[Street banner images: Deep Ellum Foundation]
Deep Ellum, one of Dallas’ most iconic neighborhoods, continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a year-round series of events showcasing the rich cultural heritage that makes it a true Dallas gem. From art shows and live music performances to food festivals and block parties, Deep Ellum offers something for everyone.
Known as the “Birthplace of Texas Blues,” the neighborhood just east of downtown Dallas regularly buzzes with live music, street art, galleries, restaurants, clubs and culturally creative shops.
Deep Ellum’s history of helping shape and influence the Dallas community dates back to 1873. But this year’s birthday celebration brings something new to the area, the opening of the Deep Ellum Community Cultural Center.
The year-long celebration we previewed last November continues with a just-announced signature event, a June 11 celebration that honors the vital role the African-American community has played in shaping the neighborhood and the nation.
Since the beginning of the year, the neighborhood, local organizations, businesses and residents have joined forces to offer a fun-filled schedule of events and openings. Here’s what’s on offer for April and May – and beyond.
Art walking tour of the city on April 20
Photo: Deep Ellum Foundation
Deep Ellum celebrates the arts in April for Arts Month by putting artists in the spotlight. Art has a special place in Deep Ellum’s history and culture, which will be highlighted through a mural walking tour with the “Godfather of Murals in Deep Ellum,” Frank Campagna.
Deep Ellum is home to more than 150 murals, and the walking tour offers an opportunity to showcase the talent of local artists.
The Deep Ellum Foundation and Discover Deep Ellum are gearing up for a walking tour of a selection of Deep Ellum’s colorful murals. The tour is scheduled for Thursday, April 20 and will be hosted by Campania.
Organizers said the tour celebrated the visual art so distinctive to Deep Ellum. A special partnership event with the Deep Ellum Wine Walk, the mural tour will also feature more than 15 local businesses and offer a signature glass of wine.
Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair May 27-29
Art is an important element of Deep Ellum [Photo: Courtesy Deep Ellum Foundation]
On May 27-29, Deep Ellum will wrap up Memorial Day weekend with the inaugural Deep Ellum Community Art Fair (DECAF). This is a three-day community-driven event. The fair will offer attendees the opportunity to explore the vibrant and eclectic culture of Deep Ellum while supporting a variety of local artists, artisans, musicians, performers and neighborhood businesses.
The event will be on Crowdus Street between two main stages, a venue that will allow attendees to navigate streets filled with art, music, poetry and more.
Juneteenth Block Party
The Deep Ellum Foundation will host a Juneteenth block party from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 18 (Father’s Day) on Main Street between Good-Latimer and Crowdus.
The lineup for the Juneteenth Block Party has been set, and Deep Ellum will bring together local, regional and national artists to celebrate Juneteenth.
The area said Jess Garland, Cure for Paranoia and Dezi 5 will be joined by Jada Arnell, Ei8th Notes Band and Jayson Lyric, with DJ Lex in the box providing the sounds.
R&B group Dru Hill, celebrating its 25th anniversary, will headline June’s inaugural concert, which will spotlight black music and culture. Sisqo and all six former band members will reunite to perform their greatest hits on Main Street.
“The talent in Deep Ellum is even more remarkable than people can imagine,” Dezi 5 said.
The free and family-friendly event will also feature more than 25 black-owned merchants and a special black history exhibit that will be open to the public.
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From the black-tie kickoff on January 19 to the parade, music festival, storytelling summit and more, the Deep Ellum neighborhood, just east of downtown Dallas, is gearing up for an unforgettable 2023. Known as the “Birthplace of the Blues in Texas,” the area is buzzing with live music, street art, galleries, restaurants, clubs and culturally creative shops. The sesquicentennial will bring something new: the opening of the Deep Ellum Community Cultural Center. It’s just one way 2023 will “shape the neighborhood’s future as a continuing Mecca for creatives, entrepreneurs and all comers,” says a leader of the Deep Ellum Foundation.
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You may have seen her mural on the wall of the Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum. But that’s just the beginning. Marshall has made her mark in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond as an art curator and consultant for her firm Articulation Art. Utilizing the talents of multiple artists, her company has curated exterior and interior wall artwork for the Virgin Hotel, Design District Playground, Renaissance Hotel, Cushman & Wakefield, Case Building, Tom Thumb, 7-11, Deep Ellum Brewing Company, and many others. companies.
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