Central Track Contributor
Discover the 411 with Mary J Blige.
The past few weekends have been pretty concert-heavy, but with the exception of some local shows and some performances from Asia, Mary J. Blige and Rhett Miller, this weekend isn't as strong in that arena.
Luckily, there will be plenty of other things to keep you occupied, including a Deep Ellum Outdoor Market, the one-year anniversary of the Deep Ellum Brewing Company, the nine-year anniversary of the Double Wide and, weirdly enough, auditions for Wheel of Fortune.
So maybe it's time to branch out a little bit. Do something weird.
Friday
Asia at Granada Theater
The original lineup of Asia, none of whom are from Asia, will be playing the entirety of their classic album Asia at Granada Theater (also not in Asia). The album's popularity has cooled off in the past 30 years, but maybe you could get in the “Heat of the Moment”?
Tamaryn, Boy Friend and Nervous Curtains at Dada
Between the Mexican Summer-signed, New Zealand-via-San Francisco headlining shoegazers Tamaryn, Austin dark wavers Boy Friend and Dallas' own emotive synth-goth outfit Nervous Curtains, this is clearly the place to go this weekend if you want to somberly emote in public.
Poets on X+ Present Bryan Massey III at Mighty Fine Arts
Bryan Massey III is the redneck poet extraordinaire, which are words that I never thought I'd type. Hear his spoken word, buy some of his books and then maybe give the open mic a try yourself.
DaVerse Lounge's 8-Year Showcase at Life in Deep Ellum
Two spoken word events in one night? How to choose just one to attend? Well, here's something to consider: This event is proclaiming itself to be “the most important night of spoken word in North Texas history,” which might sound kinda pompous before you notice that Def Poetry Jam alum Joaquin Zihuatanejo, Will Power (called “the best verse playwright in America” by New York Magazine), various area poetry professors and students from six area high schools and two area middle schools will all be performing at this one.
Shiny Around the Edges Record Release at Macaroni Island
Denton's Shiny Around the Edges will be releasing The Night is a Disco off of Gutterth Records at the new house venue, Macaroni Island. The show is free and all ages, so there is no reason not to go (unless you are already dead or maybe a kitten).
Deathray Davies, Sealion and Burgess Meredith at the Double Wide
Perhaps it's time to mourn the demise of La Grange with some choice local bands who were supposed to play there on this night.
The Phuss, Dixie & Diesel, and The Dangits at The Grotto
Maybe tonight it's time to go hard with the always-loud For Worth group The Phuss. See what The Phuss is about.
USO Fundraiser with Peter Mayhew
This USO show is Star Trek-themed, so it seems pretty strange that the special guest is Peter Mayhew, who you might know as Star Wars' Chewbacca. Either way: Space! Stars! Nerds unite for a good cause!
The Burbs Screening at (Future) Alamo Drafthouse
The Richardson location of Alamo Drafthouse hasn't opened yet, but that isn't stopping them from putting on an outdoor screening of the 1989 Tom Hanks comedy The Burbs tonight at Lee Harvey's. There will be beer, of course, and you're encouraged to wear robes for a “PJ fashion show.” Also, it's pet friendly. And there will be food trucks. And it's free!
Saturday
Devin The Dude at Dada
You guys know Devin the Dude, right? He's that awesome Houston rapper who loves to rap about marijuana. Wanna take bets on if he shouts out Washington and Colorado at this one?
Dallas Fetish Ball at Lizard Lounge
Pretty kinky, you guys.
Deep Ellum Brewing Company's One-Year Anniversary
In honor of their first Anniversary, Deep Ellum Brewing Company is throwing a party. A beer party! They'll be debuting an anniversary beer called the “Pollenator,” and Cody Foote and The O's will be performing in their beer garden.
Walking Dead 5K at Cedar Hill State Park
To benefit the North Texas Food Bank, Pitchfork Productions is hosting the Walking Dead Run. Have you ever seen a zombie run? Like, really run? And not just amble about while moaning? This should be good.
The Double Wide's Nine-Year Anniversary Party
The Double Wide is turning nine! Not quite double-digits, no, but what can you do? In honor of the occasion, Ishi, Quaker City Nighthawks and Foreign Fires will be performing.
Rock Lottery at Dan's Silverleaf
This is a pretty interesting concept: 25 musicians are divided into five different bands through a lottery selection, and given 12 hours to come up with some music (only one cover song is allowed). Wouldn't it be cool to see what 12 hours can create?
Wheel of Fortune Auditions at South Fork Ranch
Every wanted to be on a game show? What about a “wheel-based” game show? You can finally try your luck today at the South Fork Ranch, so long as you're “energetic” and “fun.” Stay home, surly people. Wheel of Fortune doesn't want you on the show.
Cedars Open Studio Event
If you've ever been mega-curious about what goes on inside an art studio, today is your lucky day! The artists on the Cedars are opening their doors, so you can finally satisfy your curiosity.
Deep Ellum Market
Enjoy the outdoor market and food trucks today. Also, there is something called “free zumba” from Fihankra Fitness? Ask your mom what that means.
Rhett Miller at Granada Theater
The Old 97's' Rhett Miller will be playing tonight at Granada to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It's for a good cause, but it also doesn't hurt that Miller, one of the most beloved of Dallas' local musicians, is performing.
High on Fire at Trees
Oakland's sludge metal band High on Fire just released their seventh studio album, De Vermis Mysteriis, which translates to “Mysteries of the Worm.” You have to go now, if only to see what sort of mysteries these worms are involved in.
Sunday
Brunch Gives Back at Acme F&B
Acme F&B unveiled their new brunch menu last week and, this week, they're donating $1 to the North Texas Food Bank every time someone walks in their door. Run in and out of the place many times and see what they stay true to their word!
Tilly and the Wall at Trees
Tilly and the Wall's recent release, Heavy Mood, is an interesting album — not so much in departure of content, but of context. Taking note of the political turmoil of the past year, Tilly and the Wall created an album that isn't just a dance-friendly jam, but a statement about uniting in the face of asperity.
Mary J. Blige at American Airlines Center Due to “unforeseen circumstances,” this show has been “postponed.” No reset date yet.
If you don't know who Mary J. Blige is by now, you can probably just go bury yourself alive out of shame. The nine-time Grammy winner has shaped a lot of modern R&B artists, and she's gone her entire musical career without a miss.
DJ Bay Bay at Rio Room
Rio Room's R&R Sunday weekly is back, and, this time, the chic spot welcomes K104 DJ Hollywood A Bay Bay into their space.
