Central Track Staff
Drop The Bomb.
I hope you're sitting down for this, but Zayn Malik has quit One Direction. Yes, it's true.
And despite the drastic reactions from hoards of teens all over the world, the world kept right on spinning.
Go figure.
Speaking of things that are forever active: It's a Thursday night in Dallas, so you know there's lots going on. — Cory Graves
Erykah Badu at The Bomb Factory
Well, this is pretty huge. Sure, it's a big deal anytime Ms. Badu headlines a show in her hometown, but tonight it's more than that. This marks the first show for Deep Ellum's newest venue, The Bomb Factory, a state of the art 50,000 square foot music space that'll accommodate up to 4,300 fans. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the place a couple months back, and the multi-million dollar renovations to the space are just phenomenal. And when it re-opens tonight, the completely renovated venue will instantly be among the biggest — and perhaps most important? — venues in town. Sarah Jaffe opens this momentous occasion. — Lauren Rushing
Lisa Landry at Hyena's (Fort Worth)
Lisa Landry has appeared on many TV shows. She has a special on Comedy Central. Maybe you recognize her. Maybe you don't. But, see, here's the thing: Her performance tonight is free. That's worth noting, as her show will run you $10 on Friday (at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.) and on Saturday (at 8 and 10:30 p.m.). — Carly Seitz
Wade Bowen at Billy Bob's
Texas native country/red dirt musician Wade Bowen will play at Billy Bob's as part of Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival's Barbecue Bash, so you know there will be plenty of deliciousness to enjoy, both onstage and off. — CS
Temple of Doom and Donnie Darko Double Feature at Granada Theater
Whip on over to the Granada for what some considered the low point of the Indy franchise until Kingdom of the Crystal Skull came along. For the record, I personally have much time for love here, Dr. Jones. The mind-fuck that is Donnie Darko will also be screened at this Thursday two-fer. — James Wallace
Son of Swan (EP Release) at Three Links (Early Show)
No, Jordan “Son of Stan” Richardson won't be releasing a follow-up to last year's Georgia EP just yet. Accomplished guitar wanker Neil “Son of Swan” Swanson, however, will. You should maybe learn to read more carefully. — CG
Green Jelly at Three Links (Late Show)
'80s comedy rock act Green Jelly (formerly Green Jello, way back when) was notorious back in the day for its onstage antics and live theatrics. Oh, and for not being very good at their instruments. The bass player, for instance, used to color code his frets so that he could learn his bass lines by color. But you probably remember them best by the novelty metal song about the three little pigs. Y'know, “Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!” and all that. Electric Vengeance and American Shit Storm open. — LR
Beer and Cheese Pairing at Community Beer Co.
I know it sounds crazy, but beer and cheese actually have a lot in common. I mean, they are both fermented. Anyway, this event will feature four of Community's brews, each paired with a complimentary and a contrasting cheese, and experts from both fields helping guide you through the differences. By our math, that's four beers and eight cheeses for only $30. Tickets are limited, and be purchased here. — LR
Symphonie Fantastique at Meyerson Symphony Center
Once in college, I was assigned the task of writing a 20-page paper exploring the symbolism strewn throughout Hector Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique. It was a task that proved far less daunting than it sounds, as the French composer's masterpiece is absolutely rich with vivid imagery. I doubt anyone before or since has quite accomplished the mission of using sounds to paint such vibrant pictures. There's never a doubt as to what action's taking place in the symphony's narrative, especially when the protagonist is being led to the guillotine and his last thoughts fall back to the object of his affection just before his head his lopped clean off. It's beautiful, touching and brilliant. — CG
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
