Central Track Contributor
Return To The Journey.
Jim Rockford tried warning us, but we wouldn't listen.
All the way back in 1978, the tough-as-nails P.I. tried warning us about the dangers of letting private corporations gather our personal information. And to that, we said, “Shut your trap, ya dummy, and give us our BuzzFeed, already.”
And it's a good thing we did, too. Because where would we be without lists like these to tell us everything going on around town this weekend? Sitting at home like great big dinguses watching reruns of The Rockford Files, probably. — Cory Graves
Friday
Red Bull Sound Select Presents: Thundercat at Three Links
For the first Sound Select of 2015, we here at Central Track will be once more taking up the series' curatorial torch by throwing a show featuring Los Angeles' Thundercat, Austin's Roger Sellers and Dallas' own -topic. We're especially stoked about Thundercat's involvement, too. Why? Because the multi-instrumentalist, genre-bending performer is crazy — and in all the right ways. His musical output is one that blends R&B and pyschedelia with funk and electronic embellishments. Dude's a trip. Might as well sign up to check it all out right now, then. You know the drill with these shows: They're $3 to attend with an advanced RSVP dropped at the Sound Select site, and $10 to attend at the door without an RSVP. To RSVP in advance does not guarantee admission, just the lower ticket price; entrance into this event, as with all Sound Select showcases in Dallas, will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. — Pete Freedman
This Will Destroy You at Granada Theater
Instrumental post-rockers This Will Destroy You have evolved quite a bit since the band's inception. For one, the originally San Marcos-born quartet is now made up of 50 percent Dallasites. And the band's September-released fourth full-length is one that finds them incorporating some ambient, oft-warped sounds into the mix. If our memory serves, this is only the band's second Dallas show since that album's release. True Widow opens. — CG
Todd Barry at Sons of Hermann Hall
Like he's done a couple of times now, frequent Louie guest star Todd Barry will be doing some stand up at Sons this evening. You might also remember Todd from the HBO show Flight of the Conchords, where he played the bongo-playing third Conchord and eventual member of the Demetri Martin supergroup, The Crazy Dogggz (featuring their smash hit “Doggy Bounce”). No word yet on if he's bringing the bongos to this performance. — Chelsea Upton
Convoy & The Cattlemen at Double Wide
One of the best things about Double Wide is the way it's a little bit country and a little bit [punk] rock 'n' roll. On any given night, you're just as likely to find a twangy outfit picking away in the venue as you are some scuzzy folks tearing the place apart. Of course, gritty Georgia bar rockers The Train Wrecks and breakneck Western swing-influenced locals Convoy & the Cattlemen are sure to draw from both sects. We wouldn't have it any other way. — CG
Charade at Inwood Theatre
Walter Matthau, James Coburn, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn star in this 1967 screwball romantic comedy/spy thriller that's been called “the best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock never made.” Catch it at one of two midnight screenings this weekend. — CG
The Fall at Texas Theatre
The theater's now-annual screening and charity art auction hosted by sometime venue bartender and all-the-time noted Oak Cliff personality Susie Sue, which this year goes down on Friday, January 23, and will benefit the Peace for Elephants charity that works to keep elephants from being tortured as tourist attractions. Just as the theater's ownership and staff so gloriously did last year when it screened The Life Aquatic, the crew has again filmed a “sweded” trailer of its own for this year's screening, which will be Tarsem Singh's adored The Fall from 2006. Anyway, you really need to check out the group's ever-charming efforts below. Appropriately, the villain here is a bro who loudly uses his cell phone throughout the course of a screening. (Head here to watch the original trailer for comparison's sake.) — Pete Freedman
Zest Fest at Irving Convention Center
All weekend out in Irving, top chefs and other culinary professionals will be exhibiting all things spicy. Bring some milk if you're planning on staying for awhile, and just remember to wash your hands thoroughly before using the bathroom. Don't say you weren't warned. — CG
Nathan Brown, Bummer Vacation, Bashe, Tidals at The Grotto
In maybe the most solid top-to-bottom all-local bill of the weekend, a quartet of 817's dreamiest acts will, um, join forces. Or something like that. The more reverb pedals, the merrier. — CG
Beethoven's First at Meyerson Symphony Center
