North Texas Daily

Audra Stamp/Staff Writer

Denton is home to many different people, foods and cultures, but one thing Dentonites thrive on is the ever-present live music scene that can be found all over the city. Whether a venue is underground, a little ragged from the outside or a quiet, acoustic jam session, they all have certain traditions and vibes that many people have come to love.

Rubber Gloves: This laid back punk rock 16-year-old club is one of the oldest standing venues in Denton, and opened when the owners, who were living there, started renting the place out as a rehearsal studio and small shows. It then grew into a bar and larger venue. The Rock N’ Roll dive bar, as booking agent Scott Porter called it, is home to many of the heavier rock or art rock bands in town. “Rubber Gloves is about the show and the people who come to watch the show, and the people who play the show,” Porter said. The club is smoke-free, low cover charge and is friendly to literally all ages. Old punk band albums cover the walls and some legends, like Modest Mouse, graced this stage before making it big. “If you’re new to Denton and you may have been a little bit outside the norm your entire life, this is the place you need to be,” Porter said.

Dan’s Silverleaf: Opening its door 11 years ago, Dan’s Silverleaf, formerly known as Dan’s Bar, has become a popular venue for traveling acts and country, rock and jazz bands. Major artists like Joe Pat Hennen, The Technicolors and Two Tons of Steel have all played at Dan’s. The colorful teal on the outside of the building attracts the eye, and once inside there is an open area to sit while a band plays on the large stage at the front of the building. An outdoor patio with a designated seating area shaded by umbrellas also welcomes rockers who need fresh air.

Banter: Banter gives off a friendly and inviting atmosphere, with couches and a small, cozy stage toward the rear. The original owner planned a tasteful restaurant when the coffee shop opened in 2005, but the new owners incorporate more live music into the scene. With an open layout and lots of space, Banter can hold 99 people, and the audiences can range from studying college students during the day to a booming house of original music from local musicians at night. Co-owner Ellen Ryfle considers the venue a stepping stone for up and coming artists. From their Open Mic Nights to booking bands like Mockingbyrd Station and Sol Tax, Banter tries to keep the performers local, hoping that a performance in front of an encouraging crowd will help to push the artists to further their dreams. “It’s unbelievable to watch these people grow,” Ryfle said. “We have great music.”

Hailey’s: Well known for their weekly ’90s night on Tuesdays with the DJ spinning Spice Girls and SmashMouth, Hailey’s is a fun time for both the customers and the artists. With its large stage and dance floor, which holds almost 300 people, Hailey’s has hosted local bands as well as larger known bands like Blue October and RJD2.  While Hailey’s has a reputation as an Indie club, owner and operate Ray Gill Jr. has seen many different bands from rock to a crowd surfing Israeli band. In general, the large floor allows the crowd to bust a move, play some pool or sit at the bar and chat with the friendly staff. “In that atmosphere you’re free to be an idiot and have fun, who cares,” Gill said. While customers listen to the live music, they can also enjoy any of the 52 different caps on their beer wall.

Andy’s Bar: Andy’s two-story venue space and large sign on the corner of Oak and Locust Streets has been a staple on the Square at 122 N. Locust St. for 15 years. The venue has a balcony inside, and offers a stage to jam out and a full bar. They don’t have a reputation for one specific genre, so audiences can get an earful of punk, metal or country music. Often times, general manager Blake McDaniel will book some new bands along with a more well-known band in order to get the newer ones more exposure. On a given Thursday night, Andy’s hosts Subsonic Indulgence, an electronic show with lots of DJs and fast-paced dancing.

The Abbey Underground: Abbey Underground is exactly what it sounds like – a cool, dimly lit venue in the basement of the Abbey Inn and Pub. Walking down the steps, the place expands into a long room, and the booths are contained by wrought-iron bars. Once a boiler room to a previously well-known venue, the Abbey Underground is home to many performers including bands with UNT students. Between the Open Mic Night on Sundays and the regularly scheduled gigs, co-owner and manager Dalma Simmons considers this venue a launching pad for new performers. The venue also works closely with Dentonradio.com and enables many performers to gain a much larger audience. For anyone daring enough to join the 99 Beer Club and get their own plaque on the wall, all they have to do is drink the 99 different import beers, but not all in one night. Rumor has it that friendly ghosts also party alongside Dentonites from time to time.