Central Track Staff
Sweat the Technique at Oaktopia.
A Pennsylvania man is currently sitting in jail. His crime? Calling the police too many times because he was lonely and wanted some cool paramedics to show up and hang out.
We get that it was a totally wrong thing to do, but still, dude's got a point. Like, what else better is there to do in Pennsylvania on any given weekend?
Fortunately you don't have that problem; you live in Dallas where hanging out and meeting new people on the weekends is easy like whoa. — Cory Graves
Friday
Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Odds are you didn't see this coming: After a highly enjoyable initial run through Dallas last year, the Funny or Die team has decided to bring its now-annual, summer-touring Oddball Festival to town once more in 2014 — while only upping the comedy ante in the process. This year's festival, which will take place on Friday, September 19, at Gexa Energy Pavilion, will include performances from Louis C.K., Marc Maron — two of the biggest comics in America right now in Louis C.K. and Maron, who are respectively at the top of the current TV cable and podcast games — alongside loudmouths Jeff Ross, Sarah Silverman and Whitney Cummings, and the lone returner from last year's fest, Hannibal Buress. That makes for a pretty stellar bill. — Pete Freedman
Skeletonwitch at Trees
If certain cities can go ahead and host their Oktoberfest celebrations in mid-September, you should feel free to get the jump-start on Halloween with tonight's Skeletonwitch pummeling. Helping the blackened thrash metal vets keep the theme alive are openers Ghoul and Black Anvil. — CG
Owen Pallett at The Loft
Owen Pallett is on fire. Not only is the virtuosic string player an accomplished singer-songwriter, but, just last year, Pallett also added Academy Award nominee to his ever-growing, ever-colorful resume thanks to his collaboration with William Butler (of Arcade Fire) on the score for Spike Jonze' Her. Speaking of Arcade Fire: Pallett spent part of this past summer opening for that similarly Canada-sprung outfit — one to which he's contributed various violin arrangements over the years — on tour. But, this week, Pallett is taking a break from all that to once again push his own musical output, including his spring-released In Conflict. And, on Friday night, the performer once known as Final Fantasy will do so here in Dallas by taking to The Loft for what is sure to be an alluring, intimate offering. For more info on this one check out our interview with Pallett here. — Chase Whale
DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist at House of Blues Oaktopia Fest in Denton The Flatlanders at Kessler Theater Yonatan Gat at Three Links The Professional at Inwood Theatre The Zero Theorem at Texas Theatre Park(ing) Day Dallas till Midnight at the Nasher at The Nasher Sculpture Center White Violet at Double Wide Youssou N'Dour at Winspear Opera House Trillwave Two-Year Anniversary Party at It'll Do Plano Balloon Festival at Oak Point Park Limp Bizkit at South Side Ballroom Addison Oktoberfest at Addison Circle Park Roy Wood Jr. at Arlington Improv Godfrey at Addison Improv Sixteen Candles at Angelika Film Center Dallas Stars Training Camp at Fort Worth Convention Center Saturday Oaktopia Fest in Denton Balance & Composure, Seahaven, Creepoid at Cambridge Room Porter Robinson at South Side Ballroom Theory of a Deadman at House of Blues The Young, Radioactivity at The Foundry (Free) Guns & Hoses Boxing Tournament at Allen Event Center Sebadoh at Three Links Denzel Curry, Deniro Farrar at Trees Retropalooza at Arlington Convention Center Beer, Bourbon and Brisket Festival at Panther Island Pavilion Salsa Fest in Deep Ellum Deep Ellum Fall Gallery Walk DADA Bike Swarm at Oak Cliff Cultural Center Tour de Fleurs at Dallas Arboretum Soul Rebels at Granada Theater Jack Russell's Great White at Rail Club Jacob Furr (Album Release) at Magnolia Motor Lounge Alinka and Mork at It'll Do Club Tears For Fears at Winstar World Casino Beer School at Community Beer Company Sunday Conor Oberst at Strauss Square La Grande Fiestas Patrias at Panther Island Pavilion 31st Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade on Cedar Springs To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
Over the years DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist have weaved their way into the fabric of Dallas' rich history. To wit: In 1970 Dallasite Tom Merriman, who was one of the original owners of the KLIF radio station, as well as the writer of the first radio jingles recorded in Dallas and the founder of oldest jingle company still in operation (now called TM Century, Inc.) composed a 45 for 7-Eleven called “Dance the Slurp,” that was given away with Slurpee purchases that year. In 1999, that hard-to-find record was sampled by DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist on 1999's Brainfreeze mix. Oh but there's more: The term “BrainFreeze,” we should point out, was first coined by 7-Eleven in 1994. — CG
With headliners like Baths, Immortal Technique, xxyyxx and Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic — plus a Neon Indian DJ set — included among the now two-day fest's lineup, it's safe to say that this year's offering is a significant step up over last year's already impressive debut run. Enough so, in fact, that other publications in town are already asking if Oaktopia can become a destination festival. Not bad considering the thing was basically started on a whim last summer.Other acts, such as A.Dd+ and -topic, are just a couple of the dozens of other locals set to perform during tonight and tomorrow. The complete list of performers can be found here. — CG
