MONTH IN REVIEW: APRIL

We started off April pushing politics in your face like your Uncle Ronny during Thanksgiving. We not only showcased each of the various candidates from each district with interviews, but also heard from local political-guru, Josh Berthume, and what he thought of the local election. Later on in April, early voting started and only around 100 people voted early in the two days of April they were able to. Here are our interviews from districts 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Japanese metal gods, Boris, rocked Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in late April. Little D wrote about it. Hopefully you were there and weren’t one of the people listing off reasons why Japanese people should be friends with you.

The Denton Community Market began it’s 2013 season in early April. They had large crowds to accompany their newly redesigned layout. This past Saturday’s market was smaller in both attendance and booths which was possibly due to either the weather or the fact that Denton Arts and Jazz Fest was happening at the same time less than a mile away. Speaking of...

Denton Arts and Jazz Festival celebrated it’s 33rd year and was as popular and jammed packed full of awesomeness as ever. We tried to give you guys a little help with how to best attend jazz fest, but based on what we saw during out time at the fest, y’all might not have listened very well.

Our friends over at Bookish Coffee received the entire funding they needed to purchase their new roaster. We highlighted theirs and a few other local Kickstarters on the blog.

People finally started reading signs and figured out that a Subway restaurant is opening up on the square. District 1 City Councilman Kevin Roden had some great words to say about it. It reminded us of a much lighter version of Fry St. being torn apart.

We tried our hand at giving you guys some help with thrifting and some of you yelled at us. We’re still right, but we like it when y’all have opinions.

WFAA started filming a bit in Denton and highlighted some of our food trucks. Later on they were served coffee at Jupiter House by the mayor.

UNT on the Square’s exhibit of the work of remixer Austin Kleon and his blackout poetry. We scored an interview with the man behind the sharpie. The exhibit is still open if you haven’t had the chance to take it in yet.

We visited the Redbud Festival, reviewed the Denton food truck Shiitake Swerve and took in some culture at the Trashion Fashion show.

Tim Love went back to the cow at his reinvigorated spot on Hickory now dubbed Queenie’s. While he and his crew ducked our interview requests, we still checked it out. Review forthcoming.

Rusty Taco showed us their cards and started work on their new patio over the previous mural that had been occupying the space.

Sean Starr popped up in videos on NPR, we interviewed him about his sign business, and he continued to make awesome stuff around town.

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​That's all we can remember, though. Did we forget something important that happened in Denton during the month of April? Let us know in the comments. 

JIVE FIVE: THRIFTING

Story by Naomi Wood, Photos by Jessica Livesay

This doll awaits to eat your soul inside of Denton Thrift.
​Photo by Jessica Livesay

Thrifting isn’t something that started in our scrappy college years. We were born into the lifestyle of weekly hunting and gatherings of cheap goods. These habits might have been aided by watching our parents swan-diving in a dumpster behind Hobby Lobby at a young age, but we’ll leave that to the past. These days we're not always sure of the legality of dumpster diving, but thrifting is the next best thing. While thrifting might not quite be as dirty or cheap, it's normally just as fun. 

Being a college town, Denton has a lot of curbside goodies when recent graduates skip town, but the real treasures lie inside our second-hand stores. However, like all towns, there are some shoddy places that you should steer clear of as well:

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Thrift Here:

Twice as Nice is great if you're looking for more than just clothing. They have everything from furniture, used roller blades, linens, curtains and house wares. Don't fret, though. If you’re in the mood for scouring through their clothes, we think they  have the best duds around. Their monthly calendar is super helpful, too. Every month they have things like 10 books, DVDs or Games for $2.00. 

The Antique Stores over by Rose Costumes have several great thrift sections, each specializing in different things. You'll find lots of paintings and Anthropologie-esque furniture for way less than Anthropologie prices. We’ve also seen a lot of great random furniture pieces that look like 19th century props.

The cleverly named Thrift Store on Dallas drive is a bit on the pricey side, but has the best vintage furniture in town. If you’re looking for that one Victorian piece to complete your living room, or even just an antique side table, you'll be in luck here. If you’ve got a little extra dough to spend, check out their paintings section too.

