Central Track Staff
Welcome To Dallas.
When you're a tiger cub, there's pretty much nothing better in the world than a freshly drawn bubble bath. Here's an insanely cute video that proves as much.
When you are a people, though, it takes a little bit more than a kiddie pool of sudsy water to get you so riled up. Human types need diversity in their recreation. But don't sweat it, we've found more than 60 things to keep you occupied this weekend. — Cory Graves
Friday
Aurora Dallas in Downtown Dallas
Once every two years, Downtown Dallas fully immerses itself in abstract sound and all manner of visual stimulation for its internationally recognized Aurora Dallas gatherings. It just so happens 2015 is an Aurora year, and the fourth bi-annual gathering starts this Friday. When Aurora once again attempts to “transform Downtown Dallas into an open-air, urban playground of new media art,” there will be 24 North Texas artists, 28 national and 28 international artists displaying their works throughout our creative concrete jungle. A few of this year's highlights include a performance from Francine Thirteen, a projection that uses the Wyly Theatre as a screen to project 3-D visuals, an illuminated bike ride and an art-meets-science piece from Dark Matters of Copenhagen that will “allow participants to see light in a new way, literally, working from brain research that determines how our eyes perceive light and changing the transmission method to create entirely new illusions.” — Evan Henry
Brown Sabbath at Dada
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
Lolaspalooza at Lola's
Fort its sixth annual go-round, this year's three-day Lolaspalooza will be a lookback/celebration of long gone rock bar the Wreck Room, which shut its doors back in 2007. Playing the fest's opening night will be Pinkish Black, Garuda, Goodwin, Sally Majestic, RTB2 and Impulse of Will. — CG
Total Unicorn at Rubber Gloves
Audio meets visual in this psychedlic electronic performance that'll include trippy projections and a bunch of Austinites clad in rubber unicorn masks. Def Rain and Vogue Machine open this $1 show. — CG
Dallas Comic Con Fan Days at Irving Convention Center
Though not as big as the main Comic Con event, this fan days weekend still manages to draw some pretty big stars — everyone from Khal Drogo to the Karate Kid himself. Yup, Jason Momoa and Ralph Macchio will both be there, as will Battlestar's Edward James Olmos, Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ginny Weasley, Jenna Coleman (Clara Oswald from Doctor Who) and the guy that played Jimmy Olson on Smallville. Not too shabby. — CG
Trap Sessions at The Prophet Bar
If you're anything like us, you've probably wondered at some point what happened to Paul Wall? It seemed as if he fell into obscurity almost as fast as he rose to the mainstream — that's just the nature of the music business as we've come to know it. As it turns out, though, Paul Wall turned down major label deals to create his own independent label, Paul Wall Music, with the help of friend and fellow Houston rapper, Slim Thug. These days he's developing his own music style and fan base, taking it back to basics via the underground, or so he says. He headlines this show with help from Dorrough and Kap G. — Porttia Portis
Texas Chainsaw Massacre at Inwood Theatre
Considered gory enough upon its release in 1974 that it was originally rated “X” and banned outright in some states, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre redefined the slasher genre. A 4K digital print screens Friday and Saturday at midnight. — CG
Widowspeak at The Foundry (Free)
New York indie duo Widowspeak recently released an LP that combines slowcore and dream pop in a manner interestingly enough to draw a crowd and straight forward enough so as not to distract from those that just showed up to eat chicken. Tidals opens. — CG
Brew-Haha Comedy Series at Rabbit Hole Brewing
Laugh until one of Mike Modano's trio of beers comes out of your nose at this brewery-set standup comedy series. There's not much of his limited edition Crazy No. 9 left, we hear. — CG
The Craft at Granada Theater
Come for a 19th anniversary screening of the not-too-scary Halloween flick The Craft, stay for a round of Light As a Feather, Stiff as a Board in the aisles after a few too many trips to the venue's bar. — CG
A Nightmare on Elm Street at Texas Theatre