Lubbock singer-songwriter trio The Flatlanders didn't really receive much attention during their original incarnation, which only lasted from 1972 to 1973. In fact, the group's first single, “Dallas,” was such a commercial flop that their record label at the time only released the rest of their debut album as a limited edition eight-track tape. Not long after, the group disbanded. But, in the years that followed, the band's individual members, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock, all began to find success as solo performers. And legend of their earlier work together began surfacing. Over the years, there have been several Flatlanders reunion tours and follow-up albums. And “Dallas” has remained their signature tune. What's more, it is probably the most famous of all the songs about Dallas. — CG
Since splitting from Monotonix, a band he co-founded, master guitarist Yonatan Gat has continued making an interesting brand of punk rock influenced by the Middle East, Africa, Brazil and New York. Take note: the guitarists new outfit immediately took over his old band's mantle as the most exciting live band in rock 'n' roll. If anyone could verify that fact it'd be Three Links, where one recent show in particular included the band lighting a fire on the venue's back patio mid-set. — CG
Luc Besson will never make a movie better than The Professional, and that's OK, because this film is one of the greatest action films of the 20th century — perhaps of all time. — CW
Goofball-genre director Terry Gilliam and nutty-character actor Christoph Waltz seem like a dream paring for a bigger-than-life dystopian epic, right? Not according our Kip Mooney, who says this one lacks Brazil's wit and 12 Monkey's evocative imagery and commitment. Bummer. — CW
In 2005, the San Francisco-based art and design studio Rebar converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public part for a single day in order to make the point that their city was dedicating 70 percent of their precious public space to private vehicle use. Dubbed Park(ing) Day, the movement has since spread to more than 140 cities in 35 countries worldwide. So far the mini “parks” that have been erected in Downtown since the city first started participating in the event back in 2011 have included a public beach, a massage parlor, an art gallery, a lawn bowling course, a public reading room, a dog park and a bike repair shop, among other things. Check out this year's parks on Main Street between Field and St. Paul. — CG
Since the summer night's aren't so bad lately, why don't you head on over to the Nasher Museum and catch some live music, and a movie outdoors, picnic-style? This month's, performers will be Goodnight Ned and the film will be The Great Gatsby. As always the Nasher's 'til Midnight events are free, so there's that. — Ashley Gongora
We've heard White Violet's material previously described as “calm.” For its latest LP, the Athens, Georgia-bred, Nashville residents trekked to North Carolina where they tracked yet another batch of soothing bedroom pop. Matthew and the Arrogant Sea and Austin's The Sour Notes open. — CG
Being popular for a musician doesn't always mean you're the best. We're looking at you Iggy. Senegalese tenor Youssou N'Dour and his Super Etoileis backing band are not just the most popular live band in Africa, they're also widely regarded as the best. He was named “African Artist of the Century” by the English publication Folk Roots, and The Village Voice's Robert Christgau took it a step further, calling N'Dour “the world's greatest pop vocalist.” Needless to say he's a national treasure. — CG
Trillwave, AKA Wednesday night Beauty Bar residents Trailer Swift, Dubble A, Chrs Roze and Genova, celebrate their two-year anniversary by taking over the It'll Do Club and bringing in special guest DJ duo, LA's NEVERMIND. Bring on the terrible (ones and) twos. Oh, and if you show your DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist ticket stub or wristband at the door, you can get into this one for just $5. — CG
Charge up the camera batteries before heading out to this one because the sight of thousands of hot air balloons simultaneously ascending into the wild blue yonder is the stuff Facebook cover photos are made of. The event continues through Sunday night. — CG
Thought Limp Bizkit was ready for retirement? Think again. Fred Durst and Co. are “Ready To Go” with, among others things, a new single that features its label mate Lil Wayne, and a tour set up to help promote the upcoming release of a new album called Stampede of the Disco Elephants that they've been working on since 2012. The group is now under new management, too — and with Cash Money Records, oddly enough. We're not sure how to feel about that. — Jayda Fisher
Why wait until October to celebrate Oktoberfest, am I right? That's the thinking out in Addison, anyway. The chain restaurant capital of the world boasts that its celebration is “the most authentic Oktoberfest outside of Munich.” We cannot confirm or deny that claim, but 70,000 people are expected to goble down schnitzel, pretend to enjoy polka music and drink way too many Bavarian beers during the four-day celebration. Prosit, y'all. — CG
The fact that the show Sullivan & Son is so bad is actually pretty amazing, as the stars of the show all have terrific stand-up chops. The best of the bunch is probably Roy Wood Jr., who has a terrific Twitter account, and a devastating deadpan delivery. — Stephen Young
It's the “Make 7-Up Yours” guy! No, not that one. The other one. — SY
John Hughes' sweet ode to be a girl is screening this weekend at both Angelika theaters. Since we will never get a movie from the maverick ever again, it's pretty important to see his classics on the big screen every chance you get. — CW
Once again, it's hockey time in Texas. The Dallas Stars open training camp today in Fort Worth and continues through the weekend with open practices, live bands, Q&A sessions with players, and culminating Sunday with the team's first intra-squad scrimmage of the season. — CG
Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Cole Swindell at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Luke Bryan is just here to party, man, and he don't care who knows it. Bro country's reigning king — or its biggest offender, depending on who you ask — has released four spring break-themed EPs among other things in his eyeroll-inducing, inexplicably chart-topping catalog. — CG
See above.
