The Amsterdam Bar

Governor's Cup 2012 - Expo Park Block Party!

2012-01-23T18:27:00.003-05:00

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Following the first day of the Governor's Cup, there will be a block party at Meridian Room, Pizza Lounge and Amsterdam Bar - all within walking distance of the Coliseum at Fair Park!

Jazz night, my babies

2012-01-16T17:17:00.007-05:00

Yet another Jazz night is upon us my babies. Tonight's special guest sitting in at piano will be Jon Huntsman, formerly of the group "Wizard," and the fantastic Huntsman 2012 girls.* Get there early, 'cos tonight we're Super PAC'n them in.

*Legal Disclaimer: No actual members of the Huntsman family will be present.

Big Bad Ass Jazz Night Tonight!

2012-01-02T14:49:00.002-05:00

We have an exceptionally Big Bad Ass Jazz Night Tonight!! In honor of the new year three bands will be in tonight. Shelley Carrol Electric Band w/ Bobby Spark 9-10pm, Funky Knuckles 10:30- 12:30pm, and RSVP from 12:30 on...

Come join us for New Year's Eve 2012!

2011-12-27T16:15:00.000-05:00

Come join us for New Year's Eve 2012!

No Cover New Year's Eve (because we love you), Champagne toast (because bubbles=fun), Balloon drop at midnight (because we don't want to crush you). Party favors (because noise & silly hats will set you free), and some black eyed peas (because last year was rough & I'll take any luck I can get).

Special Jazz Night Tonight

2011-12-26T19:26:00.002-05:00

Shelley Carroll Needs Your Help. We weren't going to mention this as it's a family matter, but his father, John Singleton, passed away Christmas Eve. They are trying to make his final arrangements after Christmas & could really use some help. Tonight's show is a benefit for his father. Please help him out if you can.

A brief message celebrating diversity

2011-12-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

That is all.

Holiday themed jazz night tonight

2011-12-19T14:53:00.001-05:00

The guys have promised us a Christmas themed jazz night tonight.

Jazz my babies!

2011-11-28T21:33:00.002-05:00

Shelley Carrol Quartet featuring Ephraim Owens on trumpet at The Amsterdam Bar tonight, Monday at 10pm. Shelley Carrol - tenor sax, Ephraim Owens - trumpet, David Zoller - piano, Andrew Griffith - drumset, Jonathan Fisher - double bass. Should be a great night, hope to see you there!

21st Letterpress Chili Cookoff today at the Amsterdam Bar!

2011-11-05T11:02:00.001-04:00

Starts at noon today! Click the image for details.

Jazz on the patio tonight!

2011-10-24T20:19:00.003-04:00

Tonight the bands will be patio bound since the weather is i·dyl·lic. The lineup will be Jonathan Fisher on bass Andrew Griffith on drums the baby of the group Caleb McCampbell on piano and Shelley Carrol on sax!

Shelley Carrol with the Brannen Temple Group tonight!

2011-10-03T20:04:00.001-04:00

>Shelley Carrol will be Playing with the Brannen Temple Group tonight at the Amsterdam Bar10-1am. You don't want to miss this!

If you want a table, better get there early.

Shelley Carrol plays tonight at Bad Ass Jazz

2011-09-19T16:26:00.002-04:00

Shelley Carrol at The Amsterdam Bar at 10 tonight. Shelley Carrol - tenor sax. Should be a good crowd. Hope to see you there!

If you want a table, better get there early.

Live Music on September 29th at the Amsterdam Bar!

2011-09-19T14:01:00.002-04:00

The Uncle Bill Roach Band & The Hacks
Thursday, September 29 at 9:00pm - September 30 at 12:00am

The Amsterdam Bar
831 Exposition
Dallas, Texas

The State Fair opens on the 30th. We're going to user it in appropriately with The Uncle Bill Roach Band & The Hacks.

Rockabilly by a group of Tex-Mexicans & Bluegrass by some fine southern rednecks seems like the perfect way to welcome the Big Tex, Corn dogs, Funnel Cake season. Come on out; it'll be fun. You can enjoy the last night of free easy parking before the fair!

New beers on tap: Pine Belt Pale Ale and Wasatch White

2011-09-17T19:20:00.002-04:00

From Conroe, Texas, Pine Belt Pale Ale is a deep copper colored American pale ale with a substantial malt backbone accented with British crystal malts with aggressive hop bitterness (IBU: 45) and substantial American hop flavor and aroma. The alcohol by volume ("ABV") is a comfortable 6.3%. From a review at Beer Advocate:

"This one smells of pine, fresh hops, ample orange and lemon citrus, and has a nice caramel finish. The taste is very similar, beginning with the hops, pine, and some earthen tones before a blast of citrus takes over; again, the finish is a rich, almost amplified caramel and toffee flavor. The mouth is very smooth, and finishes well; not dry or sticky, just clean."

From Salt Lake City, Utah we have Wasatch White, an easy-drinking Belgian-style White Ale with 6% ABV. Wasatch White is seasoned with orange peel and coriander. From a review at Dallas Beer Snobs:

"The beer is a fine example of a Belgian Wit beer with a golden, hazy pour with not much head to speak of. The smell is of coriander, banana, citrus and malts and the flavors follow along that same line. You will find the texture to be quite thin, but not watery, and low carbonation."

Master Brewer Pierre Celis has passed away

2011-09-15T16:07:00.002-04:00

A very important figure in the craft-brewing movement passed away back in April 2011.

Pierre Celis, the "King of Belgian White Beer", died over the weekend. He was 86.
In spite of several unfavorable transactions with major brewing companies, Celis is widely considered one of the forbearers of the craft-brewing movement in America. His self-named brewery operated in Austin from the mid-1990s to 2001. He was also the founder of Hoegaarden beer.

Celis was born in Hoegaarden, Belgium, and founded the beer named after his hometown in 1966. Hoegaarden had been without a witbier brewery, a specialty in the area, for 11 years. Though the wheat beer style had been a Belgian staple since the 1400s, Celis was widely considered to have reignited the declining popularity of the beer style.

The Houston Press has the rest of the story.

You can pay tribute to Pierre Celis by coming by the Amsterdam to enjoy a delicious wheat beer--we carry several kinds.

Fashion shoot at the Amsterdam

2011-08-24T19:29:00.004-04:00

A recent fashion shoot in and near the Amsterdam Bar.

A very cool night of jazz on tap with Brad Leali and Claus Raible

2011-08-15T19:59:00.003-04:00

The Amsterdam Bar is proud to be hosting an amazing night of jazz tonight, August 15, 2011. Tonight, the Brad Leali Group with pianist Claus Raible will bring their special brand of jazz to Dallas, Texas. Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar is already the single best night of jazz in Dallas, Texas, but this is a do not miss show.

Read about Brad Leali here.

Read about Claus Raible here.

Get to Jazz Night at the Amsterdam early tonight if you want a seat: this is a show that cannot be missed.

Have the Blues?

2011-08-08T23:21:00.001-04:00

Of course you do: you're late for Jazz Night.

Sometimes it is exactly like this, sort of

2011-07-23T13:03:00.000-04:00

Sesame Street breaks it down from Wonderful Creative on Vimeo.

D Magazine profiles one of our neighbors!

2011-06-30T01:02:00.003-04:00

D Magazine has an interesting profile of one of our neighbors, Mathew Posey of The Ochre House:

Mathew Posey lives in storefront on Exposition Blvd. steps from Fair Park. Instead of a kitchen table he has forty-five plastic orange chairs. Instead of living room couches, he has a ten-by-twelve foot wooden stage. During the day, the space is called home. At night, home transforms into The Ochre House, an in-your-face performance space.

Visit The Ochre House online, see one of Mathew Posey's shows, and join us for a beer and a discussion of avante garde theater afterwards.

