Harder Beat DFW Local Buzz

MARCH '07

Harder Beat Magazine Online

Compiled by Linda Hollar

” The day... the music… died
In the words of Don McLean’s “Bye, Bye American Pie”
There’s more sad news this month as more clubs have closed. The architecturally-beautiful Hard Rock Café closed its doors on March 3. The unique building was originally used as a church, then was an architectural/demolition resale store. It opened as the Hard Rock in 1986. The Hard Rock in Austin closed in Jan. According to the Dallas Morning News, the scheduled buyer of the property has been talking to Uptown leaders, and has stated he has no plans to tear the building down.

As many already know, the Gypsy Tea Room’s Ballroom and Gypsy Tea Room will close at the end of March. The Ballroom, in particular, was home to many well-known acts when they came through Dallas. It will be greatly missed.

At press time, rumors were all over the place (MySpace and on the street) that the Galaxy Club has closed. Our calls to several sources to verify were not returned, and the club phone number is “no longer a working number.”

If so, that’s yet another hit on Deep Ellum. That pretty much leaves the Curtain Club, Liquid Lounge, Tomcats, Club Dada and the Doublewide as remaining, major live music venues in Deep Ellum. As you’ll see from Reno’s ad , they’re upping their live shows, possibly in response.

We mentioned last month that the Brattain’s (who own Fat Daddy’s in Lewisville) were to reopen what previously had been Trees. Apparently that’s now not going to happen. There were a number of obstacles — a major one was having to provide a certain number of off-street parking spaces.

Of course, the Clearview (complex) closed Dec. 31, including Club Clearview, the Blind Lemon and the Art Bar.

This past year has not been a good one for clubs and venues in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Other closings include the Red Blood Club, Texas Tea House, and Wax — all in Deep Ellum — and in Arlington, the Hungry Musician near the end of last year.

Now the good news
On a positive note is the newly opened Palladium, which is providing a home for many popular mid-level national acts — meaning, not yet large enough to headline Smirnoff, American Airlines Center or Nokia. Located on South Lamar, it shares space with Gilley’s… and is a large open venue with a huge stage.
In other South Lamar news, after 26 years Bill’s Records has relocated from the North Dallas/Richardson area to Lamar. Visit Bill Wisener in his new store near Poor David’s Pub.

Birthday wishes
You can help Kim Polen celebrate her birthday this month. Twice — guess she wants to add two years, rather than the usual one. (Kim, what’s wrong with you!). Head to Firewater on March 23 for Destroyer, Diver Down and Red Leather…. then to O’Rileys on Saturday, March 24, where some friends are helping her celebrate again and add on that additional year.
Speaking of O’Riley’s, they’re now having a Bring in Your Weekend Party on Thursday nights. If bands bring in 15-20 people, they can go into a weekend rotation. Cover is $7 for three bands.

Rest in peace, Dawn
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dawn Lane on February 13, 2007 after battling cancer for a number of months. Our condolences to her husband, Steele Lane, their family and friends.

Protest — enroute to MMF

Road trip anyone?
Protest reports they’ll be heading to the Milwaukee Metal Fest on May 11-12, performing on Sat. May 12. Anyone wanting to tag along, the band has tickets to sell.
Remembrances of years gone by
Two different clubs are having “Free Beer Family” nights, with no cover — the Lakewood Bar & Grill on Sunday nights and O’Riley’s on Mondays. They’re put on (and beer paid for) by Munnch (BoldLucy/FFTN), Justin (Sidekick Mafia) and Allan Von. Harder Beat is a sponsor.
Maybe this is an answer for clubs. Remember when Dallas City Limits and The Basement, had no cover and almost free beer (25 cents) in a purchased/reusable mug on Sunday and Monday nights? The clubs were usually packed those nights.
Am I dating myself?? (Linda)