North Dallas’ Carsons Live hosts teen hotspot Club17

by Monica Dutia

DALLAS — Monday night, Carsons Live had dozens of people in a line spiraling down the sidewalk. The men had to wait up to 20 minutes and be patted down, while women tottered in through a separate entrance.

But this scene differs from what you might typically see outside Carsons. The difference? Club17 is exclusively for those between the ages of 14 and 17.

The event started last summer and takes place every Monday night, catering to teenagers in the Dallas area. Created by Access Dallas, an events company promoting nightlife and dining in the area, Club17 offers loud music, crowded dance floors, and an upbeat environment.

106.1’s Billy the Kidd and Junior are the weekly hosts, along with a number of guest DJs. Several MTV celebrities and local artists are scheduled to make appearances this summer, including Play N Skillz and Baby C later this month.

Asim Sheikh, Director of Marketing for Access Dallas, said Club17 offers a safe and fun environment for teens to enjoy during the summer. They have received positive feedback from parents due to the security Club17 provides — police officers and staff members on the dance floor, in the lounge area, at the door, and in the parking lot.

The Carsons Live location has also proved to be a big hit. Sheikh said that the central location makes it easily accessible to all suburbs and the teens love the setup in three different rooms.

“At one point, we tried a different spot but came back to Carsons after the teens requested it again,” Sheikh said.

Being the first of its kind, Club17 has maintained its name as one of the top teenage hangouts during the summer.

“There have been attempts to recreate the magic of Club17 at other clubs, but nothing [has succeeded] this far,” Sheikh said.

On Monday night, a mass of people, some of which looked like they were pushing the seventeen year limit, were dancing to 106.1’s rap and hip-hop mix on the main dance floor.

As the club promotes to parents, there was definitely noticeable supervision: cops and designated staffers. The music even stopped a few times in order to break up scuffles on the corner of the floor.

Carsons has a covered porch out front, offering a breather from the crowd inside. A lounge area complete with couches and tables is tucked away behind one dance floor and booths line the bar area.

When one crowded dance floor gets too exhausting, it’s easy to migrate over to one of the other two, each with its own DJ and sound.

Club17 is a promising hotspot, currently attracting hundreds of teens each week. Carson’s on a Monday night is the perfect place for teens to get a safe a taste of the club scene.