The program the DSO is putting on this weekend is bookended by firsts — kicking off with Bach's first Brandenberg Concerto and winding down with Beethoven's first symphony. Between the two will be a special performance of Britten's French horn-heavy song cycle, Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings. — CG
Social Science (Adult Night) at Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Sold Out)
So here's your chance to finally drag your old ass out of the house and for once get to enjoy the museum without having to hear screaming children — or the blathering of anyone under 21 for that matter. Grab a cocktail and a babysitter and head to this month's edition of the Perot Museum's monthly, after hours, adults-only programming. This month's cocktail-heavy “Mixology” theme makes things extra enticing. We even hear Community Beer Co. will be on hand doing a special edition of its beer school. Understandably, tickets to these go pretty quick, which is to say, you might want to grab a pair to next month's “Mysterious!” themed event sooner than later. — Ashley Gongora
National Pie Day at Norma's Café & Emporium Pies
Why can't every day involve an uncomplicated celebration of some type of baked good, followed by receiving said baked good for free? At least there are days like today — National Pie Day — where participating local eateries will celebrate our favorite round desserts that aren't cakes or cookies.At Norma's Café in Oak Cliff, for instance, not only will free slices of its famous Mile-High Cream Pies be offered up, but also new pie offerings like Oreo and Reese's flavors. Meanwhile, Emporium Pies is also joining in the pie festivities, serving up savory chicken pot pies to the menu for those who can't deal with sugary offerings for three meals a day. — Porttia Portis
Slow Magic at Dada
There's not a lot of info on the web about the human behind Slow Magic, and that's totally by design. Dude has previously said he dons masks onstage because he'd would much rather people focus on the catchy-as-fuck synth pop he creates rather than who is responsible for it. Fair enough. And to that end you can check out Slow Magic's newest album, here before heading out to this one. Orthy and ourskeletonbones open. — CG
Saosin at South Side Music Hall
Do you remember Saosin from your emo kid days back in junior high? Were you even aware that they were still a band? They, well, sort of, still are. They've been mostly inactive since singer Cove Reber left the band in 2010. The band got together for eight reunion shows with original singer Anthony Green in 2014, has since done a few more shows in California this month and have upcoming ones here in Texas. And then that's it. So feel special — and show them how much better we are than Cali. — Carly Seitz
Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium
Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo that started up in 1896. It's since become the world's oldest continual running rodeo. That event's Cowtown Coliseum (called The Northside Coliseum when it was built in 1908) was also the world's first indoor rodeo. It continues this weekend, and runs through February 7. — CG
Saturday
Hypnotic Donut Dash at Fair Park
Not a Simpsons-themed racing video game, for the third straight year, this affair finds everyone's favorite stoner doughnut shop, Hypnotic Donuts, hosting a 5k race on Saturday at Fair Park. There will be free donuts, perhaps in an effort to create an endless cycle of calorie intake and calorie burning. There will be a chubby bunny contest, too, which will look something like this. — Trace McCaslin
Two-Year Anniversary Tour at Community Beer Co.
This weekend, Community Beer Co. will celebrate its second anniversary next Saturday, January 24, with a special edition of its regular weekend tours. On hand for that one will be a trio of bands, food trucks and tappings of 30 brews, including Funnel Cake Ale, Vanilla Ascension, Public Ale w/ Crystal Hops, Glenstemmons and a special anniversary beer called Brett's Get It On. — CG
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra at McKinney Performing Arts Center
The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is notable in that the New Zealand-based troupe was co-founded by Flight of the Conchords member Bret McKenzie, who still performs with the group from time to time. Unlike regular orchestras, these guys won't play anything by guys with names like Bach or Beethoven, though you'll probably hear covers of old Smiths and Toto tunes. In any case, you've probably never heard the uke used quite like this. — CG
Polar Dash in Arlington
It's supposed to be 61 degrees and mostly sunny on Saturday, which should make this would-be winter run a less daunting task. There's 15 mile, 10K, 5K and 1,500m options, or you could always just run all four. There's even a special medal for that. — CG
