Central Track Staff
Blow Up The Outside World.
As we do most long holiday weekends, we’ll remind you yet again that folks are going to be drunker than usual these next few days — cuz ‘Merica! Just remember, whether you decide to head to the lake, to one of the handful of music festivals taking place or to, well, any of the following list of happenings, you should probably keep your alcohol intake somewhat in-check.
At the very least, you’ve got to get on board with the whole designated driver trip — as you should every time you go out, really. This weekend, though, local police departments will conduct a No-Refusal DWI Initiative from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Tuesday during which they’ll use warrants to obtain blood samples from anyone who refuses a Breathalyzer test.
Now, bring on the fireworks! — Cory Graves
Friday
Leon Bridges at WinStar World Casino
Leon Bridges is synonymous with DFW music and culture; cementing his status as a local icon in little more than a year’s time. An opportunity to catch Bridges live normally costs the price of admission. A mere two-hour trip, however, is well worth it. Save up some gas money and make your way to see Bridges at OK casino. — Calvin Cashen
Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday at South Side Ballroom
Taste Of Chaos was once at the forefront of the festival circuit, drawing a mostly rock-inclined crowd with its heavy-hitting lineup. Following the fest’s retirement in 2010, Rockstar Energy revived the fest in 2015 to a particularly underwhelming turnout. This year’s incarnation, however, might put Taste Of Chaos back in the limelight. The festival stops by South Side Ballroom this Thursday, featuring headliners Dashboard Confessional and Taking Back Sunday.. — CC
Gregory Alan Isakov at Granada Theater
Open roads make for basic, yet compelling, lyrical allusions. Gregory Alan Isakov is no stranger to that cliche, and yet, it’s easily his strongest attribute. Isakov finds beauty in simplicity; taking familiar lyrical themes and penning introspective lyrics replete with insight. — CC
Airplane at Inwood Theatre
Inwood Theatre’s Midnight Madness series is a true-to-life Dallas staple. The theatre will kick-off its July lineup with a screening of the quirky comedy classic Airplane — CC
Not Your Father’s Fourth of July Block Party on Henderson Avenue
We Americans love our holidays, not only because they give us an excuse to drink gratuitous amounts of alcohol and stuff our faces with barbecue, but because they give us a reprieve from the rat race. Quadruple down on your fun here with four venues, DJ’s and no cover into any of the participating bars. Rumor has it there will also be 40 oz brown-bag specials and $1 hot dogs. ‘Merica! — Sidney Johnson
Stacy Has A Thing For Black Guys at Latino Cultural Center
Local playwright Ruben Carrazana makes his entrance into the professional world of film with his debut Stacy Has A Thing For Black Guys. It is sure to bring both laughs and tongue in cheek eye rolls with the film centered around race, sex and relationships — and, apparently, a black guy. —SJ
Special Duties, Potato Pirates, Lethal Dose, Casual Relapse at Three Links
Special Duties formed in 1977, broke up in 1983 and reformed in 1995. These punks have seen a lot, no doubt, and probably developed a few wrinkles along the way. Despite that, the fact that they’re still kicking the tour game proves that age is just a number. — CC
Let’s Dance: Dorrough’s Six 3 EP Release Party at Winstons Supperclub
Yeah buddy, Dallas’ own Dorrough is releasing his newest EP Six 3 and wants you to come dance in celebration. DJ Sober and Mutemor (Faded Deejays) will be in the mix and there is no cover for the event. Is anyone else thinking about ice cream right now? — Sidney Johnson
The Verve Pipe at Levitt Pavilion (Free)
This show is free and should bring you back to the good ol’ days — y’know, back when we were only freshmen. — SJ
Lone Star Heritage Festival at The Bomb Factory
Feeding Texas will present the second annual Lone Star Heritage Festival, a celebration of everything we Texans cherish the most: Music, booze and food. You know how the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” That includes Texas pride. Shovels & Rope, Okkervil River, Girl in a Coma and Matthew Logan Vasquez perform. — CC