Randy Lee with the Shelley Carrol Quartet for Jazz Night

2011-05-08T22:43:00.005-04:00

Hello my jazz babies; just a quick note to let you know that Randy Lee will sit in with the Shelley Carrol Quartet (minus Shelley) at The Amsterdam Bar this Monday night. As always, the jazz will be cool and the beer will be cold. That is all, my babies.

Jazz Night at the Amsterdam features the Michael Palma Quartet!

2011-04-11T09:40:00.002-04:00

Please come join us for a night of original music and some choice standards. My band will feature:

Clay Pritchard- sax
Lyles West - bass
Dennis Durrick- Drums
and myself on piano

I have traveled the world and lived in Boston and New York for the past 7 years. All of my life experiences have gone into this new music I am writing and it is my intention that it will spread a message of Hope, Love, Serenity, and Good Will towards our fellow brethren. For it is in giving that we receive. I hope you will join me in this celebration of life because it is for all of you that I want to share with you. And we have the best bartender in the world Ross Martinez working so you can't go wrong!

with love and blessings and much thanks to the Creator for making this possible,

--Michael Palma

The Shelley Carrol Electrik Band will strike the Amsterdam Monday night

2011-03-27T14:00:00.001-04:00

They say lightning never strikes in the same place twice, but the Shelley Carrol Electrik Band will be playing at this week's edition of Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar. Every Monday night, the Amsterdam Bar supplies the best night of jazz west of the Mississippi River. The music starts around 10:00 PM, but get there early if you want a seat.

St. Patrick's Day at the Amsterdam

2011-03-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

And now, some rare video footage from last year's event.

Thursday March 10, 2011 - Radio Free Amsterdam

2011-03-09T14:30:00.001-05:00

On Thursday March 10, 2011 join us for "Radio Free Amsterdam." DJs Travis Box and Benjamin White will spin an eclectic mix of Post Punk, Indie Rock, Synth Wave and Kraut/NDW.

Yes my babies, Monday night means Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar

2011-03-07T19:03:00.001-05:00

Monday night means bad ass jazz at the Amsterdam Bar. Music starts around 10:00 pm; get there early if you want a table.

That is all, my babies.

Shelley Carrol Quartet at The Amsterdam Bar tonight!

2011-02-21T21:13:00.003-05:00

Shelley Carrol Quartet at The Amsterdam Bar at 10 tonight. Shelley Carrol - tenor sax; David Zoller - piano; Andrew Griffith - drumset; Jonathan Fisher - upright bass. Should be a good crowd. Hope to see you there!

If you want a table, better get there early.

Monday Night is Jazz Night at the Amsterdam Bar

2011-02-07T20:18:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to do in Dallas is to stop into the Amsterdam Bar for the Bad Ass Jazz on Monday nights. There's no cover for this weekly event, but it draws a large crowd and features key players in the Dallas jazz scene. The band is slightly different every week, but is based around the members of The Shelley Carrol quartet. The lineup can be anything from a trio up to a quintet (and occasionally a sextet).

Some advice about Jazz Night: it gets crowded, so if you want a table it's a good idea to get there by 9:00 o'clock. The music usually starts up between ten and ten-thirty and usually the band plays two long sets.

We haven't seen you in awhile

2011-01-28T14:37:00.001-05:00

Hey, how's it going? We haven't seen you in awhile. You should swing by the Amsterdam and say hello to your old friends. We'll be here all weekend.

Jazz night tonight my babies!

2011-01-10T20:52:00.001-05:00

Monday night means bad ass jazz at the Amsterdam Bar.

We will be closed Thursday night, January 6th

2011-01-05T12:45:00.002-05:00

We will be closed this Thursday night so we can attend the memorial concert at Club Dada for our friend and co-worker Frankie Campagna, also known as "Frankie 45." We hope that you will join us at the memorial and share your memories of Frankie. We will be open again at our regular schedule on Friday.

Here's some information about the memorial:

The doors to Club Dada will open on Thursday night at 7 p.m. with a DJ set from DJ Bad Holly, who will spin until the stage show begins at 8 p.m. and again throughout the night, in between band sets.

At that point, bands will perform 20-minute sets at the top and bottom of the hour for the remainder of the evening.

Here's the lineup, with set times:

8 - Leg Sweeper
8:30 - The Double Downs (featuring members of Spector 45)
9 - Missile
9:30 - Here Holy Spain
10 - The Phuss
10:30 - The Marfalites
11 - Barry Kooda Combo
11:30 - THe BAcksliders
12 - The American Fuse

There's no official cover charge, although the door will be asking for a suggested $10 donation, all of which will go toward the Deep Ellum Community Association, per the family's request.

Visit the Dallas Observer for more details. You can also view the Facebook entry for this event by clicking here.

Shelley Carrol heads up Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

2011-01-03T23:04:00.002-05:00

Don't forget, Monday night is Bad Ass Jazz Night at the Amsterdam Bar. It is, quite simply, the best night of jazz in Dallas, Texas.

Shelley Carrol is joined by Dana Sudborough and the rest of his merry jesters.

We lost a friend last night

2011-01-01T14:23:00.001-05:00

Last night our friend and co-worker Frankie Campagna passed away. Frankie was an incredibly sweet guy and we are all going to miss him terribly. Farewell "Frankie 45" and rest well little brother.

Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

2010-12-20T18:54:00.001-05:00

Don't forget, Monday night is Bad Ass Jazz Night at the Amsterdam Bar. It is, quite simply, the best night of jazz in Dallas, Texas.

Jazz lineup for October 25th!

2010-10-25T22:16:00.004-04:00

Bad. Ass. Jazz.

Dave Zoller - piano

Jonathan Fisher - bass

Andrew Griffith - drums

Dana Sudborough - vibraphone

Great lineup for Jazz Night!

2010-10-18T18:40:00.004-04:00

The State Fair is over, so there's plenty of parking in Exposition Park! We've got a great lineup for Bad Ass Jazz tonight:

Brad Leali - alto sax
Dave Zoller - keys
Jonathan Fisher- bass
Andrew Griffith - drums

Come on down to Expo Park to the Amsterdam Bar and see old friends you haven't seen since before the State Fair.

The Texas State Fair ends tonight!

2010-10-17T12:01:00.002-04:00

The State Fair of Texas ends tonight, October 17, 2010. We are really looking forward to seeing all our old friends and regulars back on their favorite barstools. The parking situation will drastically improve, and as always, our Monday night jazz scene is the best in Texas!

Shelley Carrol at Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

2010-10-04T20:43:00.001-04:00

Shelley Carrol at the Amsterdam Bar tonight at 10pm with Dave Zoller on keys, Jonathan Fisher on upright bass and Andrew Griffith slammin the drumset. See ya there!

Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

2010-09-20T21:24:00.003-04:00

Here's tonight's lineup: Quamon Fowler - tenor sax; Dave Zoller - piano; Jonathan Fisher - upright bass; Andrew Griffith - drumset

It's going to be a great night of music.

Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar!

2010-09-13T15:51:00.003-04:00

Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar tonight at 10! Pete Gallio - Saxophone; Dave Zoller - piano, Andrew Griffith - drumset; Jonathan Fisher - upright bass.

Play Play Play!

Pictures from Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010

2010-09-08T05:44:00.001-04:00

A friend of the bar has posted an album of photos from Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010 to his Facebook page. Many thanks to Ez Cambranis for sharing these photos.

Darryl Thomas to co-MC Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010!

2010-09-03T21:03:00.005-04:00

Just got some fantastic news: Darryl Thomas will be serving as co-Master of Ceremonies for Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010!

