The Smoke started on the hot and sticky summer of July 2003 in Dallas, Texas. It was started by two guys named Jason who weren't too keen on what typically went on in town. Both were into the Mod subculture, good suits, soul, reggae, britpop, acid jazz and garage music and wanted to have a night of their own in a club where they could play their own music and have their friends come out, dress sharp, dance, and enjoy.
A Thursday night slot was locked down at the Cavern and at the end of that month, The Smoke was born.
Even though things were going well, both Jasons had careers and going late on Thursday nights became more of a grind, so on New Years Eve 2004, the offer was made by Avenue Arts Venue to move the night there for Saturdays. The premise of having a weekend night and having more freedom to be creative with things made the offer too good to pass up and it has remained at Avenue Arts ever since.
Even though one of the Jasons eventually left, the Smoke is still going strong with two new regular DJs, Jonathan and Marcos, coming on board. Despite not expecting the night to last long initially, considering previous attempts at Mod-related nights in Dallas, it doesn't seem the Smoke is going anywhere anything soon.
If you live in the Dallas area, or are just passing through, and like good clothes, good music, and fine people, grab some refreshments and come and see us at Avenue Arts Venue (825 Exposition Avenue), at 10pm, on the last Saturday of every month.
Meet the DJs:
Jason
The last of the original two.
Jack of all trades playing Northern Soul, Motown, Reggae, Hammond Grooves, Freakbeat and a few other surprises to keep things going
Marco
The Smoke's Lord of the Dance. He's just as good on the decks as he is on the dancefloor.
Playing Northern and other rare groove soul, as well as playing other new and hard to find tunes as well one Haircut 100 song.
Jonathan
The Smoke's Stax and Ska man. Likes his soul dirty and his ska bouncy