Curtis Salgado at Kessler Theatre
The soulful and bluesy singer is an inadvertent legend in the world of movies — not because he’s an actor, but because of an encounter with one-half of The Blues Brothers’, John Belushi at one of his shows in 1977. Salgado is credited with providing the inspiration for the character after Belushi heard him live and began listening to his soul collection after the show. If you loved the movie, as we all did, then you’ll get Salgado. — SJ
GOT7 at Verizon Theatre
If you’re a K-pop head, as so many around the world are, chances are you’ve danced to these guys naked in the mirror, or not. The award winning seven-man group has been blazing stages since their debut just two-years ago and are bringing their breathy brand of song and hip hop dance here. These guys don’t come cheap, though, with tickets ranging from $65 to $215. Oh the price you pay for your little sister’s happiness. — SJ
Sudie, Rat Rios at Sundown
A pair of one-woman wrecking crews will, well, wreck the Granada’s pre- and post-party spot with electronic-based pop jams. — CG
Sunny Sweeny at Hank’s Texas Grill
Texas regular, Sunny Sweeney, is performing at Hank’s Texas Grill this Thursday. I’m sure booking the show at a Texas-style grill was no accident, seeing that Sweeney was born and raised in Longview. — CC
Autograf at Lizard Lounge
Autograf sounds like the music that should be on the outro of those memorable Corona commercials. Their sound isn’t quite house and isn’t just electronic either, rather a blend; a new wave of house. The Chicago natives’ smooth approach will transport you to a nice, warm, secluded beach even though you’ll be in a dark room filled with lively bodies anxious for the wave. — SJ
Pig & Dan at RBC
This duo plays a unique brand of snappy dance productions. They’ve played at some of the biggest festivals and shows out there with Ultra and Tomorrowland in the past decade, though this party promises to be markedly more intimate. — SJ
Friday Night Drags at Texas Motor Speedway
Through the summer, Texas Motor Speedway hosts its Friday Night Drags events. Here anybody with a car, a driver’s license and 20 bucks can compete in live drag-racing along the famed track’s one-eighth-mile pit road. What would Wario do? — CG
Mountain Natives at Crown and Harp
Local indie-folk duo, Mountain Natives, will perform at Crown & Harp with a rare opening appearance from Dallas’ Denim Wonder. — CC
Comedy Night on the Porch at Alamo Drafthouse (Dallas)
Grab those adult diapers and get ready to cry some legitimate tears once these comedians take the stage for a night of laughs. A current “Funniest comic in Texas” and former “K104 Next Big Laugh” winner will be in attendance as well as a few others. They really do it for the shit’s and giggles, but that’s what those diapers are for. — SJ
A Month of Music and Art at Taps and Caps Denton
Taps and Caps will host a month long music and art event called, what else; A Month of Music and Art. The event’s first week will feature a number of musical performances. In addition, Taps and Caps is unveiling its brand new patio area the exact same day. How strategically planned. — CC
Saturday
Bobby Sessions Reloaded at Trees
Out of the the big name Texas players in the hip-hop canon, Houston seems to be the most discussed. Though Dallas’ role in hip-hop has been both substantial and relatively niche, it still serves as one of the most legitimate. Take Bobby Sessions for instance, who is not only one of the best rappers in town, but he’s upping his game even further with the addition of The Gritz as his live backing band. — CC
Billy Bob’s Fourth of July Picnic
Turnpike Troubadours are not hokey. They are not glamorous. They are gritty and pained by life’s arrows. These boys from Oklahoma are honest, Old 97’s indebted Red Dirt musicians. And they’re headlining this year’s second annual Willie-less Fourth of July Picnic at Billy Bob’s. Shinyribs, Billy Joe Shaver and Mike & the Moonpies open. — Roberto Aguilar
Jon Bellion at House of Blues (Sold Out)
