The city of Dallas has a vibrant music scene that hosts well-known musicians alongside many local favorites. With plenty of music venues and lots of local talent around town, Dallas music venues have served as the starting point for many famous musicians. Here are some venues to note:
Gypsy Tea Room
This favorite spot in the Deep Ellum neighborhood is now closed, but it’s still one of the most memorable Dallas music venues among local music lovers. The Roots, The Strokes, DJ Shadow, and Supergrass are just some of the acts that performed at the Gypsy Tea Room. It was also here that the Eli Young Band got their big break. The band was invited to open for Miranda Lambert, and that show is what many critics say marked their climb to superstardom. The country music band has gone on to produce three #1 singles on the Billboard country music chart.
Boiler Room
The Old 97’s have remained a Dallas favorite as they moved from dive bars in Deep Ellum to become a nationally recognized alternative country group with an impressive fan base. Some music critics even credit them with placing Dallas on the alternative country radar. They began playing in local bars in the early 1990s, but the Boiler Room holds the title as the place where the Old 97’s got their start. This Deep Ellum musical institution continues to thrive, attracting national touring acts as well as local groups. There’s no specific genre here – hard rock, country, hip hop, and metal all find a place at the Boiler Room.
Double Wide
A trailer park theme, which includes a silver tornado on the roof and loads of kitschy decor, makes this Deep Ellum bar stand out among other Dallas music venues. Double Wide applies its theme to everything from the drink menu to its website, while still remaining serious about the music. It hosts live music seven nights a week usually, and all the shows are strictly for fans ages 21 or older. John Congleton is especially well-known on the Dallas music scene, and it was here that his band, the Nighty Nite, debuted. The Paper Chase was Congleton’s previous band, and some aspects remain the same in Nighty Nite. Allowing Nighty Nite to get its start at Double Wide was important in presenting his latest band to the Dallas music scene.
Adair’s Saloon
Deep Ellum is a hotspot in terms of Dallas music venues, so it’s no surprise that another venue in this neighborhood has made the list. Adair’s Saloon is covered in musical history, as it proudly displays photos of past performers on its graffiti-covered walls. Its claim to fame is that the Dixie Chicks and Jack Ingram started their careers here. In the rare moment when Adair’s is not featuring live music, the jukebox is a welcome addition. Many of the artists who have played here are featured on this jukebox.
So, ready to start exploring the music scene? Check out one of the many venues or concerts in Dallas, and you’ll be in for a musical treat.
Photo by Terry Shuck
Suzy S.