ION INDIE MAGAZINE November 2015, Volume 18 | Page 90

On The

VENUE

MENU
By Kiki Plesha

Longview, Texas
We’ve all walked into a building and could FEEL
the history—where the walls appear to exhale a
snapshot of days gone by. Such is the case of
The REO Palm Isle in Longview, Texas. I have
passed through those doors…or should I say
“sauntered”? For this is Texas, y’all--where the
pace is slower and the locals take their
entertainment as seriously as they do their
bluebells and barbeque. And when you
mention “Country music” in Texas—them is
fightin’ words--if it ain’t done RIGHT. The REO
PALM ISLE does Country RIGHT.
And why wouldn’t they? When you look at the prestigious roster of legends that have
graced the expansive stage at the REO, it becomes a “Who’s Who” of Country
music…ELVIS PRESLEY, WAYLON JENNINGS, JERRY LEE LEWIS, HANK WILLIAMS JR.,
WILLIE NELSON, LORETTA LYNN and LEE GREENWOOD (to name a few). I rest my case.
Opening its doors in the 1935, the REO has served this Texas community for decades. And
like most things…with age comes wisdom. The historic business has seen its changes over
the years—in both name and ownership. But sometimes, one must go back to their roots
and adapt that old saying, “If it ain’t broke…don’t fix it.” The REO is reborn…and is
embracing its past, while looking to the future.
The occasion for my visit to the Lone Star State was in my job capacity as Director of Public
Relations/Talent Agent for T&T Management and Booking Agency—the “other” tiara I
wear (in addition to being Editor of a certain magazine). One of our clients, Country artist
ASHLEY WINELAND, was headlining at the REO on October 23. Thus, CEO of T&T, TONY
SALDANO, and myself grabbed a flight from Atlanta to Dallas. We then hitched a ride with
the Wineland Motor Home and high-tailed it to Longview. The venue could not have been
more accommodating…the people warm and welcoming…and the music was worthy of a
Texas-sized “Yee Haw!” The REO Palm Isle located at 4716 W Loop 281, Longview, Texas,
75604. You can phone them at 903-212-5678. Learn more information about this
legendary venue at:

www.reopalmisle.com