Central Track Staff
Eat, Pray, Thug.
The phrase “once in a blue moon” doesn't necessarily refer to the color of the moon. Rather, it's a timing thing where two full moons happen to occur in the same month. And it happens more than you'd think — every few years, or so.
Sometimes, though, the moon actually doe appear blue. This happens much less frequently — usually only once or twice in a person's lifetime. And it just so happens that there's a blue moon this Friday, something that hasn't happened since 1950.
Needless to say, you won't want to miss it; it only happens every once in a, well, you know.
And that's not the only thing this weekend you won't want to miss. In fact, we've compiled a whole list of things for you. — Cory Graves
Friday
Heems at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
Once riding high with alternative hip-hop crew, Das Racist, Heems more recently launched a solo career, eschewing the novelty success of his previous outfit with one of the criminally underrated releases of 2015. His Eat Pray Thug LP is every bit the racially motivated masterpiece Kendrick Lamar's most recent effort is, though it hasn't earned nearly as much attention. ZelooperZ and Tru Def open. — Evan Henry
Gorilla vs Bear V at Granada Theater
In it's fifth installment, award-winning Texas-based music blog Gorilla vs. Bear presents GvB V, featuring such headlining acts as Jamie xx, one half popular electronica duo, The XX, whose latest effort “In Colour” combines six years of solo work and packs it into a singular multi-colored vinyl package. Lower Dens, Tei Shi, Yumi Zouma. Prince Innocence and DJ Sober round out the blog-centric evening. — EH
Brian McKnight at Verizon Theatre
Brian McKnight reached his height in popularity back in 1999, around the time he released “Back At One.” Since then, he's remained a little under the radar, but hasn't stopped making soulful tunes. He's a multi-instrumentalist, R&B darling and you can see him tonight at Verizon Theatre along with acclaimed, mom-approved sax man Boney James. — Diamond Victoria
Rhett Miller at Bar Louie's (Fort Worth)
Rhett Miller's latest Album The Traveler has kept critics smiling and features some collaboration with Black Prairie and members of R.E.M. The Old 97's frontman, and serial lady killer, has been on a solo tour this summer playing some tracks from the album and will be stopping by Bar Louie's tonight to put on a free show. — DV
Lindy Hop Body Shop at Sons of Hermann Hall
Alright, guys and dolls! Grab your partner and head to Sons of Hermann Hall for some lessons in all things swing dance. Perfect that Lindy Hop with the hour-long class taught by some alums in the swing dance biz, and then show off your skills 'til midnight. You won't be able to stop when the legendary Johnny Reno heats things up with his saxophone. — DV
Have Gun, Will Travel (Album Release) at Lola's
Florida-based Americana outfit Have Gun, Will Travel has had its music appear in a national Chevy TV commercial, and multiple episodes of the PBS series Roadtrip Nation among others. The outfit hits Lola's tonight on the same night its new album Science From an Easy Chair earns its release, none the less. Local (supergroup?) Vandoliers, Garret Klahn and Bad Mountain help celebrate the occasion. — EH
John Wesley Coleman, Matthew J. & His Wheels at AllGood Cafe
Having ripped through Dallas in various forms the last last decade, Austin's John Wesley Coleman makes the trip north for a free show at AllGood Cafe. Setting this particular one apart, Street Arabs' front-man Matt Powers debuts his new Rolling stones-esque solo effort at this one. — EH
Good Old War at Kessler Theater
After a three years absence from the touring scene, Good Old War is making its comeback of late. With the release of its latest album, Broken Into Better Shape, the band's thinking this will be its best tour yet. With songs like “Tell Me What You Want From Me” and “Fly Away,” its distinct indie-pop sound is understood and well received. — DV
Los Lonely Boys at House of Blues
The Beatles weren't the only band with a drummer named Ringo. Queue Los Lonely Boys! This “How far is heaven” ensemble has been around since '96 and has worked with Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana to name a few. The Digital Wild opens. — DV
