Deep Ellum's Black Swan Saloon (2708 Elm Street) has attracted cult-like fandom in the past year, in addition to being our 2011 pick for Best Drink in a Plastic Cup. Owner Gabe Sanchez, quite possibly the nicest guy in the history of time, has upped his coolness factor by planning a happy hour for Girls Rock Dallas.
"They're so new, and need our help." Sanchez said. We stopped by on Friday afternoon to talk shop and well...just hang out. As Audra told us in December, Girls Rock Dallas is a non-profit group that aims to empower, strengthen and promote self confidence in young women through education and performance.
Sanchez will host the happy hour on April13 from 6-8 p.m., and will have a costume contest and limited edition Girls Rock Dallas/Black Swan Saloon t-shirts for sale. "It's all going to the girls," he said. There will also be a special Girls Rock strawberry shortcake shot made with Black Swan's famous strawberry-infused vodka, almond extract and a bit of cream, all topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg and served in a sugar-rimmed glass. Yes, please.
"They're on a tight budget right now, so anything we can do to help, the better," Sanchez says. "Donations are definitely not required, but would help them out. Everything the bar makes during that time will go to them. Once we're done, I'll cut them a check and it's all theirs." Any donations will ultimately be used to help fund the camp's inaugural session this summer in Deep Ellum. "That's three months away," he said. "We can do a few more of these and try to make a difference. The more community involvement, the better."
Founder Rachel Michaud and other Girls Rock reps will be there to sign up volunteers and answer questions about the program. "She's so DIY," he says of Michaud. "She saw the movie, and just decided to make it happen in Dallas. Most people don't make it that far.
"It's cool that little girls can learn to fucking rock out. It's always little boys, and it's fine to start changing that."