Behind the Music starts in the 1980s, when the punk and alternative scenes transformed Deep Ellum to an area bustling with live music for the first time again since the 1920s. The feature walls showcase Club Clearview, Prophet Bar, and Theatre Gallery, just a few of the venues that brought attention to the neighborhood again.
Visit the Community Center to look at each of the feature walls, look at a timeline of Deep Ellum venues, and check out the Upstairs Gallery that also ties in to exhibit with local concert photography.
Stay tuned! This exhibit is a three part series that will continue in 2026 and rotate out with feature walls of music venues in the ’90s and ’00s.
We’re looking for community contributions for the next part, so please reach out with any photos and info you’d like to submit about Trees, Club Dada, Adair’s, or Lizard Lounge.
This exhibit was possible due to collaboration with:
- Russell Hobbs (owner of Prophet Bar and Theatre Gallery)
- Jeff Liles (booker for Theatre Gallery)
- Clay Stinnett (artist for Club Clearview – painted wall backdrop)
- Jeff Swaney (co-owner of Club Clearview)
- Jeff Yarbrough (co-owner of Club Clearview)