Central Track Staff
Everybody Look.
You may feel like you’re a lover of all things cheese, but I’m not so sure. Think you’re a cheese expert? This quiz just might prove you wrong.
You may also feel like you’re a lover of weekends but, again, I’m not convinced. Think you’re an expert on how to make the most out of these next three days? The following list of goings on just might prove you wrong. — Cory Graves
Friday
Oaktopia Fest in Denton
It hasn’t even gone down yet this year, and there are already some people calling Oaktopia the best music festival North Texas will see this year. Hey, we get it: With a lineup of Norah Jones, Beirut, Rae Sremmurd, Dr. Dog, Best Coast, Cat Power, Wavves, Andrew W.K., Lee Fields, The Whigs and more spread out across the fest’s three days, it’s hard to argue any different. — CG
Oddball Comedy & Curiosity Festival at Gexa Energy Pavilion
Funny or Die’s comedy tour of the century is back with its weakest lineup to date. Headlining this mega tour is Dane Cook and Sebastian Maniscalco, with opening sets from the much funnier Ali Wong, Bobby Lee, local girl Iliza Shlesinger, Jermaine Fowler and Tom Segura. — CG
Troy Cartwright Album Pre-Release Party at Magnolia Motor Lounge
Jack Ingram just released his stunning comeback album a couple weeks back. And next week, the next Jack Ingram, fellow local boy Troy Cartwright will release a new EP of his own that similarly rides the fence post between commercial viability and honest to goodness singer-songwriting. Celebrate that fact a little early at this one. — CG
Grandtheft at Lizard Lounge
The official DJ of the 2010 Winter Olympics will serve as the official DJ for this dance party. — CG
Brew-Haha Comedy Series at Shannon Brewing
Laugh until Irish brews come out of your nose, as Paul Varghese, Seth Cowles and Lawrence Rosales continue the fall round of the brewery-set comedy series. — CG
Reimagine Crowdus
The experiment continues, as the pop-up park hosts swing dancing lessons, country dancing lessons and throws an early Christmas party. — CG
Joketopia at Campus Theatre
Taylor Higginbotham saw a need — more opportunities to perform for the stand-up comics in Denton — and helped fill it. In fact, he donated his own backyard in support of the cause. His persistence in building up the comedy scene in Denton has caught the eye of promoters and artists in the area — he was asked to assemble a group of comedians for the last show at the Ol’ Dirty Basement at J&J’s Pizza (full disclosure: I was one of those comics), and he’s been asked to put together a stand-up showcase for this year’s Oaktopia (that showcase, Joketopia, will be held in the Campus Theatre on Friday, September 23 (full disclosure: I’m one of the comics on this show as well). — Alex Gaskin
NEONNOAH (EP Release) at The Prophet Bar
Originally from four different states, NEONNOAH’s four members feel like they’ve really started to gel since living together in Dallas’ Bella Vita apartment complex. And, they say, it shows in the collaborative feel of their new Bella Vita EP, which earns its release this weekend. — CG
Alice in Chains at WinStar World Casino
Say what you will about Alice in Chains, but the ’90s alt rockers are unquestionably one of the few acts left over from their era still able to deliver a quality live product. Somewhat shockingly, the new look Alice in Chains is arguably just as much a force to be reckoned with these days as it was in its prime (read: prior to frontman Layne Staley’s passing in 2002.) In fact, we’ll just go ahead and put it out there that its 2013 release, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, was one of that year’s best. — CG
Colvin & Earle at Majestic Theatre
The “Sunny Came Home” singer and the heroin junkie from The Wire have finally put out a collaborative album together. Why has it taken this long?! — CG
Androgynous, Panic, Cheers For Fears at Granada Theater
Dead Flowers’ Replacement tribute alter ego will be joined by Smiths/Morrissey and Tears for Fears tributes here. — CG
Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward (Album Release) at City Tavern
There’s been a live acoustic record and a couple of Apology EPs that have come out between, but RP50PR hasn’t put out a formal LP since 2008 sophomore effort, The Lonesome Dirge. Since then, several members have come and gone — and come back temporarily to help record its new Bomber Heights LP with Matt Pence at Echo Lab. Even a couple Turnpike Troubadours are thrown in for good measure. Celebrate the long-coming record here. — CG