Darryl Thomas is the owner and operator of the Sandaga Jazz venue, a non-profit devoted to jazz in Dallas/Fort Worth. Darryl is incredibly knowledgable about the local jazz scene and extremely generous when it comes to sharing what he knows.

Sandaga Jazz is a local venue known for its jam sessions and for hosting such national jazz artists as Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Steve Turre, Wycliff Gorden, Dave Burrell and others. Darryl is committed the preservation of jazz through Sandaga’s Youthful Jazz Program which encourages youth interest in jazz and provides donated instruments to young musicians.

We did an extended write up on Sandaga Jazz not too long ago, and you can read that here.

Press Release - Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010: The Many Faces of Jazz

2010-08-23T13:46:00.010-04:00

Here's the official press release for this year's Expo Jazz Festival. It's going to be a fantastic event, and this press release should answer most of your questions.

For Immediate Release
Monday, August 23, 2010

Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010: The Many Faces of Jazz
Labor Day Weekend
Sunday & Monday, September 5th & 6th, 2010
2 PM to 2 AM Daily
Amsterdam Bar
831 Exposition Avenue
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 827-3433

The Amsterdam Bar in association with the nonprofit music foundation, Musicology the Art (www.MusicologytheArt.org), is proud to present the first annual Expo Park Jazz Festival: Many Faces of Jazz.

Expo Park Jazz Fest: The Many Faces of Jazz will be a 2 day jazz music festival over Labor Day Weekend 2010. This inaugural event will take place at Amsterdam Bar, located at 831 Exposition Ave at Parry St., Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, September 5th and Monday, September 6th from 2 pm to 2 am.

Dallas locals Shelley Carrol, Mike Scheel and Erin Nicole Parisi are making Amsterdam Bar into a Labor Day weekend destination location. The trio decided to expand on the weekly success of Amsterdam Bar’s “Monday Jazz Night.” Amsterdam Bar is known for its exceptional jazz performances lead by the world renowned jazz saxophonist Shelley Carrol. Jazz music has brought much acclaim and notoriety to the bar. Recently, the Dallas Observer crowned Amsterdam Bar the “Best Dallas Jazz Club” in Dallas.

2010 Fest Theme is the Many Faces of Jazz. This year’s festival will highlight and pay tribute to the history and varied musical styles of jazz – the great American music tradition. Exposition Park has played a key role in Dallas’ jazz and blues music history. The Jazz Fest hopes to bring awareness to the past history and celebrate the present jazz revival in the area.

The bill will feature national and local jazz acts with several surprise guest appearances. Patrons will hear from some of the most exciting jazz artists on the scene today.

The line up (subject to change) will include the following jazz artists and many more: The Brad Leali/Shelley; Carrol Big Band; Bernard Wright Trio; Adrina Lockhart; Yells at Eels; Victor Cager; Paul Slavens; Flipside; Barrie Lee Hall Jr. and the Duke Ellington Small Band; Quoman Fowler; Tatiana Mayfield; Quartet Out; Drenda Barnett; Charlie Young Sextet (CD release "So Long Ago"); Buddy Mohmed; Dave Zollar and the Daybreak Express; and Shelley Carrol Electrik Band Featuring Ephram Owens.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010
DAY ONE
1pm Expo Park Jazz Fest opens
2- 4pm Brad Leali/Shelley Carrol Big Band featuring Tatiana Mayfield and Victor Cager
http://www.bradleali.com/
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=15582
http://www.myspace.com/tatianasjazzymusic
4:30-5:30pm Paul Slavens
http://www.kera.org/about-staff-paul-slavens
6-7pm Liz Mikel
http://www.lizmikel.com/
7:30-8:30pm Bernard Wright
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Wright
9-10pm W M D (West, Monsch, Durick)
www.davemonsch.com
10:30-11:30pm Quamon Fowler Quartet featuring Jacque Lesure
http://www.quamonfowler.com/Welcome.html
12-2am Barrie Lee Hall Jr.and the Duke Ellington Small Band
http://www.barrieleehalljr.com/

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010
DAY TWO
1pm Expo Park Jazz Fest opens
2-3pm Hard Proof Afro Beat Band from Austin, TX
http://www.myspace.com/hardproofafrobeat
3:30-4:30pm Buddy Mohmed
http://www.reverbnation.com/buddymohmed
5-6pm Charlie Young Sextet –CD Release Party
6:30-7:30pm Drenda Barnett
http://drendabarnett.com/
8-9pm Fingerprints
http://www.fingerprintsband.com/home.html
9:30-11:30pm Dave Zollar Daybreak Express
12-2am Shelley Carrol Quartet Featuring Ephraim Owens
http://www.shelleycarrol.net/

Food and other event merchandise will be for sale at the event.

Tickets
• $20 Single Day Ticket Sold at Door
• $30 2-day Pass Advance purchase only now available online at www.prekindle.com
For more information and complete line-up visit our web pages:
http://amsterdambar.blogspot.com/

Facebook event page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=106655489391473&ref=ts

Media / Event Contact: Erin Nicole Parisi
Phone 214-621-6766
Fax 214-350-1189
enp@theartmongers.com
http://www.MusicologytheArt.org/

Venue Contact: Mike Scheel
Amsterdam Bar
831 Exposition Avenue
Dallas, TX 75226
Venue (214) 827-3433
Cell (469) 233-6591
www.MusicologytheArt.org

Announcing the first Expo Park Jazz Festival!

2010-08-16T16:03:00.006-04:00

Just a quick post to announce Expo Park Jazz Festival 2010: The Many Faces of Jazz!

Exposition Park Jazz Fest 2010 will be a two day jazz music festival over Labor Day Weekend 2010. This inaugural event will take place at the Amsterdam Bar, located at 831 Exposition Ave, Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, September 5th and Monday, September 6th.

The bill will feature national and local jazz acts with several surprise guest appearances. The theme of the 2010 festival is "The Many Faces of Jazz." This year’s festival will highlight and pay tribute to the history and varied musical styles of this great American music tradition.

Labor Day Weekend 2010

Day One - Sunday, September 5, 2010
The Brad Leali/Shelley Carrol Big Band
Bernard Wright Trio
Ardina Lockhart
Yells at Ells
Victor Cager
Paul Slavens
Barrie Lee Hall Jr.and the Duke Ellington Small Band

Day Two - Monday, September 6, 2010
Quartet Out
The Texas Tenors
Drenda Barnett
Charlie Young Sextet (CD release"SoLongAgo")
Buddy Mohmed
Dave Zollar and Daybreak Express
Shelley Carrol Electrik Band Featuring Ephram Owens

Amsterdam Bar
831 Exposition Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75226
(214) 827-3433
www.amsterdambar.com

Tickets

$20 Single Day Ticket Sold at Door

$30 2-day Pass
Advance purchase only available at:
www.prekindle.com

21+ only please. After all, it's a bar.

Monday night is Bad Ass Jazz Night!

2010-08-15T21:41:00.002-04:00

Don't forget, Monday night is Bad Ass Jazz Night at the Amsterdam Bar. It is, quite simply, the best night of jazz in Dallas, Texas.

This week's lineup?

Dana Sudborough, vibraphone
Brad Williams, keyboards
Jonathan Fisher, double bass
Jaelun Washington, drums

Looking for something to do in Dallas? Don't forget Jazz Night at The Amsterdam Bar!

2010-08-09T21:23:00.001-04:00

Come to the Amsterdam Bar Bad Ass Jazz night at 10pm tonite! Dave Zoller, keyboards; Andrew Griffith, drumset; Jonathan Fisher, upright bass; Evan ______, trumpet. See ya there!

Don't miss Bad Ass Jazz tonight at the Amsterdam Bar!

2010-08-02T16:01:00.002-04:00

Come out and enjoy Dallas' single best night of jazz over a few pints of beer at one of Dallas' best beer bars!