Dallas Comic Book Show at DoubleTree Hotel
Rich Buckler, who is best known for his work with Marvel in the '70s, most notably for The Fantastic Four, and fellow Marvel inker Joe Rubinstein will be joined by Mark Morales (The Avengers), Ben Dunn (Ninja High School) and James O'Barr (The Crow) at this collector-grade comic convention. — CG
Pat Green at Billy Bob's
Pat Green is something of a legend in the Texas country music scene — and not just locally, either. Case in point: We once met a female fan with, count 'em, three Pat Green tattoos — and she didn't even live in the Lone Star state. Reigning The Voice champ Craig Wayne Boyd even performed one of his songs on his way to annihilating the rest of his competition. Of course, he very much is from here. — CG
The Master at Alamo Drafthouse
After languishing in development hell for a few years, Paul Thomas Anderson finally released his Scientology-centered film, The Master in 2012. Except, well, no. Sorry. The Master is not about Scientology. Not so far as anyone is willing to admit, at least. Not even while the script shares a lot of similarities with the history of Scientology and its founder. The movie stars Joaquin Phoenix who plays a drifter named Freddie Sutton. The other star in the film is the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. He plays Lancaster Dodd, the founder of a new religion he creates after returning from war. The story is set off nicely with a score courtesy of Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood, too. — Jeremy Hughes
Harlem Globetrotters at American Airlines Center
We're not going to lie, we thought the Globetrotters were pretty baller when we were kids — that is until our Dad ruined the magic by cluing us into the fact that in thousands of contests the team has never manage to lose to the lowly Washington Generals. Furthering our disillusionment is the fact that different squads of “Globetrotters” will also be concurrently playing in arenas in Houston and Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend as well. Talk about earth-shattering realizations. — CG
Brew Bus Tour at Community Beer Co.
Advance tickets are required for this one, but should you manage to secure your seat on the world's biggest designated drivermobile, you'll get eight samples at Community's big two-year anniversary bash, as well as additional tastings at Four Corners and Cobra, along with some snacks from LUCK. And no DUI's, to boot. Score! — CG
The Bouncing Souls at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
Once again this weekend, the most played band in Warped Tour history makes its way to Dallas with most of its original lineup intact. Meaning? This one's got all the makings for a hardcore Saturday night. Masked Intruder, Broken Gold, The Copyrights, and Fat By The Gallon open. — Lauren Rushing
“Whoa There” at The Ant Colony Fine Art Gallery
For its first exhibition of the year, the Oak Cliff gallery will showcase the works of Miguel Aguilar, Justin Jackley, Larry Carey, Brad Albright, Matty Brinston, Barrett Bryan, Max Kraken, Ollie Gee and R. Thies. The opening reception will be held 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, and will run through February 21. After this weekend's opening, though, you'll likely have to schedule an appointment to check it out. — CG
Somebody's Darling (Farewell Show) at Kessler Theater
It looks like Somebody's Darling is taking a page out the Seryn playbook by booking a “farewell” show at The Kessler Theater on Saturday, before hightailing it to the greener pastures of Nashville. Hey, at least they'll know some folks when they get there. Of course, when one door closes, another opens, and per that cliche, that bill will also see promising psych-pop outfit Natural Anthem, making its live debut. — CG
Cavalia Presents: Odysseo at Dr. Pepper Ballpark
The world's largest touring production brings its newest work in Frisco this weekend. Odysseo is a Cirque du Soleil-like performance that involves 63 horses, 45 acrobats and costs $30 million to produce. The show runs through February 8. — CG
Brownout at Dan's Silverleaf
During a weekly residency at Austin hot dog bar Frank in 2013, Latin funk band Brownout paid tribute to artists like James Brown, Black Sabbath and even doing a b-boy night. It was there the band developed its Brown Sabbath alter ego, and hammered out the tunes that comprise its latest Latin-infused Sabbath-covering LP. You've never heard “Planet Caravan” like this before. — CG
Casey Donahew Band at House of Blues
The Burleson-raised Donahew has been a Texas bar rock staple for going on 13 years now. Even though his band has since become bigger players in the national country scene these past six years or so, they'll still drop a song or two about the Fort Worth Stockyards on you. For that matter, you're likely to hear a countrified version of a classic hip-hop song or two at this one, as well. — CG
