Central Track Contributor
Make Some Origami, Honey.
Money can't buy happiness. Or can it?
There's a growing body of scientists out there who say that it kind of can, so long as you're spending it on the right things. And what would those things be? Well, not things at all, really. While we do obtain a certain level of happiness when we buy new clothes, iPhones, cars, etc., scientists say we quickly get used to owning those things and the feeling soon fades. Instead, this group of learned minds says we should spend our excess cash on experiences.
The things we do, in turn, becomes part of our identities, and also help us connect to other humans. In both areas, these experiential purchases lead to fairly long-lasting happiness.
With that in mind, here's a few experiences worth spending money on this weekend. — Cory Graves
Friday
The Growlers, Broncho at Trees
Proclaimed “Beach Goth” quintet The Growlers return to Dallas once more, where it has previously sold out shows at Dada. This time the band finds itself in a room nearly twice the size. Start the summer off right and let in the warm southern California air the band brings. Oklahoma City garage outfit Broncho opens. — Evan Henry
Tyler the Creator at The Bomb Factory
The sometimes controversial rapper Tyler, The Creator is playing The Bomb Factory Friday night. His latest album Cherry Bomb was released back in April. There's gotta be some kind of connection to be made there, though we're hard-pressed to find it at the moment. — Diamond Victoria
A-Kon at Hilton Anatole
The 26th annual A-Kon is going on this weekend at the Hilton Anatole. It's got all things anime; martial arts, scavenger hunts, film screenings and cosplay to name a few elements. A-Kon has been a Dallas gem for 26 years and has risen to become the longest running anime convention in the country. That's because they've learned a thing or two about conventioning along the way. — DV
Black Tiger Sex Machine at Gas Monkey Live
Canadian futuristic thriller band Black Tiger Sex Machine wears helmets on stage that shoot laser beams. It's a pretty unconventional genre of music, sure, but it sounds like a fun party trick just the same. — DV
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at Dada
If David Bowie and David Byrne have both been spotted at a Clap Your Hands Say Yeah show, I think it's safe to say the band throws a pretty awesome party. Check the band out at Dada, where it'll be celebrating the tenth anniversary of its debut album by playing it in-full. Teen Men opens. — DV
Ivan & Alyosha at Three Links
Luscious, enjoyable folk-pop is what Paste had to say in regards to Seattle rock combo Ivan & Alyosha's latest effort, All The Times We Had, though they were hardly the only publication to heap praise on the band. Local folkies The Fox and The Bird open. — EH
The Glitch Mob at South Side Ballroom
Since its inception in 2006, Los Angeles electronic trio The Glitch Mob have lit up dance floors across the country with its sultry, grime-filled rhythms that are undeniable for any club kids worth his salt. — EH
A Taste of Herb at AllGood Cafe
These guys are kind of a throwback version of what you typically see from the Denton music scene. As such, this Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass tribute act can normally be found reviving the sound of the '60s around the Square — and, in the process, attracting everyone from silver foxes, college kids with beards and everything in between. Tonight, they'll bring their surprisingly faithful act to Dallas. — Porttia Portis
Epik High at South Side Music Hall
Shrouding themselves in the mystery of the K-pop phenomena, is alternative hip hop group Epik High, whose epic $80 general admission price is sure to leave potential ticket-buyers distraught in the true lack of value in this performance. Yes, $80 a pop, just for general admission. — EH
Pinata Protest at The Aardvark
The Tex-Mex punk rock band Pinata Protest is a unique fusion of accordions, drums, bass and trumpets all set to a Sex Pistol's style tempo. It's probably unlike any show you've gone to before. Check them out at The Aardvark in Fort Worth Friday night. — DV
Romeo Santos at American Airlines Center
While still a young boy growing up in the '90s, Anthony “Romeo” Santos became one of the first musicians to mix pop music with oft-vulgar, African-influenced Bachata genre of his native Dominican Republic. Now in his '30s, he finds himself perpetually atop the Billboard Latin chart and filling arenas worldwide. — CG
