THE DEN10: OCTOBER 8

Below you'll find one week's worth of activities to check out in Denton. We've got some world class jazz at Dan’sa seminar discussion led by one of our favorite urbanist, Michael Seman, and a whole bunch of other stuff, too. Get you hasthags ready and go get some stuff done. The weather looks like it's gonna be nice. 

Questions or comments can be sent via the internet towards glen@wedentondoit.com


Thursday, October 9th
voltREvolt / The Demigs / Space State | Dan’s Silver Leaf | 9PM | $5

Friday, October 10th
What If Hewlett & Packard Had Started A Band Instead? | ESSAT on UNT CAMPUS, RM. 130 | 3PM
The UNT Geography Department has invited one of our favorite local thinkers, Michael Seman, to lead a discussion on his research in regards to local music scenes and urban development in a public seminar that is free to attend. 

Live On The Patio: RTB2 / The Sideshow Tragedy | The LABB | 9PM
The LABB has a criminally underrated patio stage and the weather will be ideal for a nice outdoor show.

Live Jazz ft. Vic Juris / Jerry Bergonzi / Adam Nussbaum | Dan’s Silver Leaf | 8PM | $10
Jerry played on nine Dave Brubeck records, Vic, with Wild Bill Davis and Jimmy Smith among others and Adam happened to have played drums with Stan Gets, Sonny Rollins and John Scofield. Must be a Friday evening at Dan’s.

Saturday, October 11th
Costume Recycle | Denton Community Market | 9AM
Come out and donate costumes to families in need at the Community Market from Oct 11th through the 18th and then at Denton’s Day Of The Dead’s Festival on the 25th. 

The Pantry Dash - Run Against Hunger 2014 | South Lakes Park | 9AM
This is the kick off event for the week long community food drive. There’s a 5K and a mile fun run.

Urban Farm Bicycle Tour | Denton Community Market | 1PM - 3:30PM
Here’s a great community bike ride out to five different community farms. This is family friendly, helmets are encouraged and a great way to see s nice little slice of our community. There’s a map of the route on the event page.

Global Cardboard Challenge | Denton Public Library North Branch | 2PM

League of Women Voters Fracking Forum | Dan’s Silver Leaf | 4PM | FREE
A forum for a ballot initiative hosted by a local pub? Yes, you are in Denton. Go learn. 

Sunday, October 12th
East Oak Oaktoberfest on East Oak St | Oak Street Draft House | 11AM
It’s definitely the time of year that just about every weekend has an Oktoberfest with all pumpkin everything. This is sure to be a good one. Maybe go in your pumpkin bike or take your car that runs on pumpkin gasoline. 

 

DIRECTIONAL SHIFT

Words and Images by Will Milne

Shift Coffee opened up shop in their new/old digs last Friday. The place is a prime example of many of the recent changes that have taken place in Denton as far as gentrification goes. Shift first opened on Prairie St. at Locust in a rundown shopping center with a van with strangely religious wrap all over it last August. They were pretty much immediately heralded as the bringer of the goods when it came to coffee in Denton. It was a small shop, but those in the know would swear by the caffeinated beverages made by owner Angelo Fesperman and his merry band of baristas. A few months later, however, Jack Bell Properties announced that they would be razing the shopping center to make way for a brand new apartment complex designed for "modern living."

Shift was told there was room for them in the new space, but that it would be a while until that space was ready. That little while ended up being about half a year. Many businesses don't get two chances at an opening day, but Shift did. Fesperman claims that he was able to address many of the issues he faced as a first time business owner the second time around. He told We Denton Do It that he learned a bit more how to "let go," and allow his staff, friends and family to help out as much as possible. The new Shift is a family affair. Co-owner, Kelsey Heimerman's, family helped to make much of the furniture, and Heimerman, herself, has plenty of art on the walls and even designed the to-go cups. 

Cappuccino 

Cappuccino 

There's lots about the new Shift that will remind you of the old location. Window frames have been saved and used as storage, there are plenty of familiar faces, and those delicious lavender lattes are still around. That said, the new space is different in the best of ways. It is much more open and airy with plenty of room to spread out to work or have a conversation (also, you won't get that sunshine glare at 3pm like you will at some other local coffee facilities), the bar is setup for casual conversations, and there are even a few outdoor tables complete with umbrellas. 

The "old" Shift Coffee. 

The "old" Shift Coffee. 

Aside from the delicious caffeinated beverages, Shift is now carrying pastries made by chef Sheena Croft of Hannah's. We tried the cherry and almond scone and were blown away by its densely packed flavors. We'll be making another trip back soon to give the green chili and chocolate one a shot, too. Shift also uses and sells beans from Ft. Worth's Avoca. 