While Rose Costumes is known for their plethora of unique costumes, they also have a great thrift section, that gets updated every weekend. It tends to move around the store from time to time, so ask the always-nice employees if you can't find it. 

Ruth’s Room on University is the mecca for used books in town (besides Recycled). Their vintage sewing machines and furniture are always great quality (and hardly ever smell) keep us coming back for more.

Vintage baby shoes sit on a shelf in Ruth's Room off of University.
​Photo by Jessica Livesay

Not Here:

Contrary to popular opinion, we happen to believe that Mini Mall 1 & 2 are completely overwhelming. They make us feel like Alice after she's gone down the rabbit hole. We have collected a few treasures from these sister stores on the square, but you’re more likely to find a bag’o beanie babies than a French impressionist Monet replica. The old military photos are cool, and if you’re looking for jade jewelry, you’re in the right place. But if you manage to leave the mini-malls without vertigo, you’re doing it right.  

Goodwill - Because duh this place is corporate, and all donations fund the salary of mega-CEO owner Mark Curran. You’re better off donating and buying from the Salvation Army, which all proceeds go to Adult Rehabilitation Centers across America.

Plato’s Closet only caters to those who are interested in used women’s and men’s clothing that is of the Forever 21-genre. You’re better off just waiting for a 50% sale at Forever 21, if that's your bag. 

Denton Thrift is hit or miss with their massive clothing selection, but it smells like diapers. Their sports and housewares section is pretty bare bones. Also, we've embarrassed ourselves many times with those pesky poled carts.

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​So that's our opinion on thrifting in town. Feel like we left something out or disagree with something we have to say? Let us know in the comments!

JIVE FIVE: JAZZ FEST

Editor's Note: This is a post from Denton Arts and Jazz Festival 2013. 
This year, we've got a different headliners including Asleep at the Wheel and Denton greats, Brave Combo. Now is also a good time to realize just how close East Side Social Club is to the Civic Center and to keep in mind that they're having a little shindig complete with food trucks on Saturday. Have a good fest weekend, y'all! We'll keep our fingers crossed as far as the weather goes! 

The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is already in progress as of this moment, but we thought we'd take a second and share some advice with y'all as to how to best enjoy the 33rd annual Denton festival. Below you will find five Do's and five Don'ts that may help you in your outing to Quakertown Park sometime this weekend. Don't say we didn't warn ya.

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​It's impossible to leave jazz fest without sampling the wares of our friends at Hillbilly Kettle Korn. 

Do’s:

Wait for the sound of freshly popping kettle corn and then wait in the long line for it. It’s worth it. You can go home and forget about the jazz after that.

Bring a cooler full of your own beverages (alcohol), they can get quite pricey from the beverage stands.

Bring chairs and blankets and umbrellas for the various shows. It’s Arts and Jazz Fest, so it will definitely rain.

Stop by the Ceramic Guild’s booth - they make some of the best mugs around.

Bring plenty of cash. Many vendors aren’t up with the Square game yet, so if you don’t have a couple Abe Lincolns on ya, you’re gonna be turkey leg-less and sad.

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Don'ts: 

Don’t complain that the Original Blues Brothers Band isn’t jazz. It’s Steve Croper for crying out loud, y’all.

Don’t fall down on the bridge between the library and the civic center during potential human stampedes.

Do your best to avoid the plethora of high school students who think this is the Denton version of the Texas State Fair. They tend to congregate in the drainage ditch and if you’re over the age of 20, attempting to walk into the drainage ditch will most likely end in a fatality by way of falling. Also, the kids will probably plant drugs on you after your fall and that’s no good.

Don't even try to look for close parking after noon. Be prepared to walk from The Greenhouse at a minimum. Better yet, bike there.

Don’t wear flip flops. Wait, do you still own flip flops that you wear out in public? Maybe forget about Jazz Fest this year and work up revamping your wardrobe.

THE DEN10

Since we all basically witnessed the season finale of America play out last week I think it's time for everyone to please, pretty please, I beg of you for everything that is holy on this planet, TONE IT DOWN A NOTCH. I mean really, folks. Let's show Steve Cropper, Japanese drone lords Boris, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Swedish Freakout artists GOAT and all the other folks from around the world visiting our tiny hamlet this weekend that Denton, Texas is full of kind, decent, polite, talented, level-headed folks. Please be safe and vigilant, and if we could please just simmer down a little - that would be great. Lets have a nice and relaxing weekend full of music, friends and fried foods and a chicken dance. It's the way John B. Denton would have wanted it.

