Compiled by Linda Hollar
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Musical clubs
We reported last month that TomCats was going to be required by the City of Dallas to have a SUP (Special Use Permit). Instead, the club is moving to the former location of RockHouse Live on North Preston. That should be a real plus for the club, as it’s a very nice place. New Year’s Eve will be the club’s last show in Deep Ellum, with Nonetheless, Audioponic and others giving TomCats a proper sendoff. They plan to open in February at the new location.
In related news, the RockHouse Live has resurfaced as RockHouse Grill in Addison. I stopped by to check it out. At present, it’s primarily a restaurant. According to the bartender, they apparently have to get a permit from the City of Addison to have a stage (which I read to mean live music). In the meantime, they’re doing Karaoke on Mondays.
Club good news, bad news
Fort Worth’s Rockstar Sports Bar is celebrating their one-year anniversary on January 12. Bands helping are Dirty Penny, Legion of Doom and Status Hate. Drop by and tell Warren, “Congrats!”
Unfortunately, the Rockyard in Ft. Worth appears to have closed. We contacted Clint Barlow who did booking, and he emailed us saying, “From my understanding, the club has closed.”
Drowning Pool returned from tour to find their rehearsal space at Universal Rehearsals had been broken into. The studio on Markville has a good surveillance system and got a videotape of the robbery.
Local band news
Kenn Younger (remember him from Strangleweed?) has a new project, Turning Point, which just returned from Canada. Always D/FW’s “Best Promoter,” According to Kenn, they’ve lined up a tour to Costa Rica, beginning in January. They’re taking five bands from the states, one from Canada, one from Panama, and, along with 12 from Costa Rica, have organized a music festival. Dallas band, Before the Fall, is also going along.
Richard Gish (bass) has parted ways with the Avalon Project due to personnel commitments. Taking his place is Steve D’Arcy (NDebt, Brother Monkey. The band’s Jim Wright reports they’ll be “rockin the house” with Live Wire on New Years Eve at O’Riley’s.
We reported last month that Van Halen tribute band, Diver Down, had broken up. They sorta did, but basically reformed. Remaining members are Greg Edward (guitar) and Johnny Roth (vocals). New members are Gary Edward (guitar), Mark Warner (bass) and Chuck Encinias (drums.) Chuck and Mark are from Judas Priest tribute band, Judas Rising). Mark is also with EKG.
Grand Opening
Ft. Worth Sound is having their Grand Opening on January 6. The studio, owned by Bart Rose, has long been a mainstay in Ft. Worth, only under the name, First Street Audio. Bart has recorded many, many area bands. For more information, see their ad on p. 9, or go to www.fortworthsound.com.
Rusty Weir Benefit
Poor David’s Pub is hosting a benefit for Rusty Weir, who has cancer. The benefit is to raise money for chemo and other treatments and takes place on Sunday, January 6, from 3 PM on. Many bands are donating their time and talents. For more information, call David at 214/693-3568.
Happy Holidays!
Thus ends 2007’s year of music — of bands, clubs, venues and fans. The HB takes a break during the month of January (thus our Dec./Jan. double issue), giving us all a much-needed break.
Happy Holidays to all of you from the Harder Beat staff! Let’s all have a terrific 2008.
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