Central Track Contributor
Shake Ya Azz.
What a loaded sports weekend lies ahead! Between the NFL Draft, the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown and the latest boxing match to be dubbed the “fight of the century,” there's a lot to take in.
But wait, there's more: It's also Cinco de Mayo weekend and the close of crawfish season.
Even still, we've only touched the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as this weekend's events go. So here's a few dozen more. — Cory Graves
Friday
Kaiser Chiefs at Trees
In his review of Kaiser Chiefs' most recent long-player — last year's Education, Education, Education & War — AllMusic Guide's James Christopher Monger writes that “you've heard it all before.” The album's lead track, “Factory Gates,” he further points out, sounds an awful lot like 2004's “I Predict a Riot.” To be fair, there's an awful lot of worst fates that don't include writing songs that sound a bit too much like your biggest hits. — CG
Walk The Moon at South Side Ballroom
The Cincinnati indie pop-rockers Walk The Moon took their name from a Police song, but sound more like indie pop-rockers from Cincinnati. Still, their “Anna Sun” single like, blew up the Alternative charts once upon a time. That song's about a crumbling household! These days, the band's resurged, too, and this show, once scheduled to take place at the House of Blues, was moved to the South Side Ballroom due to overwhelming ticket demand. Yes, tickets purchased for that HOB show will be honored at this one. For more info on this show check out our interview with opening act The Griswolds here. — Chelsea Upton
Reptar at Sons of Hermann Hall
Athens nouveau New Wave quartet Reptar followed up its most recent ice skating musical “Reptar on Ice” with a hooky sophomore LP released earlier this month. Pick up a copy at tonight's indie dance party, where Party Plants and Dallas' most badass high school outfit The Azalea Project open. — CG
Kacey Musgraves at Billy Bob's
At the complete opposite end of the rampant, repugnant bro country movement are acts like the Mineola-raised Kacey Musgraves, who blown up in the past couple of years thanks to her honest and tender songs about drinking whiskey, smoking weed and not giving a fuck about conforming to anyone else's standards. It's paid off, too, earning Musgraves took a couple of Grammys last year, with her Same Trailer, Different Park LP, beating out Taylor Swift's Red in the process. More recently she's experienced a bit of crossover success opening for Katy Perry on tour and filming a special together. She brings it live, too. Last time we saw her perform we called her the next Dolly Parton. She's the real fucking deal. — CG
Dallas Brew Mile in Fair Park
Drinking and driving is definitely illegal, drinking and biking is illegal in some areas and a gray area in others, but drinking and running? Totally fine. So, go ahead, take advantage of that fact on Friday with potentially-over-1,000 other people. (That is, if you like beer, as this event is specific to that type of alcohol.) — Carly Seitz
Texas Frightmare Weekend at Hyatt Regency
We don't know for sure if Texas Frightmare Weekend is the biggest horror convention in the country, but its organizers say it arguably is. Regardless, it's pretty big. And awesome. And it lasts three whole days, with horror film screenings galore, lots of celebrity appearances and more, it's definitely something you don't want to miss — that is, of course, unless you're a big ole scaredy cat. Just a few of the numerous celebs that will be at the convention this weekend: Neve Campbell and Skeet Ulrich from Scream, Alexandra Breckenridge, the hot maid from American Horror Story; Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira); and Malcolm McDowell, who played Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange. — CS
Mike Epps at Verizon Theatre
Comedian Mike Epps started honing his craft when he was just a teen, performing publicly around the Indianapolis area. He eventually made a name for himself after moving to New York and joining the Def Comedy Jam tour, which ultimately led to roles as Day-Day in the Friday sequels and Black Doug in The Hangover. He performs tonight in Grand Prairie. — CG
Dwight Yoakam at Gas Monkey Live
Country icon and current torch-bearer for the Buck Owens-pioneered Bakersfield sound, Yoakam, will be doing his thing at Gas Monkey. On this tour, the lauded actor, honky tonk figurehead and well-known badass will be supporting his just-released Second Hand Heart LP, the highest charting disc in his three-deacdes-long career. — CG
Yellowcard at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