The Price at Texas Theatre
The Price is a film following the life of Randy Travis. This musician/actor rose to fame in the late '80s and has appeared in several TV shows such as Walker: Texas Ranger and Touched By An Angel. But it's his music that has won him several awards. Texas Theatre is screening the Kim Hughes film, followed by live performances by Randy himself, along with James Dupre. — DV
Zombie Apocalypse Laser Tag at Hangman's House of Horrors
Ever wondered if you would be able to fend off flesh eating zombies in the middle of apocalyptic chaos? Hangman's House of Horrors in Forth Worth, featured annually on Travel Travel's “America's Scariest Halloween Attractions,” is giving you the chance to find out this weekend with their Zombie laser tag game “Mission:Apocalypse.” — DV
Hands Across Deep Ellum at Kettle Art
Head down to Deep Ellum tonight for an event not unlike Hands Across America. Y'know, the 6.5 million strong human chain link that spanned across the entire country to raise awareness for poverty in 1986? Well, OK, this isn't going to be quite the same. But even without millions of people around, its still a worthy cause. Hands Across Deep Ellum raises awareness for local artists in and around the area. Between Kettle Art and Ash Studios, join hands to make a chain of love for a good cause. — DV
NGHTMRE at Lizard Lounge
DJ NGHTMRE's Facebook bio simply says “beats and bad dreams.” Hmm, intriguing? His set tonight at Lizard Lounge is Elm Street adjacent, so whatever you do, don't fall asleep. — DV
Dark Rooms, Def Rain, Sam Lao, Blue, The Misfit (DJ set) at Crown and Harp
Making a brief return back into town is Dark Rooms, the Daniel Hart-fronted pop masterpiece that endlessly has it's audience swooning. With them, Def Rain brings its laser-infused blend of pulsating electronica to the Crown and Harp. You'd think that's all you'd need to make a great night, but Sam Lao and a DJ set from Blue, The Misfit get this one going early. Kind of a dream bill, we've heard. — EH
Bryan Callen at Addison Improv
Bryan Callen was no stranger to '90s sitcoms but you probably recognize him most from the current show The Goldbergs. He's also established himself as a pretty good stand up comic. Check him out tonight at Addison Improv. — DV
Wet Hot American Summer at Inwood Theatre
Celebrate the arrival of the new Wet Hot American Summer series on Netflix by revisiting the film that started it all. Inwood Theatre has got it tonight as part of their Midnight Madness series. —DV
Critical Mass at Main Street Garden Park (Free)
This group of cyclists are setting out to prove that two wheels are definitely a sufficient mode of transportation, despite the less-than bike friendly Dallas roads and monstrous SUVs that dominate them. But that's just what we need, right? Cars aren't all that great. I can store a bicycle in my apartment, but when I tried to do that with my car, all sorts of wreckage ensued. The group ride starts at 8 p.m., and, from there, costumed cyclists will dominate the roads, overturning every car in their wake and setting a new standard of road etiquette that demands bikes be taken seriously. Hey, they've got a costume contest to get to. — Chelsea Upton
Saturday
Alice in Chains at Winstar World Casino
Say what you will about Alice in Chains, but the '90s alt rockers are unquestionably one of the few acts left over from their ersa still able to deliver a quality live product. Somewhat shockingly, the new look Alice in Chains is arguably just as much a force to be reckoned with these days as it was in its prime (read: prior to frontman Layne Staley's passing in 2002.) In fact, we'll just go ahead and put it out there that its 2013 release, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, was one of that year's best. — CG
Fort Worth Podcast Movement at Omni Hotel (Fort Worth)
Say you've always wanted to start your own podcast but aren't sure what steps to take, or you're already in the business but aren't satisfied because you're not quite on Marc Maron's level yet? Well then, check out The Podcast Movement at the Omni Hotel in Forth Worth this weekend. It's full of guest speakers and workshops to help you get where you want to be. — DV
Jason Isbell at Gexa Energy Pavilion
