Central Track Contributor
Clear The Way For The Black Angels.
As with most long, holiday weekends around these parts there's a ridiculous amount of activities going on in DFW these next few days. 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 that all that's out of the way, let's get on with the marathon partying. — Cory Graves
Friday
Chimaira at Trees
Longstanding Cleveland metalcore act Chimaira hits Trees. The band's sound pretty much embodies the spirit of generic contemporary American metal, which is what it is. More interesting, perhaps, is the definition of a chimaira. According to Greek mythology, a chimaira is a monstrous creature that's part lion, snake and goat. The creature figures prominently into the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, too. — Stephen Young
Bad Mountain (EP Release) at The Foundry (Free)
Bad Mountain's debut was released digitally a while back, but it'll officially earn its physical release as part of tonight's free offering at The Foundry. Already, though, it's one of our favorite local releases of the year. That's because while Bad Mountain may be one of the newest members of Dallas' exceedingly crowded Americana scene, frontman Jesse Anderson and a rotating crop of backing musicians that often includes members of Somebody's Darling, Goodnight Ned and The Texas Gentlemen has already become something of a standout act in its own right. Anderson's innovative and underrated guitar playing and headstrong live showings are a big part what's helped set Bad Mountain apart from many of its like-minded contemporaries. Coming armed with a strong set of tunes that sound familiar but fresh? That also helps. — CG
Feed Me at House of Blues
Tonight, electro/dub step producer, Feed Me brings his Psychedelic Journey With Teeth tour to town, which, yes, means he'll also have his giant strip of LED teeth proudly in-tow. Here Jon Gooch, the man behind the Feed Me moniker, explains the concept. — CG
Michael Malone at Hyena's Dallas
Michael Malone is a fast up-and-coming comedian. He's already made his stamp online with his best-selling album on iTunes, the jokester will be at Hyena's tonight to make fun of himself, you and the guy sitting to your right, all while having a good time. — Chase Whale
Dallas DanceFest at Dallas City Performance Hall
Don't call it a comeback, but after a 10-year hiatus, the Dallas DanceFest is back and bigger than ever. To wit: Twenty different groups and companies will perform over the course of three days this weekend, showcasing some of the most creative and also most coordinated people in Dallas. OK, so maybe that's the textbook definition of a comeback. Still, whether your interest in dance has not been pursued any further than primetime network television programs or you're still the biggest dance buff on the block after retiring your pointe shoes back in middle school, let us tell you: Something is happening this weekend that you will not want to miss. — Zoe Mattioli
To Be Takei at Texas Theatre
A documentary about one of America's most loved celebrities? Oh my. This one follows Star Trek-turned-Facebook-sensation George Takei on his journey from World War II to becoming one of today's most beloved voices in the online world. To Be Takei previously screened at the Oak Cliff Film Festival. — CW
Terry Bozzio at Bass Performance Hall's McDavid Studio
What do Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck and UK have in common? They've all jammed with drum legend, Terry Bozzio. To celebrate 50 years of banging on the dreams, he's on tour for his one-man show called “An Evening With Terry Bozzio.” — CW
Ruben Paul at Arlington Improv
Commas are important, y'all. For example: Ruben Paul is a hillarious comedian who you may remember from his run on In Living Color, and “Reubens, Paul” is Pee-wee Herman. What a difference punctuation makes. — CG
Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Texas Theatre
Short and sweet: This is a campy 20-year-old movie consisting of drag-queens, a trans-woman, the Australian outback and a heartwarming journey. A discussion with Award-winning Dallas costume designer Michael Robinson about the film's Oscar-winning costumes will precede the film, and a drag show will follow. — Chrissi Chetwood
Black Dynamite at Inwood Theatre