Seahaven basically completely reinvents itself with each new record. Meaning? There's a good chance even the band's most loyal fans won't dig its new album, Reverie Lagoon: Music for Escapism Only. Gone are the growly, hardcore vocals of frontman Kyle Soto that defined the band's 2010 Ghost EP, as are the emo tendencies from 2011's Winter Forever LP. The search for identity has the band meandering in a gentler territory with its most emotionally complex batch of tunes to date. In any case, you might want to stream Reverie Lagoon here so you know what you're getting yourself into. — CG
Disillusioned with how formulaic most DJ music has become these days, twenty-two-year-old electronic music producer Porter Robinson began working on his more-true-to-himself debut album at age 19. By the time he finally debuted the album's first single on SoundCloud, demand to stream it was such that it crashed the site. — CG
We're not into talking shit about people, so we'll just list a few facts on this Canadian post-grunge act. The band was the first signed to Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger's label, it has had songs appear on soundtracks for the WWE, a Transformers movie and a NASCAR videogame, and Chris Daughtry sings on one of its songs. — CG
Casual Victim Pile vets The Young and Denton's Radioactivity, the latest project from the Marked Men's Jeff Burke and Mark Ryan, share the best free show you'll see anywhere in North Texas all week. — CG
Who would win in a fight: Ken or Ryu? RoboCop or The Terminator? A gorilla vs a bear? You won't learn the answers to any of those queries at this weekend's 13th annual Guns & Hoses boxing tournament. You will, however, discover whether cops or firefighters are better pugilists. — CG
Of all the shows at Three Links this weekend, this offering from lo-fi indie rock pioneers Sebadoh is hands down the one least likely to result in any fires on the back patio. Probably. Denton indie acts The Calmative and The Demigs open. — CG
Early on during this summer's sold out JMBLYA festival at Main Street Garden Park, 18-year-old Florida rapper Denzel Curry put on of the fest's best performances. Curry performed with a fervor and aggression during his15-minute set — one that perfectly matched his Three 6 Mafia-influenced sound. It's a shame, though, that the festival's early, weekday start time meant that the crowd present for Curry's 6 p.m. set was much smaller than it should have been. Needless to say that won't be the case tonight. — Mikel Galicia
Video games are no longer for just kids. They're a part of everyday life — for pretty much everyone, really. After pinball machines fell by the wayside and arcade games took over, the advent of home gaming and computing made this transition into the mainstream an even easier one. Seriously: Good luck finding a single person who says they've never played at least one video game. What I'm saying is this: The gaming lineage runs deep these days. And this weekend's Retropalooza affair out in Arlington highlights just that, bringing together old-school and new-school gamers alike for a celebration of all things gaming-related. Not only can you buy, sell and trade gaming merchandise at throughout the hall, but there are also tournaments to play and even a costume contest to enter. — Brian Knowles
This festival has the works: good food, good drinks, and good music. Bourbon and Craft beer sampling will be placed throughout the festival, and the music artists include J. Charles & the Trainrobbers, The Roomsounds, Dovetail, Foxtrot Uniform and The Hazardous Dukes. Plus, like last weekend's Dia de los Toadies festival, this one's at Panther Island Pavilion, right by the Trinity River, so festival-goers are encouraged to take a break and take a free tube down the river after you're full of that famous Texas barbecue. — Jordyn Walters
This weekend Deep Ellum plays host to the first-ever Dallas Salsa Fest being put on by the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market folks. Salsa producers from around Texas will be showcased in a celebration of all things chips and salsa, with a chance for attendees to vote for their favorites. The event is free to attend, with unlimited chips available with a $5 wristband purchase. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in conjunction with the market. — Porttia Portis
During the spring edition of Deep Ellum's semi-annual gallery walk, we tried to hit up all 17 of the walk's participating galleries. Needless to say, it was a feat that proved damn near impossible to do — assuming you really want to fully take in everything each of these spots has to offer. Might we suggest prioritizing, then, The Public Trust's current hobo train graffiti exhibition or WAAS Gallery's street art-centric “Collect Respect” show. Both are well worth your time. — CG
