Fry street was a street across from the University of North Texas campus until it was recently demolished in the name of progress. I was really sad when I heard that it had been destroyed because there was something there a few years ago that was magic. The street was only 2 blocks long but on a Thursday night there would be between 2,000 and 5,000 people hanging out there to see local music. There were 3 or 4 clubs and usually a band or 2 playing in the street. I don't think I ever paid more than $2 to see a band there but the talent was amazing whether it was students or other local players. While the crowds didn't seem to last more than a couple of years, the music was still around for quite some time after that.
The place that had the most talent stains on the walls was the Library previously known as Bennie's. I spent many nights in there watching a wide variety of music. There were so many great players that were around that the collective creativity seems to be like static electricty in the winter time, you shake someone's hand and it zaps you. Of course there were also large groups of other players watching, taking notes and declaring "That was ok but I would have played it like..." which was always amuzing. It was a place that a lot of great players worked out their playing style and made $12 or so while doing it.
I watched Steve play there many times as well as a long list of others who have gone on to make music better for those who appreciate it like we do. I am hoping that Steve will add a little to this, he was witness to some funny stuff that happened there before I started hanging out down there. I find myself thinking about how the music industry will suffer without Fry street being available for students and other aspiring players to work out their craft.