This spoof, filmed as a Blaxploitation “lost relic” of 1970s, follows the story of Black Dynamite, the decade's greatest African-American action star. His martial-art filled fight against The Man is fueled by not only his brother's death but also by his love for the orphans (whom The Man got hooked on heroin). Based on that alone, this movie would seem to be a recipe for an okay film if it wasn't for the straight-face acting on the behalf of Michael Jai White (Black Dynamite) and well-placed flash of wit that makes Black Dynamite stand-out from the pantheon of parody films. You can check it out Friday and Saturday night at midnight over at the Inwood Theatre. — Chris Escarfullery
Bounce TV Music Fest at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Maze, of “Joy and Pain” fame, Patti LaBelle of “Lady Marmalade” fame and Ruben Studdard of The Biggest Loser fame share this bill. This one will go on no matter if it's sunshine or rain. — CG
Cozy Hawks, The Demigs, The Birds of Night at Dan's Silverleaf
Tonight, three of Denton's poppiest acts will share a bill. Headlining this one is Cozy Hawks, which recently released a sophomore album that, inexplicably, contains even catchier singles than its gem of a debut. We also hear perennial Central Track favorite, The Birds of Night, is working on its fourth effort, so expect plenty of newer material from that outfit as well. — CG
The Shed (Opening) at Dallas Farmers Market
Fresh! Get your fresh vegetables! Fresh fruits! You want organic? You will find organic (!!!) at The Shed (formerly Shed No. 1) which will open at the Farmers Market for this holiday weekend. — CW
Destructo at Red Light Lounge
A couple days ago the Dallas City Council approved the SUP and Dance Hall permit for Deep Ellum's Lizard Lounge offshoot Red Light Lounge. As such the joint's owners will use this long weekend as something of a sneak preview of the new dance-oriented venue. Aside from world renown businessman/promoter/EDM producer Destructo who'll be pushing the house's system Friday, Los Angeles DJ Amanda Jones will be in the house Saturday and Australia's DJ Wax Motif will do his thing Sunday. — CG
THRWD Presents: “#NorthOakCliffDoesNotExist: A Night of Performance and Poetry” at Ezra's House
THRWD Magazine brings you a night of poetry readings and performances at Ezra's house. Not on a first name basis with Ezra? Word has it he lives at 323 S. Briscoe Blvd in Dallas. — CG
Saturday
Clearfork Music Festival at Panther Island Pavilion
For its second year the Clearfork Music Festival moves from its namesake location down river to where seemingly every other Fort Worth-based fest takes place. Oh well. The Black Angels, The Bright Light Social Hour, Burning Hotels, Wild Child, Holy Moly, Andy Frasco, Lincoln Durham, Larry g(EE), Thomas Wynn & the Believers, Johnny Cooper, Son of Stan, Spoonfed Tribe, Un Chien, Animal Spirit, Jetta in the Ghost Tree, Marshall Young Band, Panic Volcanic, Lindby, We'rewolves, Kaela Sinclair, Royal Savages, The Effinays, Phree Beer and more all perform at this one. — CG
Invasion Car Show at Trees
For the 7th Labor Day Weekend in a row now, the Invasion Car Show will bring a whole slew of pre-1964 traditional hotrods and pinups to Deep Ellum. After you get your fix looking at some of the raddest and baddest muscle cars Dallas residents have to offer, head on over to Trees to party with The King of Juke Joint Swing, Wayne Hancock. And, if you've registered your car for the Invasion show, you'll get a free ticket. Win-Win. — CW
The Hood Internet at Granada Theater
Fact: Mash-up party animals The Hood Internet's Aaron Brink and Steve Reidell have college diplomas but are following their dream. Instead of being stuck behind a desk from 9 to 5 p.m., they are blasting out mixes and bangers for you and your buddies to shake yourself to. Tonight, they've teamed up with our favorite DJ — DJ Sober – and The Outfit, TX to throw one of the hippest dance parties in town this Labor Day Weekend. — CW
King Camelversary at Dada
Starting at 4 p.m., local promoter Jeffrey Brown will celebrate his first year booking shows under the King Camel moniker by throwing a day-long shindig that utilizes Dada's indoor and outdoor stages. Bands playing this one include Blackstone Rangers, Sweet Spirit, Cutter, Dead Mockingbirds, NITE, War Party, HEX CULT, FOGG, Bashe, Mercury Rocket, Mannequins With Kill Appeal, Matthew & the Arrogant Sea, Botany, International Bitterness Unit, Tidals, Howler Jr. and a surprise guest headliner. Oh, and there'll be Carnival Barker's ice cream on hand, too. — CG
Honda Civic Tour at South Side Ballroom
