The video above takes you on a drive through Las Colinas, Irving, Texas — one of those areas in the DFW metroplex that feels like a lot more than just a suburb of Dallas. David Bridwell was passing through on his way to record music in Garland and took the time to capture some of the area's landmarks, canals, and entertainment spots. Irving has a population of over 250,000 people and sits right between Dallas and Fort Worth, about 30 minutes from each, with DFW Airport close by. The city calls itself an economic powerhouse of North Texas, and with a good handful of Fortune 500 companies headquartered here, that checks out.
What to See in the Las Colinas Area
Las Colinas is considered a master-planned urban center with a mix of residential, commercial, and corporate development. The video starts at Williams Square, home to Robert Glenn's Mustangs of Las Colinas sculptures — a pretty well-known set of bronze mustang statues running through a water feature. From there, the footage covers the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn, where you can walk along the water, try paddle boarding, or even hop on a gondola ride. There are apartment complexes everywhere, but the area also has a good amount of dining, arts, and entertainment woven into the layout. It's a solid place to spend a few hours walking around, especially if you're already in the area for a show or event.
What Live Music Venues Are Near Las Colinas in Irving?
If you're looking for live music around Las Colinas, there are a few spots worth knowing about:
- The Ginger Man — A laid-back spot right in the Las Colinas area that features live music, tucked in among the canals and walkways
- Toyota Music Factory — A large entertainment complex nearby that hosts big concerts and events in its main venue, plus an outdoor stage at the Texas Lottery Plaza for additional live music
- Mcride Mercy Bar and Lounge — A venue right in the Toyota Music Factory area
- Texican Court — A Texas-themed hotel and hangout spot near Toyota Music Factory that occasionally hosts live music and events
A Stop at Audio Dallas Sound Recording Studios
The trip wrapped up at Audio Dallas Sound Recording Studios in Garland, where David Bridwell recorded a few songs. This studio has been around since 1981 and has serious history — it's the location where Willie Nelson recorded his Red Headed Stranger album. The walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from artists who have tracked there over the decades, including Jack Ingram and Kris Kristofferson. It's a real working studio with deep roots in Texas music, not some tourist attraction, which makes it a cool piece of the larger DFW music story.
Irving and the Las Colinas area don't always come up first when people think about Texas music, but between the venues near Toyota Music Factory and studios like Audio Dallas just down the road, there's more going on here than you might expect.