Arlington Insider

Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue

224 N. Center St, Arlington 76011

(817) 266-4400; Toll Free (888) 544-2686

Known as “A Little Bit of Branson in Arlington,” Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue has been an Arlington Saturday night musical mainstay since 1994.  It’s a good, old-fashioned night of country music with a live band and a slate of talented 8 “regular” singers who perform each week, along with occasional guests.  The show was created in 1974 by singer/musician/songwriter Johnnie High who purchased the former Arlington movie theatre and converted it into the 1,200 seat Arlington Music Hall in 1994 as a permanent home for the music revue every Saturday night at 7:30pm.

The night I went, the regular cast performed a “Rock-n-Roll Night” featuring “Billboard Hits from 1962”, and was done in a revue style that mimicked the old Johnny Carson tv show, including a fake Johnny Carson and fake Ed McMahon.  An excellent 5-piece horn section was added for this performance.

The play list included songs by Elvis, Brenda Lee, The Beach Boys, Sam Cooke, Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline and many more.  Along with the Rock n Roll (He’s a Rebel, Duke of Earl, Twist & Shout) were some country standards like “Roses are Red” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You”.

The theatre was absolutely packed the night we went.  The folks sitting next to us were long-time patrons, a retired couple, who come at least once a month since Johnnie started the Revue in Grapevine back in 1974.  They told us that normally the theatre is not so crowded, but does attract lots of groups who arrive on buses.

The show was just over 2 hours in length and included an intermission of approximately 20-25 minutes.  The price for the special Rock n Roll show was $20, but prices for the other weeks are normally:  $16 main floor, $13 balcony, or $8 for children 11 and under. They do accept Visa & Mastercard.  Group discounts are available.  Parking is free.

The Revue definitely attracts an older demographic.  The vast majority of patrons (and people attending as groups) are retired and have been attending the show for many years.  The show is a traditional style with no fancy lights or lasers; just old-fashioned standards, mostly country music.   

You can buy tickets the evening of the performance at the box office, but it’s easier to call ahead and reserve your ticket, then pick it up at Will Call.

Adjacent to the foyer/box office is a large memorabilia room that can be used for group meetings.  The walls and display cabinets are full of photos and mementos of the Revue, Johnnie’s old guitars and costumes, and displays of stars that have appeared at Johnnie High’s over the years, including LeAnn Rimes, Gary Morris, Linda Davis, Lane Turner and Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys.

My favorite display was of superstar LeAnn Rimes who, over a 7 year period beginning at age 7, appeared in more than 400 performances of the revue.  Her original “audition card” includes a handwritten note that says “good stage presence” (she was only 7 yrs old!).

There is a concession stand in the memorabilia room, so you can buy refreshments before the show or during intermission.

For more info, go online to www.johnniehighcountry.com or call (817) 226 4400 or

Toll Free (888) 544 2686.