Carlton Scales, a former big-band leader, started the Aviatrix Ballroom on Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas, in 1939. The venue drew such performers as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Jimmy Dorsey. Sadly, the Aviatrix closed in 1988 after business dwindled for years.
Now the Amarillo Globe-News (free registration required) reports that Scales’ daughter, Maggie, 49, has revived the spirit of the Aviatrix by opening a live music venue at Scales Strings & Things at 805 S. Polk St. in Amarillo, which is two blocks south of old 66.
It will be a smoke-free venue where people can bring their own alcohol. However, Scales says that on nights the venue is promoting young bands, itwill go alcohol-free. She figures the live-music room will be open on Friday and Saturday nights, with maybe a few Thursdays.