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HISTORY
ARMADILLO WORLD HEADQUARTERS August 7, 1970- December 31, 1980
The Armadillo World Headquarters opened August 7, 1970 at 525-1/2 Barton Springs Road in a building that was previously a National Guard armory and later a roller rink. The name was inspired by Austin’s growing affection for and identification with the nine-banded armadillo, the seemingly whimsical, armored beast who makes his home in the Hill Country, a creature who had become popular as a recurring symbol in local artist Jim Franklin’s works. The official AWHQ website keeps the memories alive.
Founded
by Eddie Wilson, then manager of Shiva’s Head Band, Mike Tolleson, an entertainment
attorney, Bobby Hederman – previously associated with the Vulcan Gas Company (an
earlier Austin rock emporium), and Franklin (shown in the photo to the right-click it for
enlarged view) – the 'Dillo’s resident artist, the hall was initially financed
through meager contributions from Spencer Perskin of Shiva's Head Band and Mad Dog, Inc.,
a playful bunch of Austin’s "literati".
The AWHQ earned an
international reputation by presenting the widest available range of top national and
local talent to appreciative Austin audiences. Audiences got their first exposure to
numerous national and local acts at the ‘Dillo, where an intimate, engaging concert
experience was enjoyed by all.
AWHQ bookings boosted the careers of current superstars including Charlie Daniels, Bruce Springsteen, Emmy Lou Harris and Willie Nelson. Live albums by Commander Cody, Frank Zappa, Doug Sahm, Phil Woods and Bugs Henderson were recorded at the 'Dillo. Many local groups got their start performing at the hall. Photos of some classic concert posters from the Armadillo World Headquarters may be seen on the Posters page along with links to more about the AWHQ.
ARMADILLO CHRISTMAS BAZAAR December 17, 1976 - Present
The
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, first held in the Armadillo World Headquarters, was scheduled
to last for 2 days, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 17-18, 1976. It went so well it was extended
to Dec. 21, 22 and 23. The first poster for the Bazaar is shown at left (click it for
enlarged view). It was started as a means to expand AWHQ’s cultural outreach, to
ensure December cash flow. It gave local artists a warm, dry space and alternative selling
experience. Lucinda Williams suggested the market in Nov. 1974 as a way to get the artists
out of the bad weather on the Drag during the Christmas season.
From 1977-79, the Bazaar adopted the theme of the "Twelve Days of
Armadillo Christmas" and was held from Dec. 13-24. A waiting list of artists wanting
to get into the show became established by Jan. 1979. The Bazaar experienced 50% growth in
attendance each year, from 8,000 in 1977 to 12,000 in 1978 to 18,000 in 1979. In 1980, the
attendance grew to 27,000 and the AWHQ held its "Last Dance" concert on New
Year’s Eve, 1980. The beloved old hall was demolished in early 1981. One
After the loss of its original home, Bruce
Willenzik bought the rights to the show in 1981 and began his
odyssey as producer of the show, a task which he still performs 25 years later. Bruce took
the Bazaar to an unused Rylander’s grocery store in
Now in its 32nd year, the Armadillo
Christmas Bazaar is still a labor of love for its artists, musicians, staff and
management. It remains vibrant and contemporary. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers a
shopping experience that can only be found in
Join us in this year of transition as the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar begins to grow into its new location at the Austin Convention Center.
Paul Johnston has some interesting tales from the AWHQ
based on an interview with Bruce in November, 1998 and some excellent photos of the art
and music from the 1998 show at his website.
HOME • ARTISTS • MUSIC • ABOUT THE BAZAAR • HISTORY
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN • MAP & PARKING • SCENES
For questions or further information about
the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar,
please email the or call
512-447-1605 after 10AM.
Revised 12 September 2007.