Noted author and speaker Mike Robertson’s favorite sense isn’t sight or hearing…it’s wonder. He’s devoted his life to finding less-traveled roads, boxes to think outside of, and inspiration in the most unlikely places.
During COVID, that’s exactly what he did—traversing the state of Texas, photographing old movie theaters. Although he initially set out to “drive a road I haven’t been on before” within a few miles from his Austin home, what he found were dozens of fascinating buildings, eventually growing to more than 250 in every corner of the state.
He also found a disappearing heritage, in cities of all sizes. But he also encountered historic theaters in places like Spur, where dynamic local groups or private owners are finding ways to keep their cinema treasures alive.
“Seeing (all those) theaters, some aare beauties, some are heartbreaking. Many are no longer there. That’s why I’m so thrilled that communities like Spur are showing an interest in their hsitory,” Robertson said when he first visited Spur in 2021.
Finding such an attention- getting theater in an unexpected place, Robertson was intrigued to return and attend a live event at the Palace with his wife, the following year.
Now, Robertson is taking his own hit show in the road, with a presentation aimed at encouraging the audience to think about these icons of Texas downtowns, and how they’re being used.
Catch him at the Palace Saturday evening March 4, at 7 p.m. for a family-friendly show and community conversation. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
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