Central Track Staff
Just Tap It In.
Did you know that the average American wastes a whole 64 days a year behind the wheel just commuting to and from work?
Seems like a waste if you ask us. But, then again, what can you really do about it?
Might as well make the most of what little other free time you've got. And what better time to start than this costume-filled Halloween weekend? — Cory Graves
Friday
The Psychedelic Furs at House of Blues
We remember first falling in love with the P-Furs after that time we heard “Love My Way” playing off in the distance of our dentist's waiting room so many years ago. Tonight, however, we'll rock out with the English post-punk group in-person. Let's relive our Molly Ringwald days together as one tonight. The Lemonheads (read: that band that covered “Mrs. Robinson” back in the day) open. — Zoe Mattioli
Octopus Project at Dada
Experimental indie-tronica Austin band The Octopus Project takes the stage at Dada with K. Flay and Datahowler in tow at this show. The headliners' unique amalgamation of noises, digital sounds and pop elements will wow you, we swear. So too will the openers, for that matter. This is a solid bill, front-to-back. — Nicole Arnold
Maps & Atlases at Shipping & Receiving
Chicago math rockers Maps & Atlases have been at it for a decade now, so you probably already know how you feel about them — or math rock, in general, for that matter. Here's something you might not have heard: Ice Eater's opening turn at this one will be its last of the year. And, says the Fort Worth band, it might turn out being its last ever. “It's definitely our last show of the year and, without going into too much detail, maybe our last ever — at least with the current lineup,” the band's guitarist Zach Edwards recently told us. “There's been a lot of conflict within the group, specifically from one member and things have gotten pretty fucked up over the last few months, with said member eventually getting stabbed in the leg with a nail file in New Orleans in September.” So, um, don't miss it. — CG
Salt-N-Pepa at The Rustic
Not only did the members of Salt-N-Pepa once again reunite with DJ Spinderella earlier this summer, but Cheryl “Salt” James recently publicly cited the Dallas-based DJ as being an official member of the group. “We just reunited again,” Salt said a charity event earlier this year. “Spinderella was performing sporadically with us and we decided to bring her back full-time. She is the 'N' forever.” How sweet. — CG
Chive Mega Meet Up at Trees
This weekend The Chive (read: Reddit's douchier cousin) will bring eight bands and something called a “nostalgia tent” to the former Ewing compound. Before that, the site's faithful will gather at this unofficial kickoff/charity drive, where costumes aren't required, but “having an epic time” is. So, um, Chive on, or whatever. — CG
Slipknot, Korn at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Says this tour's official press release: “Slipknot is coming to your town. And hell is coming with us.” And by hell, they mean the sometimes butt rock, sometimes dubstep mess that is Korn. Hey, at least you won't be the only one wearing at mask at this one, though. — CG
Whiskey Folk Ramblers at Twilite Lounge(Free)
This Devil's Night, Whiskey Folk Ramblers will be performing live at Twilite Lounge. The best part? There is no cover so you'll be able to afford all the whiskey you'll drink trying to keep up with the band and their fans. And there will be two sets of music, so there'll plenty of time to dance and drink up. Because there's no better way to really get into the Halloween spirit than drowning one's sorrows. — Jeremy Hughes
The Clinton Years at The Foundry (Free)
Oh, we-ooh, tonight Dallas' premiere '90s cover band will look just like Buddy Holly as it covers Weezer's blue album from front to back, among other delights from the era. — CG
Wizards of Gore (Rigor Mortis) at Double Wide
The main event of Double Wide's three-day spooktacular comes Friday, when the surviving members of Rigor Mortis once again come together under the pseudonym Wizards of Gore to play the band's biggest hits. Also performing at this one are heavy hitters Cleric, Tolar and Steel Bearing Hand. Plus, there'll be a wedding at the show, a photobooth, a palm reader, a $500 gift card for the person that shows up in the best costume, and lord knows what other treats. — CG
Improvised Horror Movie at Dallas Comedy House
You've never seen a horror movie like this, but that's mostly just because this one doesn't exist yet. Tonight at the DCH, crews will improvise live, cabin-in-the-woods-style slashers based on audience suggestion. There'll be two shows tonight, but even still, seating is limited, and advanced tickets — which can be purchased here — are strongly recommended. Believe us, though, it'll slay. — CG
Cirque du Horror at Texas Theatre
