Photos: Deep Ellum Block Party Was a Night to Remember

The Deep Ellum Block Party promised an all-day spectacular featuring some of the city’s best music acts. And last Saturday, it delivered. From Raekwon’s age-old East Coast rhymes to the '80s rock-inspired [daryl] and Helium Queens’ sci-fi surreality — the party had something for everyone.

If you weren't able to make it, we have two pieces of good news for you. The first is that photographer extraordinaire Mike Brooks captured as much of the party's glitz, glam and grit as he could, from the free main stage on Elm and Crowdus to the 70+ live acts that went on into the night. The second is that it appears the party will return in 2025. The event’s official Instagram posted on Sunday asking for band suggestions for another party in the new year.

Hopefully, we'll have another chance to party together soon. But for now, check out a bit of what this year had to offer.

The Main Stage

The day opened with We Them Grays performing a Disney-themed set, followed by Branoofunck. In between, two police officers couldn't help but nod along to the music from the DJ.

Wu-Tang Clan icon Raekwon performed next, accompanied by a live DJ and drummer. We said goodbye to the Deep Ellum main stage after The Polyphonic Spree's 70-minute set, which included some material from 2023's Salvage Enterprise along with a couple of deep cuts. 

The Venue Showcases

For the rest of the night, a $5 wristband got revelers into 11 different venues across the neighborhood, all offering their own unique showcases. Some had specific themes: Reno's offered four heavy metal bands, Elm St Saloon had over a dozen hip-hop acts and Cheapsteaks hosted all Latin acts. The Observer hosted our own party at Ruins, presenting five female artists (except for the new guy in The Helium Queens, Leoncarlo Canlas) from 6 to 10 p.m. We were impressed by newcomers Rebelle Flor and Tyra + Tiara, who played a solo act because one sister was a no-show due to illness.

Some of the standouts of the night included a furious performance from King Clam at Three Links that culminated in an end-to-end crowdsurf from lead singer Scarlett McPherson, and a masterclass on crowd participation from Set The Tone at Armoury D.E.

At Trees, Rosegarden Funeral Party played an electrifying set following Van Damme, and before Ishi was back on its frequent New Year's stage, Trees. The pop act brought visual tricks to the audience, as dancers moved inside fabric looking like blobs come to life.

Over on Commerce Street, painters worked on the murals depicting Dallas music scene icons. All was right in the neighborhood.