The Kessler in the News

Here is some of the media attention The Kessler has received since its resurrection plans were revealed in 2009

Critics’ Comments

“The Kessler Theater is one such gem, an Art Deco beauty … for a slice of real life, there’s always the Kessler.” – Ben Fountain, New York Times

“…one of the best listening rooms I’ve ever been in, and was shocked by the hipness of its environs.” – Joe Nick Patoski, author, Willie Nelson, an Epic Life

“Best sounding room in the state…” – Jaime-Paul Falcon, Dallas Observer

“The acoustics and ambiance are spectacular – the Kessler is a true ‘listening room’ with emphasis on the artist-audience connection.” – Dallas Morning News

“…the Kessler, one of the few venues in town capable of cultivating such a setting, the feel of an intimate house show.” – Preston Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Best live music room in Texas.” – Michael Corcoran, Music Writer

“…the best-run, most consistent venue in all of North Texas.” – Pete Freedman, Central Track

“Its immaculate sound and respectful crowds afford every show the opportunity to be something truly memorable” – Dallas Observer, Best of Dallas Award

“I’m not sure there’s another venue in Texas that can touch the Kessler.” – Chuck Cox, Oak Cliff People

“I think it’s the best music venue in the country.” – Eric Nadel, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Live Music Fan

“It’s the perfect venue for experiencing music. Acoustically, it is a mini Mort Meyerson.” – Vic Savelli, Pegasus News

“…kick-ass theater… choosy as hell with their programming.” – Dallas Observer

“…the Kessler, probably the best ‘listening room’ in Dallas or Fort Worth since the demise of Caravan of Dreams” – Ken Shimamoto, Ft. Worth Music Critic

“Since its rebirth five years ago, there’s been no better place to catch a marquee act’s performance in the state.” – Jaime-Paul Falcon, Dallas Observer

“If you’re going to see any canonized yet unconventional musician where every note counts, you can do no better than the Kessler’s listening room.” – Christopher Mosley, D Magazine

“…the Kessler is the best small venue in the state.” – Danny Balis, Dallas Radio Personality & Musician

Artists’ Comments

“…phenomenal sound and lights and audience…everything else kinda fell by the wayside when it came time to record a live album.” – Ray Wylie Hubbard

“This is the perfect kind of venue. I love it. This is now one of my favorite venues.” – Lucinda Williams

“…one of the best rooms in the country.” – Bob Schneider

“…a beautiful building with fine acoustics and a very ‘hip’ crowd! Definitely one of the highlights of our tour” – The Zombies

“Dallas finally has a world class venue. The Kessler is perfect.” – Kevin Russell of Shinyribs and The Gourds

“It’s a great vibe and superb place to play. The Kessler puts on a great production that really shows how much they love art and music.” – The Orbans

“What a great space! So many wonderful souls.” – Lisa Fischer

“…one of the best venues in Texas … everything is pretty much perfect at The Kessler Theater.” – Terri Hendrix

“The Kessler Theater is one of my new favorite venues to play.” – Marc Cohn

“The Kessler is the coolest joint in town.” – Hayes Carll

“The Kessler is sexy AF!” – Matt Nathanson

“The Kessler is such a damn great venue.” – Dave Alvin

Awards

2016, Best All-Ages Venue, Best of Dallas Award, Dallas Observer
2016, Best Album Release Show (Jacob Metcalf at The Kessler), Best of Dallas Award, Dallas Observer
2015, Obelisk Award: Outstanding Arts Alumnus, Business Council for the Arts
2015, Best All-Ages Venue, Best of Dallas Award, Dallas Observer
2014, Best Live Music Venue, Best of Dallas Award, Dallas Observer
2014, Best Live Music Venue, Dallas A List
2013, Best Live Music Venue, Best of Dallas Award, Dallas Observer
2012, Best Live Music Venue, People’s Choice Award, Dallas Observer
2012, Best Performing Arts Venue, People’s Choice Award, Dallas Observer
2011, Preservation Dallas, Preservation Achievement Award
2011, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, Business of the Year
2011, Best Live Music Venue, Best of Dallas Award, Dallas Observer
2010, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, Business of the Year
2010, OOCCL, Ruth Chenoweth Conservation Achievement Award
2010, Dallas Business Journal’s Real Estate Deal of the Year, Neighborhood Impact
2010, People’s Choice Winner, Best Performing Arts Venue, Dallas Observer