It's been said that there's nothing a horror director can show on screen quite capable of topping the truly terrifying images that lay solely in one's imagination. Test out that theory at tonight's semi-family-friendly offering from Texas Theatre, that'll include the reading of scary poems and short stories and the singing of spooky songs. — CG
Larry g(EE)'s Halloween Party at Granada Theater
Earlier this week, Larry g(EE) premiered his new “Take You Home Tonight” single via our White Noise column. The song, which Larry refers to as “a slow jam” makes nods to several classics, including both implied ones (Hall and Oates' “She's Gone”) and deliberate (Smokey Robinson's “Ooo Baby Baby”). As of today, you can find a free download of the track via his website, and probably hear the thing in person at tonight's big Halloween shindig. Quaker City Night Hawks and Taddy Porter also perform. — CG
Where House From The Black Lagoon at The Where House
Fort Worth's favorite semi-DIY event space is getting has gotten a horror-filled makeover thanks to its in-house artists and construction crew for this blacklight, surf rock party. Actually we're not sure what the specific theme is here, exactly. But there will be a ton of surfy local bands like Sealion, Son of Stan, Vicious Furs, O Conqueror, Jack Thunder & the Road Soda, Tidals and End of the World Parade playing sets, along with prizes for best costumes and “a crapload of evil surprises!” — CG
Night of the Living Dead at Angelika Film Center
George Romero's Night of the Living Dead is the film that kickstarted the zombie craze, and one of the only films in that subgenre that doesn't suck. It also raised a lot of fuss when it released in 1968 — the public then just wasn't ready for its violence and gore. If only they knew what was to come. — Chase Whale
Kill Frenzy at Red Light Lounge
The internet's been clamoring for the release of Belgian producer Kill Frenzy's Taylr Swift LP. Coincidentally, that one drops Friday, the same night he'll be holding things down at Deep Ellum's newest dance club. Chances are he'll be in something of a celebratory mood. Our own JWHO and BLACKFRAMES will be there, too. — CG
Punk Rock Karaoke at The Dubliner (Free)
Think you do a pretty decent Johnny Rotten, Henry Rollins or, hell, Chrissie Hynde? You do? Well, this one's squarely for you. All you have to do is show up, wait for your live backing band to start up, and scream your head off. It's really that easy. Oh, and be sure to get there early, as the band will only do each of the available songs on their list once. — Stephen Young
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, costumed 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. Hey, they've got a costume contest to get to. — Chelsea Upton
The Dan Band at Billy Bob's
The Los Angeles nightlife scene staples The Dan Band first hit the national radar after appearing in a handful of Todd Phillips comedies. Dan Finnerty and his band of cronies rely almost solely on their one bit of re-appropriating female-fronted pop songs, most notably their f-bomb-laden rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” that appeared in 2003's Old School. — CG
Halloween Spectacle at Red Arrow Contemporary
As part of North Texas Beer Week, Meddlesome Moth is holding its Halloween party at the Design District's Red Arrow Contemporary gallery. As such they'll be bringing in 18 brews, including six each from Prairie Artisan and Jester King. JK's head brewer will not only be on hand to talk about his beers/graciously accept high-fives, but to play some live music. A $100 Meddlesome Moth gift card will go to the best costume. — CG
Halloween Costume Bike Ride at Denton's Courthouse-on-the-Square
See the above description of Dallas' Critical Mass event and you'll pretty much have the gist of this one. The only difference, really, is that in Denton they'll kick things off at 6:30 p.m. from the Courthouse-on-the-Square. — CG
Foam N Glow Party at QuikTrip Park
We've taken enough BuzzFeed quizzes to know that a person's “actual age” doesn't always match what's on their birth certificate. A good barometer of this sort of thing is this video of the world's largest foam party's Albany, New York stop. Still thinking about going after taking a gander at that shit show? Congratulations, your real age is “college junior.” Meanwhile we're too preoccupied with wondering who is going to have to clean this mess up once all these young hooligans clear out. — CG
Vice Palace Presents: Black Light Fright Night at Oliver Francis Gallery
Once again, Vice Palace has been charged with curating OFG's roster of entertainment. To that end they'll bring in bands like Tracey Yemen, Vulgar Fashion and Street Sects to perform at this Halloween-themed event, followed by a dance party helmed by Djs Shooknite, AiR DJ and Ynfynyt Scroll. — CG
Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages at Texas Theatre
Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages is an old-ass documentary, made in 1922 in Denmark. Criterion Collection restored it on DVD, and the Texas Theatre is showing the 76-minute version, narrated by William S. Burroughs. Guess all this means is if you want to up your hip movie knowledge, this would be a good one to see. — CW
Saturday
Untapped: Dallas at Gilley's Complex
Untapped Dallas, that glorious combination of craft beer and live music, returns for its third-ever edition this coming Saturday, November 1, at the Gilley's Complex in The Cedars. Aside from live performance from bands like Cake, Shovels & Rope, Deltron 3030, The Polyphonic Spree and Leon Bridges, the lineup of 300-plus beers being offered for sampling is certainly impressive. It can be a tad overwhelming to sift through too, and to that end, we've counted 17 that really stand out above the rest. — Colin Alsheimer
Rachael Yamagata at Sons of Hermann Hall
Singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata brings her heartfelt numbers to Deep Ellum tonight. If you don't know the name, you'll certainly recognize the voice: Yamagata's music has appeared on shows such as How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock and Grey's Anatomy. She's also collaborated with the likes of Rhett Miller, Jason Mraz and Toots and the Maytals. Check this show out if you want to put a face with the voice. The Dove and The Wolf and Hemming open.– SY
Matisyahu at House of Blues
Matisyahu is kind of hard to box genre-wise, but, for the most part, his reggae-offshoot has gone over pretty well in the United States, what with his 2005 single “King Without a Crown” breaking into the Top 40 and all. I don't know if you remember the popular music of 2005, but let's just say that this was definitely a feat for a non-traditional artist. — CU
Chive Fest at Southfork Ranch
In a recent Rolling Stone interview Julian Casablancas talks about how his iron-fisted nature was the root of many of The Strokes' inner strife. He also talks about his current band, The Voidz, which he insists is more than just a one-off side project. In fact, he says, “I feel like the Strokes is an oak tree, and this is a new plant. So I'm focused on that right now. The plan is to eventually have two trees and swing in a hammock. One side nailed to each tree. It would be cool playing shows with the Voidz and the Strokes, that could be a cool model.” For now, though, you'll have to settle for catching them at separate venues. If you can put up with the numerous bros in “Keep Calm and Chive On” shirts you're doomed to encounter at this one, you can catch The Voidz at this one. Jake Owen, John Butler Trio, Manchester Orchestra, Dallas Smith, Max & the Moon, Thieving Birds and Emily Wolfe also perform. — CG
Yelawolf at Trees
Big Boi has described his Lucious Left Foot moniker as encapsulating the moment where Luke Skywalker first became a Jedi, the moment he realized he was truly a master of his craft. How, then, does a half-mohawked/half-mulleted Travis Barker lookalike match him rhyme for rhyme, turning in the best guest verse on Big Boi's spectacular 2010 album? Because the heavily-tatted Eminem protige is fearless, that's how. — CG
Motley Crue at Gas Monkey Live (Sold Out)
Headlining this free-to-attend-if-you-drive-a-Dodge car show and concert is the clean and sober version of Motely Crue, who swear they mean it this time when they say that this one really will be the band's final tour. — CG
Son of Stan, Catamaran, -topic at Dada
Tonight at Dada you'll find divorce pop, indie rock and hip-hop all on one bill. And a costume party to boot. But seriously, why don't more promoters take chances with multi-genre'd bills like this? — CG
Guantanamo Baywatch at The Where House
What happens when some beach-dwelling, Cramps-loving musicians relocate to Portland? They start a “surf sex sludge and garbage” trio, of course. The supposed shock factor of its name aside, Guantanamo Baywatch is a fairly wholesome lot. The Ventures-mining rockers do a Paul Anka cover for Chrissakes. Still, they're pretty easy for fans of fuzzy surf punk, rockabilly and/or doo-wop to latch on to from the jump. Fort Worth's War Party and The Longshots open. — CG
Elvis: The Experience at Double Wide
We read last week that Elvis Presley posthumously earned $55 million last year. That's more than any other dead celeb except for Michael Jackson. That can't be right, though, because The King is supposed to headline Day Three of D-Wide's Halloween Spooktacular tonight. In any case, Hotrod Hillbillies and Ottoman Turks also perform, and there'll be a $500 cash prize to whoever comes dressed as the best dead celebrity. — CG
Do It For Halloween at Curtain Club
