Central Track Contributor
Pick Up The Pase At This Month's Pop That!
Late last week, the web was all a stir when a Twitter account fittingly called @ThingsWhiteFolksLike posted a authentic enough looking “press” photo that appeared to show an abomination called Pumpkin Spice Four Loko.
From there, other media outlets ran with the story and, for the rest of the week, the internet users voiced their fears, disgust and, in some inexplicable cases, excitement that such an atrocity was actually on its way. Fortunately, the drink turned out to be fake.
We'll rest easier knowing there won't be a bunch of crazies hopped up on devastatingly alcoholic, fall-themed drinks this weekend. On the other hand, you should find some comfort in the fact that each of the events we've listed below are 100 percent real.
Trust us, we checked. — Cory Graves
Friday
Index Festival in Deep Ellum
This weekend, the Spune- and Trees-presented Index Festival will return for its bigger-than-ever third incarnation. For three days 90, performers will take over virtually every Deep Ellum venue, as well as a few temporary outdoor stages setup just for the fest. The biggest names, you're no doubt familiar with. Those would be acts like The Local Natives, Future Islands, Foxygen, Dilated Peoples, Dawes and Mutemath — just to name a few. It'll be a lot to take in to be sure. Check out the full, three-day lineup here, and our guide to selecting some of the bands you should see this weekend here. — Cory Graves
Pop That! at Sons of Hermann Hall
For our seventh Pop That bash, we're going big, y'all. Along with our old pal DJ Sober, we've teamed up with the folks at the Index Festival to turn our recurring party into the official party spot for all of your dance-related needs on Night One of the Deep Ellum festival. And not only will we be taking over the oldest free-standing wood building in Dallas to do it, but we're bringing in some massive names to make sure it bumps. For starters? Well, we've got the Ohio-sprung, Miami-based Pase Rock coming in to make you shake your asses. He'll have some help, too, in the form of opening sets from local favorites Booty Fade and Zach Witness. But this part might be the coolest: Rapper Chuck Inglish, in town to perform an Index set with The Cool Kids, is gonna be swinging through and serving as our night's host, too. Long story short: It's gonna be a rager. And, best of all, it's free to attend with an Index Fest wristband. As for anyone else? Just $10. So mark your calendars and plan to join us. As always: Just remember to stretch first. — Pete Freedman
Tom Petty, Steve Winwood at American Airlines Center
Every ticket purchase for Tom Petty's big greatest hits blowout over at the Maverick's home will include a copy of Hypnotic Eye, his band's first new album in four years. It'll also come with the opportunity to catch an opening set from Steve “Keep on Runnin'” Winwood, and a mid-set jam session in which the two entities will combine forces to jam on some Blind Faith tunes. It's good old fashioned, radio-friendly rock the way it was meant to be seen. — CG
Western Days Festival in Lewisville
Robert Earl Keen, Somebody's Darling, Cory Morrow and The King Bucks are among the fest's Day One performers. — CG
Three-Year Anniversary Party at Single Wide
To celebrate their three-year anniversary, the Single Wide will be partying in style. All three days this weekend you can get $3 wells and domestics from 10 p.m. to close, and each night is curated with local celebrated music acts and DJs. It kicks off tonight with a good old fashioned Punky Reggae Party. Come celebrate to past, present and future good times at the Single Wide! — CW
Taste of the Fair at Pegasus Plaza
This is exactly what it sounds like. The Taste of the Fair at Pegasus Plaza gives a sampling of some of the Fair's best faire, starting at 11 a.m. in the heart of downtown. And yes, that includes Fletcher's corn dogs. Admission is free, and there will be live music, a parade, and plenty of food stands to choose from. Consider it a pre-game. —Jordyn Walters
The War on Drugs at Granada Theater
The War on Drugs continues the good fight tonight at the Granada. Be gentle watchers — these guys get their feelings hurt easily. During the Ottawa Folk Fest, Sun Kil Moon called them “beer-commercial lead-guitar shit” and Drugs wanted everyone to know they were upset by that asinine comment. So many feelings get in the way when much rocking needs to be done. — Chase Whale
Better Than Ezra at House of Blues
