Concert News

Dallas BBQ joint Ferris Wheelers is adding live music acts Austin-style

Rendering shows a crowd catching live music at Ferris Wheelers.

Courtesy rendering

The newest hot place to see music in Dallas right now: Ferris Wheelers, the BBQ joint at 1950 Market Center Blvd., which is reviving its live music program with a fall series includes some pretty big alt-rock names.

The acts will be a combination of local and touring bands, such as Ghostland Observatory, Luna Luna, Allah-Las, The Black Angels, The Dandy Warhols, Ward Davis, and Greensky Bluegrass, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres to suit all tastes.

The return of live music to the venue is the result of a partnership between Ferris Wheelers' owner This & That Hospitality, and DFW promoter Spune Productions.

"We're beyond excited to bring live music back to Ferris Wheelers," says Brandon Hays, of Ferris Wheelers. "It's been a challenging couple of years for the music industry, and we're proud to play a part in revitalizing the local music scene. Our stage is set, and we can't wait to see our guests enjoy incredible performances while savoring our award-winning BBQ."

Spune marketing spokesperson Conor Dardis says this will bring something new and unique to Dallas.

"This is more akin to what you'd see in Austin, with bands performing in an outdoor space, with barbecue on the side," Dardis says.

That said, while the shows this fall will occur on a temporary set-up, plans are also underway to construct a permanent, enclosed stage and green room structure at the beginning of 2024.

For Spune, the space fills a niche that's larger than many of the venues with whom they usually work, says Spune spokesperson Matthew Harber.

“With the concerts we produce across Texas, especially in Austin, we have long desired a larger outdoor space that is welcoming of the wide ranging genres we consistently promote,” said Matthew Harber, of Spune. “The vision we have is rooted in reflecting the growing diversity of the region and consistently producing concerts featuring the eclectic mix of artists commonly presented in our smaller venues."

In addition to live music, guests can still enjoy Ferris Wheelers' BBQ, bevvies, and the 50-foot Ferris wheel that lights up the Dallas skyline. It's a complete night of entertainment that captures the spirit of Texas.

Alas, we've already missed German electronic band Tangerine Dream who remarkably played there on September 13, but here's the rest of the lineup into the fall:

Sept. 15: Squeezebox Bandits
Sept. 17: Dylan Bishop
Sept. 22: Billy Law
Sept. 23: Game Grumps
Sept. 24: Super Kilo
Sept. 29: Big Mike
Sept. 30: The 40 Acre Mule
Oct. 4: Ajj
Oct. 6: Hightower
Oct. 10: Scary Pockets
Oct. 13: Paul Val
Oct. 18: Los Stellarians
Oct. 19: Luna Luna + Michale Seyers
Oct. 25: The Black Angels + Dandy Warhols
Oct. 26: Allah-Las
Oct. 27: Ghostland Observatory
Oct. 28: Alan Palomo
Oct. 29: The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Oct. 30: Altin Gûn
Nov. 4: Ward Davis
Nov. 11: Greensky Bluegrass
Nov. 18: Corb Lund
Dec. 2: Jeff Rosenstock

This includes the Halloween double-header featuring Ghostland Observatory (10/27), Alan Palmo with Girl Ray (10/28), DJ’s, costume contest and other UFO-themed activities.

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RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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