Shelby Lynne at Dallas City Performance Hall
This weekend, Grammy-winning, country singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne brings her Dusty Springfield-channeling catalog to the Dallas City Performance Hall in support of I Can't Imagine , her recently released 13th studio album. — EH
Slow Season at Double Wide
Visalia, California psych outfit, Slow Season, has made its way back to North Texas in support of its Mountains LP, the band's second full length. Opening is Dallas' own, equally heavy outfits Mothership, Duel and Crypt Trip. — EH
The Supervillains at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
Since 1998, St. Cloud, Florida's The Supervillian's unique blend of punk, ska and reggae has earned the band plenty of attention. This time around it'll be a crowd of eclectic area concert-goers at Gas Monkey paying them mind. — EH
Tab Benoit at Granada Theater
Benoit's a Cajun boy through and through, and the bluesman's born-on-the-bayou upbringing really comes through in all aspects of his life, from his southern-influenced sound to his lifelong efforts to preserve the swamp lands of his native Louisiana. — CG
“The Glacier Project” at The Safe Room at Texas Theatre
Amarillo-based artist Jon Revett's “The Glacier Project” installation will be on display at the theatre's Safe Room gallery through June 18, but it's good to check it out as soon as possible. The works are comprised of old album sleeves screen printed with Islamic tessellations that are grouped together to form “icebergs.” Throughout the exhibition various sleeves will be removed to represented the glaciers melting. — CG
Funeral Shoes (EP Release) at Spinster Records
One of the latest acts to hit Dallas' blooming rock 'n' roll efforts is Funeral Shoes, ex-members of The Chloes who, in the last few months, have been cooking up an EP, of which becomes a reality at this one. See what it's all about when the band performs an in-store at the lively new Spinster Records in Bishop Arts along with International Bitterness Unit. — EH
Saturday
Courtney Barnett at Dada (Sold Out)
After releasing her debut full length on Mom + Pop Music this march, Australian sweetheart Courtney Barnett is all the rage. Shows, such as this one are sold across the country in quite short order when they were announced earlier this year. Due in part to the recent success of tourmates Chastity Belt, who dropped a stellar record via Hardly Art just months ago. This will be one for the books. Like Sturgill Simpson, who played a double-header in this room last year, you can all but guarantee Barnett won't be playing a room quite so small next time she comes through. — EH
The Rolling Stones at AT&T Stadium
You can't always get what you want. Especially if what you wan't is an affordable ticket to The Rolling Stones' ZIPCODE tour stop in Arlington. It'll cost you a mortgage payment to snag one of those. — DV
Tim McGraw at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Country music darling Tim McGraw's career is reaching the 30 year mark and shows no signs of slowing down. His latest album Sundown Heaven Town debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart last year. Billy Currington and Chase Bryant open. — DV
Paul Jacobs at Meyerson Symphony Center
Covering classical masterpieces via the Meyerson's Opus100 organ is Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs. On this particular evening pieces from Bach and Mozart will be pushed to new heights when performed on the custom instrument's 4,535 pipes. — EH
PantherFest at Panther Island Pavilion
Soaking up all the buzz at PantherFest is “Slide in the City,” a massive attempt at breaking a world record with a 2,000 foot Slip-n-Slide. Beyond all that, a series of bands who call Fort Worth home will perform, among them being Shotgun Friday, a are notorious for playing just about every single brewery tour in the Metro. Artisans and restaurateurs abundant make this event both free and all ages. — EH
Bicycle Brewery Tour at T&P Station
If you've ever wanted to spend a day drinking local craft beer without getting too buzzed and having to drive home, then perhaps this bicycle brewery tour is just the ticket. This one meets up at T&P Station at 11:30 a.m. and will hit 817 breweries Rahr, Martin House and Collective. Plus, you'll be working off the extra calories along the way. — DV
