Traditional County, Western Swing, and a variety of other Americana music sounds are coming out of San Augustine these days with the opening of Ayish Hall. Named for the bayou that sits adjacent to the tin building, the venue was formed when local musicians Shane Mathews, Will Lewis and Sara Griffin of the western swing band, “The Sugar Moons” decided it was time to have a venue where live music had a face and location in San Augustine without having to travel.

Matthews said the response to Ayish Hall has been overwhelming. He said they’ve had over 3,000 Facebook likes in just over a month, and they had a full house on opening night March 29.

The surroundings inside the venue are all part of the atmosphere, as patrons sit on church pews and are surrounded by rustic artifacts. Mathews said the intention was to have the building similar to a well-known Texas Dance Hall out west--Gruene Hall.

Matthews said as the nights get warmer they’ll be able to open up the doors and let the music out onto the lawn. This month, Ayish Hall is having a Bayou Jazz Fest as the East Texas based New Orleans Style Jazz band, “Sabine River Brass”, will be playing this Saturday night at 7 p.m. There’s a $7 admission, and he said the evening will include crawfish.

Matthews added personal funding and some donations have gotten the doors open, and helped to build the stage. But, it’s all for the love of music and to provide a place for it in San Augustine.

Ayish Hall is located on West Columbia Street, just behind the Log Cabin in San Augustine.