The last film Wes Craven directed before passing away earlier this month was the very awful and upsetting fourth installment in the once-great Scream series, Scre4m. I think once a veteran director goes retro by putting the number of the film in the title, shit just goes downhill from there. But, Craven will always get a pass from me and the horror community. After all, he's created some of the best horror films of all time, not to mention one of the greatest villains, Fred Krueger, a character who's still getting sequels and reboots. A damn shame the face behind the prosthetic scars and red and greed-striped sweater, actor Robert Englund, has hung up the iconic finger-clawed glove for good. — Chase Whale
Seaton Smith at Arlington Improv
You might recognize Smith from his role playing the singularly-named standup Motif on John Mulaney's failed sitcom. Or, more likely not. The show was cancelled after 13 episodes. Still, he and his buddy Mulaney basically played fictionalized versions of themselves on the show, and you know how hilarious/successful that guy is. — CG
Downtown Dallas Tunnel Tour (Free)
For more than 30 years now, workers in Downtown Dallas have made use of the Dallas Pedestrian Network to get back and forth between their cars and the office. Known colloquially as “the tunnels,” the 36-block, three-mile network of underground tunnels and sky bridges doesn't necessarily live up to its full potential. Not everyone shares our opinion, though. Michael Sitarzewski thinks the “Over Under District” is one of the city's jewels, and is full of ideas how the network can help enrich Dallas' walkable reputation. On Friday, Sitarzewski will lead another of his free-to-attend, monthly three-hour walking tour of the tunnels, where he'll share some of his visions for the tunnels' future. — CG
Claire Morales Band, Bosque Brown, Julia Lucille, Rat Rios at Shipping & Receiving
Claire Morales wears many musical hats. It's kind of her M.O. After releasing a debut EP with the Denton indie folk outfit Old Potion in January, she followed that up just a month later with Amaranthine, a dreamy debut solo LP that brings some extra distortion into the equation. For most musicians, releasing two albums with two bands in the same year would be plenty. But rather than take the next 10 months off, Morales instead decided to record a series of covers, each one a collaboration with different musicians — among them her closest friends or other local musicians she respects. You can read more about that project, as well as an interview we did with Morales here, or just catch some of the fun in person this weekend out in Fort Worth. — EH
The Smoke! at Sons of Hermann Hall
It's the 12th annivesary of these '60s mod dance nights. They'll celebrate in the downstairs bowling alley with much dancing, a classic scooter rally and lots of soul music to shake to. — CG
Go!Zilla at Double Wide
Fuzzy Italian psych rock band Go!Zilla headline a bill that includes Fort Worth's Animal Spirit and Denton's Mink Coats. — CG
The Ben Miller Band at Three Links
New West-signed trio The Ben Miller Band consists of singer/guitarist Miller, backed by an old-timey one-string washtub bass player and a percussionist that plays washboards and spoons. Yet with this humble setup they've managed to land spots opening for bands like ZZ Top and playing dingy rock clubs like this one. — CG
John Fullbright at Kessler Theater
Born in the same small Oklahoma town that gave us Woody Guthrie, John Fullbright never shied away from his roots. He first made a name for himself performing in an annual folk fest named after Guthrie. Since, he's released a trio of albums that exude a similarly bold, rootsy style to forbearers Steve Earle and Townes Van Zandt, and his tune “Gawd Above” appeared on the August: Osage County soundtrack. — CG
Los Lobos at Gas Monkey Live
As recently pointed out by the Los Angeles Times, just over half of the acts on this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot are first-time nominees. Among them? Dallas boy Steve Miller, and East L.A. Latin rockers Los Lobos. The latter continues to make a case for itself with this weekend's Gas Monkey show. — CG
Bob Wills Fiddle Festival & Contest in Downtown Greenville
