Is it our best venues list?
Earlier this week, our contributor Tyler Hicks wrote a list of the 10 best music venues in Dallas. Anytime you do a list, it’s going to be met with opposing opinions. Internally, Culture Editor Alec Spicer wrote me, “He’s wild for saying South Side is one of the best venues, but I digress.”
Staff writer Simon Pruitt messaged me as well: "No Longhorn 😭😭 these are some hot takes, lol.” He says his biggest issue with the list was that it did not include Longhorn Ballroom or Deep Ellum Art Co.
Andrew Sherman, one of our contributors who writes and shoots photos for us, emailed me this:
“This list seems like it was written by someone who hasn’t experienced all the venues in town. Deep Ellum Art Co. is one of the easiest venues in Deep Ellum to access and most comfortable. What the folks have done with the Longhorn Ballroom is nothing short of spectacular, but maybe the writer hasn’t been or something. Also, no offense, but South Side Ballroom may be one of the worst venues to see a show if you aren’t riding the rail. Can’t even see the show, and that floor gets uncomfortable fast. Feel like they could have dug a lot deeper on this one.”
Tyler got some fan mail from a Live Nation rep, who wrote, “Based off this list, it appears we need to get you out to a show at The Echo Lounge & Music Hall. Based off the the criteria's of 'the venue’s aesthetic, atmosphere and consistency in procuring top-tier acts' it should definitely be considered on your next top 10 list.”
Here's another email from Steve:
“Hi, Tyler! Just saw your write-up on the top 10 venues to see a live show and was wondering if you have been to a show at Reno’s Chop Shop? As the only Metal bar in DFW and one of the oldest venues in Deep Ellum, we would love for you to come check us out! Maybe next year we can be on the list! Have a great day!”
Now, to the reader responses. While it was mostly supportive on Facebook and Instagram, people expressed themselves online. Below is a sampling of the comments. Have an opinion on this you'd like to share with us and the Dallas community? Email [email protected] (and it might get published in our Opinion section).
Jeffrey from Facebook:
Longhorn Ballroom celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and The Majestic has been around even longer. Kinda surprised to see neither mentioned, considering the decades of historic curation and memorable performances.
Songsofnote from Instagram:
We saw Kathleen Edwards at Ruins and couldn’t believe our view. Incredible and great tiny venue.
Linktreats from Instagram:
That list checks out. I had to make sure Three Links was on the list. Club Dada is one of the best venues in Dallas if not my personal favorite. Especially with the outside stage situation they have now as well as inside. 🔥❤️🔥
Reese from Instagram:
south side ballroom does not belong here 😩 cambridge room at HOB instead >>>
Deepellum100 from Instagram:
Thank you Tyler Hicks @dallasobserver ! The music culture in Deep Ellum can’t be beat thanks to all the great bands and musicians in Dallas.
