AUSTIN, Texas – While everyone was waiting for the Garth Brooks free SXSW concert Saturday night, the country singer had yet another surprise up his sleeve.
Brooks made a surprise appearance at Austin's legendary Broken Spoke dance hall Friday night.
KVUE News talked to James White, the owner of Broken Spoke, who said the plan was hatched about a week ago and everyone was sworn to secrecy.
White stepped to the microphone Friday night and told the crowd of about 500 that there would be a "special guest" performing. Then at roughly 11 p.m. he welcomed Brooks to the stage. Brooks performed to the packed house for about 45 minutes.
"It's a heartfelt thing to be that close to someone like Garth Brooks," said White.
Local author and photographer Donna Marie Miller captured the show and provided KVUE with footage. Miller plans on holding a launch party for her upcoming book, "The Broken Spoke: Austin's Legendary Honky-Tonk" at the legendary Austin bar at 6 p.m. on April 22.
At the end of the performance, Brooks had one more surprise. He turned to the 78-year-old bar owner and handed him something he’ll cherish for the rest of his life … the very guitar that Garth Brooks played on Friday night.
"It was a really electrifying moment," said White. "I always have a good time, but it's times like this that really keep me rolling." White added, “I've been here 52 years and nobody's given me a guitar like that. But, there's a first time for everything."
A performance and a gift he'll always remember. That night Garth Brooks showed up and stunned 500 people at Austin’s Broken Spoke.
