WHAT WE DID: DECEMBER 22ND 2014

What We Did is our weekly roundup of photos that WDDI staff and readers have taken over the past seven days. This week saw the last performance of Denton stalwarts Centromatic (more on that later), lots of exploration outside, and a whole bunch of Christmas shopping. 

If you'd like to be included in What We Did, tag your images with #WDDI on Instagram, and check back here next Monday. As always, we're limited in the photos we can post, but we encourage you to search the hashtag #WDDI and check out all of the other awesome photos that were posted that we were unable to post on the blog. Click the images below to be led back to the photographer's Instagram page. Have a great week!

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If these cameras were a family, who would be the mom and who would be the dad? 

Yeah, so make sure y'all are following @catsofdenton so you don't miss gold like this leaf covered furball. 

Here's an image of motorcycle group, Iron Guardians, talking to at-risk teens. Make sure you read the story about them on the DRC from this past September. 

Members of Cross Timbers Church spread cheer around Denton last week. 

Photo by @Breafkast. 

Character at Andy's by Jessica Hume. 

Breakfast 

Lunch

Dinner? 

That was a big bite, @Breazee. 

We casually mentioned that Fera's had become El Gato Loco last week and it appears as if it has already closed down. 

Next time Pan Chittenden teachers a class at Natural Grocers, make it a point to attend, y'all. 

Sky by @eightyonegrayphoto. 

Looks as if @Service_Industry is coming along nicely. 

@amandalrob1212 thought these tacos from La Estrella looked so delicious, she couldn't not take a bite before snapping this great shot. 

THE TIME OF THE SEASON: 35 DENTON ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF BANDS

SARA BUTTON

Photo by Jessica Hume. 

Y’all ready to get back to the music? 35 Denton is making a return in 2015 with its 5th festival. If you’ve been on social media at all this week, you’ve probably seen the first round of announcements already. We have, and they've had us smilin' like a possum chewing on yellow jackets this whole week. 

We recently got to talk to Andy Odom, Director of Social Media for 35 Denton, to get some specifics on what to expect during the March festival. Check out what he had to say below and then find a special 35 Denton playlist at the end. Merry Festivalmas, y'all!

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Andy Odom

We Denton Do It: Yo, Andy! What is new this year for the festival as a whole? 

Andy Odom: Each year there’s something new, or at least, something different. For this year, we’re looking to refocus and reconfigure the experience. There’s one less day and an updated venue list. We hope that means a stronger and more concentrated experience for attendees.

Who are you most excited to see (so far)? 

Obviously, I’m excited to see The Zombies. Oracle and Odyssey is an absolute classic album, and it’s going to be amazing to see them in downtown Denton. I’m also looking forward to seeing S U R V I V E from Austin. I caught their FunFunFun Nites set in Austin a few weeks ago, and they’re pretty incredible

When will we know about other artists?

Photo by Marcus Junius Laws

We’re working on the next announcement now and expect it to be ready in a couple of weeks. We expect at least two more announcements, but then, there are a lot of things in the works that I can’t talk about yet, so there might be some surprises.
 

What kind of experience should the festival goers expect for 2015? 

Our goal is that this year the fest is more intimate, more immediate, but just as fun and full as previous years. We’re always trying new things to create the best experience as possible and we’re always listening to feedback from attendees, so we’re always playing with the formula a little bit.
 

Will the festival be back for 2016

Work for 35 Denton 2016 will begin on March 16, 2015. 

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Based on years past, we are excited about a more intimate, more immediate festival, too! Thanks, Andy!

In addition, the good people over at 35 Denton made a playlist with some of their favorite tracks from the already released artists. We’d be lying if we said we hadn’t been jamming it for a couple of days now. Check out the playlist below and let us know your favorite tune in the comments below.

DIME FEATURED MAKER: JAMES GRISHAM OF E+E VINTAGE

Every now and again we check in with the DIME Store to see what’s going on with those cool ladies. Usually, they’re dying to brag about one of the many makers they get to work with. This month, they had nothing but good things to say about James Grisham and his vintage men’s clothing collection that sells under the moniker “E+E Vintage." Read on to learn about great American labels, Pennsylvania Tuxedos, and cherishing that which is just plain ol’ made well.

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We Denton Do It: Yo, James! What drew you to vintage clothing? 

James Grisham: I was never really a fashionista, but have always appreciated well-made things. The first thing that drew me to vintage was finding my first few vintage pieces of Pendleton wool and Levis denim. We had these as kids, but I don't think we appreciated them then. The look, feel and history of these two classically American labels immediately drew me in and I became interested in knowing more about the mills and how these things were made. Now I research any old interesting labels or tags that I find of old mills or stores, that tell a story. I particularly love woolens and American made workwear.

How long have you been collecting? 