John Doe at Three Links
John Doe is the forbearer to the modern crop of ex-punk rockers who spend their time making convincingly authentic country these days. The bassist for influential Cali punks, X, first dipped his toes in the cow-punk waters in the mid-'80s with side project The Knitters, and finally went full-on country with his 1990 solo debut. Jesse Dayton and Spyche open. — CG
Decks in the Doo at It'll Do Club
While the weather's still too sucky to properly party outdoors, Decks in the Park founder Jeff Mitchell is bringing his monthly Klyde Warren Park dance party indoors to the temperate climes of It'll Do Club. Unlike that event, this one is strictly 21 and up, and will last until the wee hours of the morning. — CG
O Conqueror, Reinventing Jude, Animal Spirit at Double Wide
Austin indie-popper O Conqueror, Dallas fusion collective Reinventing Jude and Fort Worth rockers Animal Spirit are the second of three solid bills at the 'Wide this weekend. — CG
The Black Dotz, Pinkish Black, Mike Graff at Dada
Ahead of The Bomb Factory's impending arrival, folks are trumpeting the “Deep Ellum's back” narrative yet again. Whether it's true or not, it'll at least feel a bit like the Deep Ellum of old tonight when Course of Empire guitarist Mike Graff performs at Dada with drummer Duncan Black and bassist Mike Daane. The latter will be rushing over from having just performed with Spyche next door at Three Links. The Black Dotz and Pinkish Black also perform. — CG
Arnej at Lizard Lounge
The Toronto-raised, trance producer is a favorite of EDM bigwig Armin Van Buuren, and he'll be doing a special three-hour DJ set in Deep Ellum Saturday night. — CG
Motif Night at Scotch & Sausage
The combination beer garden/niche restaurant will turn its focus away from both of those tonight with another one of its Motif nights. Starting at 8 p.m. you can enjoy the music of DJs TX Connect, Chrsitan Zanni, Dave Paradice and Donny Young, as well as free Milagro tequila tastings, and a reverse happy hour that runs from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. — CG
Sunday
Tecmo Texas at Three Links (Early)
After traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, a couple years back to compete in the nation's biggest and longest-running Tecmo Super Bowl tournament, a handful of locals figured a similar event might work well back home in Dallas. They put the theory to the test this same weekend last year, and even though we got our asses thoroughly kicked at that showing, the event proved successful enough to bring back for a second straight year. As we found out when we were bounced from the tournie rather early on last year, you don't have to participate to have a blast watching. — CG
Saint Motel at Three Links (Late)
Once all the NES consoles and tables are cleared away, the floor at Three Links will be wide open for Los Angeles prog-pop trio Saint Motel. It's a good thing, too, because the band's shimmery, tropical-laced tunes are about as dance-ready as they come. The Moth & The Flame opens. — CG
Mason Jennings at Kessler Theater
Jennings will end a four-day Texas swing with a Sunday showing in Oak Cliff. With his bleak, wintery tunes, poetic lyrics and simple melodies, the Minnesota native should have no trouble capturing the attention of the room. Dana Falconberry opens. — CG
Duncan Trussell Family Hour at Sons of Hermann Hall
Far out comedian/podcaster/Joe Rogan sidekick Duncan Trussell will be in Dallas this Sunday, doing a special live version of his noted, weekly Duncan Trussell Family Hour podcast with special guest, Johnny Pemberton. For a taste of what to expect, here's a link to a recent episode of DTFH that also featured Pemberton. — CG
Beat Swap Meet at Dada (Early)
Buy/sell/trade rare, old school vinyl at this cratedigger's paradise while DJs like Bilal, Bryan C, Gavin Guthrie, Joshua Kynd, Mr. Rid, Phooka and Priest TD and others spin wax from their personal collections. Admission is just $3 with a canned good. — CG
The Suffers, The Ton-Tons, Fat Tony at Dada (Late)
Houston's 10-piece “Gulf Coast soul” outfit, The Suffers, use a mix of horns, woodwinds, keys and guitars to make an engaging brand of music that harkens back to a time before any of its members were born. It's a genre folks around these parts have been pretty obsessed with of late. Anyhow, the plus-sized group will be releasing a brand new EP at this show. Fellow Houstonians — the indie-rock-leaning group, The Tontons, and rapper Fat Tony — open. — CG
Karma to Burn at Double Wide
Highly influential '90s instrumental stoner rockers, Karma to Burn, are about 18 days into a 30-plus day tour. The band caps off the weekend's festivities by heading up this heavy ass Double Wide lineup. Sierra, Wo Fat and Mothership open. — CG
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