That said, much has changed in Denton's Coffee War scene since Shift closed their doors a few months ago. Cultivar Coffee set up shop in Denton, Recycled carries all the beans and West Oak Coffee Bar is getting closer and closer to reality. Is Shift still relevant? Definitely. During the times we stopped by this weekend, we were impressed by the number of visitors. Only about 50% of which seemed to be returning customers from the previous store. This new location on what we've begrudgingly started to call "SoLo" (South Locust) is kind of hoping now between Shift and The Dime Store. Throw in the fact that Viet Bites and Ravelin are close by and you've got plenty of reasons to keeping walking south past Mulberry. With the tenants that live above Shift and other nearby new apartments, we expect to see many more people in this area soon and are excited to see what other retail establishments open up in the ground floor of The Adagio. 

Scroll down for more images of coffee at Shift and make sure to stop by and get a drink at 501 S. Locust as soon as you can. 

Lavender Latte with house-made syrup. 

Lavender Latte with house-made syrup. 

Cherry almond scone. 

Cherry almond scone. 

We're guessing this is the reading corner. 

We're guessing this is the reading corner. 

"Keeping Denton Awake." 

"Keeping Denton Awake." 

The new to-go cups. 

The new to-go cups. 

WHAT WE DID: OCTOBER 6TH 2014

Y'all ever have those nights where there's so much going on that you couldn't possibly do it all and you have to make a choice between doing one awesome thing or doing a separate awesome thing? That's probably a good problem to have, but stressful nonetheless. Choices are hard. Either way, there was enough going on this weekend to produce tons of photos. Below, we have a bunch of those images for your visual enjoyment (weird one-antlered white reindeer included).

Click on the photos to be led back to the photographer's Instagram account.  Follow us on Instagram at @WeDentonDoIt if you aren't already and make sure to tag your Denton moments with #WDDI throughout the next seven days. Have a great week!

Shift Coffee reopened on Friday. We'll have more on that later. For now, enjoy this latte shot. We're calling it "A study of foam and shadows." 

Shift Coffee reopened on Friday. We'll have more on that later. For now, enjoy this latte shot. We're calling it "A study of foam and shadows." 

Fun First Friday times at The Dime Store. 

Fun First Friday times at The Dime Store. 

Studying is more dramatic when you do it in the shadows. 

Studying is more dramatic when you do it in the shadows. 

Pig Pen was in town this weekend with @WeKeepExploring. 

Pig Pen was in town this weekend with @WeKeepExploring. 

So were the Cone Heads. 

So were the Cone Heads. 

There was a white deer (reindeer?) with one antler running around downtown this weekend. Did you catch a glimpse? Reader @Falcor sure did! He was on the scene when it was in some of the most iconic Denton locales!

There was a white deer (reindeer?) with one antler running around downtown this weekend. Did you catch a glimpse? Reader @Falcor sure did! He was on the scene when it was in some of the most iconic Denton locales!

Showing off some Hypnotic scores. 

Showing off some Hypnotic scores. 

Lake Ray Roberts is always good for some scenery-chewing. 

Lake Ray Roberts is always good for some scenery-chewing. 

There was a high school band competition at Apogee on Friday. 

There was a high school band competition at Apogee on Friday. 

We had a fun springtime storm in early fall last Thursday. 

We had a fun springtime storm in early fall last Thursday. 

@NaysNews discovered the joy that is Hoochie's. 

@NaysNews discovered the joy that is Hoochie's. 

Photo by @_andresmenudo. 

Photo by @_andresmenudo. 

OKTOBERFEST ON WALNUT

Denton celebrated Oktoberfest on a shut down Walnut St. on Friday night. Many came out for drinking, costume contests, stein holding contests, live music, face painting and much more. 


SPONSOR:


Have y'all ever checked out the gigantic pumpkin patch (complete with hay maze, obstacle courses and much more) on Cross Timbers Rd. in Flower Mound? It's awesome and you only have to pay $5 to park for as much fun as you can take in for a day. 

Have y'all ever checked out the gigantic pumpkin patch (complete with hay maze, obstacle courses and much more) on Cross Timbers Rd. in Flower Mound? It's awesome and you only have to pay $5 to park for as much fun as you can take in for a day. 

Mink Coats at a house show. 

Mink Coats at a house show. 

We're getting "Hypnotized" by this awesome couch. 

We're getting "Hypnotized" by this awesome couch. 

UNT PACS Fall Forum. 

UNT PACS Fall Forum. 

