The thought of “Commerce night life,” often brings to mind Taco Bell, Wal-Mart or, for the really ambitious, sneaking adult beverages back to the dorm to spice up a Rock Band all-nighter.
For those whose idea of a good night involves a live band, dancing and 400 or more new best friends, they may just find a new home at The Drunken Mule, a bar and live music club located on the square in downtown Commerce.
Though the Mule has been open for three years, it is celebrating its first month of business under new owner Garett Dollgener, a 27-year-old self-described Texas country music fan who had his eye on the venue for some time.
“It was always a place I wanted, and I love it,” Dollgener said. “It was just a great opportunity to get a place with such a great reputation.”
Dollgener had previously hosted a Texas music show on radio station 93.5 FM in Greenville and hosted several concerts at the Mule during his time on the air, which allowed him to see the possibilities of bringing live Texas country music to Commerce.
“The old owners kind of started that as far as bringing in live music, and not just live music, but bringing the best people on the Texas music chart,” Dollgener said. “We’re trying to keep that going for sure. We’re bringing literally some of the best in Texas country music.”
That statement is not a hyperbole. The Drunken Mule has an impressive list of upcoming acts including Wade Bowen, the current number one Texas country artist according to Best in Texas magazine. In addition, artists booked include Mark McKinney, Bleu Edmondson, Jackson Taylor and recent finalist from The Bachelorette, Wes Hayden.
Those unfamiliar with Texas country music may not be aware how wide its appeal is. According to Russell Butler, manager of the Mule, the crossover potential of the genre can help bring patrons together.
“That’s the good thing about Texas country music; it’s not what most people think of as country music,” Butler said. “A lot of it is borderline Southern rock. It appeals to just about everybody.”
Though the quality of the artists may have been enough for the club to be successful, Dollgener and Butler thought there was still more room for improvement, especially in regard to relations with Texas A&M University-Commerce.
“One of the first things we noticed is there’s not anything in this bar that has anything to do with A&M-Commerce,” Dollgener said. “I want to change that. I want to be very involved with the fraternities and whatever’s going on campus.”
The Mule has already begun that process by making Wednesday nights “college nights.” There is no cover charge on those nights, even for minors, and dance music will be played all night. Plans for Greek-related events and toga parties are also currently in the works, and Dollgener stresses all students are welcome at these events as well.
“I want it to kind of be the home off-campus here,” Dollgener said. “We want the kids to love it. Everybody needs a place to go hang out.”
The Mule has attracted a large number of regular customers already.
“I come almost every night,” customer Sarah Poe said. “It has the biggest dance floor, has better music and the concerts are better. It’s [also] a much better crowd than it used to be. It’s a lot younger. “
The crowd’s age can mostly be attributed to the age of the ownership and management.
“We’re [closer to] the age of the crowd that comes in here. We interact with them a little better,” said Butler.
According to Dollgener, constant interaction with his customers is the only way he knows how to do business.
“I’ve gone to a lot of bars where you don’t have a clue who the owner or the operators are of the place,” Dollgener said. “I don’t like that, and we don’t want to run our place that way. We want to be hands-on as much as possible.”
The Drunken Mule is open from 8 pm -12 am on Wednesday through Friday, and open from 8 pm – 1 am on Saturday. Customers can go to myspace.com/thedrunkenmule to see the upcoming concert schedule and hear music from upcoming artists.
So, for those looking at another night of Ramen and South Park re-runs, Dollgener wants to remind them they have other options right under their noses.
“We’re just throwing a party here, man. That’s all we do every weekend.”