Here's a blast from the past, 1997 style. Better Than Ezra, is mostly known for its hit, “Good.” Things weren't so good shortly after, as they didn't have another hit since, but that hasn't stopped them from trying. — CW
Curtis Grimes at The Rustic (Free)
The same week NBC's The Voice kicked off its seventh season, its Season One quarter-finalist, and Texas boy Curtis Grimes will drop by The Rustic to perform songs from his debut album, which was released earlier this year. We imagine he's probably distancing himself from Team CeeLo, though. — CG
Critical Mass at Main Street Garden Park
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, the 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. — Chelsea Upton
Biscuits and Boobies at Norma's Cafe
Today all Norma's Cafe locations will be hosting their annual Biscuits and Boobies event to raise money in the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds of the day's sales will go to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure foundation. The stores will also be selling pink lemonade pie for $2.99 a slice in honor of the event. — Porttia Portis
Latin Burlesque Festival at Texas Theatre
The Latin Burlesque Festival is a “celebration of culture and sex,” up close and personal. Hosted by the Latin pop singer/multi-hyphenate Jade Esteban Estrada, the two-day event will feature top burlesque performances from around the globe. Night two will crown the winners, including Best Drag Performance, so make sure you stick around. — CW
The Room at Inwood Theatre
The Room, the greatest worst movie, is back at the Inwood for you to throw plastic spoons at. If you've never experienced this cinematic disaster-piece on the big screen — or at all — you owe it to yourself to rectify that this weekend. If not for yourself, then do it for Johnny. — James Wallace
Saturday
Index Festival in Deep Ellum
Foxygen, White Denim, Mutemath, Dawes, Lord Huron and The Get Up Kids are among the fest's biggest Day Two performers. — CG
Three-Year Anniversary at Single Wide
The good times keep rolling with Stoned Soul and Photo Bomb Party DJ sets and $3 booze. — CG
Cassette Store Day at Dreamy Life Records
Since 2008 Record Store Day has helped the vinyl industry rebound to the point that earlier this year it was reported sales figures are higher now than any point in the past 15 years. Over that same period CD sales have continued a startlingly rapid decline. More recently the Record Store Day celebrations over at Good Records have become one of our favorite days in Dallas all year. So it makes sense that the even more slighted cassette medium would now be getting its own day in the spotlight. One spot, in particular, you might want to hit up this afternoon is Fort Worth's newest shop, Dreamy Life Records, which deals pretty heavily in tapes. They'll also host performances from Bitch Bricks, Public Axis TV and Daniel Francis Doyle starting at 4 p.m. — CG
Western Days Festival in Lewisville
Kevin Fowler, Reckless Kelly, The Wind & The Wave and Luke Wade are among the fest's Day Two performers. Oh, and the World Tamale Eating Championships will go down, too. — CG
An Evening With: Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer at Bass Performance Hall
Here's a good event to chill out and relax to a night with Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer, acclaimed mandolin and bass players, respectively. Tickets aren't cheap but your ears will appreciate trading in a night of soothing sounds over heavy guitar and screaming, for once. — CW
The Pretty Reckless at House of Blues
With singles like “Kill Me,” “Going To Hell” and “Heaven Knows,” the Pretty Reckless want you to know it likes to live fast. The band's on tour for its second album, “Going To Hell,” which indicates they also like to party. But it's important to note that front woman Taylor Momsen was one of the leads on Gossip Girl. Let me guess, “I did it for the paycheck.” According to Ticketmaster, there are “NOT MANY LEFT,” so you know what to do. — CW
Rigor Mortis (Album Release) at Curtain Club
Earlier this summer, legendary Dallas metal band Rigor Mortis announced that it has finally wrapped up work on Slaves to the Grave, the band's first album since 1991, the first recorded with the original lineup since 1988, and the final studio album that guitarist Mike Scaccia recorded before his untimely passing back in 2012. The band's surviving members (read: Casey Orr, Harden Hampton Harrison, Bruce Corbitt and Doyle Bright) and Rabid Flesh Eaters guitarist Mike Taylor will perform a set at Curtain Club tonight, where early copies of the new LP will also be available for the first time. — CG
Eluveitie at Granada Theater