You've heard it said before, but it bears repeating; It don't matter who's in Austin, Bob Wills is still the king. Long after his passing, the originator of Texas swing, and author of the first song broadcast in outer space, remains a hero to thousands of folks, many of which will compete in this weekend-long fiddle competition. — CG
The Brainwashing of My Dad at Angelika Film Center
Premiering earlier this summer at Michael Moore's film festival, Jen Senko's close-to-home documentary chronicles the way Fox News and the so-called “vast right-wing conspiracy” turned her ex-Democrat dad into a Grade A right-wing nutjob. It screens tonight as part of the Dallas VideoFest. — CG
Playdough & DJ Sean P (Album Release) at Josey Records (Free)
Locally-based DJ/emcee combo Playgough and Sean P release their guitar-driven new LP on vinyl tonight at this party. Copies of the record will be available for purchase and free beer will be on hand for drinking during all-vinyl DJ sets from 5D and DJ Bilal. — CG
Saturday
Taylor Swift at AT&T Stadium
Just think, instead of getting down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world, you could be getting down to Taylor's sick beats. #Squad members Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes open. — CG
D-Town Throwdown in Downtown Dallas (Free)
Perhaps the single-most interesting draw of “the largest skateboarding event in the central United States” will be a downhill skateboarding race that will take place in a 13-story parking garage downtown and end with a jump over San Jacinto Street. But other features of this year's D-Town Throwdown too promise to excite — motocross and various other skateboarding exhibitions and competitions (including street course and vert ramp events), live music performances, the expected merch booths and food trucks such events now appear to require, and even a craft beer and barbecue garden sponsored by the Joule Hotel. And there's plenty more info on the spectacle here. — H. Drew Blackburn
The D.O.C.: Straight Outta Dallas at The Bomb Factory
A mere months after recording his now-legendary solo debut No One Can Do it Better, The D.O.C. was involved in a car accident that crushed his larynx. Though the derailed career didn't keep the genre's biggest names from appreciating the Ruthless Records ghostwriter in perpetuity, it remained a tragedy that the Dallas-native wasn't fully able to capitalize on the rise and success of N.W.A. in the way that he should have. Better late than never, though. Just in time to cash in on the N.W.A. biopic's popularity and a renewed interest in the group, The Fader reports that The D.O.C. has recently regained his voice. In an interview with Sirius XM's “From the Press Box to Press Row” radio show, The D.O.C. elaborated about the return of his once-commanding pipes. “About a year and a half ago, my voice started coming back on its own and, if I concentrate, I can speak with a natural speaking voice again,” he says. “I don't have the power that I had, but I have the voice. It came back. I don't know what's gonna happen. I was actually in prison when it came back.” And this weekend, he'll make a commanding return to live performance at this sure-to-be-legendary show. Erykah Badu and the guy that played Eazy-E in the movie will be there, too. — CG
The Polyphonic Spree at Granada Theater
All jokes aside, The Polyphonic Spree is one of the most important Dallas bands of the past decade. From the time Tim DeLaughter and his wife Julie agreed to assemble a band in order to open a Grandaddy/Bright Eyes bill at Gypsy Tea Room in July of 2000, the perpetually plus-sized outfit has seen some 80 members pass through their ranks, and spawning over 150 bands. This weekend, the band commemorates its 15th year together by performing that landmark debut in full. — CG
Dallas Derby Devils CHAMPS at NyTex Sports Centre
For those keeping track, tonight's final bouts of the season will see the Slaughterers and Wrecking Crew battling it out for third place and the Death Row Rumblers defending its title against the Suicide Shifters. — CG
All Time Low at South Side Ballroom
Since 2006, All Time Low has been the alternative punk-pop soundtrack to scene kids, relationships, heartbreaks, and crazy Hot Topic tweens. Just before playing this same room earlier this year, All Time Low released its new album Future Hearts, after two years of no new music. Haven't heard it yet? Don't worry: if you loved their old stuff, it sounds pretty much just like that. — Lauren Rushing