Tribute Show: Billy Joel + Neil Young at Harvest House (Free)
The Daniel Markham band, along with guest pianist Scott Danbom (Centro-matic) cover the tunes of Billy Joel with bassist Tony Ferraro taking lead duties. Then Markham takes back over while most of the same dudes cover Young’s 1969 album Everybody Knows This is Nowhere in full. — CG
Nervous Curtains, North By North, CLIFFFS at Double Wide
Doors-ian Chicago keys/bass/drums blues rock trio, North by North hits Dallas on its current tour. Dallas keys/keys/bass trio Nervous Curtains and guitar/bass/drums trio CLIFFFS also perform. — CG
Migrant Kids, Native Fox, Paper Saints at Aqua Lab Sound Recordings
The Deep Ellum recording studio known for its pro quality and DIY ethos hosts dreamy pop rock courtesy of Austin’s Migrant Kids, along with Native Fox and Paper Saints. A $5 donation is suggested. — CG
IAMX at Dada
Not to be confused with IMAX, IAMX is the newest project from Chris Corner, the former frontman of the classic British trip-hop outfit, Sneaker Pimps. These days, Corner’s traversing darker, more sexually androgynous waters. He’s still rocking a sweet synth-based sound, though. — H. Drew Blackburn
Kitty in a Casket at Three Links
Put another shrimp on the barbie, because Austrian horror punks Kitty in a Casket are back on our shores. Just Another Monster and Revolucion Oi! open. — CG
Rocky Votolato at The Live Oak
The Alternative Press described Rocky Votolato’s latest album as “the disc Ryan Adams keeps threatening to make but never quite delivers.” This Texas native has spent most of his life in Seattle, where he has helped build a genre that could be described as folky-indie punk. In fact, he celebrates 10 years of doing that with this tour. — Diamond Victoria
James Blake at House of Blues
Haunting British electro-pop singer-songwriter Blake kicks of his North American tour right here in Dallas, and just a couple days after this mesmerizing performance on Late Night With Seth Meyers. Moses Sumney opens. — CG
Urizen at Trees
On tour in New Orleans earlier this year, Urizen bassist Rustin Luther found out that he has an inoperable, incurable brain tumor. To put it bluntly: He’s dying. Not one to cry about it, he returns to the stage tonight as his band headlines this show. The Dread Crew Of Oddwood, Tricounty Terror, Triple SP and Fenris open. — CG
“2wo Hundred” at Kettle Art
Deep Ellum’s best known art gallery celebrates its 200th exhibition with a blowout that includes examples of works spanning 11 years of shows it has put on. It runs through October 15. — CG
Saturday
Oaktopia in Denton
Do go to Oaktopia. Don’t go to these things. — CG
Smoked BBQ and Music Fest at Main Street Garden Park
The deliciously-curated, music-infused barbecue festival is back. Smoked Dallas will feature food offerings from 16 different pitmasters from across the immediate region and beyond, among them Blacks, Cattleack, Heim and Hutchins. There’ll also be a number of celebrity chefs on hand, and performances from bands like the Toadies, Shinyribs, Dirty River Boys, The Roomsounds, Madison King and barbecue-infused rockers Dean Fearing’s Lost Coyote. — Porttia Portis
Ray LaMontagne at South Side Ballroom (Sold Out)
Earlier this week, LaMontagne cancelled his Austin gig, citing fear for his safety performing on the UT Campus seeing as how the state’s got itself a new open carry law allowing guns on campus. But South Side gets 51 percent of its income from alcohol sales, though, so it’s illegal to carry there, meaning the show will probably go on. — CG
Stereo On Strike Robot Dance Party at The Nines
Convextion, 214 and Blixaboy all have new LPs out on boutique Euro labels. For his birthday, Wanz Dover is flying two of those in to help celebrate. He’s the third. Gina G, VJ S(eye), Vector Vision, Ernesto Iker and Hampton Mills will all be there, too. It’s his present to you. — CG
Reimagine Crowdus
A New Year’s Eve party and a yoga class are both on the docket for today. — CG
Mouth Full of Words: Paella Master Class at The Wild Detectives
Spanish chef Iñaki Aizpitarte will be in the house — or, in the backyard, rather — showing the proper way to cook authentic paella, the way he does in his San Sebastian restaurant. The event is free, but portions will be sold only for the short time they last. — CG
