The old Border Theatre in downtown Mission has been reborn. Owners Joseph and Erma Ramientos are now hosting live performances at the old theater, attracting hundreds of Winter Texans.

The Border Theatre Big Band Show performs live every Tuesday at 6 p.m. and the price is right – free. Last week over 275 Winter Texans packed the theatre for Tuesday’s show.

The band performs all the old time favorites, such as “Embraceable You” and “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey.” As Winter Texans left the theater after the Big Band Show, many of them expressed great appreciation for the show.

“Oh my gosh, it’s fantastic! We love it!” said Betty Roark, a Winter Texan from Missouri who is staying at Wagon City North in Mission.

Another Winter Texan woman said, “This is my first time to come, and I’m coming back!”

Dozens of professional entertainers come to the Valley to perform for Winter Texans, often in the recreation halls at the RV resorts. Many of those performers have found the Border Theatre to be an excellent venue with great acoustics and an expanded stage area. Joseph and Erma have even removed several rows of the old theater seats in front to of the stage to create a dance floor where many Winter Texans dance to the big band music every Tuesday.

Joy Norris and the Sunshine and Brass Band performed at the theater last week.

Goldwing Express has been putting on a series of shows at the Border this month by reservation. For information on group sales, call 417-294-0466.

The Punches Family bluegrass band will perform with the Martin Family at the Border Theatre at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20. Admission is $10.

For information on more shows coming to the Border Theatre, call 956-605-1811 or 956-369-3603.

Go to our Winter Texans photo gallery for more pictures.