Wednesday April 24                CAMEL RIDES | Tractor Supply Store | 8AM - 8PM I $5
Was that a camel I just saw hanging out on 288 in front of a red and white striped tent by the Tractor Supply Store? Yes it was. In fact it looks like there will be camel rides for anyone brave enough to mount this strange and notoriously "spitty" animal. After riding the camel, stop into the petting zoo and check out the ostriches and the zebra. 

Thursday April 25
Woodsman / Giant Dog / Midnight Society | Gloves | 9PM | $6
Ray Wylie Hubbard | Dan's | 8PM | $15

Friday April 26
Clinic / No Joy / HI JR | Dan's | 9PM | $15

Boris / Thrones / Pinkish Black / Bludded Head | Gloves | 8PM | $20
Have you heard the one about the time Gloves owner, Josh Baish got his ear bit off at a Boris concert? True story.

Denton Art's & Jazz | Quakertown Park | 5PM - 11PM | FREE
Twenty acres of arts and Jazz invade Quakertown park this weekend. David Sanborn, known for his session work for David Bowie's Young Americans (1975) headlines the opening night.

Saturday April 27​
Kraken Presents: Karyna McGly, John Poch, Curtis Bauer | Paschall Bar | 6PM | FREE

Art Show For The People | Panhandle House Warehouse | 8PM | $2
Go for the art, stay for the complimentary wine. It's good to see some fine artists take over this underutilized and beautiful space.

Denton Art's & Jazz | Quakertown Park | 10AM - 11PM | FREE
Denton's seminal festival continues with The "Original" Blue's Brothers Band headlining Saturday. These are the musicians hand picked by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi for their film The Blues Brothers. That's right, Steve Cropper (co-writer of Sitting on The Dock of The Bay), Lou Marini (UNT, Blood Sweat & Tears) and the rest of the band will be in town. Dear Mr. Cropper, we should record shop at Recycled and maybe grab a bourbon at Dan's before your gig. Bring Lou. Call me.

Sunday April 28​
Denton Art's & Jazz | Quakertown Park | 11AM - 9PM | FREE
Brave Combo wraps up the fest in the same manner they have for the past 200 years: with the chicken dance. Also be sure to catch Denton's own Mario Cruz, best known for touring with Bruce Springsteen in the 80's.

Monday April 29​
GOAT / Holy Wave / Strange Towers | Dan's | 9PM | $10 / $13
Here's our sleeper pick of the week. How can you watch this video and not want to make sure your at Dan's for this one? Gonna get weird, y'all.​

REVIEW: SHIITAKE SWERVE

​Shiitake Swerve serves up super 'shrooms. 
Photo by Bryan Samuels. 

When the city of Denton initially opened the floodgates for food trucks to operate in town, we initially had high hopes for lots of trucks to crawl out of the rafters. Sadly, this was not the case. While there are still a few trucks that operate in Denton city limits, only three of them call Denton their home as of this review. Shiitake Swerve, the recently opened mushroom-concept truck is one of them.

Admittedly, we had all but written Shiitake Swerve off at this point. They had been talking big game since last summer with little to show for it. We found our expectations continuously rising only to be dashed by them not following through. Initially the crew said the long wait was due to their custom paint job. If so, it was worth the wait. They have one of the best-looking truck designs we’ve seen out of north Texas. That said, it does appear that the paint job might not have been the only thing keeping Shiitake Swerve from opening.

​The paint job Shiitake Swerve is sportin' seems to feature a bear with an elevated consciousness holding a sign encouraging healthy eating. 
Photo by Bryan Samuels. 

Last October’s Friday Night Bites was to be their grand unveiling, but technical difficulties kept them from selling. While we’ve seen SS operating at a couple different events at this point (namely 35 Denton), they still haven’t quite shaken all of the difficulties they had experienced during their first days open. Their first day at 35 was spent with their doors shut for the majority of the time, and when we first tried to get some grub at Redbud Fest this weekend, we were met with a sign that they had run out of fuel and would be back in ten or fifteen minutes. Opening a local business can be a difficult thing, especially when that business is on wheels and is this delicious.