A Town Called Panic at Texas Theatre
Three plastic toys and an assortment of action figures star in this stop-motion animated French comedy. It’s just one of four films screening today as part of Art House Theater Day. — CG
Plano Balloon Festival at
We’d tell you to go to this thing, but then again, we’re just full of hot air. — CG
Fall Friends of the Santa Fe Trail Bike Ride & Pub Crawl at Local Hub
Did you know Local Hub rents bikes? The do, and it makes for a perfect date scenario. Pick one up (or ride your own) and following along this two-wheeled pub ride that’ll hit up BrainDead and several other spots on the way to The Lot. — CG
Rockwall Rubber Duck Regatta at The Harbor Rockwall
Thousands of rubber duckies, one harbor, much spectacle. — CG
Chainsaws ‘N’ Stuff at Magnolia Motor Lounge
Chainsaiw carvers, leather masters and other hand crafted artisanry up for grabs. — CG
Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Land Cruise at Strauss Square
Perennial sideman and songwriter, McClinton, was eventually able to carve out a pretty successful solo career, charting several albums and singles of his own. His longevity, musicianship, and consistency have made him a legend in the roots community. He’s also said to have taught John Lennon the distinctive harmonica sound made famous in songs like “Love Me Do.” Before embarking on his next cruise out of Tampa in January, he headlines this cruise-themed show in landlocked Dallas. — CG
Fur Ball at Omni Dallas
This is a fur ball you won’t get mad about! The SPCA is hosting their annual Fur Ball Gala at the Omni Hotel Dallas. It’s a benefit to raise money for injured, homeless and abandoned animals around town. It’s a black tie dinner and there’ll be silent auctions. It’s your chance to donate to a good cause and have some fun! — DV
Dallas Derby Devils Championships at NyTex Sports Centre
The Wrecking Crew and the Slaughterers battle it out for first place. Two teams will enter, two teams will leave, except one will be the new roller derby champs. — CG
Counting Crows, Rob Thomas at Allen Event Center
Pass me a bottle, Mr. Jones, because it’s 3 a.m. and I must be lonely. — CG
Chefs for Farmers Street Food Night Market in the Design District
Before this year’s main event, the farmer-loving local chefs serve up street foods inspired by countries all over the globe as part of this pop-up night market. — CG
Whiskey Folk Ramblers 10-Year Anniversary at Lola’s Trailer Park
Whiskey Folk’s been around so long, the band’s kids have their own bands. To wit, as his own band celebrates its 10-year anniversary, bassist Jack Russell’s offspring will help open up as part of up-and-coming punk outfit Vegan Shark. Rad! — CG
Glen Hansard at Majestic Theatre
Half of The Swell Season is in town this Saturday, doing the ol’ Irish folk thing. — CG
Bibi Bourelly at Dada
The 21-year-old German singer that co-wrote Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money,” headlines Dada. You owe it to her to show up and support, so pay up. PJ and Zyah open, like brrap, brrap, brrap. — CG
Cymbals Eat Guitars, Field Mouse, Wildhoney at Three Links
Last week, Staten Island rockers Cymbals Eat Guitars released its follow-up to 2014’s LOSE LP. While that one was about an old friend that had died, this new one is a hook-filled ode to being alive. You’re still here, too, something worth appreciating and really celebrating this weekend. — CG
David Allan Coe at Billy Bob’s
David Allan Coe is one of the original outlaws of country music, and was once regarded right up there with such legends as Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. He blazed his own trail, writing unique songs commentating on country music and straying away from its traditional tropes, and inspired numerous country musicians to come. And the rebellious rapscallion has got as many old stories and songs about his wild past as one would expect. — Paul Wedding
The Oh Hellos at Granada Theater
Indie in the truest sense of the word, brother-sister San Marcos indie folk duo have landed placements on plenty of television shows and been invited onto plenty of festival bills — like last year’s KXT Summer Cut — all on their own. They’re even able to open one of the bigger rooms in town. The Fox & the Bird opens. — CG
