A Brief History of Deep Ellum’s Music Scene
Origins and Evolution
Just to the east of downtown Dallas, Deep Ellum was first developed in the 1870s as a residential and commercial area for European and African American immigrants. In its early years, the area was called Deep Elm, as Elm Street ran through the heart of the community. The earliest residents pronounced Elm, “Ellum,” which led to its current name.
As the area evolved in the early 20th century, it became known as a mecca for Southern jazz and blues musicians. Pioneers such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, folk and blues singer Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, Blind Willie Johnson, singer/songwriter/guitarist Lightnin’ Hopkins, and acclaimed blues vocalist Bessie Smith made their mark here early in their careers. For several decades, the neighborhood was noteworthy for its many theaters, cafes, nightclubs, and domino parlors.
Current Trends and Influences
Today’s Deep Ellum is the heart of the Dallas live music scene, with more than 30 venues offering entertainment in the district. As was the case in cities across the U.S., the post-World War II period saw enormous growth of personal automobile use, leading to the removal of homes and entire business districts for the expansion of freeways, mostly in poor and minority neighborhoods. Deep Ellum was no exception, with the Central Expressway built right through the area in 1969. Deep Ellum was devastated commercially, and many residents relocated to the suburbs.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the district began to recover, and the music scene was reestablished. Local bands began to play in Deep Ellum’s resurgent clubs, including the Toadies, Tripping Daisy, and the New Bohemians. With the opening of Trees, which quickly became a popular Dallas live music hangout, some nationally known performers began to play in the district. Radiohead, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam, among others, played here, drawing music fans and more musical acts to Deep Ellum’s now thriving music scene.
Top Venues for Live Music in Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum’s live music scene continues to grow and evolve today, with Trees and Club Dada both making comebacks. Live music in Dallas is stronger than ever, and Deep Ellum is central to this exciting renaissance. Here are some of our favorite spots to take in live music:
Trees
2709 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Since May of 1990, Trees has been one of Deep Ellum’s most famous clubs. Best known as a rock and roll spot, today you will also find rap, indie rock, and electronic dance music (EDM) shaking the room. Both local and national bands perform here, and the crowds are energetic and diverse.
Adairs Saloon
2624 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
If you are looking for the best hole-in-the-wall burger, beer, and live music venue in Deep Ellum, look no further than Adairs Saloon. The walls are covered with art gathered over the years, including a photo of Elvis when he was here in 1955. The well-worn tables have clearly been here a long while, and the honky-tonk atmosphere is welcoming to everyone who enters. Live music, including country, blues, and jazz, plays seven nights a week.
Three Links Deep Ellum
2704 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
The place for punk, featuring local and national bands, the Three Links stage is also a popular high-energy spot for blues, jazz, rock, indie, and electronic music. Dance, mingle, or just hang out at this Deep Ellum institution.
Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar
2605 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
It’s impossible not to have fun at Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar. With two talented pianists and an energetic vibe, you are bound to join the action with some song requests of your own. Sing along with hundreds of your new best friends. Laugh and let your hair down at this popular Deep Ellum club that is great for couples or groups of friends.
Other recommended Dallas live music venues in Deep Ellum include The Church for ambient sounds, neo-gothic, and EBM; Sons of Hermann Hall for some quieter acoustic entertainment and swing dance lessons; and Club Dada, one of the oldest clubs for Deep Ellum live music. It is known for its diverse range of performers and outdoor patio, as well as The Factory in Deep Ellum where musicians from around the world come to play.
Be sure not to overlook Double Wide located on the eastern edge of the district. Described as “happily divey” by some, enjoy creative frozen cocktails while listening to punk, metal, even country, sometimes on the same night in the small and intimate courtyard.
Discovering Local Bands and Artists
As you can see, it is easy to find live music in Dallas, and the Deep Ellum neighborhood offers the widest variety of musical genres of anywhere else in the region. Whether you prefer rock over punk, country over blues, or jazz over EDM, you will find your music here.
Each year in early April, the three-day Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair takes place along five blocks of Crowdus St. In addition to hundreds of artists displaying their unique creations, there are three stages for musical performances by local, regional, and national acts. The music lasts all day and evening and includes something for everyone.
The Deep Ellum Music Festival takes place each November, usually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, at the intersection of Main and Good Latimer. Offering a full day of outdoor live musical performances, it’s the “after party” at 15 local bars and clubs that attracts the crowds.
If combining art with music sounds like a fun way to spend the day, be sure to visit the Deep Ellum Art Company. This multi-faceted venue is an art gallery, an artists’ market, and the perfect place to also enjoy all kinds of music in the evening. Check their online calendar to see who is scheduled to perform.
Depending on the venue and performer, some shows will require tickets to be purchased in advance, while others will not. To avoid disappointment and sold-out shows, either go the specific website for the club you plan to visit or purchase tickets at online ticket vendors such as TicketsOnSale and Vivid Seats. Check to see if the club you plan to attend offers seating or not, as the setup can vary from show to show.
With so many live music performances in Deep Ellum year-round, staying just five minutes away stay at our bed and breakfast, Dallas, TX for a memorable and romantic getaway.