Last time Portugal. The Man was in town, it was as part of a free event at the Granada Theater thanks to the show's ties to a MySpace/Cadillac promotion. That first-come, first-served show left plenty out in the cold, too, as more than the 1,100 or so folks the Granada can hold for any given performance showed up. Even though the band's return trip is also tied to a vehicle — this is the Honda Civic tour, after all — you won't have to worry about not getting in. You'll also have to buy your tickets this time. Oh well. Grouplove and STRFKR also perform at this one. — CG
Cicada Fest at Macaroni Island
Join in on a house show/field day extravaganza that is Cicada Fest. More importantly it's a benefit that will send all proceeds to Cicada Collective's project in support of servicing women seeking abortion in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You'll hear music by Wiving, Lily Taylor, DEEP Throat, and Gay Cum Daddies, as well as have fun with eccentric and unique games, food and drink, and art. All for $5 to a meaningful cause. — CC
Advocare Cowboys Classic: OSU v FSU at AT&T Stadium
According to Bleacher Report's breakdown of this game, Oklahoma State has just six players on its roster with at least 10 starts under their belts, while Florida State's offensive line alone boasts a combined 106 starts. FSU's depth and experience might combine to make this one a rather one-sided affair, but hey, at least college football's finally back, am I right? — CG
Threadwell Clothing Re-Launch Party at Dan's Silverleaf
When former UNT fashion design student Sarah Wells re-launches her Pinterest-vibing Threadwell clothing line tonight, she'll do so in style, so-to-speak, with a party at Dan's that'll include free cupcakes and performances from Blessin' and Ruby Jane. The re-launch also marks a new and improved website for the brand, as well as the introduction of a vintage line and a new line of handcrafted products from Rapha House, a Cambodian-based nonprofit that provides economic assistance to the victims of human trafficking through handmaking purses, cosmetic bags and silk scarfs. — CG
35 Denton Presale Party at Hailey's
As if the 50-or-so music festivals going down in North Texas this year weren't enough, just know that this number will go up by at least one next year when 35 Denton makes its triumphant return in 2015 after taking a year off to reorganize. Don't believe us? Take this Saturday's early pre-sale party at Hailey's — which will also serve as a release party for AV the Great's new LP — as concrete evidence that, come this March, the fest will, in fact, go down. At the day-long party, which will cost $10 to attend, a dozen bands will perform, a Denton emcee battle will go down, Brutal Juice's Craig Welch will host a dance competition and tickets to next year's fest will go on sale for just $35. Also, this Saturday only, tickets will also be available on the fest's website for $45. — CG
Lolipop Records Caravan Tour at Double Wide
Los Angeles' Froth may have started as a joke project, but the surfy, DIY punks have evolved into one of the premiere users of the Omnichord in the world. The band tops of a bill of likeminded California acts (read: Mr. Elevator & the Brain Hotel, Corners, Wyatt Blair) that have all releases cassettes on Lolipop Records and are currently on a national caravan tour. Dallas margarita punks Sealion aren't just a local throw in on this one either; the band's just-released third album was released on cassette by the label, too. — CG
ArtLoveMagic and Jedigoddess Presents: “In a Galaxy Far, Far Away…” at South Side on Lamar's Jeanette Kennedy Gallery (Closing Reception)
A bunch of awesome nerds got together and put their love of movies, comics, games and other mediums of nerdom to all mediums of canvases. The local artists have been displaying their work for the past 10 days, though that run comes to an end tonight. — CW
Sunday
Mad Decent Block Party at Zouk
This Sunday, the Mad Decent Block Party will take over downtown Dallas — that is, the entire underpass of the Woodall Rogers Freeway. This year's lineup promises almost a dozen of the electronic label's best acts, including Diplo and Skrillex in the rare form of Jack U. And out of the countless music festivals Dallas will see this year, this is surely not one to miss, as last year Diplo himself ranked Dallas, in the nicest way possible we're sure, as having “the most bad bitches at a block party.” But before you slip on your custom made kandi facemask or grab your pack of unsealed tampons to take along, though, you might want to check out this list of things you should totally leave at home this year. — ZM