I think I've always collected something. I collected coins, and seashells from all over the world when I was young. Then, as I've gotten older, I have been interested in music, so I originally had an eBay hobby business buying and selling music gear, and collectible vinyl and CD's. That began about 2002. As time went on and that market changed, I found myself without a creative outlet. And then one day I sold a couple of really nice silk ties on eBay, and I thought I would do that as a hobby. I appreciated the amazing beauty of all of the interesting silks I would find. As I would shop, my interest grew in all of the other really cool things I would find for myself, and the obsession just kept growing. I wanted to know what other people were interested in wearing and collecting too, and see if I could fill a need. At the same time, I started doing research and really going back to learn as much as I could about certain styles and fashion history.

When did you inevitably think to yourself, "Hey, I have a lot of vintage clothing. Maybe I should sell some of this stuff?"

I first opened an Etsy shop about 3 years ago. And I have sold items all over the globe. It has been fun to interact with a lot of different types of buyers. I have sold to major movie and TV production wardrobe departments, and opera production companies. And even a well-known celebrity or two. But as a dad to two little girls, and having a full time day job, I did find myself becoming overstocked. I am a great hunter. That is where the fun is for me. But I'm not always the best at getting my inventory out there. And I love a lot of my items a little too much I think. But it is great when someone buys something from me and is ecstatic to have found just the thing they are looking for, either for themselves or a friend, or even a wedding or other special occasion. That is the best part about what I am doing.

What is your all-time favorite piece that you've found? 

Any piece of vintage clothing that is actually my size is my favorite piece of vintage. Much of what survives today is in smaller sizes. That is the nature of it. And I'm an XL, so I seem to be left out of a lot the fun. But I do still enjoy finding the great old original wool board shirts, or a pair of shell cordovan shoes. That, and I am a sucker for anything denim or canvas.

What's your favorite piece in your personal collection? 

Hard to say, but the one thing I have had the hardest time parting with is my 1950's Woolrich Hunting coat. Not necessarily a rarity, but I'd consider it scarce in my size, so I will hang on to it until I find the other half of what's called the Pennsylvania Tuxedo. Then I'll wear it out and about to embarrass the wife.

“I looked at the vest, and it was the coolest, most broken in and worn out vest I have seen, with tons of character and I’m sure, full of fish stories.”

— James Grisham

What's the most interesting spot where you've ever "picked?"

I don't know about "interesting" but sometimes the "picker" instinct takes over in certain situations. I was in Kansas City just driving around in the ice and snow one winter, while taking a break from visiting relatives. I happened to drive by a house where there was man who looked like he was cleaning out his garage on this particularly cold day. I also saw what appeared to be a fly fishing vest hanging near the front of the garage. On a hunch i pulled up, got out and asked if he was going to get rid of that too? He was nice enough, and told me "yes", but it was for sale, as he was also getting ready for a garage sale the following weekend. I looked at the vest, and it was the coolest, most broken in and worn out vest I have seen, with tons of character and I'm sure, full of fish stories. I asked how much, and his reply was "$3". Surprised, I pulled out a $10 bill, as it was all I had, and handed it to him with a big smile and "thanks". The vest itself was a 1950's or 60's model with no name, but it just oozed with all of those intangible nostalgic qualities that makes vintage-hunting so enjoyable.

Do you shop and collect men's clothing exclusively, or do you sometimes find a dress or woman' blouse that's just too good to pass up? 

When you appreciate the aesthetics of clothes, it's hard not to notice certain things, even in the women's section of a second-hand store or thrift. I have been known to peek at labels and really look at something closely if it appears stylish and something someone would want to wear in a modern setting. With both mens and women's clothes, that has been my Mantra - "find things that channel aspects of the fashion-past, but also translate to the modern setting, things people could very well want to wear right out the front door of the store". There are many many women's vintage collectors, including those here at the Dime Store, that are just way above and beyond a threshold that I could ever hope to reach in that respect. They are just too good at it, have much more experience, and they really live their art and curate beautiful things. For the most part, I leave the ladies to it.

Do your kids understand and appreciate the value behind vintage? 

Over all, I know I will try to at least impress upon them the importance of an item's real value, But as far as vintage goes, not everything with an old label is necessarily "good", and not everything with a new label is likewise "bad". It should definitely be something "fun" that they enjoy. When they begin to get more interested in clothes and fashion, I know they will develop their own sense of style, and we'll see what happens.

How did you get involved with The DIME Store? 

It was actually at the suggestion of my friend, and in fact husband of one of DIME's established makers. On a whim I asked if there was anywhere in Denton to consign vintage? In my mind I was really thinking of a place to more or less offer quality over quantity. And he told me to check with DIME. I applied online and eventually was invited to bring some sample items up. So far it has worked well. I have learned a lot in my first year, and am very grateful to contribute to the DIME experience.

Where else can folks purchase your wares? 

