Where To Find Free Music in Denton Every Night of the Summer
Monday
LSA Burger Open Mic | 7 to 9 p.m. — It might actually be difficult to find a night when LSA doesn't have live music. There are few greater combinations than a cool summer evening and music, and LSA's rooftop offers access to both. Of course, the entry fee is the delicious food you'll be scarfing down, but who says you have to get an entree? The Parmesan and herb fries are more than enough to share.
The Brave Boys Live Comedy Podcast | Dan's Silverleaf 9 to 11 p.m. — Though not music-related, the voices of brave boys Taylor Higginbotham, Robbie Scheer, and Brad McKenzie are more than music to our ears. The event is always free and always funny.
Body English Mondays | Andy's Bar 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (biweekly) — May 28 marks the return of BODY ENGLISH's residency at Andy's, which includes a DJ set from L.Of.T.Y and plenty of featured artists guaranteed to make you shake your ass. Experimental hip-hop, neo-soul, indie disco: anything goes, all night long.
Tuesday
Jesse Myers Trio Jazz Night | Wine Squared 7 to 9 p.m. — Alright, we lied when we said there might not be a better pairing than Texan summers and live music, because jazz and a glass of wine exists. Class up your Tuesday nights with a little swing and some sangria. For those who choose not to partake, Wine Squared also has a killer selection of apps. Sit outside on their beautiful patio for the complete experience.
Killer's Tacos Open Mic | 7 p.m. — Killer's might have the best quesadillas in Denton. But even better, they're an avid weekly host of both music and comedy open mics. Grab some cheap (but amazing) tacos and sit back for a night of new music, or join Killer's the same time on Thursdays for some hilarious local comedy.
Wednesday
Rotsdanze | Andy's Basement 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. (monthly) — Mix some stellar visual from Rotsnaze Collective with a different DJ every month, and you've got a kickass residency living in Andy's Basement. Rotsdanze's interactive and immersive light sculptures are mind-bending, the tunes are toe-tappin', and the cover's free. Any questions?
Midway Crafthouse Open Mic | 9 p.m. — If you find yourself around Fry St. or Hickory with a hankerin' for live music, look no further than Midway Crafthouse. Pop in for a listen and grab a snack and a lighter while you're there.
Thursday
Twilight Tunes | the Square lawn 6:30 p.m. — This series, organized by the Main Street Association and sponsored by a different establishment each week, features live music on the Square lawn. Bring a blanket and a picnic and you've got an evening made for yourself.
Basically Basie Big Band | Abbey Underground 10:30 p.m. — If something later in the evening is more your speed and you're of drinking age, check out the Basically Basie Big Band at Abbey Underground. The band is made up of incredible musicians, sometimes even current students. It's the closest to a trip back in time you'll get in Denton.
Friday
There is always free music in Denton, even if it may not be on a weekly basis. Backyard on Bell frequently hosts free Bandsource events that require no cover. House shows often ask for no money except donations during the weekends, but here at The Dentonite we believe in supporting your community, and sometimes that includes bucking up and paying the cover. But if you're down and out for money on a Friday night, and yet still craving some bonafide Denton music scene, you can always tune into KUZU 92.9FM online.
Saturday
Denton Community Market | 317 W. Mulberry St. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Yes, for venues, Fridays and Saturday nights are too prime to offer continual free music. But fear not! Saturday mornings are always perfect for going to the Denton Community Market, where there is always small live ensembles playing in the center gazebo. Support everything you know and love about Denton in one fell swoop. If you consider yourself a Dentonite and haven't yet been to the market, consider making a trip this Saturday.
Sunday
Kelyn Crapp/Mike Luzecky/Matt Young Trio | Paschall's 9:30 p.m. — The only cover for this weekly installment is all the fanciful cocktails you'll be sure to pick up at Paschall's beautifully decorated bar. Starting at 9:30 p.m., you'll hear live jazz from this trio, sometimes featuring special guests sitting in.
Abbey Underground Open Mic | 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. — No work Monday? No problem. Stay up until the wee hours of the morning at Abbey's Open Mic.
Bearded Monk Open Mic | 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Theoretically, you could just go open mic-hopping on Sunday nights from now on. Whether not you're performing or listening, we'll leave up to you.
There is always, always, always free music to hear and enjoy in Denton. Keep up to date with the Facebook "events" feature — it's perhaps the most concise way to keep track of, discover, and share local events (music or not) with your friends. Aside from the small gap on Friday nights, which will inevitably always be filled with a free show of some variety, music will be within reach every night this summer. What's more Denton than that?
Header image design by Mallory Frenza