When you get a yellow card in soccer, it's a warning to stop fucking up or you'll be out of the game. When you get a Yellowcard in music, it's a reminder that rock from the early '00s ain't dead, no matter how hard you wish it was. Finch opens. — Chase Whale
V For Vendetta at Inwood Theatre
Remember, remember why every protestor ever started wearing Guy Fawkes masks? Oh, right, it had a little something to do with this 2006 political thriller. — CG
Pancakes & Booze Art Show at Quixotic World
Come for the $5 pancake buffet, stay for the art show which features works from 50 emerging and underground artists from the region. Check out some scenes from a previous edtion of this event here. — CG
Poison Culture (EP Release) at Spinster Records
Less than six months after playing his first solo acoustic punk show, Manuel Bazaldua (AKA Poison Culture) is already putting out his second release, a brand new cassette EP via Wounded Galaxy Tapes that follows last year's LP. This Friday, Bazaldua celebrates both his birthday and EP release with a free in-store at Spinster, where he'll be joined by Street Arabs and Jonathan White of Sons of Strangers. — CG
Whisky Extravaganza at InterContinental Dallas
It's funny the organizers of The Whisky Extravaganza should say its event “caters to all audiences” when tickets are $150, with only a $15 discount if you go with a group. They don't honestly think everyone of age has $150 to blow on a whisky tasting, do they? But whatever. If you do have the money to go and just love whisky enough to want to spend it on this event, go for it. There will be over 120 expressions to try, so that's a plus. And food. Your ticket will get you some grub, too. Oh, and just to clarify for some of you: Using “Whisky” instead of “Whiskey” in the event name was not a way for the organizers to make it less generic and thus improve search rankings or whatever. Rather, whisky is the proper spelling for Scotch whisky and Scotch-inspired liquors, whereas whiskey represents Irish and American liquors. #themoreyouknow — CS
Swingin' Utters at Three Links
We thought it interesting how Swingin' Utters took a hiatus a while back to focus on their families, with one member becoming a plumber, another starting a screen-printing business etc. But the band isn't on a hiatus anymore, and they're in Dallas this weekend along with the Bombpops, Stymie and Samuell Caldwell's Revenge. — CS
Tooloji at House of Blues
Last summer, Tool explained to Rolling Stone that the reason it hasn't been able to release any new music for the past eight years because of a drawn out court battle that's cost the band millions. That said, it's safe to reason this Tool tribute is probably as close as you'll get to seeing the real thing for a good long while. A Rage Against The Machine tribute opens. — CG
Eddie Ifft at Addison Improv
The Onion has previously called Ifft the most underrated comedian in the country, which is, sorta Ifft's fault. After titling his 2012 special I Love Pussy, it was subsequently banned from many retailers and barred from being mentioned on radio and/or TV in some countries. Chalk it up to the uncompromising nature of his comedy, I guess. — CG
Luenell at Arlington Improv
Though she appeared in Borat as the hooker with a heart of gold, the title character found in a personal ad, married and took back to Kazakhstan, Luenell Campbell actually makes her living telling jokes. Hard as it is to believe, not everything in that movie was as below board as advertised. Shocking, we know. — CG
TEAM* at Dada
TEAM*'s vaguely Vampire Weekend-esque indie rock jams? Good. Opening support from Denton's Pageantry and infectious Dallas rockers Catamaran? Even better. — CG
ZZ Top & Jeff Beck at Winstar World Casino
Even though Houstonians like to claim ZZ Top as their own, two-thirds of the group actually grew up in North Texas. Drummer Frank Beard (ironically the only member of the bandwithout a beard) was raised in nearby Irving, while bassist Dusty Hill spent his formative years in East Dallas. Finger-picking guitar legend Jeff Beck co-headlines this throwback rock affair. — CG
Wild Bill & Shag (Album Release) at Hailey's Club
Now known as Denton's preeminent hip-hop club, Hailey's plays hosts to the Wild Bill & Shag album release show this weekend. It's a stacked lineup, too, that includes performances from Baconomics, Fab Deuce, -topic, Ritchy Flo, X, the Misfit, Stu Brootal, Jenny Robinson and Bear Cub, Hammer, Gloat Ent, Twrex, Pauliiito, PositiveHyy and Elijah Heaps. The first 20 through the door can take home a copy of the album for just a buck, too. — CG
Saturday
The Who at American Airlines Center