​The chocolate chili at Shiitake Swerve. 

​The original taco plate at Shiitake Swerve. 

Problems aside, we tried a couple things at Shiitake Swerve. First, we got the taco plate with both the original and the jerk tacos. The original came with grilled garlic shiitake mushrooms, shredded cabbage, garlic sauce, green onion and what appeared to be some cotija cheese on top. It was creamy and cool at first, but the mushrooms themselves really packed a big flavor punch - being almost smoky in their aftertaste. The jerk taco was vibrant and fresh, topped with mango pico. It was perfectly light and flavorful. This taco was bright, colorful and holy shiitake did it ever have a surprising amount of spice that stuck around afterwards. The heat came as a bit of a surprise, but ended up being a delightful addition to this taco. The sweet potato salad came as a side and has quickly become something we're trying to recreate in our own kitchens for summer picnics. Shiitake Swerve pushes their freshly squeezed orange juice as their go-to beverage, but we stuck with waters. They managed to kill the heat adequately.

In addition to the taco plate, it was also recommended that we try the chocolate chili. This was also crazy delicious. The chili had a mole like flavor due to the chocolate and came atop some delightfully salty chips with sour cream and green onions strewn atop. The heat was absent from this particular dish, but it wasn’t missed. This was satisfying and fun to try and eat with a fork.

Both items took a little while to retrieve (about ten minutes), but were well worth the wait. Maybe Shiitake Swerve should take a page out of The Pickled Carrot’s book and take orders via text when they’re operating in town.

This isn’t truck-quality food, guys. This is the stuff of gourmet restaurants. Heck, when we peeked inside the window, we even saw someone in full chef-regalia, hat and all. Everything we tried at SS was amazing. Sadly, we have fears that a mushroom-centric truck might not have exactly what it takes to survive. We are by no means vegetarians, and meat was definitely not missed during our meal. We hope the rest of Denton won’t be scared off by the fungus these chefs are a-cookin’ and give them a try. While we do have a high vegan/vegetarian population, they don’t get out that much and when they do, they might not be able to afford the $9/plate options that Shiitake Swerve offers. The one thing SS does have going for them is that they are one of the three trucks currently calling Denton their home base (the other two being The Pickled Carrot and Happy Camper's Sno-cones). So if you do support Denton and want to see more food trucks pop up in the future, you owe it to them to at least give the ‘shrooms Shiitake Swerve is slinging a shot.

SEAN STARR AND STARR STUDIOS

One of our favorite local artists and entrepreneurs is the ever so industrious Sean Starr of Starr Studios. A few reasons you already know who this guy is: The Bookish Coffee sign on the square, the Jupiter House remodel, the fresh face of Bullseye Bikes and the interior branding of Royal's Bagels... not to mention our very own We Denton Do It logo. Sean has been hard at work making Denton a more beautiful place by bringing back the old school technique of hand sign painting. We applaud his work not only because it's insanely cool, but because he has a heart for our very own community - taking on the commitment of improving Denton by helping out small businesses locally and focusing on their needs with the same dedication he shows to the national brands he works with. 

​Sean Starr and Mathew Foster draw out spec plans for a new logo for the City of Denton. 

What brought you to Denton - where did you live before - how long have you been here? 

STARR: Initially family brought us here. I grew up in South Texas and over time my family all settled in the Metroplex. I have two sisters that live here in Denton as well as my nephew and his wife. In addition I have two brothers that live in the DFW area, so everyone pretty much settled in this area and that's what first got us considering moving here.

I started Starr Studios in San Francisco, in the Mission District, in 2005. Then Kayleigh and I got married in 2008 and worked together to really get it going. In 2010 we moved the studio down to the mountains outside of Los Angeles to try and simplify things, but we ended up busier there than we were in San Francisco and were doing most of our work in Beverly Hills which required a lot of commuting in L.A. Traffic, which wasn't any fun.

We came to visit family in Denton in November of 2011 with the mindset that we might move our studio here someday and decided to just go for it when Joey Hawkins, who owns Jupiter House Coffee, offered us some workspace. I had met Joey in 2007 while doing a cross country motorcycle trip after I stopped a while in Denton to visit my sisters and we have worked on projects with he and his wife Amy ever since.


