The Palomino, a poignant documentary about a hidden gem in the country music scene, is set to premiere at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater in Nashville on April 25, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Following the screening, attendees can engage in a panel discussion featuring cast members and filmmakers. Tickets are already on sale at countrymusichalloffame.org.
Directed by the talented Adrienne Isom and penned by KP Hawthorn, this film dives deep into the rich history of The Palomino Club, a neon-lit honkytonk located on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. Operating from 1949 until its closure in 1995, this iconic venue welcomed legendary musicians including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and many more. It was a stage where the West Coast’s rebels and outlaws of country music made their mark, playing a crucial role in defining the evolution of American roots music.
“We didn’t set out to make this film,” Isom reflected. “Instead, the story found us. Creating this movie has been a journey of a lifetime.” The production process spanned an impressive seven and a half years, encompassing extensive research that included unseen archival footage, candid personal anecdotes, and in-depth interviews with artists, historians, and history-makers who lived through those transformative years.
The documentary showcases appearances from notable artists such as Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Dave Alvin, John Jorgenson, and Chris Shiflett, among others. To bring the film to life, the editorial team features the skills of Emmy Award and ACE Award-winning editor Damian Rodriguez. It was produced by Mule Kick Productions, a female-owned company based in L.A. and Nashville, which has been instrumental in championing The Palomino’s legacy since they revived the venue for a one-night event in 2018.
This documentary is not just a film; it’s a tribute to American music history, preserving the legacy of a venue that influenced countless artists and shaped the sounds of generations. The Palomino Club deserves recognition, and this documentary promises to be a significant source of insight and nostalgia for music lovers everywhere.
