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History

Our beginnings

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.

Notable Artists

Here are just a few of the notable performers who have appeared at Uncle Calvin's over the years. For a complete list, visit our Past Artists page.

  • Kate Campbell
  • Slaid Cleaves
  • Catie Curtis
  • Dixie Chicks
  • Jonathan Edwards
  • Joe Ely
  • Ruthie Foster
  • Mary Gauthier
  • Eliza Gilkyson
  • John Gorka
  • Butch Hancock
  • Terri Hendrix
  • Sara Hickman
  • Tish Hinojosa
  • Janis Ian
  • Michael Johnson
  • Lucy Kaplansky
  • Jimmy LaFave
  • Patty Larkin
  • Christine Lavin
  • Carrie Newcomer
  • Pierce Pettis
  • Patrice Pike
  • Chuck Pyle
  • Tom Russell
  • Darrell Scott
  • Martin Sexton
  • Trout Fishing in America
  • Susan Werner
  • Cheryl Wheeler
  • David Wilcox
  • Dar Williams
  • Don Williams
  • Robin & Linda Williams

... and many more!

Memoribilia


Who we are


Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run live music venue, presenting concerts nearly every Friday night in the fellowship hall of Northpark Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX. Our goal is to bring you the best possible environment for listening to music, with clear, pristine sound, free of smoke, alcohol, and conversation. In addition to the music, we offer fine coffees, teas, juices, desserts, and salty snacks. Find out more about us here.

Our friends talk


"The intimate setting of Calvin's makes it easy to see and hear musicians....the gold standard of Dallas area coffeehouses, and for that matter, the nation...." --Michael Granberry, DMN

"I'd call Uncle Calvin's the cosmic center of the folk universe in Texas...." --Chuck Pyle

"...a warm spirited place where everybody's kinfolk, and where good music and good company are the ties that bind." --Lynn Adler

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Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse * Northpark Presbyterian Church * 9555 N. Central Expy. * Dallas TX 75231 * unclecalvins.org * info@unclecalvins.org * 214.363.0044