The most refreshing thing about Isbel is the weight of what he's singing about. Even when it's not as heavy as a dying girlfriend, there's always a gravity his subject matter from the harsh truths of working in a Kentucky coal mine to nursing a hangover with Pedialite. It's something desperately lacking in a bro country scene that's more concerned with superficialities like pearl snap shirts, painted-on jeans and shotgunning cans of light beer on a Friday night. Nevertheless, Randy Rogers Band, Whiskey Myers and the wife-beating Stoney Larue also perform. — CG
Daniel Markham, Jake Paleschic at The Foundry (Free)
While Paleschic describes his sound as”'subtle rock,” and we tend to agree, his most recent eight-track LP sounds every bit like the best batch of Chris Isaak covers Midlake never recorded. In case it wasn't clear, that was supposed to be a compliment. The consummate, life-ruining, Denton-based Alice in Chains disciple Daniel Markham opens. — CG
“The Art of Dirk Fowler” at {neighborhood}
Internationally known for original letterpress designs for bands like Wilco and Modest Mouse, visual artist and Texas Tech design professor Dirk Fowler is displaying a variety of works both new and old at the {Neighborhood} in Bishop Arts for the next month. To celebrate, the opening reception includes a solo performance from Daniel Markham. Drinks included. — EH
Forgotten Space at Granada Theater
They're like the Grateful Dead, only slightly less great, a whole lot less dead and 100 percent more locally-based. — CG
Safari Nights at Dallas Zoo
If you like big cats and indie rock, tonight will be a treat. Head to the Dallas Zoo's Cat Green after sundown tonight and check out The O's performing as part of the zoo's Safari Nights series. Concerts are free with normal zoo admission. — DV
Hardwell at The Bomb Factory 311 at South Side Ballroom As Cities Burn at House of Blues These Machines Are Winning at Double Wide Third Anniversary at Lakewood Brewing Company Ducado Vega (Video Release) at Ash Studios Tanya Tucker at Billy Bob's The Unlikely Candidates at Dada Sunday Slayer at Gexa Energy Pavilion Social Distortion at House of Blues Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School at Three Links Bellows, Sitcom at Macaroni Island Third Anniversary at Goodfriend First Sunday at Sons of Hermann Hall First Sunday Flea Market at Double Wide Roses at Rubber Gloves To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
Name the world's No.1 DJ in the 2013
Perhaps best known for its triple-Platinum self-titled album, 311 has managed to keep its enormous fanbase through constant radio play and extremely long concerts. Even though genres like “rap-rock” aren't exactly en vogue right now, one of 311's more recent albums, Uplifter, still charted on the Billboard Top 200. Know that we have always been down, down. — Chelsea Upton
Although it started out as more of a Christian rock kind of band, initially breaking up back in 2009, As Cities Burn is back and with a style and sound that finds its appeal on a more dynamic audience. The not-quite-as-Christian rockers play at House of Blues tonight. Others taking the stage include Emery, Listener and Foreign Suns. — DV
It might be hard to believe that locals, These Machines Are Winning haven't played a show in two years. But it's true, and on this night, that changes as they unveil tracks, in a live setting, of their brand-new cinematic package Kuru . Included in this performance are guests Taylor Rea, Dilorio and True Widow's Nikki Cage, who too had a hand in the experience getting vinyl release. Dan Philips, also of True Widow ,kicks things off with a rare solo performance. Perhaps it'll sell out, but maybe not, as the bigger crowd is typically at Double Wide for it's bar and not the sounds it opens its stage to. — EH
Lakewood Brewing Company is turning three today and they want you to come celebrate. With the purchase of a ticket, you get access to the private party in the taproom and a souvenir glass. Then head to the after-party at Goodfriend Beer Garden, where it all began, to keep the fun going. — DV
Ducado Vega and Zenya Vi will be releasing four new music videos here. To celebrate, they'll be giving away free food and booze, and inviting pals GOAT, David Crandall and KoZmic Sisters to perform. — CG