One way to get to the galleries a bit faster, perhaps, is on bike. Cyclists of all levels are encouraged to participate in this one, which includes tours of all the galleries in the Design District. — CG
Weather should be nice for this glorified White Rock half-marathon. Fun fact, a 20K is just under a mile shorter than a half-marathon. There's a 10K going down too if you're not feeling up to it. This one kicks off at the Arboretum and does a full lap around the lake and then some. Um, maybe we'll just skip straight to the post-race party to keep the complementary masseuses company. — CG
The Soul Rebels might hail from New Orleans, but they aren't one of those brass bands that play all that Treme kind of music. OK, so maybe they did appear in one episode of the short-lived HBO show. Still, they throw in hip-hop influences aplenty to make them a much different beast. It also makes them a perfect pairing for Mobb Deep's Prodigy, who'll open this one with a solo set. — CG
Its been a trying couple of decades for Great White, who have seen their audiences dwindle from arena-packing proportions to dive bar-sized over the years, not to mention their involvement in one of the all-time worst concert tragedies. More recently the band split off into two factions. To be clear, the incarnation performing in Fort Worth tonight is the one that includes original lead singer Jack Russell and none of the original musicians. —CG
Fort Worth troubadour Jacob Furr is set to celebrate the release of his new Trails and Traces LP tonight. It'll be a bittersweet to say the least, as Furr told us the album s a tribute to his wife Christina, whom he lost last year to cancer. Songs like the album's “Falling Stars” are also a pretty touching homage, as you can see in this video for the song that was filmed in the lonely desert near Terlingua. — CG
Enjoy some space funk tonight courtesy of two deep house vets who hail from the land of the deep dish. As in the pizza. As in both of these DJ/producers are from Chicago. Do we have to spell everything out for you? — CG
Sure, the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” boys may be celebrating the 30th anniversary of its debut album, they're probably not just going to come out and play the hits. In recent years Tears For Fears has recorded covers of Arcade Fire, Hot Chip and Animal Collective tunes, and the band is also said to be currently working on its new, “darker” seventh studio album. — CG
Community Beer Company welcomes the return of its Beer School where guests can learn about the beer-making process from head brewer Jamie Fulton from 12 to 2 p.m. Then stay for the open house following the event from 2 to 5 p.m., since tickets are included in the Beer School admission. And if you still haven't had your fill of Community's Gold Medal-winning brews, you can stick around till 8 p.m — though you'll have to start buying beers by the cup at that point. — PP
Mario Testino: “Alta Moda” at Dallas Contemporary
You guys, you guys, you guys: One of the most influential fashion icons in the world will begin showcasing an exhibit in Dallas this weekend, that totally needs to be on your radar. I'm talking about the one and only Mario Testino. You've seen the Peruvian photographer's work: He's shot all of the Who's Who celebrities out there and he's created some of the most inspiring advertisements for the highest-end fashion designers that exist. Anyway: The U.S premiere of his new show Alta Moda — or High Fashion when you translate it to English — premiered last year in New York and now it's coming to the Dallas Contemporary, where it will run through Monday, December 22. Better yet, the exhibit will showcase a different side of Testino's original work — a more documentarian approach, if you will. — AG
Were you around when a 21-year-old Oberst played Trees classic? Let's just say he's done a lot of growing up since then. Now the happily married 34-year-old has dropped his affected whiny delivery, for the most part anyway, and shied away from emo lyrics questioning life's greatest mysteries. It's for the best. — CG
Celebre Dia de la Independencia de México con la musica de Larry Hernandez Fidel Rueda, Michael Salgado, La Energia Norteña y más. Después, disfrutar de los fuegos artificiales. Es muy bien. — CG
After a weekend's worth of festivities, Dallas Pride weekend comes to a close with this annual showing of support for the local LGBT community. Bring your rainbow flag, a smile and an open heart — and leave any and all judgment somewhere else. — PF
