Rendering by 97w
Tulips FTW
A rendering of Tulips FTW
Fort Worth's first mid-sized music venue since the Caravan of Dreams will host its first shows this weekend.
Tulips FTW, located at 112 St. Louis Ave. in the Near Southside, opens Friday with a performance by hip-hop artists Lou CharLe$ and Shaq Mack. It's the first in a full schedule of opening festivities Tulips has planned over the next two weeks, ranging from live shows to art and shopping events.
As expected, there will be restrictions due to COVID-19 — limited capacities, mask requirements, and socially distant seating arrangements will be implemented. Tulips is also working with Golden Shield Sanitation to sanitize surfaces with a hospital grade, electrostatic disinfectant. The venue has also installed the Reme Halo IN-Duct air purifier in each AC unit.
With capacity limited, Tulips will be tailoring its stage to more intimate shows. For example, local talent Mike Richardson — better known as Big Mike — will perform a solo set every Tuesday night through the end of 2020.
Along with live music and events, Tulips will also have drinks, tapping mixologist Tia Downey to serve as beverage director and cocktail creator. The menu will feature modern versions of classics, as well as signature drinks like the Sunny Day, Night People — a combo of bourbon, Counter Culture Coffee, house soda simple, and orange bitters.
Sunny Day, Night People
There's also beer, curated by Matthew Harber, venue partner, talent buyer, and one of the founders of the popular Untapped Beer and Music Fest; and from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m., Tulips will serve Counter Culture Coffee — making it Fort Worth's first and only late night coffee shop.
Additionally, Tulips will open early for both coffee and EPL soccer on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tulips was founded by Fort Worth native Jason Suder, who spent nine years working in the music industry as a journalist. Throughout his career, he's built relationships with artists, agents, managers, promoters, and venue owners, before eventually pursuing a career in concert production in Jackson, Wyoming.
“Our vision has always been to build something new, something exciting, fresh and different, to give artists a stage that is tuned for them and even sweeter for those who get to experience it, beyond just the standards of a music venue," Suder said in a statement. "With our deli, coffee program, and beverage selection, Tulips is a daily and nightly home not just for music, but a hub for culture, conversation, social courage and above all community. Welcome home, y'all."
Here's the full schedule of opening events:
- Nov. 20 – Lou CharLes and Shaq Mack (live concert)
- Nov. 21 – Ariel Davis mural reveal and Art Tooth exhibition with featured artist Charles Gray
- Nov. 22 – Record Town Swap and Spin (vinyl sale, swap, and spin)
- Nov. 23 – Five and Dime Mondays: Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers (live music, discounted drinks, no cover)
- Nov. 24 – Big Mike (live concert every Tuesday through end of 2020)
- Nov. 25 – Friendsgiving (half-off wine)
- Nov. 26 – Pies all night and Thanksgiving comedy showcase (pies from Paris Coffee Shop, specialty cocktails, Claws Out Comedy show)
- Nov. 27 - Black Friday specials on cocktails, beer, and coffee
- Nov. 21, 22, 28, 29 – Soccer Saturday and Sunday (venue open for soccer game viewing)
- Nov. 28 – Shop Small Saturday Market
- Nov. 29 - Tales from the Road with Tony Drewry (Tony Drewry walks through Texas history)
- Nov. 30 – Five and Dime Mondays: TBD
More information is available at tulipsftw.com.