A white rap artist that isn’t either Mike D, MCA or Ad-Rock is a little questionable, to say the least. But Bellion’s upcoming tour may prove me wrong. The New York-bred musician will perform a triumphant sold-out gig this Friday in support of his debut record, The Human Condition. — CC
“Paper Weight” A Group Exhibition at Conduit Gallery
Conduit Gallery’s latest exhibition, “Paper Weight,” features artistic works by current and recent students of Stephen Lapthisophon’s from both the University of Texas Arlington and Southern Methodist University. Although the exhibit deals with an assortment of themes, every featured work was realized on a slab of paper. — CC
Frequency Burst at The Bomb Factory
Donnie Disco and NightCulture present Frequency Burst, a live concert event of astronomical proportions. This sonic exploration features performances by Galantis, Hucci, SNBRN and Dr. Fresch. Disclaimer: sensory overload is very likely. — CC
Red, White & Booze at Double Wide
This pre-July 4th celebration will come with a splash of booze and purple, courtesy of Prince opening tribute act The Beautiful Ones. The Rich Girls will end things with a Hall & Oats set, mustaches intact. — CC
Pendulum at Lizard Lounge
The six-man Australian ambient house band blend both hard rock with electronic music to make for a stout melody, grabbing two different crowds and bringing them together in one room. The band has had it’s set-backs with members in disagreement about new material in the past, but, thankfully, that’s all in the past. — SJ
Davy Knowles at Cambridge Room
After the demise of his former Back Door Slam project, Davy Knowles made his mark as a solo artist. Knowles’ modern take on blues will entertain avid Back Door Slam fans and new ones, alike. — CC
‘Merica the Beer-tiful at Texas Ale Project
Texas Ale Project is hosting a ‘Merica the Beer-tiful Party from 1 to 9 p.m. Pit Commander BBQ will be on hand as the brewers build a watermelon tap with their Brass Monkey, Ginger Island and Orange You Hoppy brews. — Porttia Portis
Red, White & Brew at Noble Rey
Noble Rey Brewing Co. is hosting its second annual Red White & Brew this Saturday, July 2, in which the taproom is partnering with The Proper Baking Co. in celebration of Independence Day. The event takes place from noon to 7 p.m. — PP
Grand Opening at Quarter Lounge
DFW’s newest retro arcade, Bedford’s Quarter Lounge, marks its grand opening weekend with a whole bunch of videogame tournaments. Details at the link above. — CG
The Senseless Comedy Show & Taco Eating Contest at The Whitehouse
In the spirit of the always homey and welcoming Little D, this house party will host five comics, nine musical guests, free beer (while it lasts) and a taco-eating contest. I repeat, free beer and a taco eating contest. There is a cover charge of $7.02 but the hosts say it’s OK if you don’t have any cents — insert hurling tomatoes. — SJ
Black Taffy Presents Ball & Parlay (Screw Night) at Crown and Harp
Some people are like The Eagles and live their life in the fast laaane. Some prefer the DJ Screw approach and slow it down. But whichever approach you take, you’ve heard screw music in some way. The gritty, sludgy sound has transcended our borders, even infiltrating Asia, spawning lean-themed anthems such as Keith Ape’s It Chi Ma. Texas is a big state, but our original brand of hip hop is so much bigger. — SJ
Carrie at Texas Theatre
The theatre’s All Brian De Palma Everything kick rolls on with 40th anniversary cut of his adaption of Stephen King’s 1974 novel. — CG
Sunday
Addison Kaboom Town at Addison Circle Park
The amount of people allowed into Addison Circle is more limited than ever for the event this year due to the unbelievable amounts of people who have been coming out the past few years to watch this ever-popular fireworks display. You’ll need to arrive impossibly early and be prepared to settle in for the long haul in order to even stand a chance. Sure, the traffic will be completely miserable, but it’ll still potentially worth it to see one of the best Independence Day fireworks shows in the entire country. Celebrations start at 5 p.m., but the fireworks don’t start until 9:30 p.m. — Jessica Petrocchi
Metrofest Music Fest at Deep Ellum Brewing Co.
