowded night.

Inside Swiss Alp Dance Hall

Swiss Alp Dance Hall holds a lot of priceless memories of mine, and when I say this, I confidently know that I am not alone. The hall is not just any old dance hall to the people who live nearby, but a place that their parents and grandparents grew up two stepping in as well. I have a couple of friends whose parents actually met at a dance in Swiss Alp! The place is magical, there’s just not a better way to describe it. The rich history along with the good country music creates an atmosphere that cannot be duplicated.

The official website for Swiss Alp Dance Hall is http://www.swissalptexas.com/home.html. Although I am not a fan of their website because I do not feel it captures the true country vibe you get from Swiss Alp, it is the most reliable place to find a schedule for upcoming shows. You can also learn a little more about the venue from it.

To get a better feel for Swiss Alp, here is a good link: https://www.facebook.com/search/199661610075091/photos-in. This link will take you to a Facebook page of photos taken and uploaded by Facebook users who were at Swiss Alp Dance Hall.

Swiss Alp Dance Hall On a Summer Night

I would love to hear about your experience at Swiss Alp Dance Hall or just what you think about it! Comment below!