Photos: Deep Ellum Block Party Was a Reunion of Old Friends

The Deep Ellum Block Party delivered something for everyone this past Saturday. From throwback dance parties to live wrestling and surprise reunions, the day was filled with celebratory optimism.

“I see a lot of familiar faces in the crowd,” was a common thread throughout the night from veteran acts: Remy Reilly, Rosegarden Funeral Party and a reunited A.Dd+. Each act, performing for their day-ones and new fans alike, reveled in the pure energy of the crowd.

The festivities also featured the next generation of musicians. From buskers in front of Merritt Coffee to singer-songwriters inside AllGood Cafe, the whole neighborhood had something to offer.

Man on stage — The busker zone outside Merit Coffee.
Miguel Correa

The core spots for the Block Party were clearly Trees and Club Dada. During the day, Branoofunck brought the house down at Club Dada, playing a stellar throwback DJ set with live drumming that kept the party moving until the sun went down. At Trees, you could catch live wrestling outside in the parking lot or dip inside and catch a raucous set from Mothership.

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The venue Puzzles featured the IYKYK next generation of DFW hip-hop and R&B with Scuttino paying homage to his Oak Cliff roots with a “Southside Da Realist” freestyle and Astrogiirl bringing her undeniable groove to the dance floor.

Joshua Ray Walker, fresh off the launch of his stellar new album, Stuff, was the night’s biggest draw to the naked eye. The energy and buzz in the crowd were a mixture of pride and appreciation for one of the city’s most promising songwriters.

A.Dd+ Reunites, Performs at Club Dada

Back at Dada, Cure for Paranoia brought the energy, like they always do, in front of a huge outdoor crowd who found a home on the back patio after the Branoofunck day party. It was, however, the indoor stage that generated the most anticipation. “Who remembers this one from MySpace?” A.Dd+’s Paris Pershun asks the crowd. The reunion of A.Dd+ was a surprise to many, and the fans showed their love, spitting out lyrics as if it were 2016 all over again.