Tanya Tucker became a country darling back in the '70s with her hit “Delta Dawn.” She remained on the charts for a little while, before slowly fading out of the spotlight. But she's always kept playing live shows and tonight is no different. Check her out at Billy Bob's. — Diamond Victoria
Late last week, Gorilla vs Bear premiered the first single from Botany's upcoming Dimming Awe, The Light is Raw full-length that's due out on September 18 via Western Vinyl. Says that site's founder, Chris Cantalini, of the lead single: “[It] works as a perfect intro to the record's glorious synthesis of dusty hip-hop vibes and cosmic free jazz spirit (if you're feeling this one, wait until you hear the mind warping 6-minute mini-epic “Bad CGI”).” And that's just the opener on this stacked all locally-tied bill. — CG
Fort Worth Podcast Movement at Omni Hotel (Fort Worth)
From WTF's Marc Maron to Serial's Sarah Koenig, the absolute biggest names in the podcast game will be convening in Fort Worth this Sunday. It's like a regular podcast, save for the fact that you can see them while they're talking. — CG
Despite the death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman and the firing of co-founding drummer Dave Lombardo in recent years, the heaviest — and currently the most culturally relevant — of metal's Big Four has continued touring and is close to releasing its twelfth studio album this fall. — CG
Despite a revolving door of backing musicians and struggles with addiction for the group's only constant member, frontman Mike Ness, Social Distortion has managed to survive the fickle punk scene for 30-plus years. Credit it to their mix of hardcore punk, rootsy blues-influenced outlaw country and an unrelenting desire to go out on their own terms. — CG
A good old fashioned life-drawing session is a necessary staple for artists of all types. Drawing from observation is a classic technique to improve your skills and increase your technical abilites to perceive form and function. Unfortunately, that sounds totally boring and academic. The idea between these regular Dr. Sketchy's events is to come up with a more relaxed lesson in the art of life-drawing. Hey, it doesn't get much more relaxed than being held in a bar! And whereas anyone who's ever done an actual, serious life-drawing or figure-drawing session has that, “Oh, you wouldn't believe what the model looked like!” story, Dr Sketchy's does it right, bringing burlesque performers in to hold court. These models are always in costume, and there is a theme every month. This month's model is Angela Ryan. — Jeremy Hughes
Expanding on the DIY ethos that so many bands thrive on comes Bellows, an experimental bedroom pop outfit from Brooklyn, New York along with tour-mates Sitcom from Maryland. Roaring between the “ailing” tour efforts are Denton's own experimental and sad-core strangers Seres, Law of Jaunte and Sigh Twombly. Such continues as beloved house show space Macaroni Island slowly draws to a halt. Don't be jerk and donate as you wish, y'know, cuz karma. — EH
For the second day of its anniversary celebrations, Goodfriend's tapping a boatload of special releases, while Dovetail, Natural Anthem, The Hazardous Dukes and Vincent Neil Emerson play some kickass tuneage. — CG
Every first Sunday of the month, the Deep Ellum Community Association gets together and hosts a free, open-to-the-public, discussion-oriented event centered around the issues the neighborhood cares most about. Given that this panel discussion on the city's bike infrastructure is moderated by Robert Wilonsky, I can pretty much guarantee that it'll be at least a little informative. I can also guarantee you that there'll be free food from Braindead Brewing while supplies last — and just in time for dinner, too, as this sucker is slated to kick off at 6:30 p.m. — Pete Freedman
This one's got the three B's: brunch, Bingo and bargains. 'Nuff said. — CG
Andrew Tobiassen, who used to be in Deer Tick has since been occupying his time with Roses, an electronic-based pop project, who a few years back came around for SXSW and hasn't been back since. Joining the band is Dripping Wet, but with a different line up than you may remember in shows past. To your luck, it's only a dollar to get in, if you're over 21 of course. — EH