Chicago, REO Speedwagon at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Let's be clear about something right up front: This is not the musical about murderous cabaret singers. Rather, the rock band that formed in 1967 will be doing its thing in Fair Park this evening with four of its six founding members (sorry Peter Cetera fans). Don't worry, though, you can expect these experienced rockers to put on a great show. — Jessica Petrocchi
Cumstain at Crown and Harp
Bluesy Oklahoma garage rockers, Cumstain — who, disappointingly aren't nearly as offensive as you might imagine — top this long weekend punk bill. Waco's Loafers and Denton's Mink Coats open. — CG
Bishop Allen at Three Links
Three lovely indie bands in the small comfort of good ole Three Links, what's not to like? This is sure to be a fun and intimate show all the same. Come on, you love Bishop Allen. —CC
Explorations at Crown and Harp (Free)
Tonight kicks off a new monthly that'll see Datahowler and Yung Wave combining forces to spin Future music. For the twosome's inaugural edition they'll be joined by Kid Monks. Cover is free. — CG
Black Cobra, Lo Pan, Solomon at Double Wide
San Francisco sludge metal duo Black Cobra head up this loud-as-balls show at Double Wide. Lo Pan and Solomon will contribute to the racket, too. — CG
Rec Shop Art Show and Ten-Year Anniversary Party at Restaurant Monterrey
If you've bought spraypaint and the like from the Rec Shop this past decade, you're eligible to show your art at this anniversary art show, meaning you're likely to see a pretty diverse batch of graffit-based works this afternoon. — CG
Paul Van Dyk at SISU Uptown
Grammy-winning German trance producer Paul Van Dyk will preside over this dance party with the type of authority few others can match. Different publications have named him the No. 1 DJ of all time at various points in his career, meaning you may never again shake. your. rump-ah. to a more expertly curated blend of electo jams than at this Labor Day weekend pool party. — CG
Monday
DFW Free Day of Yoga
For the eighth year in a row, just about every yoga studio in North Texas will open their doors for free classes today. Whether you use the opportunity to try your hand at a new form of workout or just to check out some of the city's hottest new studios, you've got nothing to lose — except a little stress, maybe. — CG
“Ultimate Beauty” at Muzeion
Muzeion is throwing another swanky fashion show, this time with “decorated human skulls” from Papua New Guinea. How cute. — CW
Austere Magazine's Two-Year Anniversary Party at The Sanctuary House
There's a bit of a rebellious spirit behind everything the magazine does, starting with its landscape-oriented layout and heavy focus on appealing visuals. To hear Austere Magazine's chief creative director, Natasha Brito tell it, it's because the company likes to think of itself as more than just a magazine. “The main thing that makes it a culture and not just a magazine is the fact that we don't just publish the magazine,” Brito says. For instance, tonight's throwdown in honor of the magazine's second anniversary that'll include performances from Moonbather, Mink Coats, The Mothers and The Soap, among other things. They'll also have copies of their new issue on sale for just $3. — CC
Free Week at Rubber Gloves
Now that all the incoming UNT/TWU students have had a little time to settle in, Rubber Gloves is kicking off its annual week of completely free, top-notch local shows to help acquaint the noobs to the Little D. Fear not, though, lifelong Denton residents: You are invited to tonight's Dome Dwellers, Bad Beats, Mink Coats, The Days and The Hymens show, too. — CG
“The World's Largest Dinosaurs” at Perot Museum of Nature and Science
The collective skin of an individual human being weighs, on average, 7.5 pounds. If you've ever wondered how much the largest dinosaur's skin weighed compared to a puny human, well, you've got one last day to find out — well, if you're relying on the Perot Museum's “The World's Largest Dinosaurs” exhibit, which closes after today as your sole source. Other questions you'll find answers to at this one include: How could something that huge actually exist and live in the day-to-day? How much did these beasts have to eat to survive? How did they even pump blood throughout their massive network of veins? And why — for the love of god, why — did they have such dinky heads? — Jeremy Hughes
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