Pantego Fest at 2223 W. Park Row
You should never, ever go to Pantego. — Joshua Fleming
Texas Mutiny at Texas Motor Speedway
Oh so many festivals in town this weekend! This one includes Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, Chevelle, Pierce the Veil, HellYeah, Of Mice & Men, Ghost, Candlebox, Nothing More, Starset, The Amity Affliction and several others play this one. — CG
Young Guns at The Prophet Bar
Now that they’re through with Warped Tour, British alt-rockers Young Guns have released thier latest anthemic LP. Citizen Zero, Onearth and rebels and stars open. — CG
Crued and Tattooed at Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill
In its later years, Motley Crue was famous for bringing along a giant roller coaster, which drummer Tommy Lee rode while plying his craft. And now, this local Crue tribute band is ready to introduce a smaller scale version of this same gimmick into its setup. For fuckin’ real. Talk about committing to the bit. Ozzy and Foreigner tributes also perform. — CG
Sunday
Prophets of Rage at Gexa Energy Pavilion
What’s left of Rage Against the Machine plus Public Enemy’s Chuck D and DJ Lord and Cypress Hill’s B-Real equals a supergroup not quite as kickass as the sum of its parts. Still, they’re plenty outspoken and rage-filled, which is something desperately needed in these times. — CG
Chefs for Farmers at Lee Park
Dozens of the city’s top chefs support the farm to table movement with this fifth annual charity dinner and culinary celebration. It’s $100 a head, but it’s for a good cause — and good food. — CG
Brunch on Broadway: Rent at Winspear Opera House
The 20th anniversary of one of Broadway’s longest running shows brings Rent to town. It’s over at the Winspear through the first week of October. Celebrate its run the Dallas way, with some brunch and a screening of the 2005 Hollywood adaptation. — CG
Reimagine Crowdus
Find a new fur buddy to take home, as the pop-up park gets invaded by animals up for adoption. — CG
Pinata Protest at Three Links
San Antonio Tejano/thrash-punk hybrid Pinata Protest is as encapsulating aurally as it is visually. Ever seen a crowd slam dance in front of a guy playing the accordion? You more than likely will see just that at this one. And a less remarkable opening band featuring yours truly. — CG
Oktoberfest at Goodfriend
For its first foray into Oktoberfesting, Goodfriend is tenting off the parking lot and doing it big. Franconia’s bringing the beer, bands like Hell, Texas will play and cheese/pretzels and brats from The Blind Butcher will be served up. Prost! — CG
Concert Across America to End Gun Violence at Dan’s Silverleaf
The Isaac Hoskins Band, Brent Best, Kelly Upshaw, Little Jack Melody, Dim Locator, Frank Ponecall and Matt Grigsby play this one. Because good guys with guitars are the only way to stop bad guys with guns. Well, one of the ways. It’s a start. — CG
OPP: Other People’s Poetry Presents Rainer Marie Rilke at Deep Vellum Books
One poet will read several poems by several members of the dead poet’s society, y’know, ’cause they can’t read their own stuff, due to the whole having croaked thing. Still, poetry’s a beautiful thing and these cats are hoping you’ll learn to love it. — CG
Bliss, Same Brain, Sub-Sahara, Vegan Shark at Carnival Barker’s
Some punk bands play punk sets on the sidewalk out front of Dallas’ only punk rock ice cream shop. It don’t get much more punk than that. BYOB and buy some ice cream ya chumps. — CG
Gucci Mane at Park Avenue
Gucci Mane’s four-month house arrest expired this week, and hours later he blew $10K at a New York strip club. Now he looks to recoup a little with this performance and others like it. — CG
Sick Puppies at Trees
Sick Puppies’ first taste of fame came after its song “All the Same” became synonymous with Australia’s controversial random acts of kindness movement — the noted Free Hugs campaign — back in 2006. More recently, the band composed that “whoah-oh-whoah-oh-oh-oh” song for the Dallas Stars’ 2015-16 campaign. — Jordyn Walter
Final Hurrah at White Rock Skate Car
Lace ’em up and grab the hand of that special someone for one last couples skate at this retro-feeling skate rink before it closes. — CG
Bowie Blast at Shipping and Receiving
Musicians from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra are paying tribute to David Bowie? Let’s dance! Wham, bam, thank you ma’am. — CG