BY RIDGLEA WILLARD
Deep Ellum:
Deep Ellum is bursting with live music, art and history. The area was originally a hub for jazz and the blues in the early 1900s. Street corners and juke joints were abundant and were the birthplaces of many legendary artists including Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lightning Hopkins. Then in the 1980s, the area was revived and has remained a popular location for live music of all genres ever since. Trees and DADA are two of the most popular music venues. Plus, alternative music fans will enjoy LaGrange while those with a taste for the funky will get a kick out of DoubleWide. Plus, those that enjoy the section’s traditional blues music can visit Tucker’s Blues and Free Man. Additionally, art fanatics and supporters of the eclectic will appreciate the area’s legendary murals and graffiti.
Greenville Avenue:
The popular neighborhood ranges from the urban, upscale area known as Upper Greenville to the vibrant, avant-garde region of Lower Greenville. A visit to Lower Greenville is never complete without stopping by the historic Granada Theater. Built in the 1930s, the theater is still arguably the very best concert venue in all of Dallas. Also located between the two areas, there is a quirky establishment known as the Pocket Sandwich Theater where one can eat, drink and enjoy a show. Finally, the Upper Greenville area is home to matchless restaurants including: Ozona Grill & Bar (home of absolutely heavenly spicy Dr. Pepper ribs), Another Broken Egg Café and Desperado’s.
Uptown: The thriving district of Dallas known as Uptown is bustling with activity and has something to offer for just about everyone. For modern art lovers, the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art provides a unique experience. Also, those with a creative streak can always find unusual exhibits at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary (the MAC), which is a nonprofit organization that promotes creative freedom in all disciplines of art. Additionally, Theatre Three and Kitchen Dog Theater offer diverse productions ranging from musicals to comedies to dramas and everything in between.