How did you get your start in sign painting? 

STARR: Initially working with my dad. My dad started a company called Starr Custom Paint in San Antonio back in the 1980s. I came to work for him when I was in my late teens and we did custom design and paint work on everything from brand new pick up trucks to airplanes to Willie Nelson's tour bus. That was all pre-computer and we did every stage of the process by hand.

My dad was Ukrainian and an ex Golden Gloves boxer from Cleveland, so I learned his work ethic which was pretty amazing. I still have not met anyone who worked as hard as he did. He passed away about 15 years ago, and by that point we co-owned and operated the business. 

I accepted a job offer at a sign shop in Seattle after he passed away and spent several years working with vinyl and digital signage, which I really hated but it taught me some really great computer as well as organization skills, so I am glad I spent that time. The shops in Seattle I worked at wanted nothing to do with paint, so I spent time painting at home. When I moved to San Francisco from Seattle I decided to start Starr Studios and was determined that we would focus on hand painted work and design.

Sean Starr trying to wave like humans. ​

Sign painting has now turned into full on branding for you. Tell us about that transition. 

STARR: This is kind of a peculiar question to me. I have never really seen there being a difference between sign painting and what everyone now is referring to as branding. Throughout history, the sign painter was the guy doing what is now referred to as branding. Business owners relied on the sign artist to create a memorable visual image that created an atmosphere that represented the business' values as well as drew clientele in from the streets. We created the vibe. We are still doing that same thing, we just create in a way that allows for the use of our designs in digital media as well as physical.

We have been branching out in offering more comprehensive design for our clients over the last three years which has led to a working relationship with some of the best in the business and that has been exciting. In 2010 we started working on a variety of projects for the Gap and that's when I first met Mathew Foster, who was one of the co-founders of the Official Manufacturing Co.  in Portland. Mathew and I really hit it off and have worked collaboratively ever since. His studio is now based out of Los Angeles and serves clients out there and we have teamed up on several branding launches. 

Mathew and I are currently in the process of launching a collaborative agency we have named Shop Class. Mathew started at industry giant Wieden+Kennedy back in 2006 so he brings a really unique perspective and skill set to the mix. Shop Class will allow Mathew and I to work together on a regular basis with clients while maintaining our individual studios. We will be working on full branding campaigns that have an emphasis on hand craft and authentic design. We are also going to be very selective with who we will work for with Shop Class. We are both pretty focused on doing work that amazes far more than trying to build some mega-agency. Starr Studios will continue business as usual right here in Denton, we are just spreading our wings a little with Shop Class.


FOSTER: Branding as it is talked about these days has a lot of unnecessary mystique and jargon attached to it. Sean already explained the essence. It's creating the vibe that attracts you to some thing or some company. This is all in the efforts of being able to tell a story, and to tell it well. Some of the most inspiring devices that tell great stories to me are ones that have long been in the trade of sign painters throughout history. It all has to come from a place that is true: you look at a project and step back far enough, and use the tools that work best for you - that's what I think we're hoping to do with Shop Class.

What fuels your interest in the creative culture of Denton? 

STARR: Denton has got the “it” factor. It has wonderful energy, creatively. I think as it grows from its adolescence it is going to really develop its own micro culture that will be centered on the Creative Class and we are excited to be in the ground floor of that with a bunch of strong creatives that are organizing and are poised for growth. I am starting to see Denton attracting the attention of some of the creatives from other parts of the Metroplex. Combine the creative energy with the lifestyle here in Denton and its really shaping up to be an awesome city for anyone making things.


Sign painting got its start far before the introduction of modern technology. When you first started working with a computer alongside painting, did you struggle with having to do graphic design or website design, or did it seem like a natural transition to go from a paint brush to a computer mouse?

STARR: I had, and have, mixed feelings about it. It has been a great tool to help with productivity and to keep things current for our clients, but I have mixed feelings. I still insist on starting every design with a sketch on paper with a pencil. I really don't think you can have real soul in your artwork if it doesn't at some point pass from your heart to your hand. I know there a lot of people doing amazing work that is all digital, but the soul comes through the hand to the paper.