What's left of legendary Brit rock outfit, The Who, celebrates its 51st year as a band at this North American leg of its 50th anniversary tour. Guitarist Pete Townshend has described the mix of songs they'll be playing at the show as “Hits, Picks, Mixes and Misses.” For his part, frontman Roger Daltrey has called the tour the band's “long goodbye.” Rounding out the group are Ringo Starr's son Zak on drums, Townshend's younger brother Simon on guitar and John Mayer Trio bassist Pino Palladino. — CG
Lady Antebellum at Gexa Energy Pavilion
On the hit ABC show Nashville, the bro country (lampooning?) character Luke Wheeler can oft be heard shouting his popular “Wheels Up!” catchphrase to his many adoring fans. Not sure if its a case of life imitating art or just an indicator of Lady Antebellum's own inherent douchey-ness that “Wheels Up” is also the name of its current tour. In any case, the band will perform its biggest hit — a very faithful cover of Alan Parsons' “Eye in the Sky” — at one of the biggest venues in town. Hunter Hayes and Sam Hunt open. — CG
Local H at Three Links
We were just 11-year-old when Local H's biggest hit, “Bound for the Floor.” Even still, we probably weren't the only ones that quickly adopted the word “copacetic” into our still growing lexicons following the song's massive post-grunge popularity. The duo never stopped making records — frontman Scott Lucas has gone through as string of drummers in the years since — including a pair of releases the past two years. — CG
Rachel Brathen at The Bomb Factory
Get in tune with your spirituality this Saturday when Rachel Brathen, or “Yoga Girl,” teaches a yoga workshop at The Bomb Factory. This woman has made yoga her entire life, so we fully expect she'll be a good teacher. Hell, for $65, she better be. Anyway, she's also an author and motivational speaker, lives in Aruba and spent years in Central America studying all the complexities of yoga and getting in touch with her spiritual side, so she should at least be able to give you some good advice for how to live a more peaceful, spiritual life, right? — CS
Denton Mudbug Boil behind Lucky Lou's
It's nice Denton has its own crawfish boil, because while crawfish boils in Dallas and other North Texas areas may be worth the drive, they are quite the drive for Dentonites. But, hey, you don't have to live in Denton to enjoy this one. Plus, it's the last public crawfish boil we know of in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this year, so this is your last chance to enjoy some all-you-can-eat crawfish for a reasonable price (some places charge $8.99 or more per pound). This one costs $25 if you want crawfish, and $5 if you just go for a friend or whatever and don't care for crayfish. Besides, there will be more than crawfish to enjoy, including live music, a children's play area and a silent auction. Also, it's for a good cause, as proceeds will go towards supporting several local charities. — CS
Sarah Jaffe, Ronnie Heart at Shipping & Receiving
Evolution is perhaps the clearest narrative in the Jaffe storyline. After having etched her way into the hearts of of North Texans and international fans of unheralded singer-songwriters alike with such acoustic-driven tracks as “Even Born Again” and, most notably, “Clementine,” Jaffe has essentially eschewed that sound in recent years. In its place, a more electro pop–oriented sound has been pushed to the forefront. And, really, that's just the start of the change. In addition to her own work, Jaffe's also linked up of late with the Grammy-winning, Dallas-based hip-hop producer Symbolyc One to form a songwriting tandem called The Dividends — an outfit that, already, has earned a Grammy thanks to S1's production work and Jaffe's vocals on the song “Bad Guy,” which kicks off Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP 2 from last year. — Pete Freedman
Global Marijuana March at Mambo's Tapas Cantina
Before you ask, yes, this really is a global thing. Over 250 cities worldwide are expected to march this year in support of the legalization of marijuana. Last year, there were over 5,000 people in North Texas who participated in the march, and yet, surprisingly, it received no media coverage. But there were also no arrests made, which is good, considering the nature of the event probably prompted a fair number to light up blunts, joints etc. at the march. You win some you lose some, right? Maybe, just maybe, Texas marijuana supporters will receive a win if Texas Rep. David Simpson — who is a Republican, mind you — gets his bill to legalize marijuana passed, though. Either way, this Saturday's march is one event you don't want to miss if you're in favor of marijuana's legalization. Plus, there won't just be a march to the historic Tarrant County Courthouse this Saturday; the event will also feature speakers, live music, vendor booths and prizes. — CS
