Music Lounge 2025-26 Call for Entries

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2025–2026 MUSIC LOUNGE SERIES APPLICATION GUIDELINES
South Dallas Cultural Center

The South Dallas Cultural Center (SDCC) is now accepting applications for its 2025–2026 Music Lounge Series, a performance platform that celebrates the rich soundscape of Dallas' Black and diasporic music traditions. We are currently programming performances for calendar slots between September 2025 and May 2026.

Application Deadline: Saturday, August 31st, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST

About the Series:
The Music Lounge Series is an intimate, genre-diverse concert experience held at SDCC. The series promotes cultural expression, fosters community dialogue, and highlights the dynamic musical talent rooted in the South Dallas community and beyond. Whether jazz, R&B, soul, hip hop, Afrobeats, blues, gospel, or experimental sound, we welcome artists whose work amplifies culture and moves the crowd.

Performances are free and open to the public. All selected artists will receive a modest performance stipend through the City of Dallas and must be willing to register as a City of Dallas vendor in order to receive payment.

Performance Details:

Events take place in the SDCC Black Box Theater
Shows are approximately 90 minutes with an optional 15-minute intermission
Doors open at 7:00 PM; shows begin at 7:30 PM
Available Performance Dates:
All concerts will be held on Friday evenings:

September 12, 2025
October 10, 2025
November 21, 2025
December 12, 2025

January 9, 2026
February 27, 2026
March 13, 2026
April 10, 2026
May 8, 2026
June 26, 2026
July 24, 2026
August 14, 2026
September 11, 2026

How to Apply:
Complete the application form linked below. Applications must include links to performance samples, a short bio, and a brief artist statement about how your music engages culture, community, or storytelling.

Questions? Contact:denarrian.dupree@dallas.gov

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Name of Band/Artist* This field is required.

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Main Contact Name:* This field is required.

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E-mail:* This field is required.

example@example.com

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Phone Number* This field is required.

Area Code

Phone Number

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Which of these dates work best for you?* This field is required.Primary Choice

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Which of these dates work as an alternative?Secondary Choice

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What is your performance fee?* This field is required.Musicians are financially compensated though the City of Dallas and must be willing to register as a City of Dallas vendor if selected. Preference may be given to proposals requesting modest funding amounts in order to support a greater number of programs.

ex: 1 hour

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Please submit a band/artist bio (2-5 sentences).* This field is required.

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What genre of music best describes your band?* This field is required.You may list more than one.

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Please upload band/artist bio 1-2 images.* This field is required.

Drag and drop files here

Select files to upload

Max. file size: 10.6MB

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Please provide any social media handles or your band's website.* This field is required.

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Please link any music streaming platforms to share with our audience.* This field is required.

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How many people are in the band?* This field is required.

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What instruments will be featured in the performance?* This field is required.

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Will you need a projector?* This field is required.

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Will there be pre-recorded tracks?* This field is required.