​A tray of used brushes at Starr Studio. 

You've done jobs for everyone from Bookish Coffee to the Gap. How do you maintain a good balance between local jobs and national clients?  

STARR: We love working locally for a wide variety of reasons, most of which is being able to see on a weekly basis how our projects are working on our clients behalf. Its very rewarding. Our larger clients like Gap and Sony typically have insane deadlines we are working with and when that happens we just burn the midnight oil and make it happen. Most of our clients understand that we are a small, boutique studio and they give us flexibility with scheduling which we really appreciate. When we get hit with a high profile project and have to hustle to get that done, our local clients have been very understanding and patient and we really do appreciate that.

FOSTER: I've been working on an essay that will probably never see the light of day calledThe Robin Hood Business Method. To make a decent living, it's difficult to avoid the large corporate client jobs - even though they usually have a crazy infrastructure to deal with, the deadlines are insane, and there's often corporate brand guidelines to stick to... There's a balance to find between these guys and the smaller, local folks whose budgets are much smaller - but who trust you so much more and allow you to truly guide their design and brand in a positive, holistic way. I see it as two bank accounts: one is street cred and the other is money. You want healthy balances in both.


A lot of people have compared you to Ron Swanson from the television show Parks & Recreation. Have you ever gone to a restaurant and asked for all of the bacon and eggs they have?

STARR: If more people had Ron Swanson's awesomeness the world would be a better place, so I am fine with the comparisons which have been non-stop since Season 1. As regards the bacon and eggs, although I have spent most of my life eating meat with an extra side of meat, Kayleigh and I went full on Vegan a few months back and have no intention of ever going back to my carnivorous ways. Take that stereo-typers...


When you first set up studio space in town you were officing out of the bottom of Jupiter House. For more space, you recently moved into a new studio over by Mr. Frosty's on 377. Tell us about the new space. 

STARR: Our new space is the studio we always wanted to build. I am an avid collector of anything old school sign painter, and have been collecting for years. We had hoped to someday put together a studio that resembled an old 1940s sign shop and I think we have gotten there finally. Its a wonderful space to paint as well as design and conceptualize. It very much invokes the feelings of working with my dad years ago.

We have tons of natural light, plenty of space to work and I absolutely love it. We loved being under Jupiter House, lots of good energy going on but it was just too small for us and I need to have natural light. Our neighbor has roosters, which is just another bonus. 

What's your favorite way to spend an evening in Denton? 

STARR: Walk a couple blocks from our house on North Austin to have a beer at Oak Street with some friends and play some dominoes, then walk to Green House for some dinner and drinks on the patio before walking a half block back home.

REDWOOD SESSIONS: ASTRONAUTALIS

REDWOOD RECORDING I AMANDUS STUDIOS I 35 DENTON

​During 35 Denton this year the talented recording team at Redwood Studios and our friends at Amandus Studios teamed up with the 35D Audio-Video team to create a series of live recording sessions with several bands traveling through town for the festival.  One of those sessions was with alternative hip-hop artist, Astronautalis. Watch his recording of "This is Our Science" down below to get a good idea of what it's like inside of Redwood Studios, and stay tuned for more videos being released from this series of one-time recording sessions. 

HEY WISEGUY: TOO MUCH SECULAR MUSIC

This month our resident fountain of useless semi-knowledge, Wiseguy, helps out a local mom who accidentally keeps purchasing her son music she doesn't think he should be listening to. While she wants to keep it local, she isn't sure how. Can Wiseguy solve this problem? Let's find out!

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Hey Wiseguy,

I recently purchased a Baptist Generals album for my 11 year old son who has recently been turned on to rock music. I purchased this album thinking it would be music akin to our family’s values. The name gave me that impression. Boy was I wrong! The secular songs on this album were nothing but tributes to alcohol and possibly-undiagnosed anger issues. Wiseguy, can you help me find some music that is suitable for my son?

Pearl E. Gates

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A lady writes in detailing her issue with secular music for her son. 

Pearl,

While Wiseguy is pro music of any sort (seriously, did you get a chance to peruse our recent 3 Songs list for the month of April?), we understand that not everyone else is and we applaud you for trying to keep it local. So we’re more than happy to help!