The Egg Show at Doubletree Hotel
Never will you see more majestic eggs in your life, promise. Eat your heart out, Faberge. —Chrissi Chetwood
Futurebirds at The Foundry (Free)
Futurebirds hails from the musical hotbed of Athens, Georgia, a college town that has incubated acts like R.E.M., the B-52s and the Drive-by Truckers. That's not to say the band is reminiscent of any of those acts, though. Instead, Futurebirds sounds utterly unique, featuring a potent mix of psychedelia, alt-country, garage rock and folk. — Stephen Young
12th Planet at Lizard Lounge
Bringing the genres of drum and bass and dubstep to kids across the country is Bassrush, a touring mini-fest that, in this instance, features Los Angeles producer 12th Planet headlining. From 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., Dallas youth have the chance to immerse themselves in “that bass.” — EH
Medicinne & Multipass at It'll Do Club
Spinning house and techno jams all night are Dallas production duos Multipass (AKA Red Eye and Samma Lone) and Medicinne (AKA Allen Tagle and William Gelber) at the famous It'll Do Dance Club in East Dallas. It's “gonna be a proper Dallas dance party” y'all. — EH
The Damnwells at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
New York indie rockers The Damnwells recently released its fifth LP, and first to be recorded with the band's original lineup. Produced by local boy Salim Nourallah — y'know, the same guy that was behind the boards for several Old 97's discs — the new self-titled hit No. 6 on Billboard's Heat Seekers chart earlier this year. This weekend, they're at Gas Monkey with The Cliffs of Insanity. — DV
Five-Year Anniversary at The Common Table
The Common Table is turning five, a fact the uptown craft beer bar has been celebrating all week. Come sing “Happy Birthday” to them this Saturday night. They've got local bands like Emotion and The Cosmos and local Dylan tribute The Buick 6 tagging along. Not to mention, they'll have some crafty beers on tap like Ballast Point's Blackberry Sour Wench and Founder's KBS. So, raise a glass — or five. — DV
Girls Rock Dallas Happy Hour at Black Swan Saloon
Girls Rock Dallas is a local non-profit that empowers girls ages 8-17 through music education. Drop by today from 5 to 7 p.m. and drink for a good cause. Proceeds raised during that time will go to benefit the non-profit. — DV
Art Conspiracy Presents: “SKEWERED” at Life in Deep Ellum
Furthering the concept of Art Conspiracy, one of the city's most popular charitable annual art events, the people behind Art Con have curated a collection of 40-plus works to display and sell for the accessible price of $50. Local musicians Pinkish Black and Def Rain challenge their own artistic experience by way of striking sounds and visuals. Admission is $10. — EH
35 Denton Presents: New Girl Order at Dan's Silverleaf
Going ahead of the curve to get things back on track at 35 Denton, the team has assembled a $35 pass pre-sale party this weekend, which organizers are calling “New Girl Order.” Fittingly it'll include female artists such as previous 35 D performers Mydolls, Jessie Frye, Shiny Around The Edges, Wiving and more. Ticket giveaways for Transmission Events-hosted shows will also go down throughout the night. And $10 gets in for all the action. — EH
Melt-Banana at Three Links
Manic and moody Japanese noise-pop duo Melt-Banana has a way of warping reality with its shrewd, grinding guitars that figuratively drift cliff-to-cliff. Bear witness to the abnormal. Hot Nerds and Baring Teeth open. — EH
Comedy Show at Macaroni Island
Macaroni Island is hosting a comedy night of sorts. It's tough to really say exactly what it is but they are guaranteeing party-goers a glimpse of a dude named Joseph getting black-out drunk and eating an onion like an apple. It's also B.Y.O.D (bring your own dad) for some classic dad jokes. And if you have a crazy uncle with conspiracy theories, they want you to bring him as well. Also among the excitement will be face painting and party wizards, so hope your pops is down for pretty much whatever. — DV
Beer Camping at Cedar Creek Brewery
