I was in a pretty prominent ska band in the early 2000's. I don't want to big time anyone or anything, but we were on a tribute to Moon Ska Records compilation that was only available via LP. We were booked to play 1919 during our North Texas tour one Summer. Needless to say, we were disappointed when we arrived. First off, the front of the venue was filled with loiterers. We're not even sure if everybody paid cover. This was incredibly disappointing to us, because we then found out that our booking fee would not be paid even though it was properly invoiced TWICE. The 90's are over too. No one is impressed with your ripped clothes, guys. Now, let's go on to the actual venue. Inside, the best I can describe it is if The Hurt Locker met Rock Star met, had a child, and then abandoned the child in Fort Worth. The green room was non existent. I don't mean like "They don't have bottled water." I mean that it didn't exist. No security at all. You might as well host a punk show in your Uncle's basement. Couple that with the sound and lighting that resembles an inner city middle school talent show, and you have a failure of a venue. At the end of the day, we played to 20-30 kids who were all wearing Minor Threat shirts. We were not allowed to play our mandatory encore, the show wasn't photographed or covered by local media, and we left without any money. 1919 Hemphill will never be a House of Blues, and they should just stop trying. read more

FIRST, BEWARE OF FLEAS AND/OR CHIGGERS. I left there and was itching for the rest of the day (but I did wander into the back area which had high grass so that may have been where they came from) I have to completely agree with KAI S. on this one. (Without repeating what was said in that great review) I was so excited to find a place in Fort Worth that shared similar ideas to things / ideals that I'm into (Community, Punk Rock, etc.). So I tried to get involved. I attended a meeting, met the "leadership" and listened to what they had to say. (I even came back to help them with their fence) To me, I felt like the passion that (I'm sure) they had a long time ago had fizzled out. It seemed like some of the members were excited for trying to get stuff together (Conscientious Projector), but for the most part the attitude was just... whatever. So in the end, it was like the "leadership" just wants to run a punk club without all the responsibilities of actually running one. But they are helping little unknown bands to get some exposure (Matt & Kim called them out during their concert @ the House of Blues, Dallas) and I commend them for that. And for that reason alone, I would suggest going there (to see little to unknown bands). I really hope that somehow that spark comes back to them (maybe they need a experienced volunteer event manager to help things out). To see a similar type place that has had more success recently (as far as getting involved in the community aspect), then look at the Rose Marine Theater. http://www.rosemarinetheater.com/index.php read more

Amazing venue with a great people. I like their events that support or promote community outreach (donation to animal shelters and human welfare organizations). Great community institution read more

Best venue ever. Never have I ever felt so welcomed in my life. Every time I come here for a show I end up making new friends. You don't get that in the commercial venues like house of blues. This is literally the best DIY venue in the Dfw. All the great bands come thru 1919 for a reason. Also should be noted, this being a DIY venue they have a pretty relaxed payment policy. Many a times when I didn't have any money the guy at the door let me in for free. Def spent many of my youth here for a reason, great bands and friends. read more

Love 1919. Wish I had more time to go shows there these days. Rick is an awesome dude.

This is a diy space.... thats is DO IT YOURSELF SPACE 1919 offers canned food and clothing (when available) to homeless... 1919 has a pretty decent sound system for a DIY space... I dare you to go to a house show in Denton and find a better sounding spot (besides Mac island) 1919 isn't about making a band famous, making a band a shit ton of money, or trying to appeal to the masses. 1919 is a space where anything could happen, meetings, shows, awesome stuff... 1919 does not try to be like any other music venue; they simply try to get by with what they have at hand. 1919 does not make any money but simply tries to cover the cost of opening the doors, running the air; pa and lights witch usually comes out to 30 bucks a night All shows are usually 6 bucks... 1919 does not promote Racism, Political Oppression, sexism, fighting, drugs or booze and is open to all ages, young and old! 1919 is a space where ANY BAND OF ANY STYLE CAN DO PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING! If you think any of those things are wrong... "clique-y" or whatever then don't go. It's a non-exclusive place for non-exclusive people and they invite all people from all walks of life to be a part of it. Volunteering is not hard, and there is not much to it. They are consistently trying to make things better as they should, and do not harbor parasites... (That a lie) It's not clean, but you're not going to catch flea's tick's bed bugs or any of that... I have no idea where the hell that came from. It's relatively safe, there are volunteers in the parking lot, and they know who to look out for, and what to do if shit goes down. Rick left, and Al is still around. Al does what he can to keep the place going. He probably works harder than I do, but people just take it for granted. He is a very nice guy who would never turn "clique-y" There is also no singular core crowed that shows up every night, its different people all the time, and bands that I know love going there to play for their friends. I give it five stars because it's not about selling booze, smoking pot, or impressing bar girls. It's about music, true, organic, real, not for walmart music! That means the artist does what they do for themselves... they do it for themselves! Through that selfishness the greatest art form is sometimes present at 1919 Hemphill. When no one is there, when it's just a few guys in a room, playing some instruments for anyone who could care to listen. thats is art. if you want to complain because your daddy manager can't make money there, bring some t-shirts and sell them... (Merchandise is welcome and they take nothing off the top) if you feel dirty, wash your hands afterwards.... If you feel like an outcast, talk to someone about whatever you want to talk about. 1919 does nothing wrong, and nothing right, they do it themselves... and for that I give them five stars P.S they never burnt out, you can't expect a bunch of volunteers to take time out of there day ALL THE FUCKIN TIME do improve a punk joint.... they do what they can when they can! I hope you go back there and see what I see. read more

1919 is a the best DIY space that DFW has to offer. Hands down. However, 1919 has changed over the years. Back in my day shows at 1919 were no more than $5. Donation based. Punk not profit. Involved with community. I feel like there is more of an invisible hand, working behind the scenes than in previous years. A new generation of entitled kiddos have swept in... I feel like 1919 was more fair and just when Rick ran the space, but that is just an opinion. And this may all change tomorrow. read more

An awesome safe space for people of all tastes and backgrounds. It's open minded and the volunteers are vigilant about keeping the space open and welcoming to everyone. I feel proud to have a progressive DIY space that's been open for going on 13 years, here. Easily one of the biggest focal points for DIY music in Texas read more