For more than 28 years, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield has been a shining beacon for country music lovers, drawing in fans from across California and beyond.
Known as both a restaurant and a music venue, it has been a place where rising stars and legendary performers alike could share the stage.
But this week, the iconic venue announced it would be closing permanently, marking the end of an era.
The Owens Family Steps Back
The closure comes as the Owens family decided to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities of running the business.
“Now, a challenging business plus the wishes of the Owens family members to step back from the responsibilities of management require finally shutting the doors,” the family said in a statement shared with KBAK News.
They expressed hope that new owners might continue the venue’s legacy.
A Star-Studded History
Spanning 21,000 square feet on Buck Owens Boulevard, the Crystal Palace has long been called the “Mecca of country music.”
Jim Shaw, 78, director of the Buck Owens Private Foundation, highlighted the venue’s remarkable history.
“Almost three decades of probably one of the more famous venues in the world for country music.
The Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, basically everybody came there,” he told KERO News.
On the Market but Still Unsold
Despite its fame and 600-person capacity, the venue has quietly been for sale for 13 months, with an asking price of $7.5 million.
Shaw shared with SFGate that they would be generous with the right buyer who wants to preserve its legacy.
The Crystal Palace’s story began in 1996 when Buck Owens, an influential country musician, opened it as a combination of restaurant, concert hall, and museum celebrating his career.
Launching the Careers of Superstars
Over the years, the Crystal Palace became a launching pad for future stars.
Taylor Swift, for example, performed there at just 16 years old in 2006 with her mother by her side, long before global fame.
In a memorable 2005 moment, Garth Brooks proposed to Trisha Yearwood on stage during a ceremony unveiling bronze statues of country legends.
Memories of Buck Owens’ Final Performances
The venue thrived in its early years with Buck Owens and his band, The Buckaroos, performing regularly.
Legendary names like George Jones and Willie Nelson often dropped by for impromptu jams.
Owens himself played his last show on March 24, 2006, just a night before his death, despite not feeling well.
Shaw recalled, “He thought, ‘Oh crap,’ turned around and played the night,” leaving fans with one last unforgettable memory.
Gradual Decline Over the Years
Shaw explained that the Crystal Palace’s decline was gradual, tied to the challenges of running a music venue and an aging management team.
“This starts off very depressing for us, very bittersweet…just to be so proud of 28+ years, that’s a big deal,” he told KERO.
Many of the staff, including Shaw himself, are now in their mid to late 70s, making daily operations increasingly difficult.
Fans and Musicians Rally for Preservation
Even as the property remains on the market, fans and performers hope for a new owner passionate about music.
Rock and country musician Monty Byrom urged action from the California State Assembly to help preserve the venue, calling on anyone to “buy the Palace.”
Sadly, the Crystal Palace’s closure mirrors a larger trend of midsized country music venues struggling in an industry dominated by large arenas.
Closing a Chapter in Bakersfield
The Owens family officially announced the closure on Monday, noting that the final show had occurred just two days earlier.
Their statement paid tribute to the 28 years of entertainment, food, and community memories the venue provided.
“Although Buck left us in 2006, we continued to maintain the excellence that he expected, striving to carry out his dream,” the family said.
They also expressed heartfelt thanks to fans from Bakersfield and around the world.
The Legacy Lives On
Though the Crystal Palace will no longer host live shows, its impact on country music and the community of Bakersfield will be remembered for decades.
Fans and musicians alike are left hoping that someone will step in to continue Buck Owens’ vision and keep the magic alive.