There is no shortage of reasons to visit Klyde Warren Park, but add this one to the list: Decks in the Park, a funky new monthly music series that kicks off this Thursday, June 27, from 7 to 10:30 pm.
Every last Thursday of the month through September, the park will host Dallas DJs and musicians playing all genres of music, from electronic, house, reggae, soul, funk, hip hop and classic. Founder Jeff Mitchell, a Dallas Realtor by day and DJ by night, says the idea of making a musical contribution to the city has been percolating for a while now.
Mitchell was inspired by the Warm Up summer outdoor music series presented by MoMA PS1, which introduces its New York audiences to experimental live music and DJs. He hopes to do the same for Dallas, but he’s quick to point out he couldn’t make it happen alone.
“It’s absolutely a collaborative effort,” says Mitchell, who credits the park, the musicians, and the sound and lighting companies.
The events are open to the public, and there will be occasional video installations to complement the music. Food trucks will be onsite, of course, to feed the masses. Mitchell says if all goes as planned, these music-themed nights may pick up again in the spring.
This week’s lineup includes renowned house music producer/DJ Demarkus Lewis; an indie, dance and house music feature by Paul Paredes and Mitchell accompanied by live sax and percussion players; and a video art installation by VJ S(eye).
Mitchell has high hopes for this budding series. “PS1 draws a big crowd, and it’s in its 16th year,” he says. “I hope that 16 years from now, Decks in the Park is still going strong and exciting peoples’ musical senses.”
Decks in the Park takes place every last Thursday of the month through September.
Figure skater Mariah Bell. Getty Images