Division Brewing and Growl: Uniting craft beer, comics and music

When opportunity knocks, it isn’t always at the front door. Wade Wadlington, co-founder and brewer at Division Brewing, explains how opportunity recently walked across their patio and came knocking at the back door.

“When Division opened a couple of years ago, there was a little art and clothing shop behind us,” Wade said. The shop, Cosmic Crow Collective, faced Abram Street and shared a back patio with Division, which is located at 506 E. Main St.

“They encouraged music within the shop,” continued Wade. “Over time, the ‘Crow built a nice community of artists and musicians who befriended us when we opened the brewery. When they decided to close the store, we sought to continue the music and community by opening Growl in their old space and hosting bands that play original music.”

Downtown Arlington:  Where did the name “Growl” come from? 

Wade Wadlington:  Growl has been a name we have been kicking around for many years. It seemed fitting to give it to a comic book and music store that hosts live bands.

DA:  Craft beer, comic books, music store and live bands? Sounds like a great combination.

WW:  Growl sells vinyl, CDs, cassettes and memorabilia. Panel by Panel Comics, which resides within Growl, has been open a few months longer and carries classic and hard to find comics. We’re friendly people who enjoy what we do and visiting with others who enjoy the same.

DA:  What kinds of music can we hear at Growl?

WW:  We only book original music acts. I personally enjoy many genres of music but am particularly smitten with various forms of alternative rock, stoner, garage, punk and ska. We look for bands that are really driven by an inner spirit to create new music and perform it well.

DA:  What’s the atmosphere like?

WW:  The vibe at both places is very chill. The Growl is the type of venue I would frequent in Deep Ellum back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. It’s old … a little gritty … kinda dark … with great local bands playing for friends and fans of their genre.

DA:  What's the best way for people to find out about your live music events?

WW:  Division Brewing and Growl Facebook pages. Division Brewing also has an app for both the iPhone and Android that provides information on beer availability and music events.

Check it out

Growl is located at 509 E. Abram St. in Downtown Arlington. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. The cover charge is $5 for most shows, and all proceeds go either to the bands or to charity, depending on the preference of the band.

Bands interested in playing at Growl should post or send a message through the Growl Facebook page.

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About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate.