Dreamworld Music Complex:
Changes in the Works
An interview with the new owners and
management
Dreamworld Music Complex, Arlington's
premiere all-ages venue, was recently bought by Joann and Bryan
Williams, who have been established business owners in the Arlington
area for over 20 years. They've made Shannon Culwell the new manager,
but are keeping River Tunnell as the sound engineer. We wanted to get
some words in with new manager Shannon Culwell and new co-owner Joann
Williams about what direction they're planning on taking the club.
DM: Who is the new owner of
Dreamworld?
DREAMWORLD: The new owners are Joann
and Bryan Williams. The manager is Shannon Culwell. Talk to her for all
bookings and information.
DM: Give us some back ground on you.
DREAMWORLD: We have been established
business owners in Arlington for over 20 years. We also have experience
in the nightclub industry.
DM: What businesses have you
owned/operated in arlington? what businesses have you owned/operated in
the nightclub industry?
DREAMWORLD: We own the Mane Attraction
Hair Salon on Cooper and have been there for over 20 years. Shannon has
run various nightclubs in the metroplex since 1990.
DM: What nightclubs has Shannon run?
DREAMWORLD: I ran a country western
establishment and a dance club. I prefer not to release the names.
DM: Why did you decide to buy
dreamworld?
DREAMWORLD: Somebody needed to. We saw
an oppurtunity to build a premier music venue for the metroplex.
DM: Why buy an all ages club?
DREAMWORLD: We do not intend on
keeping it an all ages club. We will , however, occasionally have all
ages shows.
DM: Why aren't you keeping it an all
ages club?
DREAMWORLD: We will still have all
ages shows but want to expand our horizons. We have had numerous
requests for this change.
DM: What were the terms of the
contract?
DREAMWORLD: We bought it outright. No
terms.
DM: What improvements do plan to make?
DREAMWORLD: We have already made
several improvements. We have painted the venue, band room and
rehearsal areas. We have gotten rid of the old furniture and built
benches with cushions. WE HAVE CLEANED UP THE PLACE ALOT.....and still
have improvements to come including a wet bar.
DM: Will the music and atmosphere
remain the same?
DREAMWORLD: We are booking more
popular bands but still supporting the up and coming. We have applied
for our nightclub license. We will be having a Re-Grand Opening on Dec.
4th with a 102.1 The Edge Remote. The bands so far are Canvas and One
Up.
DM: Many all ages clubs have a mission
to spread the word of God- do you plan on taking part in any of this?
And, if so, what will you be doing?
DREAMWORLD: We will not be staying
with the same mission.
DM: Are you planning on booking more
national acts? what about local acts? and what kinds of music will they
be?
DREAMWORLD: Yes, we will be booking
national acts and have booked a few already. We will still very much
support the local scene. We would like to give some of the local bands
an oppurtunity to open for the national acts. We are still for our
hometown bands. We will stay with the Rock n Roll scene for the
majority of our venue but will have special events occasionally.
DM: Any other future plans you want to
tell us about?
DREAMWORLD: We have only had the place
a month and have already made significant changes with positive
feedback. We will continue to remodel and put together great shows.
-Grady Smith, Ftworthmusic.com Editor
Dreamworld Music Complex
3102 W. Division
Arlington, TX 76012
(817) 226-ROCK(7625)
http://www.dreamworldmusiccomplex.com
dreamworldmc@hotmail.com