DFW may not have the rep of Austin, but we've got a strong collection of music venues here, too, from rock to jazz to honky tonk heaven. In Fort Worth, otherwise known as Funkytown, you'll find local music on stages large and small. In Dallas, regional acts and some national heavyweights share the spotlight with a mix of local acts.
Here is a sampling of some of our favorite musical haunts.
FORT WORTH
The Moon, 2911 W. Berry St., Fort Worth, 817-926-9600; www.themoonbar.com Gearing towards the college crowd, the stage is home to rock sounds that make the kids giddy.
Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 817-624-7117; www.billybobstexas.com Country, rock or a seamless blend of the two, you’ll find both icons and unknowns taking the stage at the world’s largest honky-tonk, smack in the middle of the historic Stockyards.
Lola’s Saloon Sixth, 2736 W. Sixth St., Fort Worth, 817-877-0666; www.lolasfortworth.com From the ashes of the Wreck Room, Brian Forella’s eclectic sensibilities have a new home in the shadow of downtown. Urbane atmosphere and a dazzling variety of sounds can be found here.
Scat Jazz Lounge, 111 W. Fourth St., Fort Worth, 817-870-9100; www.scatjazzlounge.com A stylish throwback to the days of the speakeasy, this joint keeps the drinks and the jazz flowin’ until the wee small hours of the morning.
White Elephant Saloon, 106 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 817-624-8273; www.whiteelephantsaloon.com Traditional country acts, Texas singer-songwriters and Nashville newcomers constitute the bulk of the bookings here; a cozy dance floor and expansive bar are icing on the cake.
DALLAS
House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar, Dallas, 214-421-1111; www.hob.com/dallas Boasting three performance spaces in one building, including a 1,600-capacity theatre, this venue traffics in quality tunes, be it legends or local acts.
Palladium Ballroom, 1135 S. Lamar, Dallas, 972-343-2444; www.thepalladiumballroom.com This midsize venue nabs plenty of high-profile touring acts. Occasional country acts come through under the Gilley’s name.
Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., Dallas, 214-824-9933; www.granadatheater.com. This movie-theater-turned-midsize-venue welcomes local acts, heatseeking national tours and established stars with open arms.
Poor David's Pub, 1313 S. Lamar St., Dallas, 214-565-1295; www.poordavidspub.com Geared towards the singer/songwriter set, this is a perennial pit stop for troubadours on the road. Renowned for its acoustics.
