Deep Ellum venues operate after weekend shootings
Local business owners report steady attendance and plan continued events despite three separate incidents that left four people dead.
By Adrian Parker ·
Deep Ellum, Texas, continued hosting cultural events on Monday night following three separate shootings that occurred early Sunday. The incidents took place along Elm Street, Main Street, and South Crowdus Street within a 75-minute window. Authorities reported that four people were killed and at least 15 others were wounded in the attacks.
Federal and local law enforcement have launched a joint effort named Operation Deep Cover to investigate the violence. Despite the recent news cycle, local venues maintained their regular schedules. At The Free Man Cajun Cafe & Lounge, a band tuned up for a Monday night performance. Poets and comedians also performed as usual.
Liz Mikel, who hosts a local showcase at The Free Man, stated that her role is to cultivate a positive atmosphere. She performs a show titled “The History and Hues of Deep Ellum Blues” with historian Donald Payton and musician Jake Quillin. Mikel noted that a visitor from Massachusetts attended three separate nights at the venue last week, bringing friends each time.
Mike Ziemer, a promoter who owns Puzzles, TX Tea Room, and other entertainment groups, described the neighborhood as the heartbeat of Dallas. He reported that live music still plays on approximately 30 stages in the area. Ziemer said that most violence occurs very late in dark lots or alleys, away from main businesses. He noted that his venues search bags and pat down guests, and staff ensure women do not walk to their cars alone.
Cheyanne Gonzales, who helped purchase the venue Three Links a year ago, reported that her team had a successful October in sales. She stated that the venue holds a staff meeting regularly to plan for the month ahead. Gonzales proposed coordinated safety measures such as entry checkpoints and ID checks at peak times, drawing inspiration from models in Memphis. She emphasized that public safety policies should be developed with community input rather than imposed on it.
Frank Campagna, who runs Kettle Art Gallery, hosted a free afternoon performance on Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. featuring Dallas musician La Bell. The gallery is open weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Campagna said the neighborhood’s core spirit is community. He noted that he works with other local entities, including Tucker Art Projects and Imani Black Studios. The Launch Music Conference ran from Thursday through Saturday across seven or eight venues, including Puzzles and Westlake Brewing Company.
Business owners advised visitors to buy tickets early and support multiple businesses. They noted that every ticket supports bartenders, security staff, sound engineers, and promoters. Gonzales stated that Deep Ellum has a responsibility to remain Dallas’ home for live music. Mikel told people to leave their guns at home and come party. Campagna said the community should show respect, love, and compassion.
