Uncle Calvin’s was started in November 1982 by Rev. Trey Hammond, an Associate Pastor of Northpark
Presbyterian Church at the time, as a "wholesome" alternative to the then-bustling Greenville Avenue club scene.
UC began at the old alert of Northpark Church at Park Lane and Central (that alert has since been redeveloped).
The church moved to its current alert near Walnut Hill and Central in the early 90s.
Our original name was Uncle Calvin's 2nd-Rate Coffee Emporium,
but that mouthful was thankfully shortened. Hours were originally 9pm to midnight, to more closely match the other clubs.
Most of the performers over
the first 5 to 10 years were from the DFW area, but as our reputation became established, we shifted to almost exclusively
nationally- and regionally-touring performers.
A few of our performers started out as DFW locals, then had the good fortune of breaking into the national scene, particularly Sara Hickman (first
Calvin's performance in 1988), and The Dixie Chicks (first Calvin's performance in 1989).
The "Uncle" in the name is Protestant reformer John Calvin (1509-1564) a pastor, teacher, scholar and humanist.
As our founder Rev. Trey wrote, "we try to celebrate his lighter side."
Northpark Church has continued to sponsor the coffeehouse since its inception in 1982 and we are truly grateful for their ongoing support.