My Etsy shop is E and E Vintage. It is always evolving. But for the most part, my collection is vintage woolens, dress clothes, shoes, Ivy league and a few accessories. At this moment, much of my inventory is available at The Dime Store, while I am doing a little bit of an online shop re-boot. The new year will bring with it extra time to process, and photograph, and offer for sale many of the good things I've been hoarding. I also post a lot on Instagram, @eevintagetx.

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The DIME Store is a shop and artist collective in downtown Denton that features art, craft, and vintage from 40+ local makers. Rachel Aughtry and Shelley Christner act as the "curators and purveyors" of the shop. When they're not at DIME, you'll find them behind their sewing machines or enjoying a margarita at The Greenhouse.

QUICK DENTON BUSINESS UPDATE: DECEMBER 2014

Will Milne

Once a month, we like to take a look at all of the business openings and closings in town that interest us. This being Denton, we're always pretty busy. In fact, we set out to write this column, thinking it would be an easy one to bang out this month, but no...there's so much going on. Read on to learn about all of the bars (even of the salad variety), restaurants, apartments and more that will be open in Denton very soon.

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A new high end brew pub dubbed Barley & Board will go into the space that was previously occupied by Cafe Herrera's. Sparky Pearson of LSA is onboard and the place looks to be pretty interesting. We attended a little preview shindig earlier this month. Check out our post from that event to learn more. 

The Denton Record Chronicle reported last week that the space that was once Gerhard's and has been empty for about a year now at 222 W. Hickory will become a Muddy Jakes Sports Grill and Pub soon enough. We're just gonna share their little logo thing with some sort of beer drinking UNT hoodlum dogs for ya and move on. 

This will either be The Rail Yard or East End next summer. 

The Martino Group Axis Realty Group will open a new apartment complex in a 27,936 square foot historic building over on the east side of downtown. Axis is currently putting it to the city of Denton as to whether the building should be dubbed The Railyard or East End, but either way it will be home to some high-end apartments, retail/restaurant space, and creative office space. 

Yogurt Fusion closed a couple of weeks ago much to the chagrin of yogurt aficionados around the square. So if you've been jonesing to recreate 2006 and play some Wii, you're out of luck. 

Service Industry is a new bar that will open up the in the old Goldmine BBQ space on Hickory next February. We'll hopefully have more info on them soon enough. 

We talked with Eric Nichelson of the brand new Denton Music Workshop last week. They're a vessel of knowledge for all things music. Check out our coverage here. 

Hickory and Fry, the upcoming bar going into the space at Hickory...and...Fry, has a menu up on their website. No drinks listed for the much-hyped cocktail bar, but there are elotes, so our interests are piqued. 

A local burger chain, OC Burgers, will open on South Elm by Bet the House. We were kinda ho-hum on this place until we saw this picture of their olympic burger with pastrami. Now our mouths are watering. 

Inspire Yoga, will soon open a location in Denton. The vinyasa yoga facility's first, and only other location, is in Highland Village. Their Denton location will join Pizza Snob in the retail section of the H Squared apartments on Hickory St. 

Local music festival, 35 Denton (ex NX35, North by 35, 35 Conferette, etc...) is back with a vengeance after taking a year off. Amidst some shuffling behind the scenes, they decided it was the time of the season to put out their first (yup, that was the first of many) announcement about next March's festival earlier this week. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Zombies, will take the stage in Denton along with a bunch of other great bands. Check out the full list here. More on that soon enough...

It was recently announced that the employee-owned Winco Foods will be the much-anticipated grocery anchor at Rayzor Ranch Town Center. The announcement was met with some dismay which you already know if you follow us on Facebook. 

The delicious gringo taco food truck you've no doubt tried out, Flatlanders Taco Company, will open their first brick and mortar store behind Andaman and across from Oak St. Drafthouse early next year. We hope to scope the place out and somehow work out way into getting a free margarita or something... and maybe take a picture or two of the place. 

We'll go out with a couple of quick ones:

Salata, a "next-generation salad bar" will open soon at the U Centre on Fry. 

Fera's became El Gato Loco a while back somehow, but you don't really need to go there.

The DRC had a great piece on Harvest House, the bar/venue/community space that was once an automotive shop on Hickory (where else?) hope to open March 13th of next year. 

We've heard rumors of a artisanal olive oil and balsamic vinegar place going in on South Locust (ugh SoLo). 

While this isn't in the realm of new businesses, we figured we'd end this month's Business Update with an urge for y'all to go eat at some of those restaurants stuck in the middle of the construction on Hickory St. Yes, they're open. Andaman, Weinberger's Deli and Mellow Mushroom are in the worst of it and are completely delicious. Personally, the red skin potato pie at Mellow Mushroom is one of our favorite pizzas in town (not to mention their awesome happy hour), and the poached banana over at Andaman is our favorite fall dessert. Go treat yoself and help out some businesses (plus you get to walk across a temporary pedestrian bridge). 

NOTE: This post was edited on 12/18/2014. The Martino Group is actually building the East End/Rail Yard space.