Photos from the Benefit for Rockin' Ralph

2010-07-15T21:05:00.004-04:00

See more here.

Scott Mankoff has a large album of photos of the benefit on Facebook.

Benefit for Rockin' Ralph of "Hollywood 5 and Dime" July 14th

2010-07-12T16:52:00.009-04:00

A Benefit for Rockin Ralph of Hollywood 5 and Dime fame will be held at The Amsterdam Bar Wednesday July 14th, 2010. Spector 45 and The Dangits will be playing starting at 9 PM. DJ Mark Ridlen willl DJ between the bands' sets, so the music will never stop.

All donations will go directly to Ralph's medical bills.

World Cup viewing party today!

2010-07-11T09:47:00.002-04:00

Join us for the last time the T.V. will be on before TX/OU! Bring your friends, lovaz, & concubines. The taste 'o Dallas will be across the street for your dining pleasure. See you here & go favorite sports franchise!

Spain versus Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Date: Sunday, July 11, 2010
Time: 12:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: The Amsterdam Bar

Fair Park Fourth on the Fifth!

2010-07-04T16:38:00.001-04:00

The city of Dallas will have a fireworks event after all on Monday, July 5, 2010. The fireworks display at Fair Park was originally canceled due to the lack of funding for security for the event. However, as of June 24th, 2010, the event was officially rescheduled. Many people get Monday, July 5th, as a holiday so be sure to go see the sizzling fireworks display and support this Dallas event.

When: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Live radio simulcast on 98.7 K-LUV.
Dallas Wind Symphony concert at 8:30 p.m.
Concessions on sale at 6 p.m.
Dancing Water Shows in Fair Park's Esplanade at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.

Where: Fair Park, Dallas

Cost: Free. Parking $10

Big D Cycle's race team at Wednesday Bike Night!

2010-06-30T10:13:00.003-04:00

At tonight's Wednesday bike night at the Amsterdam Bar, we'll be hosting the Big D Cycle's race team. They're bringing their race bikes out for one night only, along with the flat track racer from the 1971 Steve Mcqueen film "Any Given Sunday"!

Be there or be square!

World Cup viewing party! Saturday at the Amsterdam Bar!

2010-06-25T19:15:00.004-04:00

The United States' national soccer team has won Group D in the 2010 World Cup and now advances to the Round of 16 in the Knockout Stage. The United States will face off against Ghana on Saturday, June 26th!

So, for such a rare occasion, we will be opening at 12:30 tomorrow for the USA match. This means that our monster T.V. will be resurrected (plugged in) for the event. Not only can you watch our team win in full color and stereo sound, you can enjoy our drink specials . . .

$2.50 Tigers
$3.00 16 oz. PBRs
$4.00 drafts
$1.00 off all wells!!!!!!!!!

Don't miss this historic opportunity to see the television at the Amsterdam Bar turned on . . . and to see the United States play World Cup soccer!

"Bohemian Rhapsody"

2010-06-25T14:06:00.000-04:00

Bar Trivia: Sunday June 20th!

2010-06-19T19:31:00.001-04:00

The Amsterdam Bar invites you to "Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink" on Sunday, June 20th at 8:00PM.

Event: Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink
What: Drinking Games
Start Time: Sunday, June 20 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, June at 9:30pm
Where: The Amsterdam Bar

The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people. Questions are read aloud by the Quizmaster and teams write down the answers, turning them in to the quizmaster at the end of each round.

Geeks Who Drink quizzes are unique in that they include two rounds of audio questions. One is your basic "name that tune" round with a theme (like "songs about drinking"); the other features soundbites from movies, TV and current events. We also have a visual handout round with pictures of famous cartoon characters, criminals, animals, criminal animals, etc...

Team size is limited to six people. You are competing for a $50 bar tab, bragging rights and Internet fame.

Shelley Carrol back in town for Jazz Night tonite!

2010-06-07T13:31:00.002-04:00

Shelley Carrol has been out on tour for awhile, but tonight he's back in Dallas and will be playing at The Amsterdam Bar's weekly Bad Ass Jazz Night. This is not to be missed!

Welcome to Dallas-Fort Worth: please drive carefully

2010-06-04T13:46:00.002-04:00

Video of a drunk driver at DFW airport on Tuesday. You can see the "after" pictures of this event at The Dallas Observer's Unfair Park blog.

Bands on the patio this Saturday! Live music!

2010-05-10T17:33:00.002-04:00

Saturday May 15, 2010 at 9:00pm: Vulgar Fashion, Moira Scar (San Francisco), Museum Creatures, and Dj sets from Oleg B & Rodrigo Diaz.

Vulgar Fashion - http://www.myspace.com/vulgarfashion
Moira Scar - http://www.myspace.com/thefloatingcorpses
Museum Creatures - http://www.myspace.com/museumcreatures

$5 at the door, 21+ only, on the patio so subject to rain.

Trivia Night tonight! April 25th!

2010-04-25T15:35:00.002-04:00

The Amsterdam Bar invites you to "Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink" on Sunday, April 25th at 8:00PM.

Event: Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink
What: Drinking Games
Start Time: Sunday, April 25 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, April 25 at 11:00pm
Where: The Amsterdam Bar

To see more details and RSVP, click here.

This is the second night of Geeks Who Drink, a weekly pub quiz at The Amsterdam.

The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people. Questions are read aloud by the Quizmaster and teams write down the answers, turning them in to the quizmaster at the end of each round.

Geeks Who Drink quizzes are unique in that they include two rounds of audio questions. One is your basic "name that tune" round with a theme (like "songs about drinking"); the other features soundbites from movies, TV and current events. We also have a visual handout round with pictures of famous cartoon characters, criminals, animals, criminal animals, etc...

Team size is limited to six people. You are competing for a $50 bar tab, bragging rights and Internet fame.

Be sure to sign up for the email list as we tease the themes for each quiz and ask a bonus question good for a free prize. Sign up on our website: www.geekswhodrink.com

Pictures of last week's trivia!

2010-04-25T08:55:00.001-04:00

You can find pictures of last week's trivia game at the Geeks Who Drink blog.

"Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink"

2010-04-05T16:24:00.003-04:00

The Amsterdam Bar invites you to "Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink" on Sunday, April 18 at 8:00PM.

Event: Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink
What: Drinking Games
Start Time: Sunday, April 18 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, April 18 at 11:00pm
Where: The Amsterdam Bar

To see more details and RSVP, click here.

This is the inaugural night of Geeks Who Drink, a weekly pub quiz at The Amsterdam.

The quiz consists of eight rounds of eight questions and is played in teams of up to six people. Questions are read aloud by the Quizmaster and teams write down the answers, turning them in to the quizmaster at the end of each round.

Geeks Who Drink quizzes are unique in that they include two rounds of audio questions. One is your basic "name that tune" round with a theme (like "songs about drinking"); the other features soundbites from movies, TV and current events. We also have a visual handout round with pictures of famous cartoon characters, criminals, animals, criminal animals, etc...

Team size is limited to six people. You are competing for a $50 bar tab, bragging rights and Internet fame.

Be sure to sign up for the email list as we tease the themes for each quiz and ask a bonus question good for a free prize. Sign up on our website: www.geekswhodrink.com

Thurday- SENECA from Ireland

2010-03-23T08:49:00.004-04:00

Free show this Thursday on the patio. SENECA from Ireland!

Event: Thurday- SENECA from Limerick, Ireland
What: Concert
Start Time: Thursday, March 25 at 9:00pm
End Time: Thursday, March 25 at 12:00midnight
Where: The Amsterdam Bar

To see more details and RSVP, click here.

St. Patrick's Day on the Green Line!

