To quote Waylon Jennings, “the honky tonks of Texas were my natural second home…” and that is where I found the open arms of a universe the rest of the world seemed to have left behind. Traditional honkytonk music in the same vein as Hank Williams and Johnny Horton was still being played in rundown little beer joints by dedicated musicians, both newcomers with a passion, and the slowly disappearing crop of older musicians who were once stars in their day. Along with the music came the people who listened, danced, drank, and lived the same lifestyle, as if time had stood still. The honkytonk music and bar scene doesn’t change much wherever you go, whether its the Little Longhorn Saloon in Austin, Texas, or Skinny Dennis in Brooklyn, but it does fly under the radar of the regular world, and that is what I wanted to document when I started capturing it. These were all shot on film on vintage cameras and flashbulbs, which I feel contributes to the timeless feel of the images.

– Chad Schaefer

This is my first ever solo show, consisting of ten selected photographs from 2007-2018, taken in Austin, Texas, and New York City.

Dim Lights, Thick Smoke, & Loud, Loud Music
photographs by Chad Schaefer
May 8-June 1, 2019
Opening reception Tuesday May 7, 2019
6-8pm

Soho Photo Gallery
15 White Street
New York, NY 10013

Photos include images of musicians
Roger Wallace
Brad Fordham
Teri Joyce and the Tagalongs
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
Shannon Marino
Seth Kessel
Bear McCreadie
Suzette Sundae & the Lovelifes

and were taken at
Otto’s Shrunken Head
The Little Longhorn Saloon
The White Horse
Skinny Dennis
The Poodle Dog Lounge
Diviera Drive

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks and love to all the musicians and venues who have filled my world with this amazing music and made all this possible.