While some may argue that they've had religious experiences at acoustic Baptist Generals shows a la early Sigur Ros shows, it’s probably fair to say that they shouldn't be classified as “religious” music, nor would Flemmons and co. want it to be.

Instead, you may want to turn your son onto such musical talents as Seryn or Least of These. Both bands have definitive youth appeal. While Seryn will touch the inner bearded hippie in your son with their multi-layered harmonies and vast array of acoustic instruments, Least of These is better for budding young rockers with bad haircuts and basically sounds one click away from your everyday alternative rock you hear on the radio. You’ve got most of the gamut covered from those two for most male tweens. If he’s an old soul, though, turn him on to some Doug Burr. His Whiskeytown-esque brand of country-fed Americana is something we’re sure you, yourself, wouldn't mind hearing coming through your car speakers after picking him up from middle school. It would at least be much better than that song where the dude just yells, “Sail!” over and over again, right?

Good for you for taking an interest in your son’s listening habits, but bear in mind that he’s probably gonna be hearing whatever he wants to listen to in other places (our friend Nick is the only person outside of India who still buys CDs) where you may have less control than you'd like. There’s plenty of good-hearted secular music in town that you’d probably be able to get behind. There’s about an 80% chance you’ll dig Brave Combo (90% if you drink). Have at it. 

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MR. FARRIS GOES TO CITY HALL

Industrious as he may be, the little city of Denton is something that our very own Glen Farris refuses to ignore. He keeps up with what's going on and reports back to us - so that we can all stay in the loop. 

Rusty Taco, the soon-to-open taco transplant by way of Dallas, is putting in a giant patio in the space that used to house Ramen Republic. As you already know, we’re definite fans of both tacos and patios. They just got a right of way agreement from the city in addition to a grant that allows them to lease the grass next to the building and put in a patio for us to enjoy our tacos and cervezas. They’re putting up a lot of cash to re-do the space where the late Ramen Republic once sold us noodles, and bringing in a whole new feel. We’re pretty pumped for this, mostly because we think it will greatly improve the block and not just because we really love their picadillo tacos.

Subway is about halfway through their construction and will be opening at the bottom of the Texas Building before you know it. Gear up and get ready to hear that $5 footlong jingle every time you pass the corner. We know that a chain restaurant on the square is not anyone's idea of a great square-worthy restaurant - but we appreciate the words and logic of our fearless leader - city councilman Kevin Roden's post on the matter. 

East Side Social Club is also taking part in the downtown restoration grant program. We’re looking forward to what will be the new sister bar of Oak Street Draft House. We hear that they’ll have the best bourbon selection in town and a ton of patio space, too. The patio wars are about to being, Denton. 

While we’re on the top of booze and bars, we’re getting seriously excited about the vast tequila selection that is about to be at our finger tips over at Mulberry Street Cantina. If you’ve been keeping up with their progress on their facebook page, you can see that they’ve installed energy efficient windows and doors, put in new plumbing and electrical equipment, and already built in a giant and seemingly beautiful bar top. Get here fast guys, we’re ready for chips and salsa and that organic margarita we keep hearing about.

Sup Queenie’s, glad you’re open. Welcome back to the downtown area, Tim Love. We look forward to valeting our hybrid vehicles and scooters and trying out your chicken fried lobster. We’ll make sure to call for reservations sooner rather than later.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, y'all. Redbud Fest, the city's official Arbor Day event, is happening next Saturday, April 20th in our very own Quakertown Park.  Get out there with a few friends, enjoy the nice weather, the "trashion" fashion show, and get your nose in the center of all of the plants a’bloomin’. Oh, and don’t forget to get there early and claim your very own tiny tree!

Jazz Fest is right around the corner, too. Get ready for fried food, cheap beer, and people running around in midriff-baring hippy shirts that smell of nag champa.

And last but not least, city elections are coming up as you already know. The last day to register was last week, so you can’t chase down Volunteer Deputy Farris anymore. Make sure you get informed and get out there and vote. We’re counting on you to make sure our elected city officials are keeping it classy Denton style. If you need to get caught up, we did a little bit of the work for you and have interviews posted from Districts 1, 2, 3 and 4.