UPDATED: Dallas past could become present should Big D Jamboree return in 2009

by Erin Rice

UPDATE: After publishing this article, we were notified that a dispute arose regarding use of the name "Big D Jamboree." At the moment the organizers are unsure whether the event will be titled as such.

A vital piece of Dallas country, rockabilly, etc. history might make a comeback later this year. The Big D Jamboree, an historic Grand Ole Opry-esque show that met its demise in 1966, has promised a revival that, should it come to fruition, would bring back a classic stage and radio show.

Behind the return is Jan Hupfauer, CEO and President of Big D Jamboree, LLC. Hupfauer's interest in the event stems back to her childhood when she would attend Jamborees. Additionally, her daughter's godmother was once a traveling musician who performed at Big D. But it wasn't until recently that she was inspired to bring the event back.

"In 2008, PBS presented a segment on the history of Big D Jamboree, which brought it all back to me," Hupfauer recalls.  "Thus, the incentive to bring back Big D as a new, yet historic, venue for entertainers to perform, to bring others together in music appreciation, and perhaps 'catch a rising star.'"

But as they're being worked out, the details are few and far between. The original Jamboree was held in the Dallas Sportatorium, a dual professional wrestling arena and live music venue, which itself was razed in 2003. According to Hupfauer, "various sites are currently being looked at for the venue," as the upcoming incarnation is still early in the development phases.

The forthcoming Big D's only marketable presence at the moment is an official website and a MySpace page. Thus far no concerts have been booked and an empty calendar simply proclaims, "Coming 2009."

The original event, which ran in one form or another from 1946 to 1966, featured some of the biggest talent in country and rockabilly music including Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Willie Nelson, Hank Locklin, Carl Perkins and a then very young Elvis Presley, who was reportedly starstruck by the wrestlers who called the Sportatorium home. In keeping with the standard of showcasing not only regional talent, but larger national acts, both websites profess an intention to bring "some of the greatest stars in country music!" Meanwhile a star-studded "Top Friends" list on MySpace indicates, at the very least, an early attempt to get the rhinestones rolling.

Tip o' the hat to Mellow's Log Cabin