With Jazz Around Town, UJD will be checking out various places in DFW doing jazz, among other things. They'll be rated on the Jazz Scale:

(1) Poor, (2) Decent Set, (3) Liked It, (4) Jazzed Up, (5) JazzMaster Set!


Balcony Club - Rating (4) Jazzed-Up

Another Jazz Around Town stop through Lakewood in Dallas brought us to the historic location, Lakewood Theater. The Balcony Club has survived a many year. It has seen it's location in the midst of the neighborhood transform from death to a vibrantly active social set. And, through it all it has been a seriously consistent hang for musicians of all sorts. The staff could tell you stories. And will. on a good night.

It was built in 1988 onto the Lakewood Theater and now is accessed by staircase from the exterior street level where back in the day it was a 'private club' and was accessible from within the theater only.

Nowadays, jazz thrives as part of the weekly program and you'd do well to check the monthly calendar to see who's performing. The place is dedicated to 'live' music. So, jazz has been given the late slot in the program (set starts of 9:30pm, typically). With early evening belonging to alternative vibes spewing from an array of musicians dishing up everything from the classic to the new.

It could be said that the Balcony Club is a true neighborhood bar. It's frequented by those who live nearby but has a constant stream of new folks trying to check it out. And, as is the case with most jazz venues, they have no problem breaking the phat with anyone.

It's 'free' admission. The sound is adequate. Listening and hearing didn't seem to be an issue but the band-members are in a tight-space. But, so-what. It was jazzy man! So, for one to really enjoy this rectangular space that goes from front to rear, you need to get acclimated to what the neighborhood fans already know - which bands play what and at what level. If you don't the folks playing on any given night you could experience a hit-or-miss. You should 'hit' more than miss though. Balcony Club is a real #4 - Jazzed Up spot. Real musicians dedicated to bringing it every week regardless of who's there or who's listening. In other words - uncut. Check it out. It's located at 1825 Abrams, Suite B, Dallas, Texas 75214.

As with every Jazz Around Town stop, video highlights will be in the Video Section and UJD's YouTube channel.