Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a legendary country music venue in Bakersfield, California, is closing its doors after 28 years. The venue, owned by the Buck Owens Private Foundation, was a staple of the country music scene, hosting top acts and up-and-coming artists alike. The decision to close comes due to a “challenging business climate” and the Owens family’s desire to step back from management.

A Legacy of Country Music

Buck Owens opened the Crystal Palace in 1996 as a place where artists could perform in an intimate setting, similar to the mid-sized venues he and his band, The Buckaroos, used to play. Over the years, the venue welcomed iconic country stars like George Jones, Dwight Yoakam, and Willie Nelson, as well as more contemporary acts like Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson. The Crystal Palace also housed a museum dedicated to Buck Owens’ career and a restaurant serving classic American fare.

The End of an Era

The closure marks the end of an era for country music in Bakersfield, with many fans expressing sadness and nostalgia for the venue. Jim Shaw, managing director of the Buck Owens Foundation and former member of The Buckaroos, reflected on the venue’s history and the challenges it faced. “We brainstormed about it for years when we traveled,” Shaw said, recalling Buck Owens’ vision for the Crystal Palace. “Buck said, ‘Someday, I’m going to build a place like that. We won’t have to travel, they can come to me.'”

Challenges Facing the Venue

The Crystal Palace faced significant challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the venue to limit its schedule and rely on grants to stay afloat. Shaw cited declining attendance and revenue as major factors in the decision to close. “People just aren’t spending as much money,” he explained. “Discretionary income isn’t there for people.”

A Hope for the Future

Despite the closure, the Owens family hopes that a new owner will step forward to continue the Crystal Palace’s legacy. The venue has been listed for sale for $7.5 million, but so far, no buyer has been found. As the news of the closure spreads, fans are expressing their gratitude for the memories they’ve made at the Crystal Palace and hoping that the venue will be preserved.

Remembering Buck Owens

Buck Owens was a country music legend who called Bakersfield home. He passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on through the Crystal Palace and his music. As the venue closes its doors, fans are remembering the impact it had on country music and the memories they made within its walls. “We know Buck would want us to thank the people of Bakersfield and fans from around the world for all of the support over the past years,” the Owens family said in a statement. “We will miss you all” ¹ ².