2010-03-12T11:54:00.003-05:00

This year, if you're skipping the St. Patrick's Day parade, avoiding 'Avi's parking nightmare', and dodging the paddy wagon on Greenville Avenue, then come down to Expo Park and visit the Amsterdam Bar. We'll have DJ RID, DJ Wild in the Streets, & DJ Aries spinning on the patio from 12:00 noon until close!

Some Irish favorites will be on special. Best part...Ride the green line to & from the party without having to worry about DWI!

Enjoy St. Patrick's Day weekend responsibly.

Don't forget to join us for Saint Patrick's Day

2010-03-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

Please, no amateurs.

And now, some rare video footage from last year's event.

Beer Advocate issue #37 is out!

2010-03-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest from Beer Advocate online.

Rockers vs. Mods IV: March 26-28th

2010-02-13T08:24:00.003-05:00

Rockers vs. Mods returns to the Amsterdam Bar again this year! Click here for additional information.

Explosive performance

2009-12-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

An amazing jazz performance with an explosive finish.

A blast from the past! Shelley Carrol and Brad Leali from 1989

2009-12-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

A great old clip from a show called "Gregg's Living Room." Brad and Shelley have different, but complementary styles. This video shows a musical friendship that goes back more than twenty years.

"Honeysuckle Rose"

2009-12-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

A jazz standard gets a special treatment from one of our favorite saxophonists.

Another great jazz performance

2009-12-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

We're hoping that we can get these guys to sit in someday.

Shelley Carrol

2009-12-06T09:27:00.001-05:00

Monday nights at the Amsterdam Bar!

The Brad Leali / Shelley Carrol Big Band

2009-12-02T09:32:00.000-05:00

Shelley Carrol organizes the Monday night Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar. Brad Leali is Shelley's long-time partner in crime and Brad often sits in at the Amsterdam. Their big band is fantastic and can be seen every month at Sandaga Jazz.

Shelley Carrol: "Inner Urge"

2009-11-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Catch Shelley Monday nights at the Amsterdam Bar!

Bernard Wright

2009-11-12T07:39:00.004-05:00

Bernard Wright (born 1963) is an American funk and jazz keyboardist born in Miami, Florida.

Wright was offered a slot touring with Lenny White when he was 13, and he played with Tom Browne at age 16.^[1] GRP Records signed him in 1981 and released his debut LP, 'Nard, tracks from which have been prominently sampled by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Skee-Lo among countless others. He followed with Funky Beat on Arista and Mr. Wright on EMI. The latter of these albums included his biggest R&B hit, "Who Do You Love" for which a video was made. Wright has also appeared on recordings by musicians such as Cameo, Bobby Brown, Pieces of a Dream, Charles Earland, Marcus Miller and Miles Davis.

This video is from Bernard's 1985 hit "Who Do You Love."

Bernard Wright frequently sits in with the jazz players during The Amsterdam Bar's Bad Ass Jazz, every Monday night.

Still Flyin', The Happy Bullets, and Fishboy!

2009-10-21T19:11:00.006-04:00

Halloween night at The Amsterdam Bar!

About Still Flyin':

The San Francisco-based supergroup Still Flyin' was assembled in late 2004 by singer/songwriter Sean Rawls. By the time he arrived on the West Coast he was already a veteran of various Athens, GA bands, including Masters of the Hemisphere and Je Suis France. For the latter band, Rawls wrote a reggae song, "Never Gonna Touch the Ground." The song quickly became a live show staple and crowd favorite.

After relocating to San Francisco, the song seemed to have a life of its own and demanded to be jammed. Rawls decided he needed to form a band based on that song and the dream of Still Flyin' was born. He asked virtually everyone he knew in his new city to join the reggae-inspired project, and to everyone's surprise the first practice had fifteen people at it.

What might have begun as a lighthearted nod to good times soon became a juggernaut that no one in the band expected, and before long the group had become a San Francisco phenomenon. It didn’t hurt that this nascent supergroup counts members of bands such as Track Star, Aislers Set, Ladybug Transistor, Love Is All, Maserati, and Red Pony Clock amongst it’s rotating collective.

About The Happy Bullets:

Recording songs that combined a 1960's psychedelic nostalgia with ironic and literate lyrics, The Happy Bullets began when indie songwriters Jason Roberts and Tim Ruble met while working together at an art gallery in a suburb of Dallas. After a home recording demo was released and played on local radio, Roberts quickly recruited his wife, Andrea to learn bass guitar while lending vocal support to several of the bands more pop-oriented songs. Additional members were later added including Josh McKibben of The Sons of Sound, Rhett Jones, and Kris Youmans of The Paper Chase.

2004 saw the release of The Happy Bullets first record, Blue Skies and Umbrellas and was quickly followed up in 2005 with The Vice and Virtue Ministry, engineered by Stuart Sikes (Modest Mouse, Cat Power, the Promise Ring) and released on the upstart Dallas indie label Undeniable Records. The latter gained the band critical acclaim on the national college radio circuit and led to shared bills with Mates of State, Architecture in Helsinki, and Of Montreal.

In 2006, the Happy Bullets toured throughout the United States performing in Austin, Texas at the SXSW Music Festival, Athens, Georgia at the 2006 Athens Popfest, and at CMJ Music Festival in New York City.

About Fishboy:

Fishboy is a four-piece eccentric indie pop band from Denton, TX that began as the bedroom solo project of Eric Michener. He was given the nickname on a middle-school field trip after a dare to pluck and swallow a fish at the Dallas World Aquarium. Six years and several shoe boxes full of cassette tapes later, Michener moved from the suburbs to the Texas rock-and-roll Mecca of Denton with a handful of low-budget recordings released by the close-knit Austin music collective Business Deal Records.

Their third album, Little D, was acclaimed by the Austin Chronicle and Dallas Observer and voted Best Local Band of 2005 by the Dallas Morning News.

A brief message from our staff

2009-10-18T09:56:00.002-04:00

Notable Performances Series

2009-10-04T19:37:00.000-04:00

Does this drummer remind you of anyone you know?

Dallas Observer names The Amsterdam Bar Best Jazz Club for 2009!

2009-09-25T18:34:00.006-04:00

The Dallas Observer's Best of Dallas Awards for 2009 are out and The Amsterdam Bar has been named Best Jazz Club for 2009!

This Exposition Park staple isn't really a jazz club, but step into this European-styled bar on a Monday night and, traditional jazz room settings be damned, you're gonna see yourself as good a night of jazz performance as offered by any other venue in town. Bad Ass Jazz, as the night is called, is pretty much just what the title implies—a night of the region's finest jazz talents rotating in and out of the playing area in the back of the room, sharing smiles, drinks and enough improvised jazz solos and group jams to keep the always-crowded room delighted. Even to the uneducated jazz listener, it's an impressive sight, not to mention an easy way to pretend you're more cultured than you probably are. Plus, it's free.

As this review notes, The Amsterdam Bar really isn't a jazz club at all. Our reputation as a jazz venue stems from our Monday night jazz, the notorious "Bad Ass Jazz" coordinated by local jazz great Shelly Carrol. We believe that Bass Ass Jazz is the single greatest night of jazz you are likely to find in Dallas, or in Texas, or quite possibly west of New Orleans or Chicago. It's that good.

We attribute this to Shelly's commitment to providing the very best in straight-ahead jazz and the talent of the diverse jazz ensembles he assembles to play every week. The lineup is never the same and there are always new faces sitting in to shake things up and keep the improvisation fresh.

Our thanks to the judges at the Dallas Observer and to Shelly and all the other talented musicians who have made Monday night at The Amsterdam Bar something extremely special!

Welcome to the neighborhood!

2009-09-20T08:50:00.003-04:00

We were excited to read in the Dallas Observer's Unfair Park blog about a new business moving to the Expo Park area. Restaurant uniform designer Terra Watson has moved her business to a larger studio in our neck of the woods.

