Brooke Humphries is a prominent name in Dallas nightlife, known for her diverse ventures that significantly shape the city’s entertainment scene. Beyond co-owning popular spots like Barcadia and Beauty Bar, Humphries is also the driving force behind It’ll Do Dance Club, a venue that stands out for its commitment to authentic house music and a classic dance club atmosphere. This dedication extends to her involvement with Full Access Entertainment, a company that brings major EDM events to Dallas while consistently supporting local DJ talent, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits the entire Dallas music community.
Humphries’ journey in nightlife is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion. “I’ve been working in nightclubs in Dallas for 25 plus years,” she recounts, tracing her fascination back to the late ’80s when house music emerged from the disco era’s wake. This early exposure ignited a spark, transforming her from a fan into a key player in the industry. “I was super drawn to it!” she explains, highlighting the magnetic pull of house music that set her career trajectory. This passion naturally evolved into promoting parties in the early ’90s, even including a formative period in New York City at the legendary Limelight club. This experience provided invaluable lessons about event perception and nightlife culture, skills she brought back to Dallas to make a significant impact.
Returning to Dallas, Humphries channeled her expertise into Full Access Entertainment. Partnering with Jeremy Word, they launched Full Access in the late 90s, quickly making waves with their very first event. “We sold out the Bronco Bowl with our first show!” she exclaims, emphasizing the scale of their early success. Headlined by Paul Oakenfold, a true pioneer of DJ culture, the event drew over 5000 attendees, a remarkable feat at the time. This groundbreaking event marked the beginning of Full Access’s 14-year journey in electronic music, solidifying Dallas’s position as a city with a rich history of nightclubs and talented resident DJs.
When discussing the evolution of Dallas’s EDM scene, Humphries points to a shift. While acknowledging the continued presence of great DJ talent, she observes a commercialization of the genre. “Once McDonalds started using ‘DJs’ in their commercials, and the ‘bottle service’ era came in everything started to change. Drastically. Watered it all down.” This change in the landscape motivated her to create It’ll Do Dance Club as a counterpoint. It’ll Do Dance Club is envisioned as a return to the roots of dance culture: “Old school. No ridiculous light show or flat screens or LED…just a dark room with massive sound and great house music.” For Humphries, the success of It’ll Do Dance Club is evident in the club-goers themselves: “Refreshing to see people actually still DANCE in this town…like dance dance. Crazy huh?” This focus on the dance floor and the music itself is what sets It’ll Do Dance Club apart.
Despite the changing times, Humphries remains a staunch supporter of local talent, emphasizing their importance to the Dallas scene and particularly to It’ll Do Dance Club. She proudly names DJ Redeye, a long-time favorite who plays Fridays at Beauty Bar and holds a residency at It’ll Do Dance Club, and DJ Sober, who appears Thursdays at Beauty Bar and monthly at It’ll Do Dance Club. Blake Ward, who plays Saturdays at Beauty Bar, is also highlighted. Furthermore, Full Access Entertainment actively integrates local DJs by featuring them as openers for touring headliners, ensuring a platform for Dallas’s homegrown talent to shine.
Reflecting on the current state of EDM in Dallas, Humphries notes, “The climate is completely different. More commercial. A bit disappointing personally. but in the end you give each generation what they want. That’s what we do and do very well.” Despite the shifts in the broader EDM scene, It’ll Do Dance Club remains a steadfast haven for those seeking an authentic house music experience, reminiscent of the genre’s origins. For anyone looking to experience genuine dance culture in Dallas, It’ll Do Dance Club offers a unique and compelling destination.