Glen Farris of We Denton Do It visited a TWU Comp 1 class and tried to get them jazzed about Denton. As you can see, it totally worked dudes. Look at those faces. 

Glen Farris of We Denton Do It visited a TWU Comp 1 class and tried to get them jazzed about Denton. As you can see, it totally worked dudes. Look at those faces. 

Mopeds by @clint_jay. 

Mopeds by @clint_jay. 

There was a farrier (horse shoer) competition at the fair grounds this weekend. Lots of interesting stuff going on there. In addition, news broke that the fair grounds will soon be moving to a new facility a few miles north nearer to 35. 

There was a farrier (horse shoer) competition at the fair grounds this weekend. Lots of interesting stuff going on there. In addition, news broke that the fair grounds will soon be moving to a new facility a few miles north nearer to 35. 

@everydaymodish

@everydaymodish

@ThePaigels and some Cultivar cold brew. 

@ThePaigels and some Cultivar cold brew. 

Another shot of that mysterious white reindeer running around town. Thanks @Falcor for another great shot!

Another shot of that mysterious white reindeer running around town. Thanks @Falcor for another great shot!

@ShainaSheaffPhoto

@ShainaSheaffPhoto

QUICK BUSINESS UPDATE: OCTOBER 2014

We were wondering this morning, "Is there enough going on to run a new business-related post?" Boy howdy is there ever! And with all of the recent restaurant closings in Denton, we're anxious to get to it. 

For the people who venture out to Loop 288 on occasion (did you know you there's a trail to run there from downtown?), Pollo Tropical and Corner Bakery Cafe should be open soon. They actually look pretty dang nice. Maybe even nice enough to get us to step foot in the mall again. Either way, we're gonna grab some plantains and grilled chicken from Pollo Tropical as soon as they're open. Oh, and a new Panda Express opened up outside of LA Fitness, but that kinda happens all the time, right? 

The interior of the old Shift Coffee. 

The interior of the old Shift Coffee. 

Shift Coffee reopens this Friday in their new/old spot at The Adagio apartments on South Locust. Rachel Aughtry from The Dime Store, which is located across the street from Shift on South Locust, says they're pushing for the nickname "SoLo." The nickname goes against our advisement, but whatever Rachel Aughtry. Y'all be whatever you want, but the second people start calling North Elm "NoEl," we're outta here. We're excited to check out Shift's new digs and are super glad they're back in business. Stop in and get a lavender latte when you get the chance. 

Tea2Go, recently joined Pizza Snob as one of the businesses opening in the retail sections of the H Squared apartments on W. Hickory. We believe there is a third spot there, which we are anxious to see what claims it. 

Audacity Brewhouse, our newest hometown brewery (and first with an establishment we can actually visit) will open their doors with a three day grand opening event starting on Friday, October 24th. They say that there will be beer, tours and, and live music all three nights, so it'll probably be a good time. Cheers to more beer!

Flatlanders Taco Company recently announced that they will soon open a brick and mortar restaurant near Oak St. Drafthouse. There will be a celebration party (with a possibility of additional information) at Oak St. Drafthouse this Saturday at 6pm. Your gringo taco options near the square just went way up, people. 

 

 

 

ARTIST INTERVIEW: TAYLOR MCCLURE

Sara Button

Photo by Holly Therrell. 

Photo by Holly Therrell. 

If you have been to Rubber Gloves in the last three years, you’ve probably seen the black and white mural that was designed by Denton transplant, Taylor McClure. He has also worked with local artist Mick Burson on other large scale pieces throughout town. Dude gets around. McClure has collaborated with Pan Ector, worked as an artist in a guild of creative-types in New York, and is currently splitting his time between the big apple and Denton. We pinned him down and bugged him with a few pesky questions about important things such as tacos and T-shirts. Read on for more...




WDDI: How long have you been an active artist?

 

McClure: Well, I've been actively drawing every day that I can remember. I definitely drafted more at 4 than I do now, because of adulthood and all. I really can't think of a period in life where drawing wasn't an important part of the day. As a "career" artist, I've been getting paid for work since I was still studying printmaking at UNT. Printmaking made my work accessible to everyone because I could make them from scratch, and sell them affordably. I could also trade work with other people, which is mutually beneficial. Printmaking is the the core of my professional career as an artist in one form or another. It informs all aspects of my work, even when there is nothing being printed. 


 

Wait a minute... we would recognize that face anywhere. You used to live in Denton & work for Pan Ector, right? Tell us about your affiliation with Pan Ector.

