As I zipped up my black pointy boots, I charted a mental map and thought to myself, “Left on Mockingbird, right on Abrams and then right on La Vista.” I’ve lived in Dallas about 12 years now, and I’d never stumbled across this posh little corner of town called Lakewood before, with its Lakewood Theatre and conveniently located adjoining jazz bar.
The Balcony, appropriately named because it requires the ascent of a flight of stairs after you’ve finally managed to find a legal parking spot just wide enough to fit a Civic, is literally attached to the Lakewood Theatre but possesses a character all its own.
The moment you step through the door the piano serenades you, as the band, Blue In Jazz, remains unfazed by the patrons passing at arms length away. Unlike other small bars, I was not overwhelmed with clouds of rising cigarette smoke but rather embraced by an overwhelmingly inviting ambiance. The bar was fairly accessible and stretched across the narrow dark green corridor.
As we squeezed through the rows of stool-seated jazz aficionados, who surely must have arrived not long after sunset to secure their “front row” seats, I spotted the perfect leaning wall. The further toward the back that you venture, the more intimate the setting. Fortunately for those sensual types, the service is so speedy that a booth in the back sounds quite inviting, that is, if you arrive early enough to claim one.
The Balcony is renowned for its chocolate martinis, not merely because of the $8 a drink cost or for the surprisingly generous pour, but rather for the delicate union of the polar opposite tastes of strong vodka and flavorful chocolate.
The crowd consisted primarily of thirty something’s dressed in jeans and freshly dry-cleaned cashmere tops or starch-pressed, button-up, pin-striped shirts. The majority of those who enjoy The Balcony are locals and are acquainted with the area, the passion of the local musicians and the encompassing spirit of the soulful music that has a magical way of bringing people together and, more importantly, keeping them coming back for more.
Glenetta Kabilio has been working at The Balcony for two years and was eager to share her enthusiasm about what The Balcony means for her and the regulars. “The club was an addition to the building in 1983,” Glenetta said, adding that it has been a powerhouse for local musicians to entertain both the habitual patrons and those dropping in after a night at the Lakewood Theatre, which allows entrance into the club from inside the theater.
The Balcony offers live music seven nights a week with performances at around 9:30. “Monday and Wednesday nights are popular among the college crowd, and the Dave Burris Group, which plays Sunday night, has two performers from SMU,” Glenetta said.
You can Myspace the Colin Boyd band and preview the folk sounds of these performers which are scheduled to play from 6 to 8:30 (happy hour) every Monday night in February. Overall, I was impressed by the proper combination of The Balconey’s sophistication, soul, speedy service and welcoming social setting.