Lolaspalooza at Lola's
An one-off reunion of the original members of Slow Roosevelt will be one of the big draws on night two of this thing. Addnerim, Leroy the Prophet, Merkin, The Gideons, The Me-Thinks, Dove Hunter, Mark Growden and the School of Rock playing Wreck Room-era local hits perform as well. — CG
Tacolandia at Dallas City Hall Plaza
The Dallas Observer-sponsored fest will feature your favorite Dallas taco-slingers, including El Come Taco, Taco Stop and Le Ventana. — Porttia Portis
Texas Veggie Fair at Reverchon Park (Free)
Whether you're strict vegan, vegetarian or dabble in meat eating, the Texas Veggie Fair invites you to learn about plant-based diets and the welfare of all animals. They'll have meat alternatives to all your favorite foods, games, contests and vendors with everything from cruelty-free cleaning products to vitamins. — Diamond Victoria
Small Black, Painted Palms at Dada
With Neon Indian currently all the rage, and now Small Black headlining this Dada show, we have to ask: Is chillwave making a comeback? San Francisco's Painted Palms and Dallas' NITE open. — CG
Sealion, Wet Nurse at The Foundry (Free)
While the trio of Floridian punks in Wet Nurse like to embrace their Riot Grrrl-inspired sound, they do so without ever relying on gimmicks or lyrics that are overly schticky. It'll pair well with the sounds of Dallas' own margarita punks, Sealion, and a big plate of fried chicken. — CG
“FREAK FLAG” a Queer Exhibition and Dance at Red Light
Get more mileage out of this year's Halloween costume, or maybe just give it a test run, at this beastly dance party. There'll be a freak show on the roof and spooky DJ sets all night long. — CG
Urban Bazaar at Bishop Arts District
Been meaning to visit the Bishop Arts District and see what all the hype is about? Come support local vendors who are selling handmade and vintage goods like ceramics, soaps, clothing, artwork, coffee and tea throughout the streets of Bishop Arts. —Lauren Kuehmeier
The 4th Annual PolaWalk at The State Fair of Texas (Free)
Time to break out that Polaroid camera you bought at Urban Outfitters — but still haven't used — and head to the State Fair of Texas as the Instant Film Society will be hosting its fourth annual State Fair PolaWalk. Come rain or shine, the IFS will be walking the State Fair and taking instant photos on the widest range of Polaroid cameras you'll probably ever see. It is a ton of fun, and there's nothing quite like sharing photos with everyone at the end of the day to see what everyone's shots look like. Don't have a camera? Just grab some film and they'll have some loaners out for people to share. The IFS loves to introduce new members into the world of instant photography. Meet up with the group by Big Tex at noon and enjoy the fair in a whole new way. — Jeremy Hughes
Brett Dennen at Kessler Theater (Sold Out)
Dennen's most recent LP, Smoke and Mirrors, represents a back-to-basics approach for the old-at-heart 36-year-old — and one many critics have called his strongest effort to date. The fans seem to agree, selling this one out well ahead of show date. Andrew Belle opens. — CG
Wizards of Gore at The Rail Club
This benefit show will help raise money for Wizards of Gore frontman Bruce Corbitt's medical bills following a recent heart surgery. They should be able to bring in plenty of dough considering how badass this one looks to be. For starters Wizards (AKA the surviving members of Rigor Mortis) is going to play Rigor Mortis' self-titled debut front to back. They'll be joined by Dead Rising, Horror Cult, Protest, Creepr, Chemicaust and Rabid Flesh Eaters. — CG
Ushio and Noriko Shinohara Pop-Up Show at Kirk Hopper Fine Art
Cutie and the Boxer subjects Ushio and Norko Shinohara bring their punchy pop art to the Kirk Hopper gallery in conjunction with the DMA's current “International Pop” exhibition. — CG
Fourth Anniversary at Goodfriend (Free)
Celebrate the continuance of Casa Linda's comeuppance with sets from K. Philips, The Naptime Shake and Pearl Earl to accompany a boatload of special tappings at this fourth anniversary party for the neighborhood-anchoring beer garden and burger joint. — CG
Daniel Francis Doyle, Qui, Hammerhead at Crown and Harp