Welcome to the neighborhood Ms. Watson, stop in for a beer some time.

Avery's "The Kaiser" Imperial Oktoberfest

2009-09-18T21:42:00.005-04:00

Lee at "I Love Beer" has a great review of Avery's "The Kaiser" Imperial Oktoberfest:

It was a bit more intense than what I sought in a simple dinnertime beer, but nothing else would do. It will surprise no one who has tried Avery's products that it is fantastic. It's like an Oktoberfest on steroids: 9.37% alcohol — and you can really taste it — with a generous dose of malt and a little more bitterness than I expect from this style. And yet, it was also really sweet, as well. I think that's because of the alcohol. If you're into really strong beers, this is a winner from the first moment it hits your tongue, through the entry into the mouth, and on into the sweet aftertaste. It really helped complete the fall experience brought on by the meal and the fading golden light of the first daylight savings time evening, which is about to dissolve into a crisp, cool night.

This isn't a beer that lends itself to mass drinking (if you were served one of these at your local oompah music festival, you'd be in for an early end to your party), but you really must have at least one of these to make your autumn complete.[1]

Thanks Lee, for a great review of a really interesting take on the Oktoberfest tradition!

Remember: Bad Ass Jazz, every Monday night!

2009-08-22T11:15:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things to do in Dallas is to stop into the Amsterdam Bar for the Bad Ass Jazz on Monday nights. There's no cover for this weekly event, but it draws a large crowd and features key players in the Dallas jazz scene. The band is slightly different every week, but is based around the members of The Shelley Carrol quartet. The lineup can be anything from a trio up to a quintet (and occasionally a sextet). Some of the musicians I've seen at the Amsterdam recently include:

Shelley Carrol - Tenor Saxophone
Brad Leali - Alto Saxophone
Gary Granger - Drums
Jonathan Fisher - Bass
Scott Bucklin - Piano
Jay Jennings - Trumpet
Andrew Griffith - Drums

The Amsterdam is also a great place to go for a cold beer.

Blue Petal and Don Cento, Saturday August 8th!

2009-08-06T20:17:00.001-04:00

Blue Petal is a Dallas, Texas band with a powerful melodic folk rock sound. The band is fronted by Russian-born lead singer, Manya Repnikova, who plays as well as writes songs on the guitar. Though their music is quite energetic, it can quickly turn dark yet beautiful on songs like "Host" and "Turning it Around." Peter Anderson also plays guitar, keyboard, and writes songs for the band, while Bryan Butler taps into his native Texan roots for some authentically southern finger picking and harmonica playing. All mixed together you have a real recipe for music here.

Don Cento can play the guitar, and he does. Whether it’s a green solid body one, a yellow masonite one with lipstick pickups, a Bakelite one that sits in his lap while being slid on, a baritone one like Glen Campbell’s solo in “Galveston,” he has no natural enemies in the guitar family. Originally from Mark Twain country, where Missouri loves company, he came to study at UNT some seasons back; when the train pulled out after graduation, he missed it. Don is the first guitarist to join the LJM experience, and he brings an erudite versatility and unerring musical decency to the table.

Come early to ensure you get a good seat.

Boddingtons Pub Ale

2009-07-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

Boddingtons Pub Ale (United Kingdom) – 4.7 % ABV: This beer pours a nice golden color with a nice, thick, creamy, white head that lasts. Features a clean taste and aroma, and malt, hops, and caramel can be picked up in the nose. This beer is sweet with a decent bitter finish. Boddington's is well balanced, very satisfying, and easy to drink, even as it warms up.

Sandaga Jazz: An unlikely venue keeps straight ahead jazz alive and well in Dallas, Texas

2009-07-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

There's an ongoing debate in the Dallas arts scene about whether Dallas jazz remains viable, or if it is slowly drying up. There's a small jazz venue in Dallas that may well be the beating heart of straight-ahead jazz in the Metroplex. The concentration of talent at this place is amazing; it's where the best in Dallas' straight-ahead jazz community go to work on their music and develop the sounds they play around Dallas and Fort Worth the rest of the week. This place is the wellspring.

Is the Dallas jazz scene dead? Far from it, at least that's what Darryl Thomas, the owner and operator of Sandaga Jazz will tell you if you give him the chance. "The Dallas jazz scene is really more vibrant than it gets credit for," Thomas told me before a recent Thursday night jazz event at the venue. According to Thomas, the Dallas jazz scene embraces many diverse approaches: straight-ahead, fusion, smooth jazz, and rhythm and blues can all be found at several venues in the Metroplex. At Sandaga, the focus is on straight-ahead jazz and building on the traditions of jazz greats like Duke Ellington.

One of the things that sets Sandaga Jazz apart as a Dallas jazz venue is that it isn't a club or restaurant: it's a non-profit foundation devoted to the arts. According to Thomas, funding can be a struggle at times. Sandaga Jazz is a 501(c)(3) and is largely dependent on donations at the door. Sandaga Jazz was established in 1999 and grew out of Thomas' experiences with jazz in New York and Los Angeles. Thomas created the venue as a way to give his friends a place to play their music. It wasn't long after the venue was established that it began to routinely draw crowds of twenty-five to thirty people, and even larger crowds when special guests like Grammy winner Wynton Marselis sit in.

The Sandaga Jazz venue is located in the same building as Thomas' African art dealership, Sandaga Market. The art market has been in the same location for nineteen years, and Thomas bought the building eight years ago. Sandaga Market imports West African art and sells to both private collectors and museums. Behind the small showroom and office, in a large backroom, you will find a low bandstand flanked by a piano on one side and an organ on the other. Depending on what night of the week it is, you may find anything from a trio to a sixteen-piece big band playing jazz.

Sandaga fills a unique niche within the Dallas jazz scene. There are larger and glossier venues, but at Sandaga the focus is on music and the musicians who play it. Some of the best jazz musicians in Dallas come to Sandaga Jazz to hone their art and pass it on to younger musicians. "We try to bring in the best musicians we can," Thomas says, "It's about keeping the music fresh." Sandaga focuses on dance hall jazz and what Thomas calls "sit-down-and-listen jazz" played in the tradition of straight ahead jazz.

The atmosphere at Sandaga is casual, but serious and focused, especially among the musicians. The emphasis is on the music, not drinks or food. This is not the venue for you if you only like homogenized performances of old jazz standards. But if you enjoy listening to jazz musicians working out new compositions and arrangements live on stage, Sandaga Jazz might be something you need to check out.

The night I first visited Sandaga Jazz, I caught a performance of the Scott Bucklin Quintet. Bucklin's musical approach was both improvisational and collaborative. Bucklin was trying out new material for an upcoming album and passed out sheet music for his band mates. Local jazz greats Shelley Carrol and Pete Gallio tackled the new compositions with gusto. Vibraphonist Dana Sudborough sat in and also contributed new material. They were ably backed by bassist Jonathan Fisher and drummer Andrew Griffith.

I returned a few days later for the big band that plays the last Wednesday of every month. This band is a feast for jazz lovers. Organized by Brad Leali and Shelley Carrol, the lineup is heavy on brass and woodwinds, and produces an incredibly fat and luscious sound reminiscent of the great big bands of the golden age of jazz. The band's repertoire includes jazz standards as well as new material produced in the tradition of Ellington and others. This band's focus is on swing, but it also incorporates bop influence on many of its tunes.

On this particular night, local jazz vocalist Sandra Kaye joined the band onstage for several numbers. Kaye sang with the verve and precision for which she is known, her style resonating with the underlying swing of the band's performance. I caught up with Kaye during a break and I asked her about Sandaga Jazz. "Sandaga plays an important role in keeping the Dallas jazz scene strong," she replied, "no other place in Dallas is devoted to the music the way this place is."

