Soundtrack of a City: Why You Can't Miss Blues in the Bottom 2026

On May 23, 2026, the AT&T Performing Arts Center is bringing back Blues in the Bottom: A 10th Street Homage to T-Bone Walker, a free community festival, homecoming for the Blues, and soundtrack to the soul of Dallas.

Held at the beautiful Eloise Lundy Park, this event honors the legendary T-Bone Walker, the pioneer of the electric blues guitar who once called this neighborhood home. Whether you are a lifelong blues enthusiast or a curious traveler looking for an authentic Dallas experience, here is why this festival needs to be at the top of your itinerary.

Blues in the Bottom will delight historophiles on the genre’s evolution, music enthusiasts on its singular sound. This year’s lineup features powerhouse artists who bridge the gap between classic sounds and modern soul:

• The Stephen Hull Experience: A rising star bringing raw, "set-list-free" energy that fuses Chicago and Texas styles.

• Gregg A. Smith and His Blues Revue Band: A Texas legend with a four-decade career who has shared stages with B.B. King and James Brown.

• Tamara Tramell: A Dallas-bred soul-soother whose versatile vocals are the perfect tribute to the city's musical roots.

If you haven’t spent much time in Oak Cliff, start here. The 10th Street Historic District is one of the last remaining Freedmen’s Towns in the country, with a rich legacy offering a glimpse into what was and what can be through the culture and traditions carried on through its people and events like Blues in the Bottom.

Beyond the stage, you can explore a local vendor market featuring neighborhood creators, grab a bite from various food trucks, and witness the unveiling of a community-created mural by Lakeem Wilson. It’s a chance to see the "real" Dallas—wonderous and welcoming.

In a city that loves its glitz and glamour, Blues in the Bottom offers something refreshingly grounded and entirely free. It’s a high-production festival experience without the high-ticket price tag.

Tip: This is a true "lawn chair and blanket" affair. Bring your creature comforts suitable to an outdoor setting, find a spot under the Texas sky, and let the music do the rest.

• Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Eloise Lundy Park (1200 Sabine Street, Dallas, TX 75203)
• Cost: FREE (RSVP encouraged)
• Parking: Free parking is available at the Eloise Lundy Recreation Center and the Yvonne A. Townview Center.

This Memorial Day weekend, experience the rhythm of The Bottom. Whether you're here for the history, the food, or the incendiary guitar solos, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the sounds that shaped Dallas.

RSVP for Blues in the Bottom here!