Europe's Eluveitie has self-proclaimed itself as “The New Wave of Folk Metal.” I have no idea what that means — death metal with feelings? Either way, the Swiss Music Awards — Switzerland's version of the Grammys — thinks these guys put on one hell of a show. — CW
Texas A&M vs Arkansas at AT&T Stadium
Arkansas may lead this 100-plus year-old rivalry 41-26-3, they've also lost 13 straight against SEC opponents. We're just saying, if you're the gambling type, the smart money is probably on A&M here. — CG
Chevy/Corvette Expo at Dallas Market Hall
This indoor event is sure to excite car lovers with the thousands of Chevy's from all over the US. Not only is it the biggest swap meet and car show this side of the Mississippi, but the top vendors from across the country will be selling accessories and those hard to find parts. There is also activities for children, plenty for food stands for your appetite, and if you make it to Sunday, there's the famous bikini contest to boot. — JW
SMU vs TCU at Gerald J. Ford Stadium
So much for rivalries. SMU's having such a rough go of it thus far this season a vocal contingent of alumni and former players have proposed the school ditch its football program altogether. Oh well, no one says you have to go to the game if you want to Boulevard like a pro. — CG
The Baptist Generals at Dan's Silverleaf
Denton's very own The Baptist Generals haven't broken up for 15 years, and tonight they are going to prove it. The band's promised it'll turn in a pair of sets at this 15th anniversary show, too — one on stage and and more intimate one on the floor. They'll be playing songs new and old, and have teased “surprises,” so either way, you win by attending. — CW
Cardboard Regatta at Fraternal Order of Eagles
We've seen a lot of shit go down at Dallas' favorite hipster pool. That's just bound to happen anywhere $1 Jell-O shots are so plentiful. We've never seen folks build and race cardboard boats in the pool though. Guess there's a first time for everything. — CG
Borgore at LaGrave Field
Borgore is the DJ name of Israeli dubstep producer Asaf Borger. This show is your best shot at some EDM weirdness this weekend, for sure. If you're down, break out your fluorescent clothing and glow sticks and head over to Fort Worth. You'll be up in no time. Just be sure you don't wear anything you don't want to get ruined, as this thing bills itself as the “world's largest paint party.” — Stephen Young
Daphne Willis at AllGood Cafe
Daphne Willis is a Chicago-based Folk&B (a genre we, admittedly, just made up to describe her folkly R&B hybrid sound) artist with Texas roots that's been making quite the name for herself of late. For about the fourth time this month she'll perform in Dallas, though, perhaps none so intimate as the confines of Deep Ellum's favorite chicken-fried steak joint. Tickets to this one are $10. — CG
Sunday
Lucy Hale at So and So's (Free)
No lie, Lucy Hale, the Pretty Little Liars star-turned-country-singer will stop off in Uptown for a free brunch time set on her way over to the State Fair where she'll perform, again for free. — CG
Index Festival in Deep Ellum
Dan Deacon, Dilated Peoples, Palms, Local Natives, Doomtree, Russian Circles and Senses Fail are among the fest's biggest Day Three performers. — CG
Three-Year Anniversary Party at Single Wide
Wind down three days of celebrating with Hangover Cure Karakoe, a Daisy Duke Party and $3 wells and domestics. — CG
Good Morning Vietnam at Strauss Square (Free)
There are many great roles performed by the late, great Robin Williams — who died early last month of an apparent suicide — but one of his most memorable is as fast talking radio DJ, Adrian Cronauer, in Barry Levinson's Good Morning, Vietnam. Williams won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award for this performance. You can enjoy this terrific movie with friends at Strauss Square tonight — free. — CW
Lewd & Lascivious at Texas Theatre
As a selection of their LGBT series, the Texas Theatre and Cinewilde are screening Lewd & Lascivious, a documentary about straight ministers in 1965 — a time when being gay was almost forbidden — that teamed up with the gay community to take a stand against abuse. — CW
Dallas Cowboys vs New Orleans Saints Watching Party at Twilite Lounge
The NOLA-themed dive bar winds down its week-long ode to New Orleans music with a Cowboys-Saints, Sunday Night Football watching party. Just know going in, this will be one of the few spots in town where a majority of the folks who show up will be cheering on the Saints. — CG
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