Bob Dylan & His Band at Winstar World Casino
Dylan's been criticized plenty over the years for his voice , which has gone from a nasally warble to guttural croak in recent years. In most recent LP, a February-released Frank Sinatra covers album, has been praised for boasting Dylan's best vocal performances in decades. So maybe all is not lost here. Perhaps that hour-and-a-half drive north is, maybe, worth it after all. — CG
Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
Metalachi is the perfect name for this Saturday's headliner at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill, as the band is a metal mariachi band, which, as is expected, gives the band a very unique — and awesome — sound. Now, as for the show's opener, we don't totally understand its name, Piñata Protest. Who would protest a piñata? Piñatas are freaking awesome. But whatever, their sound is pretty awesome considering their incorporation of an accordion with their blend of Tex-Mex and punk. — CS
Cinco de Mayo Social Run at Rahr & Sons
People must really like to drink when they run. This is one of two events combining the two activities happening this weekend. But, unlike Friday's Brew Mile, this one has breakfast tacos. For $15, you can participate in the Rahr & Sons 5K Cinco de Mayo Social Run, eat some breakfast tacos and enjoy three beer samples. Arriba! Arriba! — CS
“Celebrate Dallas! Look Local” Tour at Thanks-Giving Square
How many photos of the Dallas skyline are there in the world? It's got to be in the millions, no? What's truly remarkable is that, though we've all seen our share of skyline photos, there's still a photographer or two in town who can snap a shot of the familiar cityscape that manages to stand out among the rest of the postcard fodder. Part of these ace photographers' secret? More often than not, these folks are shooting from rooftops and other vantage points most of us don't have access to. That's what makes next Saturday's “Celebrate Dallas! Look Local” tour sound like such an incredible opportunity: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a self-guided tour will allow participants access to the rooftops of 10 historical Downtown buildings. Think of all the Insta-gold, y'all. Also cool? Materials will be available at each spot to provide some historical context to each of these popular locales. So even your captions are gonna be on point. Spots included in the tour include 1505 Elm (includes penthouse), Gables Republic Tower, Thanks-Giving Square, Mercantile Place, SoCo Lofts, 400 N. Ervay, The Continental Building, Dallas Power & Light Flats and Wilson Building, each of which has a wonderfully rich history. Afterwards, there'll be an after-party at Third Rail Lofts. — CG
Prowl at Sandaga
While Panther City Production's upcoming dance party is definitely something to get excited about if you're into underground dance music, we are slightly disappointed by its lack of a theme. Previously, PCP has put on both a Glitz N Glow party and a Pajama-themed party, which, clearly, had defined themes. Maybe the Prowl Party actually does have a theme, though, and it's just a little less obvious? Well, whether the suggestion is implied or not, we think it would be fun to attend this dance party in animal-print attire, and maybe even add some cat ears and eyeliner whiskers to complete your look. Or don't. It's up to you (unless you're under 21 with no fake ID, in which case you won't get in regardless of how you're dressed). But with only a $5 cover — or, if you RSVP in advance and show up before 10 p.m., no cover — it may be worth checking out. — CS
Dogfishtavle at The Common Table
An “insane” list of Dogfish Head Beers will be tapped over in Uptown. For the full list, head here. — CG
AC Slater + Bones at Red Light Lounge
Hope you're ready to dance, preppy, because bass-heavy Los Angeles House DJ AC Slater is in the building tonight along with Bones. Oh yeah, and DJs Left/Right, Zander, Colly T, thePM, Joshua Kynd, Closed Caption DJ's, Ghetto Gardens DJ's and Space Chase, too. — CG
Pilates in the Park at Sammons Park (Free)
Don't be fooled by Pilates' difficulty; this style of exercise will not make you shed tons of pounds. You need cardio for that, and unfortunately, most styles of Pilates don't include much cardio. Stupid, we know. However, Pilates is really good for strengthening your core, improving your posture, and getting that tummy nice and toned for summer (assuming all you want/need is toning). But hey, it's also good for those who don't really want to workout, but who still want to feel like they did. And what better way to achieve that feeling than in a park, rather than some stinky gym? If you can't think of one, then you might as well head over to Sammons Park, where there will be a free Pilates class each Saturday at 9 a.m. up until May 30. — CS