Local beer and local music can be an entertaining combination, especially when it’s at Deep Ellum’s own. Come enjoy a nice glass of the goods offered by the Dallas-based brewery while jivin’ to pop, soul, rock, indie and R&B to the sounds of Cartwright, Conundrum, Friday’s Foolery, Horace Bray Group, Keite Young, Kierra Gray, Mark Lettieri Trio, Mattie Michelle, Raphal & Ivory Jean, Reinventing Jude and Skinny Cooks. Can’t you just taste the IPA’s already? — SJ
Red, White & Boom on the Bridge at Ronald Kirk Bridge
FKA the Continental Avenue Bridge Park, there’ll be a family-friendly pre-Fourth of July celebration here with fireworks etc. — CG
Molly Hatchet at Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill
The 17th century murderer has been revived and will have a tell-all; detailing her crimes of beheading her lovers. Not buying it? OK, but seriously, it’s the legendary southern rock band performing live, bringing you back to the ’70s for a night. — SJ
K Philips at The Rustic (Free)
K Philips is a country/Americana singer-songwriter from Nashville, and he sounds like he’s from Nashville. But he also boasts some Dallasites in his backing band, and he’s recording his upcoming record here, too, so let’s all give him the warm local embrace, eh? — Paul Wedding
Reverend Horton Heat, Johnny Reno, Whiskey Dick at The Rail Club
It’s a psychobilly freakout. — CG
Kian Lawley & JC Caylen at Majestic Theatre
Kian and JC are some YouTube stars that used to pal around as part of jackass YouTube collective Our2ndLife. They’ve since powered down the laptops (for the night anyway) and hit the road. — CG
Mitski at Three Links
Mitski (read: 25-year-old New Yorker, Mitski Miyawaki) says music is the only reason she hasn’t offed herself. Instead she mines all her pain and suffering for critically-hailed DIY punk that earns writeups and praise from lofty pubs like the New York Times. Japanese Breakfast and Jay Som open. — CG
Aqua: Brazzabelle at SiSu
Lights All Night vet Brazzabelle returns to town to select tunes at this swanky pool party. — CG
Splash: Bingo Beach at Bungalow Beach Club
Dutch dance dudes Paul Bäumer and Maarten Hoogstraten hits Dallas this holiday weekend. With multiple chart-topping singles and sold out venues internationally, they’re making their way across the Atlantic to spread their blasty, pumped up beats that slap and groove at this upscale pool party. — Jordyn Walters
Harvest House July 3rd Food Eating Deathathalon
Like those Coney Island babies, those Denton kids are celebrating Independence Day with live feats of eating. The winner of this one will be the first to eat the following 10 items, in the order of their choosing: flavor ice, hot dog, pint of milk, a Lone Star beer, slice of watermelon, slice of pizza, whole pickle, deviled egg, fruit pie and a can of beans. — CG
Monday
Brass Knuckle Beatdown at The Libertine
How many corndogs can you eat in 15 minutes? If that number is “a fuckton,” then you could possibly win prizes at the Libertine. Whoever stuffs their face with the most corn dogs will earn a cash prize. It’s free to enter, but keep in mind that previous year’s winners have eaten as many as 19 dogs, just so you know what you’re getting yourself into. — Chelsea Upton
Wet Deck Pool Party at the W Hotel
The only Fourth of July pool party with bottle service? Yeah, maybe. — CG
Lone Stars & Stripes at Lone Star Park
Celebrate the 4th of July with the rest of the family at the Lone Stars & Stripes celebration in Grand Prairie. There will be live music, fireworks, activities, thoroughbred racing and even a chance to win a Ford Mustang. It can’t get any more Texan than that. — Ashley Gongora