Over the past few years, Dallas has seen an influx of house shows, the creation of an annual festival in the heart of downtown and new venues popping up left and right. Which got us thinking: how adventurous could we really get? What locations or venues are sorely in need of some live music, if by a long shot?
So we decided to put together a little wish list of venues we'd like to see host shows. Then we added to the fantasy by dropping the name of an artist we'd like to see play there. Sure, we might be dreaming big, but by putting our wish out into the universe, who knows, maybe a local promoter will jump on the opportunity.
Have any of your own dream show scenarios? Let us know in the comments.
The Avalanches at the Fair Park Band Shell This might seem like an odd pairing at first. Yes, whether the Avalanches ever put out another album, much less tour again, is highly debatable. And band shells are typically reserved for modest and traditional musical accouterments, not DJs. But have you seen the band shell in Fair Park? Probably not, considering how underutilized the venue has been in recent years. Between the vibrant, almost cartoonish nature of the venue and the Avalanches' mythical reputation, this could a unique and unforgettable event.
Bob Dylan at Dealey Plaza There would be some pretty substantial legal hurdles to get over, but could you imagine the scenery? Crowds flooding the streets, conspiracy theorists converging en masse, Dylan perched atop the Grassy Knoll. The sheer amount of history at this event would be astonishing. The music wouldn't be so bad either, save the vocals. He's coming to town November 1, so who knows?
Joanna Newsom at the Japanese Botanical Gardens, Fort Worth Speaking of scenery, the Fort Worth Botanical Garden has it. Specifically the Japanese Garden. Its majestic landscape is set on seven acres, with next-level Japanese greenery and architecture, making for one of the most beautiful and serene destinations in the area. I like to think Ms. Newsom actually lives in this garden, strumming her harp and conversing with the wildlife while pondering life's most pressing philosophical matters. But watching her strum a harp next to other paying customers would be the next best thing.
Sigur Ros at Highland Park United Methodist Church I'm sure Sigur Ros have never played in a church before, right? There's a reason the Icelandic deities are so commonly associated with houses of worship: their music is uncommonly ethereal and, for some, spiritual by nature. The arched ceilings and stained glass windows that adorn Highland Park's United Methodist Church would be a picture-perfect setting for their cavernous post-rock. And, as many churches as there are in Dallas, there really ought to be more shows at them, right?
Mclusky at an abandoned gas station in an undisclosed location Mclusky might be the anti-Sigur Ros, since they did pen a song called "Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues." The now-defunct Welsh hardcore outfit had deep roots in punk, and their live shows were somewhat legendary. Is there anything more punk rock than an abandoned gas station? Just imagine the energy, the sweat, the cacophony outside that degenerating Circle K (or inside, if they'd fit). Plus, for a band that claims to have already done Dallas, they have some unfinished business here. There are definitely a few abandoned spots in East Dallas worth scouting out. More guerrilla shows, Dallas.
