Beloved Texas music venue the Blue Light Live, from Lubbock, to open in Deep Ellum

For decades, the venerable Adair's Saloon has been Deep Ellum's constant country joint — the one that's hosted multiple generations of singers, drinkers and dancers down on Commerce Street. In 2018, a new-to-Deep-Ellum venue called Blue Light Dallas hopes to share the twangy love as a new spot for Americana, folk and Texas country.

The new venue is a partnership with the Blue Light Live, the almost-holy Lubbock institution responsible for introducing the world to a number of top names in the Texas country universe, including Wade Bowen, William Clark Green, Flatland Cavalry and more.

Dallas-based owner Marc Torres worked at the Lubbock original from 2003 to 2005, and he says he cherishes the musical education he received there.

Torres' personal history with the club, as well as his affinity for Deep Ellum, made bringing Blue Light to Dallas an easy choice over opening a new, standalone venue with a new name and different vision.

"When people ask me where to go see a band or to go get a drink or a great dinner," Torres explains, "the answer I almost always give is 'go to Deep Ellum.' The vibe and the architecture reminds me a lot of the Depot District in Lubbock, too, so there's really something for everyone."

The Blue Light Dallas will be at 2811 Main St., not far from famed barbecue spot Pecan Lodge.

In Deep Ellum, two spaces will be merged into one, creating a 5,000-square-foot venue that can hold up to 400 patrons for nightly live music.

Along with owning restaurants and clubs, Torres is a working musician, drumming weekly for local singer-songwriter Douglas Adams.

"We're going to put a lot of effort and resources into the sound and lighting," he says. "When it comes to local artists or touring acts, we will be the best-sounding small room in town. We're not going to be a DJ spot or anything like that."