Denton challenges Austin for the title: ‘Live Music Capital of the World’
By Tanya Velázquez
Is this the end of the track for Austin, Texas as the “Live Music Capital of the World?” Two-hundred-twenty-six miles north, Denton’s diverse, rhythmic sounds fight for the city’s title.
Consider that rather than spending half of your paycheck on Austin’s two largest music festivals, Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, Denton saves you a dime with low-cost or free admission offered at many of its festivals. The city is inclusive of all audiences not only through its affordability but through the concerts’ content as well. Many of Denton’s festivals focus on showcasing the diverse sounds specific to its Black and brown communities — its two largest ethnic and racial minority groups.
The raspy, romantic sounds of saxophones filtrate the air in the Denton Blues Fest, sponsored by the Black Chamber of Commerce — a long-standing musical festival that occurs each fall. In the same season, the Denton County Office of History and Culture hosts its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, enriched with colorful folkloric dances and music descending from Latin America.
Many other music festivals occur throughout the year, including the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival and the Thin Line Film and Music Fest in the spring and the Free Concert Series: Twilight Tunes in the summer.
With the University of North Texas College of Music recognized as one of the nation’s largest and most highly regarded music schools, it is no surprise that students also contribute to the city’s prolific music scene.
“[Denton] gives you this small-town vibe, but with a different cultural perspective just from the school,” said Jurgen Deraj, a 10-year Denton resident. “Their arts program and music program are one of the best in the country, so you probably see a lot of influence from that here.”
Besides diversifying the town’s tones and melodies, these communities have also contributed to Denton’s cultural vivaciousness through the establishment of local businesses.
Located in the downtown square is Paschall Bar, the only speakeasy in town where timeless music and traditional cocktails make locals and visitors alike lose their sense of time. The wooden furniture, lamp-lit interior and earthy color scheme make this spot both audibly and visually indulgent.
Besides Paschall, there are countless other bars with live music in downtown and on Fry Street — a popular strip in Denton for hanging out and grabbing a drink. Though be warned, your Spotify and Apple Music may begin to collect dust with the robust variety of musical genres offered.
World-famous artists like alternative singer and pianist Norah Jones and pop-punk band Bowling for Soup, have helped broaden the musical landscape of Denton.
A former jazz piano major at UNT, Jones was deeply integrated into Denton’s music field as a part of the school’s Jazz Singers and as a frequent concertgoer before her musical breakthrough.
Though initially formed in Wichita Falls, Bowling for Soup made Denton their new home in 1996, during the early stages of the band’s career. Nearly a decade ago, the ensemble briefly returned to Denton, filming one of their music videos in a local bar, Rockin’ Rodeo.
“One of the kind of more unique aspects of Denton is there are a lot of musicians that have come out of Denton, and also musicians that have stayed that influence the social scene around town,” said Kim Cupit, Curator of Collections for the Denton County Office of History and Culture.
A little over a mile away from Rockin’ Rodeo, the aroma of sweet lattes emanates from a tall, black brick building, named Jupiter House Coffee. The natural light streams through the storefront windows, illuminating the art-lined walls, star-covered ceilings and cozy upstairs area, which all together keep university students coming back.
The downtown area is dominated by seemingly old-fashioned, mom-and-pop shops which contribute to the town’s unique charm and affability. This is unlike Austin, where gentrification has threatened to replace local, minority-owned businesses with upscale restaurants and stores, in the process, erasing a large part of the city’s heritage and history.
Moreover, the sun that all downtown businesses revolve around is Denton’s Courthouse on the Square. Its sturdy slabs of stone, polished pillars and accentuating arches have long survived the test of time — like the city’s music and local shops.
“The square is probably the focal point of Denton, and the courthouse,” Cupit said. “It’s like when you see anybody that represents [Denton] they have a picture of the courthouse in it.”
Walking a few blocks south of the courthouse is Denton Historical Park with the Bayless-Selby House museum, Quakertown House museum and the Taylor Log Cabin. The museums serve as a reminder of Denton’s past and are surrounded by flat grasslands. These open, green fields are frequently used as a space for live music, farmers’ markets and other community-based events.
There is a wide assortment of natural attractions in Denton, which easily beat the typical Texas heat.
Similar to Austin’s Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs, Denton County’s Ray Roberts Lake and Clear Creek are local favorites for dipping into the water on a hot day. Though, unlike Austin, you won’t have to waste half of your trip scavenging for overpriced parking and fighting through large crowds.
In fact, you may not need a car in Denton at all.
With many of its restaurants, shops, historical landmarks and nature sites in close proximity to one another, Denton is praised by residents for its walkability.
“Everything’s pretty easily accessible … restaurants, bars, coffee shops,” Deraj said. “It’s not like let’s say you go to Dallas, you want to go from one end to the other end, it’s going to take you forever.”
If you want to immerse yourself in rich rhythms, community-based businesses, ageless archives or priceless parks, Denton is a suitable destination.
Unlike Austin, it won’t make a “dent-in” your dollar savings.