Once fronted by dick-swinging Jesus Lizard frontman David Yow, Qui now performs as a duo, still managing to make quite a racket, even as an experimental punk two-piece. Local expat Daniel Francis Doyle and '90s noise rockers Hammerhead also perform. — CG
Bubba Sparxxx at Hank's Texas Grill
After a decade of laying low and battling a severe opiate addiction, the country rap superstar and “Ms. New Booty” emcee has cleaned up his act and is ready climb his way back to the top. Thanks to his newfound healthy lifestyle, he looks a lot younger than he did when he first broke out, too. — CG
Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
The Black Crowes' career may have been built on the strength of its musicians — a unit that only grew stronger with a decade of constant touring — but it was frontman Chris Robinson's energy out front and soulful vocals that initially got them noticed. It was Robinson that benefitted most from the band's initial rise to prominence, too, as he was one of the more famous rockers on the planet in the '90s. These days he fronts a different outfit that still features a couple of Black Crowes, though his brother Rich is noticeably absent from the group. Meaning? There won't be any fistfights to speak of this time around, but there'll still be plenty of good old fashioned southern-tinged classic rock to be had. — CG
Martin Sexton at Cambridge Room
Syracuse singer-songwriter Martin Sexton couldn't figure out what direction he wanted to go with his eighth LP. He was pulled between a George Jones country thing, Zeppelin-esque classic rock and bluegrass among others. So he just decided to do it all, calling it a concept record that's like an old road trip mixtape. But isn't that what the kids like these days with their iPods and not buying complete albums like these days? — CG
Matoma at Trees
The 23-year-old Swedish pianist/tropical house producer will be at Trees this weekend spinning(?) his various modern hip-hop remixes. How very 2015. — CG
Red Fang at Gas Monkey Live
Portland stoner rock quartet Red Fang to play its loud and fast neo-classic rock. Whores, Wild Throne, Mothership, Southern Train Gypsy and The Cosmic Trigger open. — CG
The Dawn of Technicolor at Angelika Film Center
Only the biggest movie nerds need apply for this one. Not a movie per se, this one is rather an educational presentation. It's hosted by David Pierce, the man that literally wrote the book on the subject and will feature “rare photos and behind-the-scenes stills, original correspondence, and a significant amount of recently discovered film material that will be presented on high-definition digital clips from original archive prints.” Sign. Me. Up. — Javier Fuentes
Cocksucker Blues at Angelika Film Center
The unauthorized Rolling Stones doc chronicling the 1972 Exile on Main St. tour holds a special interest for the Dallas crowd, as legendary local groupie The Butter Queen who the band sings about in the album's “Rip This Joint” shows up with her trademark purse full of butter. So, um, keep your eyes peeled for that. — CG
TEDxSMU at Dallas City Performance Hall
Every child dreams their Teddy bears will one day come to life. Sadly, if Hollywood has taught us anything, it's that usually when they do they just make a bunch of marginally funny fart jokes. Seriously, toy bears aren't that funny. The street poets, Meat Fight mothers, American Idol contestants and the like speaking this weekend have a little more in their bags than gross-out humor. Hopefully, anyway. — CG
Sunday
Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival at Gexa Energy Pavilion
For a third straight year, Funny or Die's annual summertime tour, the Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival, is heads back to Dallas, yet again with some of the biggest names in the industry. Case in point? This year's headliners are Aziz Ansari and Amy Schumer are currently killing the comedy game. But wait, there's more; the fest also boasts such names as multiple Inside Amy Schumer guest Bridget Everett, Schumer's ex-beau Anthony Jeselnik, Ashley Barnhill, roast wizard Jeff Ross, The League' Nick Kroll, Nick Thune and T.J. Miller. — DV
Tom Segura at Granada Theater
How unfortunate that Tom Segura's tour lands in Dallas the same night as Oddball. On any other night the completely normal comedian, one would think, would have little trouble filling the 1,000 cap venue. On a night that a whole slew of the game's top comedians join forces to attract 20,000 people over to the fairgrounds, though, it'll be a tougher task to say the least. — CG