Boom 94.5 Music Festival at Fair Park
Already one of the best radio stations in town, new classic hip-hop station Boom 94.5's announced its next big play at becoming a serious contender in the DFW radio market: On Saturday, May 2, in Fair Park, the station will host a classic hip-hop meets zydeco and blues festival. That's something of a strange combination on paper — but, whatever, there's some pretty heady names playing this one. At the top of the bill are names including Scarface, Bun B, Juvenile and Mystikal. (Mystikal in particular has been making something of a comeback of late with help from Mark Ronson.) Rounding out the bill are Zydeco outfits Step Rideau & The Zydeco Outlaws and Brian Jack & The Zydeco Gamblers, southern soul singers Mel Waiters and Sir Charles Jones, comedian Mr. Entertainment and jazz musician Don Diego. It's a diverse lot, to be sure, but one that'll make more sense, we presume, when Cajun-themed vendors and soul food stands fill out the Fair Grounds. — CG
Doc Link at It'll Do Club
Doc Link software is an integrated document management system that effects the way paper documents are processed in the workplace. This so-called paperless office enabling software will be making House music happen at It'll Do. So, too, will Dallas DJs Demarkus Lewis and Red Eye. — CG
Kentucky Derby Day at Lone Star Park
Not only will Lone Star Park simulcast the Kentucky Derby at its horse racing park, it will also host its own live races beforehand. And they'll have a hat contest, for which two winners will be rewarded $500, so you know they understand the true meaning of the Kentucky Derby. More importantly, of all the Kentucky Derby parties in town, this is the only one where you can actually gamble on the race. — CS
Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Twilite Lounge (Free)
So what if you can't make it to the Kentucky Derby? It doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fashion event. (Okay, so, it's a horse race, but let's be honest — it's definitely more for the hats.) That said, if you do go to the Kentucky Derby Watch Party at the Twilite Lounge this Saturday, be sure to wear your very best hat — the more creative, the better. And, of course, enjoy all the hats you see from those actually at the race! Or, if whoever's behind the cameras for the race actually just focuses on the race, don't worry; there's always Instagram. The party starts at 3 p.m., and Whiskey Folk doesn't start playing until 11 p.m., so you have time to go home and change between if'n you want. — CS
Asian Festival at Klyde Warren Park (Free)
Are you broke as hell? Wanting to feel more cultured? Well, whatever your situation, this Saturday's Asian Festival may be just what you're looking for. It is completely free and features art activities, interactive games, live entertainment and more. And considering the festival will be representing over 20 Asian cultures, you're likely to find some pretty great, authentic Asian cuisine — none of that fusion crap (hopefully). Either way, still plenty to enjoy. — CS
Rise and Talk w/ Smith II at Glasshouse Studio
For ex-model and current Dallas-based fashion designer Charles Smith II, fashion is an artform, and one he'll talk about at this Austere magazine-presented event. It's free to attend, though seating is somewhat limited. The address is 830 Exposition Ave in Dallas, and it's a BYOB type thing. — CG
Cinco De Mayo 2015 Party and Eating Contest at Enchiladas
For just $10 — less than the cost of many of the enchilada plates on Enchiladas Restaurant's menu — you can enjoy all-you-can-eat enchiladas this Saturday. It's part of an eating contest going on at the restaurant's Greenville location in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. This is a deal you don't want to miss. Who cares if you can't eat the most? You only have to eat two or three for it to be worth your money! — CS
Dove Hunter (Album Release) at Dada
Six years after releasing its debut, the oft-praised Southern Unknown, Dallas' Texas psych outfit Dove Hunter is back as a stripped down four piece, and a shiny new sophomore album. Def Rain and Eyes, Wings and Many Other Things open. — CG
Sunday
Ministry at The Bomb Factory
Back in 2008, All Jourgensen, frontman of Chicago industrial metal legends, Ministry, announced that the band was over, adding that it would never reunite. Three years later, though, they did just that for some festival shows, followed by a world tour the next year and a new album. Heck, not even the death of guitarist Mike Scaccia in 2012 has stopped the Ministry train. It rolls on this weekend, with Avatar playing opener. — CG
