Next Level.

Vinyl Thoughts Goes Above and Beyond Expectations.

By 7:30 p.m., the line outside of Quixotic World in Deep Ellum was already ridiculous and showing no signs of tapering off. Hey, free alcohol, custom art (themed around video games), giveaways and music (courtesy of DJ Fishr Pryce) will do that to people.

Yes, the kickoff of the second annual Vinyl Thoughts exposition of local vinyl toy art appeared very much a success last night. The room itself was packed, filled with a diverse mix of ages, races and genders.

You'd think an event like this might lack a strong female presence — not so. The ratio was quite favorable. And even though free alcohol was provided, the bar was rarely crowed with freeloaders. It was pretty clear from the jump: The people here were here for the art. And, OK, maybe the Rock and Roll Taco truck outside, too.

Overall, though, Vinyl Thoughts II appears to have exceeded expectations, taking its show to the next level. Yes, pun intended. Of course.