 

Haha there are actually lots of bearded white males that look like me. It's like spotting a wookiee or something. I lived in Denton for about 5 years while I was attending UNT. In the summer of 2009, we (later known as Pan Ector) acquired our first t-shirt press, and everything else required to print shirts and other textiles. So while learning the process of printmaking at the university, I was learning the business of printmaking at home. It was like I was double majoring or interning. We continued to collaborate as a business collective until I decided to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2012. Since moving away, I've continued to function as a satellite illustrator for them. 

What made you leave Denton?

I left Denton, or my home of North Texas rather, to jump into the deep end of the real world. I felt hungry for risk. I wanted to fully submerge into a situation where I had to step up and push myself to a higher level of being. I know this all sounds vague and quasi-spiritual, but it's what I really needed. I felt as though my options were to either take a risk or play it safe. I was all done with my schooling, and at a pivotal point where something had to shift, so I shifted to the East Coast to see what was up. I made it work for about 2 years, and met lots of special people that have helped to shape my world view for the better. I came back to Texas to reconnect with my framily and family as an improved version of myself. 

I left Denton, or my home of North Texas rather, to jump into the deep end of the real world.

We heard through the grapevine that you have a new gig that takes you to New York part time. What's the deal with that? 

That seed was planted back in 2009 when Drive By Press visited UNT as visiting artists. That is essentially what I'm doing now. Drive By Press is based out of Brooklyn, and has been touring the country for nearly 10 years, waving the banner for printmaking. I did a few initial gigs with them before moving away from Texas. Joseph Velasquez, cofounder of DBP, was living in Texas at the time, so I would help assist him when he needed me. Once I got to Charlotte, I was freelancing for myself for about a year before I got in touch with Greg Nanney, the other cofounder based in NYC. From that point on, I've been linking up with Greg to tour academia or work up in New York for event printing. My job description is rather multifaceted. 

What is your preferred medium?

Any and all ink. Don't mess with the press. Ink is the link. I'm only halfway joking. My preferred medium is collage, but not what you might have in mind. With printmaking, I have an excess of hand-printed material. I discovered this problem while still in school. That's when I realized that cutting all of these prints up and seasoning them with paint and additional printing was really really fun. Printmaking is such a calculated, nearly scientific process. To be able to throw all that out the window and create new compositions with scissors and knives is raw. I learn more about my work from taking it apart and reassembling it than any other process. I might pull a screen print and shrug at it, but that same print has the potential to be re-contextualized and given a much more interesting life beyond its birth from the press. 

 

What artists inspire you? 

Motivated people inspire me, I don't really care what their work looks like. Of course I have a list of contemporary artists that make work I admire, but at the end of the day, the people you surround yourself with are the ones that will inspire you to push forward. I'm not talking about competition, I'm talking about generating an energy and thriving off it. It's uncommon and precious. I experienced it at it's greatest while still in school and collaborating with Pan Ector, because I was constantly surrounded by people busting their asses. When you're in that kind of environment, you are naturally lifted to that level of energy, or it's not for you. If you stick around to put in the work, you will be repaid with inspiration and fulfillment. 

 

Street tacos or Banh Mi?

I'm sure it would be pretty simple to make a savory fusion of the two. I don't know how good it would taste, but most likely delicious. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the street tacos, but only if they were arepas. (Editor's Note: arepas are delicious. Dude knows what's up. What about cachapas, though?)

If we wanted to purchase a piece of your artwork, what is the best route for that?

I should have set up an online store years ago. I've basically been selling most of my work directly to people I know, which is unfair for the online community. I plan to have a fully operational online store by October. As for now, if you're interested in any sort of work from my hands, feel free to drop me a line at mr.tarantuga@gmail.com and I'll get right back to you. Also visit my portfolio at tarantuga.carbonmade.com

 

 

 

SOFAR SOUNDS: DOUG BURR / GOLLAY / NITE

Words by Danielle Longueville, Images by Shaina Sheaff

This past Sunday afternoon, Sofar Sounds DFW, a live music discovery group, invited us out for a little backyard show in one of the Denton's most beautiful backyards. Sofar alwasys features three young acts from around the metroplex. Yesterday's event featured performances by Nite, Doug Burr, and Gollay. Read on for the full scoop on how SofarSounds gets down. 

In 2009, Sofar Sounds launched a venture dedicated to showcasing the talents of up-and-coming musicians from specific areas. They looked to provide an intimate setting for a handful of audience members and then share samples of audio and video from the performances for all the world to see. In 2011, Sofar made its way to DFW. Sunday's performance marked the second show for Denton and we couldn’t be more impressed by the large turnout of Dallasites and Fort Worthians in our neck of the woods.

Nite

Nite

Denton-natives Kyle and Myles Mendes of Nite (they’re twins, by the way. Check out their twitter handle.) kicked off the night with a toned-down version of their typical set. They still managed to impress their highly-attentive audience despite the fact that it was...daytime. With dueling Korgs and a collection of 80’s-centric percussion samples, Nite laid out a rather eccentric set that reminded us of a well-mixed blend of M83 and Neon Indian with some Tears for Fears thrown in for good measure. Their haunting lyrics were carried by a somewhat ominous, tone came as a pleasant surprise.

The familiar, talented face of Doug Burr kept the wheels a rollin’ along with an emotionally delicate and heartfelt set that showed off a few tracks from his upcoming album to be released in January. We fell especially in love with Doug’s song “Country Girls in City Dresses,” which paints a sensational image of a man’s adoration of an unknown girl on a train, whose demure personifies the phrase “you can take the girl out the country, but not the country out of the girl.”

Fort Worth indie rock group, Gollay, closed out the afternoon with a quaint, harmonious set. Frontlady and serial performer Rachel Gollay was an absolute treat. With a voice likened to Laura Marling and songs of love, hope, and the idea of being a receptionist, we loved everything about her performance. Her fellow bandmates Taylor Tasch and Russell Jack did an excellent job of accompanying Gollay’s lead vocals with some serious falsetto harmonies. 

We were genuinely impressed with the integrity of artists, welcoming crowd, and even the awesome backyard we were in. Be on the lookout for more Sofar shows in the Denton area starting in January. For more information on how to get involved or to sign up for the waiting list – yes, we said waiting list – for future shows, visit SoFarSounds.com. We look forward to hitting up the next show!


WHAT WE DID: SEPTEMBER 29th

We try to keep things light and fluffy here at We Denton Do It. After-all, there are plenty of local news outlets for you to peruse, but we just wanted to take a quick moment and extend our thoughts to those affected by the tragic NCTC softball crash this weekend. Our hearts are with you. 

What We Did is our weekly roundup of photos that you all (and us) have taken over the past seven days. This week we see images from Dog Days of Denton, The Baptist Generals anniversary show, and much more. 

If you'd like to be included in What We Did, tag your images with #WDDI on Instagram and check back here next Monday. Click the images below to be led back to the photographer's Instagram page. Have a great week!

Tooth-testing at Dog Days of Denton

Tooth-testing at Dog Days of Denton

Pig on a leash. 

Pig on a leash. 

Hannah Gamble went to Paschall Bar for the first time. 

Hannah Gamble went to Paschall Bar for the first time. 

The Baptist Generals celebrated their 15th anniversary at Dan's Silverleaf on Saturday. 

The Baptist Generals celebrated their 15th anniversary at Dan's Silverleaf on Saturday. 

In "band years" they're 90. 

In "band years" they're 90. 

@jasmyne_rose and art. 

@jasmyne_rose and art. 

Impromptu house shows are the best house shows. Photo by @ThePaigels. 

Impromptu house shows are the best house shows. Photo by @ThePaigels. 

Y'all ever use that little spoon? 

Y'all ever use that little spoon? 

"The Girls of Cafe Brazil Denton"

"The Girls of Cafe Brazil Denton"

Photo by @BeastManCaravan. 

Photo by @BeastManCaravan. 

Brian Daskam agrees with us that the inside of the courthouse is just as beautiful as the outside. 

Brian Daskam agrees with us that the inside of the courthouse is just as beautiful as the outside. 

Matthew Long, beveraging it up at Paschall Bar. 

Matthew Long, beveraging it up at Paschall Bar. 

DOG DAYS OF DENTON

The Dog Days of Denton was this Saturday and was basically awesome. There were tons of dogs and dog activities including dog singing, agility classes, duck herding, and much more. You could even get a glamor (sorry..."glamfur") shot of your dog taken. 

The Greenbelt held it's Green Fest this weekend. 

The Greenbelt held it's Green Fest this weekend. 

Armadillo Ale Works is taking over Kroger. Thank god there's no pumpkin flavor yet. 

Armadillo Ale Works is taking over Kroger. Thank god there's no pumpkin flavor yet. 

Sofar sounds held a Denton showcase this weekend. We'll have more on that soon. 

Sofar sounds held a Denton showcase this weekend. We'll have more on that soon. 

More Greenbelt. 

More Greenbelt. 

No taco today, but here's a bike. Maybe @SundayPrintShop rode it to go get a taco after he took this? 

No taco today, but here's a bike. Maybe @SundayPrintShop rode it to go get a taco after he took this?