Cedar Creek Brewery is hosting a camp out with free booze and dinner from Pitmaster Tex at their location in Seven Points, TX. Bring some friends, pitch a tent and enjoy some craft beer. Proceeds from ticket prices will be donated to Open The Taps, a craft beer advocacy group in Houston. Make a night of it. — DV
Year of the Bear (Album Release) at The Boiled Owl Tavern (Free)
Local psych rock band Year of the Bear is having a record release show at The Bowled Owl Tavern in Fort Worth Saturday night. Playing first are Bummer Vacation and Blank-Men. Shows this badass don't often happen in bars this small and for free. Consider spending that cash on extra booze and local records. — DV
“We Are the Worst” at The Panhandle House
To celebrate, their recent college graduation, a couple UNT students have decided to make use of an empty warehouse on Locust in Denton to put on an exhibition where they'll display art, zines and more, set against the soundtrack of some of the city's finest new bands. There's a free keg, too. — EH
Two-Year Anniversary at 903 Brewers
903 Brewers is having an anniversary party at its location in Sherman on Saturday night with live music, food vendors and special tappings (including a coconut ale!) Tickets are on sale online or at the door. Plus, you can get a VIP ticket giving you five free beer passes and access to a swanky lounge. — DV
Bowling for Soup, The Dollyrots at House of Blues
In all likelihood, the LA-based pop-punk trio will probably whip out a few Bowling for Soup covers tonight. And we're not just saying that because this show takes place in Dallas, or the fact that BFS happens to also be playing this show. Back in 2011, the two bands covered each others' songs for a limited edition split they sold while on tour together that year. To that end, Bowling for Soup just might return the favor tonight, too. — CG
Jim Jefferies at Majestic Theatre
Offensive-yet-charming comedian Jim Jeffries is performing a gig at The Majestic Theater for one-night-only this Saturday. You may recognize the Australian funny man from the series Legit or from his many stand-up specials. His humor is geared toward alcohol, sex, drugs and all the other good stuff in life. — DV
The Art of Tim Kerr at {neighborhood}
With an Andy Warhol-like, comic book approach, former punk-rocker (he was in The Big Boys) Tim Kerr offers a unique take on modern art. He's even got some of his pieces up in the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. His pieces are culturally relevant and are meant to evoke self-expression. Catch his work Saturday night at the Bishop Arts design store {neighborhood}. — DV
Superheaven at Sons of Hermann Hall
With its sophomore album, Ours Is Chrome — released earlier this month on SideOneDummy — Philadelphia punk quartet Superheaven explores the false glamour of being a touring band, much in the way that chrome is pretty on the outside, but when broken down is considered unsightly and gross. Diamond Youth, Rozwell Kid and The News Can Wait open. — EH
Bad Blonde (EP Release) at Lola's
Fort Worth's self-described “Nirvana-meets-Motorhead” rock trio releases its new Caffeine Daze EP at this show. Leroy The Prophet, Loaded Moses, Dagger Club and Huffer open. — CG
Voly in the Park at Klyde Warren Park
The city of Dallas is full of passionate, positive people and once a year a group of them gather together for Voly In The Park, a festival dedicated to volunteering time and effort into positive projects. Here's a place, anyway, to find more new opportunities to volunteer with worthy organizations from all over North Texas. — EH
Belmont Stakes Day at Lone Star Park
With a 3-5 line (at the time of this writing) American Pharaoh is the odds on favorite to win the Belmont Stakes and become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. Hey, it could happen. If you did want to throw a few bucks on the steed, you'd have to head out to Lone Star Park's party. — CG
The Black Dotz, Party Static, Teen Slut at Double Wide
Punch-to-the-head rock revivalism will fill the smoky air at the Double Wide on Saturday night with a set from the surprisingly soulful and always lively The Black Dotz, plus synth-destroyers Teen Slut and the always fun rock 'n' roll outfit Party Static. And the Yoo-Hoo Yeehaws will flow like boxed wine. — DV
“Extravagent Rubbish” at The Ant Colony