Open Guitar Rally II at Continental Avenue Bridge
Although we're sure people love their guitars, they aren't so serious about them that they feel the need to rally with them to show their pride. No one is challenging their right to own or carry a guitar, and they don't feel the need to defend themselves for owning a guitar. Rather, this event is meant to parody Open Carry gun groups. And if you're wondering why the event is five hours long, it's because there will also be live music and food trucks for ralliers to take advantage of. Those things cost money, though, and the event is free, so organizers for the event are really struggling to come up with the money they need without breaking their personal bank accounts. That said, they have created a GoFundMe page to raise money, so if you want to help cover the costs, you can do so there. But even if you can't afford to donate or just don't want to, you're still welcome to come out and show off your instrument! — CS
Flea Market at Double Wide
There are plenty of flea markets that happen every Saturday and Sunday, so what makes Double Wide's flea market — which only happens the first Sunday of every month — special enough to make it to our events page? Well, for one, Easly Slider Truck will be there. And there will also be some pretty interesting drinks served at the market, including a jerky-infused Moonshine Bloody Mary. So, yeah, it may be worth checking out. — CS
The Goonies & When Harry Met Sally Double Feature at Granada Theater
Hey you guys, '80s flicks The Goonies and When Harry Met Sally will screen back-to-back. Whether you're looking for pirate gold or fake orgasms, you're bound to find what you're looking for here. — CG
Mystical Arts of Tibet (Closing Ceremony) at Crow Collection
All week long, Tibetan Buddhist monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery have been in residence, constructing a mandala one grain of sand at a time. Then this weekend, as is customary, the whole thing will be symbolically destroyed. Hard as may be to grasp, it's a beautiful way to capture the ephemeral nature of our own mortality. — CG
Shooter Jennings, Cody Canada at Hat Tricks
For better or worse, alt-country figurehead Cody Canada pretty much single-handedly helped kick off the red dirt country scene. Now, backed by the harder-rocking Departed, he's pretty much picked right back up where his previous outfit, Cross Canadian Ragweed, left off. Waylon Jennings' son co-headlines this twangy-yet-rockin' affair. — CG
DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown at Gas Monkey Live
Cinco de Mayo weekend is about to get a little bit more bumpin', with DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown (Miss Badu, if you're nasty) spinning tunes at Gas Monkey's Sunday festivities. — CU
Little Big Town at House of Blues
Pop country's answer to Peter, Paul and Mary brings its four-part harmonies and 14 charting singles to Dallas this weekend. The show benefit's Cook's Children. — CG
Iamsu at Trees
Want proof that Iamsu is very much a rapper of these times? Well, how's this: He was simply named Su until a little search engine optimization revealed to him that the name Iamsu would be more easily googled. Of course, there's the Bay Area rapper's enjoyable catalog, too, which has found him collaborating with such other performers as Wiz Khalifa, 50 Cent, Sage The Gemini, Problem, E-40 and others in recent years. Expect somehow bigger names to follow, too. The guy's just got an ear for easily accessible and instantly enjoyable cuts. It's impressive as hell, really. Even more impressive than the fact that he's never eaten a banana before. Actually, maybe not. — PF
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School at Three Links
A good old fashioned life-drawing session is a necessary staple for artists of all types. Drawing from observation is a classic technique to improve your skills and increase your technical abilities to perceive form and function. Unfortunately, that sounds totally boring and academic. The idea between these regular Dr. Sketchy's events is to come up with a more relaxed lesson in the art of life-drawing. Hey, it doesn't get much more relaxed than being held in a bar! And whereas anyone who's ever done an actual, serious life-drawing or figure-drawing session has that, “Oh, you wouldn't believe what the model looked like!” story, Dr Sketchy's does it right, bringing burlesque performers in to hold court. These models are always in costume, and there is a theme every month. This month's model is Melissa Meow. — Jeremy Hughes
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