Wolf Alice at Trees
It seems UK indie outfit Wolf Alice is taking the world by storm and, in all the fuss, they band will be making a stop through Dallas this weekend. After playing Dada earlier this spring, they're back for another round. Fort Worth's Bummer Vacation and its new rhythm section opens. — CG
Lolaspalooza at Lola's
Pablo & the Hemphill 7, Benway, Carey Wolf & the Morning After, Jump Rope Girls, Exit 380, The Hochimen and Tame, Tame and Quiet close out this year's festival. — CG
Dallas Coffee Day at Tweed Roastery
As much as the Dallas coffee scene has growth throughout the years, you'd still be hard pressed to find many local roasters featured side-by-side outside of their respective neighborhoods. But thanks to some enterprising coffee lovers, that will soon change with the first Dallas Coffee Day, which goes down on Sunday. That day will feature a variety of cuppings, talks and demos, a full service espresso bar and “all the coffee your little heart desires!” — PP
Biker Night at Brass Tacks (Free)
Leather up, get on your bikes and ride over to Oak Cliff barbershop Brass Tacks for a rockin' good time with bands Mountain of Smoke, Orcanaut and Vicious Firs. Entry and beer are free but, um, please donate some cash to the bands. It's the right thing to do. — CG
Insane Clown Posse at South Side Ballroom
You don't have to guess where every juggalo worth their weight in Faygo in town will be tonight. So what if they have yet to figure out how magnets work, ICP has still managed to accumulate the absolute most loyal fan base in the world. Dope D.O.D., Young Wicked, P.O.D. and DJ Paul open. Fa-mo-lee. — CG
American Dreamer at Texas Theatre
One time in the '80s, a very drunk Dennis Hopper wrapped himself full of dynamite and lit the fuse in front of a crowd he gathered at Houston's Big H Speedway. He miraculously walked away unscathed, because physics, and, amazingly enough, there's video evidence even. He was a crazy motherfucker through and through, as evidenced by this long lost 1971 documentary. — CG
The Rap Year Book Signing, Q&A and Performance at Spinster Records (Free)
In recent years Shea Serrano's gone from being a middle school science teacher in south Houston who sometimes contributed rap columns to the Houston Press to being a Grantland staffer and the author of two books — thanks very much to his keen sense of humor. Those books? They'd be the just-released The Rap Year Book: The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated and Deconstructed, and 2013's Bun B's Rap Coloring and Activity Book, which is, you guessed it, a rap coloring book that the did with Bun B. At this event, he and Year Book illustrator Arturo Torres will be answering questions and signing copies of the book, and The Outfit, TX will perform. Come hang. — H. Drew Blackburn
Bottoms Up: A Burlesque Brunch at The Prophet Bar
Texas Tapas features a menu item that's little more than a hotdog weiner poking through the hole in a glazed doughnut. Needless to say, they know a thing or two about innuendo. It'll serve them well when they're cooking up foods for the first of its new burlesque brunches. — CG
2015 Cyclesomatic: PhotoVelo Scavenger Hunt at The Wild Detectives
Putting a capper on this year's Cyclesomatic observances, an Instagram-centric scavenger hunt of bike trail-related items will commence. You couldn't ask for better weather for this kind of thing, too. — CG
Our Lady Peace at House of Blues
Superman is Dead, and yet this band of '90s alt-rockers is not. How unfair is that?– CG
MC Lars, Koo Koo Kanga Roo at Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill
The nerdcore/post-punk/laptop rapper rhymes about things that really matter, like Wikipedia, texting, the works of Edgar Allan Poe and ice cream. He's also got ties to Bowling for Soup, so maybe you'll get a sighting from one of the guys at this one. Warped Tour vets Koo Koo Kanga Roo opens. — CG
Emilio at State Fair of Texas
Like regular Garth Brooks, the “Garth Brooks of Tejano” will be in town this year. Unlike fat white Brooks, Emilio will only be here one day, though. On the plus side, the show is free with admission to the Fair. — CG
To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our events page.
