Fat Daddy’s Sound Shack to reopen Trees

by Erin Rice

After speaking with Fat Daddy's co-owner, Sarah Brattain, we can all sleep again with some confirmation that Trees, or at least the Trees building, is preparing to reopen as a live music venue in early 2007.

Calling all Dallas punk and ska lovers (and metal, and indie, and rock, and so on): don't hang up your spiked wrist cuffs and vintage t-shirts just yet. Amid several recent (and not so recent) closures of live music venues in and around Deep Ellum, there is some hope to be found. There has been speculation that Trees is reopening its doors once again, but so far it has mostly been just that, speculation via blog, MySpace pictures, and so on.

Well now here are some facts for ya. Fat Daddy's Sound Shack in Lewisville is opening up and revamping the old Trees building in Deep Ellum. I called Fat Daddy's and spoke with Sarah Brattain, co-owner, to get a few questions answered (note: the answers are paraphrased from our conversation).

Q: When will Trees reopen?

A: Hopefully March. At the moment there are several permits and other paperwork pending, including the venue's Specific Use Permit (SUP), which is granted by the Dallas City Council and ensures that new properties are "compatible with adjacent property and consistent with the character of the neighborhood."

Q: Is it still going to be called Trees?

A: Not exactly. At this point it looks like the venue will be called Fat Daddy's Sound Shack in the Trees Building.

Q: Will it be All-Ages?

A: There will be some shows that are all ages, however, most nights the venue will be 18+. If you look on the Trees Lives MySpace, the reasons for this are explained better, but the short version is that all new clubs in the area have to be 21+ to prevent the loitering and mass destruction that apparently comes from people under 21 (apparently they have never seen a typical 21st birthday party). The Fat Daddy's owners have pleaded their case in front of the Deep Ellum Association, and this looks to be the compromise reached.

Q: Since the other Fat Daddy's is alcohol free, will there be a bar at the new location?

A: YES!!! (my own emphasis added) The new location will have a bar on the upper level, but no alcohol will be allowed downstairs. According to the site: "We know that the younger fans will grow up. So with the addition of a bar, the older fans can drink alcohol and still be able to enjoy their live music at the same venue they are used to."

Q: Will the types of music/bands booked be similar to the Fat Daddy's in Lewisville (rock, punk, ska, emo, metal, etc.)?

A: Short answer - Yes-ish. Long answer - There is actually a survey on the Fat Daddy's official website asking visitors what kinds of music they would like to see at the Deep Ellum location. In addition, the owners will be looking to book bands that will appeal to older fans as well. No this does not mean easy listening and Conway Twitty tunes (a Grandma Rice favorite); they don't mean that old. This is most likely meant to appeal to the 21-35 or so year-old crowd that does not want to only see bands with 15 year-old shrieking frontmen.

Q: What else does Fat Daddy's need to get this place opened in time?

A: This is a family run operation. There is no major corporation behind reopening the location, so there is still stuff that would help make the process run more smoothly and create a better club in the end. Sarah emphasized the need for donated paint, in various colors, and cleaning materials, as well as volunteers to actually do the painting and cleaning. According to the website, there is also the need for "professionals to donate their time to work on plumbing, tape and bed, and anything [else] to help [them] out." They are also accepting donations of money with free ticket incentives once the location opens. For more information on how to help out visit the site here.

For the next few weeks, Fat Daddy's in Lewisville is holding several Battle of the Band events giving bands the opportunity to win $200 and headline the opening night at the Deep Ellum location. From the website:

Bands can find the booking form here. There are still some dates with open slots according to the main website, but I would call if you're a band interested in entering. The first battle is set for December 29.

At the end of the day, Trees, or a close resemblance/reincarnation of it, is reopening in the Deep Ellum district of Dallas. Is this a sign that Deep Ellum may rise from the ashes to its former grunge glory? Who knows, but at least there will be another great venue to catch live music at. I, for one, could not be happier.

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