Journey into the metamorphosis of so-called rubbish and watch it grow into innovative installations as part of Dallas sculptor's Doug Land opening reception for his latest works in which he calls “Extravagant Rubbish: Aesthetic Forms and Their Opposites”. It's free and open through July 11th at The Ant Colony in Oak Cliff. — EH
M-Line Trolley Social
The historic McKinney Avenue Trolley has been expanded, now connecting the area near The Rustic to Downtown. To celebrate, MATA is hosting a gathering throughout the many stops along the way as many businesses along the route are giving away free food and drink or offering immense discount on the aforementioned. — EH
Most Excellent Fest at 5320 Redbud Ln
In it's third installment is Most Excellent Fest, your favorite day-long house party that fails to disappoint. Still free and still in Fort Worth, this line-up includes the trending Chipper Jones from Austin along with locals Babar, The Cleanup and tons more. And $5 gets you unlimited beer. — EH
Sunday
Butch Walker at Majestic Theatre
You may not know Butch Walker, but you definitely know his music. Many of his songs have become hits for other artists like Avril Lavigne, Weezer and Pete Yorn, to name a few. Beginning his musical career in a metal band, he is now an indie-glam, power-pop one man show. He's playing The Majestic Sunday night along with Jonathan Tyler and The Dove & The Wolf. — DV
Family of the Year at Dada
Evoking a Southern California warmth in its pop sensibilities is Los Angeles quintet Family of the Year. It's a formula that works quite well, too. The band's latest hit, “Boyhood” was successful enough to rescue the bunch from impending homelessness. Valise opens. — EH
Baron Vaughn at Rubber Gloves
Gaining traction in his most recent role as Bud Bergstien on the Netflix original series Grace and Frankie, comedic actor Baron Vaughn will entertain the sleepy little Denton dive for one night only a the cost of five whole dollars — or, like half of what you paid for that Netflix subscription. — EH
20th Anniversary at Flying Saucer (Fort Worth)
Before craft beer bars were a hip thing, Flying Saucer's had more of the stuff on tap than just about anybody. Twenty years later the Fort Worth location celebrates its 20th anniversary with performances from Black Joe Lewis and Clear Plastic Masks. — CG
Active Child at Kessler Theater
Birthed out of the choirs of Philadelphia comes ethereal pop mastermind Active Child for a chilling Sunday night performance that sure to touch more than a few hearts and melt its share of minds. Reykjavík, Iceland's Low Roar opens. — EH
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 abilites 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 Jessica Dahl. — Jeremy Hughes
Ingrid Michaelson at House of Blues
To this day Michaelson still manages to hang on to her “DIY Diva” nickname, and while that tag was an fitting one several years ago when the Staten Island native's self-released, piano-driven pop tunes were scoring major placements in episodes of Grey's Anatomy and in commercials for Old Navy, she's since been embraced by main stream audiences. Her sixth studio effort, last year's Lights Out even employed the use of a half-dozen different producers. To her fans, though, she's still the self-sufficient indie-pop musician they've known all along. It's amazing what a pair of oversized prescription glasses does for one's image. — CG
AWOLNATION at Renaissance Hotel
Closed to the general public, electronic sensation AWOLNATION is slated to perform as patrons soak up the finest service the hotel has to offer all as part of the Navigator Live Series hosted by AXS.TV and Billboard. Maybe you can figure out a way to sneak in if you're resourceful enough. — EH
Jonas and Friends Play The Beatles at Truck Yard (Free)
Members of local rock outfit Goodnight Ned expand their repertoire for one afternoon only with a series of Beatles covers impossible to forget. So shake it up and groove on out for a rare performance. — EH
Dinosaurs w/ Michael Jacobs at Alamo Drafthouse
You gotta love Michael Jacobs. The popular '90s sitcom is going to be doing a Q&A at Alamo Drafthouse Sunday night in conjunction with a screening of some episodes of his '90s family sitcom Dinosaurs . You may recognize his other work, including Boy Meets World and Charles In Charge . Dinosaurs only lasted four seasons but somehow every '90s kid remembers: “Not the mama!” — DV
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