What is it about Halloween that makes every band in town want to do cover sets? The Curtain Club's cover show takes it a step further in that not only will Shaolin Death Squad perform as Ozzy Osbourne, but The Raven Charter will play as Pink Floyd, Vinyl will pay tribute to The Cars, The Spectacle will offer up its best Metallica, The Barrior Brawlers will try to pull off Stone Temple Pilots, Redefine will do its best Tool and I Am Warbird will honor the Melvins. Oh, did we forget to mention the bands will each come dressed as the bands they're covering? Because that, too. — CG
Campus Radio, American Idiots at The Foundry (Free)
Like just about everywhere else in town, The Foundry is hosting some cover bands tonight. In case you couldn't guess from their names, these outfits will be taking on the catalogs of R.E.M. and Green Day. — CG
Catz 'N Dogz at It'll Do Club
Polish DJs Grzegorz and Wojciech may operate under the name Catz 'N Dogz, but it's not because they don't get along. It's quite the opposite, really. The besties used to make underground techno music under the name 3 Channels, but switched names when they decided to go the more deep house route. Tonight, along with resident DJ Red Eye, they'll man the decks at this blacklight party. — CG
Carrollton Festival at The Switchyard
Are the Gin Blossoms Arizona's version of the Toadies? Think about it: They had one massive radio hit in the early '90s, “Hey Jealousy,” followed by three just-as-good-but-not-quite-as-popular singles in the next couple of years. They broke up in 1997 and re-formed in 2002 with most of the core members returning and released three albums most folks outside of the region have never really given much of a chance to. In any case they'll join the likes of Blues Traveler, Jay Farrar, Quiet Company, The Orbans and Sealion at this family-friendly fest. — CG
Sunday
Tennis at The Loft
After graduating college a few years ago, the husband/wife indie-pop duo Tennis spent seven months in a boat sailing up and down the Eastern Seaboard. The band's first release after settling back down was a breezy beach-pop full-length that capitalized heavily on the lo-fi elements that help them sound both retro and extremely current all at once. Despite enlisting Black Keys' Patrick Carney to help with the follow-up record, the duo still sounds as beachy as ever. Pure Bathing Culture and Bethan open. — CG
Bleachers at House of Blues
Unlike his other band, fun., which leans heavy on the Queen vibes, Jack Antonoff's other outfit, the upstart Bleachers, takes that same over-the-top pop in a more E-Street Band direction. Interestingly enough, his bands have shared the stage with those two legends in the past year, too. — CG
Leftover Crack at Trees
This is a band that tried and failed to release an album called Shoot The Kids at School in the wake of the Columbine massacre. And you thought Foster The People were subversive. Potato Pirates, Juicy Karkass and Rats in the Wall open. — Pete Freedman
Los Muertos Bishop at Bishop Arts District
If you're going to co-opt this Mexican holiday, some good should at least come out of it. It's un tradicion during Dia de los Muertos to built altars for your deceased loved ones and offering up some of their favorite foods. Before hitting up this neighborhood-wide block party, just make sure you donate some cans of food to the North Texas Food Bank's altar. — CG
The Features at Dada
Tennesee rockers The Features show off their wide,ranging arsenal at Trees. The group's krautrock influences give its psychedelic sound an interesting edge. — SY
The Idiotaraod at TBA
Bring a shopping cart, a canned food item to donate to the SoupMobile, and your proverbial dogs to compete in this super stupid race through the streets of Dallas. The semi-legal race route will be revealed here on Saturday. — CG
Joan Sebastian at American Airlines Center
Cap off your Day of the Dead with one of Mexico's biggest ranchero performers and telenovela stars, Joan Sebastian. The four-time Grammy winner will be at the AAC, in part, because he's one of the biggest Latin pop acts going, and also because it's one of the few places with a stage large enough to accommodate the glorious steed whose back he'll perform atop tonight. — CG
Mark Twain Tonight at Bass Performance Hall
Hal Holbrook (All the President's Men, Sons of Anarchy, Spielberg's Lincoln) developed a one-man Mark Twain show in college in the '50s, and has toured it annually ever since. By our calculation, the now-89-year-old is just three years short of playing Twain longer than Samuel Clemens himself. To say it's second nature at this point is an understatement. — CG
“Wrapped and Uncovered: An Evening of Dance Unraveling and Unveiling” at Life in Deep Ellum
For the next two nights Muscle Memory Dance Theatre hosts performances showing off the work of Colorado choreographer Megan Odom and California's Randee Paufve, some of which involves bubble wrap. — CG
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