Teaching the next generation of jazz players is a key part of what Sandaga is about. "A lot of young people haven't been exposed to good music," says Thomas, "the goal of our Youthful Jazz program is to put promising students from local high schools and colleges onstage with jazz legends." Great jazz players who have taken part in the Youthful Jazz program include Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, and the late, great Marchel Ivery.

Experienced jazz players provide workshops for the student musicians. These workshops give them a chance to talk to the more seasoned players and understand their approach to making music. What these student musicians are getting a chance to do is to work out how to use the language of musicians, how to improvise and collaborate onstage with other musicians. It also gives the student musicians a chance to play with and learn from better musicians.

Tuesday nights are set aside for an open mic jam session with pianist and composer Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks on organ, saxophonist S'Ankh Rasa, saxophonist Jason Davis, bassist Yuji Yoshimine, drummer Gerard Bendiks, and percussionist Roger Franklin. A big band (16 pieces) is presented on the last Wednesday of each month. Every Thursday night, Sandaga's presents pianist Scott Bucklin's quintet. Youthful Jazz is presented every third Sunday of each month.

Sandaga Jazz at Sandaga Market
1325 E. Levee Street
Dallas, Texas 75207-7109
sandagajazz@yahoo.com

After the show, be sure to stop by the Amsterdam Bar for an ice cold beer!

Don't miss Bad Ass Jazz every Monday night at the Amsterdam

2009-07-20T09:01:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things to do in Dallas is to stop into the Amsterdam Bar for the Bad Ass Jazz on Monday nights. There's no cover for this weekly event, but it draws a large crowd and features key players in the Dallas jazz scene. The band is slightly different every week, but is based around the members of The Shelley Carrol quartet. The lineup can be anything from a trio up to a quintet (and occasionally a sextet). Some of the musicians I've seen at the Amsterdam recently include:

Shelley Carrol - Tenor Saxophone
Brad Leali - Alto Saxophone
Gary Granger - Drums
Jonathan Fisher - Bass
Scott Bucklin - Piano
Jay Jennings - Trumpet
Andrew Griffith - Drums

The Amsterdam is also a great place to go for a cold beer.

Dallas jazz appreciation group on Facebook

2009-07-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

I was at a jazz event last night at Sandaga's Market and I was talking to host Darryl Thomas about some of the different ways we could help to build an audience for jazz in Dallas, Texas. One of the ideas I had was to start a new Facebook group to attract people who love jazz online. To that end, I have established the Dallas Jazz Appreciation Group on Facebook.

I'm hoping that this new group will serve as a place for Dallas jazz fans to share information about jazz artists, jazz venues, and upcoming jazz events.

Click Here to join the Dallas Jazz Appreciation Group.

Happy Bullets, Amo Joy and Hardin Sweaty and The Ready to Go on July 18th

2009-07-14T17:34:00.002-04:00

Happy Bullets, Amo Joy and Hardin Sweaty and The Ready to Go

What: Concert "super sweet and sugery fun "
Host: The Amsterdam Bar - Dallas, Texas
Start Time: Saturday, July 18 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, July 19 at 2:00am
Where: The Amsterdam Bar's Patio

A little bit about The Happy Bullets:

Recording songs that combined a 1960's psychedelic nostalgia with ironic and literate lyrics, The Happy Bullets began when indie songwriters Jason Roberts and Tim Ruble met while working together at an art gallery in a suburb of Dallas. After a home recording demo was released and played on local radio, Roberts quickly recruited his wife, Andrea to learn bass guitar while lending vocal support to several of the bands more pop-oriented songs. Additional members were later added including Josh McKibben of The Sons of Sound, Rhett Jones, and Kris Youmans of The Paper Chase.

2004 saw the release of The Happy Bullets first record, Blue Skies and Umbrellas and was quickly followed up in 2005 with The Vice and Virtue Ministry, engineered by Stuart Sikes (Modest Mouse, Cat Power, the Promise Ring) and released on the upstart Dallas indie label Undeniable Records. The latter gained the band critical acclaim on the national college radio circuit and led to shared bills with Mates of State, Architecture in Helsinki, and Of Montreal.

In 2006, The Happy Bullets toured throughout the United States performing in Austin, Texas at the SXSW Music Festival, Athens, Georgia at the 2006 Athens Popfest, and at CMJ Music Festival in New York City.[1]

We look forward to having The Happy Bullets on our stage this weekend.

New beer at the bar: Hop Rod Rye!

2009-07-14T08:51:00.003-04:00

We've been enjoying a new beer at the bar for a couple of weeks now: Bear Republic Brewery's Hop Rod Rye. This beer is a bold American IPA made with 20% rye malt. Hop Rod Rye is darker in color than your typical IPA. It boasts a huge hop aroma and flavor accompanied by a slightly sweet, malty finish. This beer weighs in with a satisfying ABV of 8.0%.

Hop Rod Rye has won several awards at beer festivals: 2004 California State Fair, Silver Medal Winner; 2002 National Real Ale Festival, Chicago, Gold Medal Winner; 2001 San Diego Real Ale Festival, Silver Medal Winner & Best of Show (Runner Up). So if you're a beer nut like the rest of us, swing by the Amsterdam and ask for a Hop Rod Rye.

Music at the Amsterdam

2009-06-17T14:15:00.002-04:00

Blue Petal played last weekend and was imply amazing, you should definitely check them out.

Nate Fowler's Elixir plays this Saturday at the Amsterdam.

Last night's Jazz Night in pictures

2009-05-05T16:53:00.004-04:00

Last night the jazz at the Amsterdam Bar was especially sweet and lyrical. Many thanks to Scott Bucklin (piano), Jonathan Fisher (bass), Jaelin Washington (drums), Jay Jennings (trumpet), and all the guys who sat in for a night of amazing music.

Last night the jazz at the Amsterdam Bar was especially sweet and lyrical. Many thanks to Scott Bucklin (piano), Jonathan Fisher (bass), Jaelun Washington (drums), Jay Jennings (trumpet), and all the guys who sat in for a night of amazing music.

Robert Gomez live at The Amsterdam Bar May 16th!

2009-05-02T13:22:00.003-04:00

We are very excited to announce that Robert Gomez will be playing live at the Amsterdam Bar on May 16, 2009!

From Allmusic.com:

If there has been something salutary about the evolution of the singer/songwriter genre over the years, it's been the way that those who work in the general vein have expanded its range beyond simply being solo guitar with arrangements, or painstaking re-creations of power pop bands jamming. Robert Gomez's 2009 album demonstrates this, with perhaps expected fragments of the art pop aesthetic from the Beach Boys meshing with crisp drum punches and even full-on rhythm attacks, which "Behind a Green Rosette" shows on this album in particular. If he doesn't really let himself be as completely loose as he could -- there's definitely an air of a lost '70s wonderland present from the start -- he has an ear for unsettled backgrounds and mood establishers, like the swirl of piercing piano and the roiling chug and tones starting "At Nemeli Bats," or the slow unfolding keyboard and skyscrape guitar howl that concludes "Open Your Eyes/Escape From." Gomez serenely whispers and soothes more than sings, with as much reverb on his voice as possible, but it suits the understated flow of work like "Hunting Song," all softly chugging but nervous tones, keyboards, and beats, and perhaps the most traditional guitar/vocal song, "A Paper Figurine" -- at least before the spare funk break kicks in.

This is going to be a great show.

You can find more details at Robert Gomez's website.

Lighter beers for the summer!

2009-04-24T17:49:00.004-04:00

Well, for better or worse, the heat is back in Dallas, Texas. Here are some lighter, thirst-quenching beers we recommend for the summer time.

Amstel Light (Holland) – 3.5% ABV: Amstel Light pours a very light golden color with a short head and no lacing. The smell is very light, with just a little bit of grain and hops. The taste of this light lager is sweet and drinkability is superb. As its name suggests, Amstel Light is a very light and refreshing beer and is suitable as a session beer.

Blue Moon (Toronto, Canada) – 5.4% ABV: Blue Moon is a Belgian-style white beer brewed by the Blue Moon Brewing Company. The beer is orange-amber in color with a cloudy appearance because it is unfiltered. It is also spiced with coriander and orange peel in addition to the hops found in most beers.

Longboard Island Lager (Kona, Hawaii) – 5.0% ABV: Longboard is a light, slightly sweet lager that comes to us all the way from Kona in the Hawaiian Islands. This beer goes down nice and smooth on hot summer nights.

Pabst Blue Ribbon (San Antonio, Texas) – 5.0% ABV: Established in Milwaukee in 1844, this is the original Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Nature's choicest products provide its prized flavor. Only the finest of hops and grains are used. Selected as America's Best in 1893.

Woodchuck Draft Cider (Vermont) – 4.0% ABV: A refreshing pear cider all the way from Vermont. This is a sweet and slightly tart refreshment when you are in the mood for something other than a beer or when you want an option with lower alcohol content.

Dogfish Head's Burton Baton available at The Amsterdam Bar

2009-04-22T16:59:00.006-04:00

From left to right: Dogfish Head's 60 Minute IPA, Burton Baton, Red & White, and Indian Brown Ale.

The Amsterdam Bar has secured a small supply of a very rare beer: Dogfish Head's Burton Baton. This extreme beer is brewed in very small batches at irregular intervals, so there's no telling when we may see another shipment.

Burton Baton is a strong brew at 10% ABV. It's a complex blend of oaky english brown ale and Dogfish Head's signature 90 Minute Imperial Pale Ale. The result is a strong sweet beer with enough hop bite at the end to keep it in balance. Get to the Amsterdam Bar and enjoy a bottle of Burton Baton before the last of this extreme beer is all gone.

Monday Night Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar

2009-04-21T18:54:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite things to do in Dallas is to stop into the Amsterdam Bar for the Bad Ass Jazz on Monday nights. There's no cover for this weekly event, but it draws a large crowd and features key players in the Dallas jazz scene. The band is slightly different every week, but is based around the members of The Shelley Carrol quartet. The lineup can be anything from a trio up to a quintet (and occasionally a sextet). Some of the musicians I've seen at the Amsterdam recently include:

Shelley Carrol - Tenor Saxophone
Brad Leali - Alto Saxophone
Gary Granger - Drums
Jonathan Fisher - Bass
Scott Bucklin - Piano
Jay Jennings - Trumpet
Andrew Griffith - Drums

The Amsterdam is also a great place to go for a cold beer.

Event: "Attack of the Designer Toy Show"

2009-04-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post to let you know that one of our friends and neighbors--artist Eddie Ruiz--is having a show tonight at his studio and gallery just down the street from the Amsterdam Bar. We'd like to encourage you to check out Eddie's show: "Attack of the Designer Toy Show" and then come by the Amsterdam afterwards for a delicious beer or mixed drink.

Check out Eddie's websites for more information about this show:

www.myspace.com/avenuearts

http://edwardruizart.blogspot.com

http://monstorbotstudio.blogspot.com

New Dallas Jazz Appreciation Group on Facebook

2009-04-17T19:33:00.000-04:00

Four Pictures of an Exit Sign

2009-04-07T11:01:00.003-04:00

April 6, 2009 - The Amsterdam Bar - Dallas, Texas

Random Rock-a-Billy!

2009-04-01T16:00:00.003-04:00

I walked into the Amsterdam on Wednesday of last week and this Rock-a-Billy quartet were playing. I have no idea who they are, but they seemed to be playing in honor of someone's birthday.

Remember: every Wednesday night is "Vintage Bike Night," a great night for lovers of classic European motorcycles to get together, enjoy a pint, and talk about their bikes.

Don't forget to come out for Jazz night tonight!

2009-03-30T12:49:00.001-04:00

Bad Ass Jazz every Monday night at The Amsterdam Bar!

The Amsterdam Bar

Governor's Cup 2012 - Expo Park Block Party!

Jazz night, my babies

Big Bad Ass Jazz Night Tonight!

Come join us for New Year's Eve 2012!

Special Jazz Night Tonight

A brief message celebrating diversity

Holiday themed jazz night tonight

Jazz my babies!

21st Letterpress Chili Cookoff today at the Amsterdam Bar!

Jazz on the patio tonight!

Shelley Carrol with the Brannen Temple Group tonight!

Shelley Carrol plays tonight at Bad Ass Jazz

Live Music on September 29th at the Amsterdam Bar!

New beers on tap: Pine Belt Pale Ale and Wasatch White

Master Brewer Pierre Celis has passed away

Fashion shoot at the Amsterdam

A very cool night of jazz on tap with Brad Leali and Claus Raible

Have the Blues?

Sometimes it is exactly like this, sort of

D Magazine profiles one of our neighbors!

Randy Lee with the Shelley Carrol Quartet for Jazz Night

Jazz Night at the Amsterdam features the Michael Palma Quartet!

The Shelley Carrol Electrik Band will strike the Amsterdam Monday night

St. Patrick's Day at the Amsterdam

Thursday March 10, 2011 - Radio Free Amsterdam

Yes my babies, Monday night means Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar

Shelley Carrol Quartet at The Amsterdam Bar tonight!

Monday Night is Jazz Night at the Amsterdam Bar

We haven't seen you in awhile

Jazz night tonight my babies!

We will be closed Thursday night, January 6th

Shelley Carrol heads up Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

We lost a friend last night

Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

Jazz lineup for October 25th!

Great lineup for Jazz Night!

The Texas State Fair ends tonight!

Shelley Carrol at Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

Bad Ass Jazz tonight!

Bad Ass Jazz at the Amsterdam Bar!

Pictures from Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010

Darryl Thomas to co-MC Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010!

Press Release - Expo Park Jazz Fest 2010: The Many Faces of Jazz

Announcing the first Expo Park Jazz Festival!

Monday night is Bad Ass Jazz Night!

Looking for something to do in Dallas? Don't forget Jazz Night at The Amsterdam Bar!

Don't miss Bad Ass Jazz tonight at the Amsterdam Bar!

Photos from the Benefit for Rockin' Ralph

Benefit for Rockin' Ralph of "Hollywood 5 and Dime" July 14th

World Cup viewing party today!

Fair Park Fourth on the Fifth!

Big D Cycle's race team at Wednesday Bike Night!

World Cup viewing party! Saturday at the Amsterdam Bar!

"Bohemian Rhapsody"

Bar Trivia: Sunday June 20th!

Shelley Carrol back in town for Jazz Night tonite!

Welcome to Dallas-Fort Worth: please drive carefully

Bands on the patio this Saturday! Live music!

Trivia Night tonight! April 25th!

Pictures of last week's trivia!

"Trivia Night by Geeks Who Drink"

Thurday- SENECA from Ireland

St. Patrick's Day on the Green Line!

Don't forget to join us for Saint Patrick's Day

Beer Advocate issue #37 is out!

Rockers vs. Mods IV: March 26-28th

Explosive performance

A blast from the past! Shelley Carrol and Brad Leali from 1989

"Honeysuckle Rose"

Another great jazz performance

More Shelley Carrol video

Shelley Carrol

The Brad Leali / Shelley Carrol Big Band

Shelley Carrol: "Inner Urge"

Bernard Wright

Still Flyin', The Happy Bullets, and Fishboy!

A brief message from our staff

Notable Performances Series

Dallas Observer names The Amsterdam Bar Best Jazz Club for 2009!