Central Track ContributorDouble Your Pleasure With Yo La Tengo.
Too bad Jerry Seinfeld's tour isn't coming through town this weekend. Couldn't you just hear it?
What's the deal with this weather?!
Seriously, it's odd.
But 40 degree temperatures be damned. It's Cinco De Mayo this Sunday, and there are plenty of festivities happening around town all weekend long to get everyone out and about and enjoying a margarita.
There are also plenty of local album releases around town and even a couple bands in town in support of their hot-off-the-press releases.
Pay attention to all the madness this weekend. You might even learn something if you do.
Friday
Rodriguez and Jenny O at Winspear [SOLD OUT]
Sixto Rodriguez is a 70-year-old folk musician. Thing is, his career wasn't really anything of note after the release of a few albums, and he kinda rode off into the sunset. But then, somewhat strangely, he amassed a fanatical following in South Africa, where good career got singlehandedly revived — fairly literally, too, as some assumed he was dead. Great story, huh? The Academy thought so, too. The documentary about his return to the spotlight, Searching for Sugar Man, won Best Documentary Feature at this year's Oscars.
Ishi Album Release at the Granada
It's time for the buzziest band of the week to celebrate the pretty anticipated release of their new album, Digital Wounds . Be prepared: It's gonna be a dance-heavy night, especially with Booty Fade on the bill. Stretch.
George Clinton and the Parliment Funkadelic at the House of Blues
Is there anybody who's been keeping it as funky as George Clinton has for all these years? Never change, George. Never change.
Eddie Griffin at Addison Improv
It's kind of a shame. Eddie Griffin's one of those people who had a solid career a while ago. Y'know, a successful stand-up career, a TV show, some movies. Then something happens in the public eye and then that's all you can kinda think of. In Griffin's case, it was wrecking a $1.5 million Ferrari Enzo, of which there were only 400 made, in front plenty of TV news cameras.
Diana Krall at Verizon Theatre
Jazz singer/pianist Krall is currently touring the country in support of her latest album, Glad Rag Doll, which has been described as a testament to the classic Americana sound of the '20s and '30s.
Soul Track Mind Album Release at Live Oak Music Hall
Austin-based soul outfit Soul Track Mind is celebrating their latest release over at the Live Oak in Fort Worth.
Texas Frightmare Weekend
This weekend-long affair, self-anointed as the “Southwest's Premier Horror Convention” kicks off today. Here, you'll see plenty of special guests, including a select group of cast members from The Walking Dead, plus legendary actor/nutjob Gary Busey and one half of the famed Boondocks Saints. We're referring, of course, to Sean Patrick Flanery. Norman Reedus had to cancel his appearance, putting the kibosh on the proposed Boondocks Saints reunion set to go down at this fest.
Zia McCabe of the Dandy Warhols at Texas Theatre
After last night's show at Granada with her country band, Brush Prairie, McCabe is sticking around town to perform a DJ set tonight.
The Dwarves and The Queers at Three Links
Just a couple of legendary punk outfits playing a tiny stage, no big deal.
Saturday
Yo La Tengo at the Granada (two sets)
The legendary indie rock outfit from Hoboken, New Jersey, is doubling the pleasure and the fun this Saturday at the Granada, where they'll perform two separate shows.
Akron/Family at Dada
Back in town after a successful headlining venue show at 35 Denton, Akron/Family will be at Dada, supporting their new album, Sub Verses, which was released earlier this week.
First Day of School Class
School's just about winding down for the college kids, but for those of you who just can't get enough of the classroom or maybe want a re-do on your high school years, Saturday is the first day of Schoolclass. Not familiar with the concept? Hari Mari and the Factory Show
From what we can tell, this is a warehouse party with free admission and free drinks all in support of a summer clothes collection. Right? Works for me. Make sure to RSVP, though.
Cinco De Mayo at Hacienda on Henderson
Get out and start your Cinco De Mayo weekend celebrations with some music courtesy of DJ Sober, The Black Dotz and PVC Street Gang, among others. Also? Margaritas, duh.
Cinco De Mustache at Curtain Club
This Deep Ellum celebration features music from Dead Flowers, At Night and Paco Estrada, among others, plus works from all sorts of area visual artists.
Cinco in the City at El Fenix
Argh! There are so many Cinco De Mayo options this weekend! For El Fenix, this is their first attempt at throwing a block party on this celebrated weekend. Their aspirations? To one day make it a festival staple along the lines of Lower Greenville's St. Patrick's Day hoopla. Here's hoping.
Austere Does Neo-Woodstock at Bullseye Bike Shop
Along with putting together a neat magazine, the Austere crew is starting to make a name for itself by putting together parties. This daytime affair at Bullseye Bike Shop just outside the square offers up live music, food trucks and a photo booth to name a few of the features. Dress accordingly, though! This is a neo-Woodstock celebration, so bring your best hippie attire.
The Gorehounds at Lee Harvey's
The area's best Cramps tribute band, The Gorehounds, is coming together for special cause. A portion of this night's proceeds will be donated to raise funds to help with singer Howard Kelley's daughter's medical treatments. If you can't make it out, here's a link to donate.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Live at The Greenzone
Dallas musician and KXT radio host Paul Slavens presents his original score to the classic 1923 silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Watch Lon Cheney take the screen as Slavens, members of Home by Hovercraft and other local musicians accompany the film live.
Sunday
Jewel at Verizon Theatre
Jewel recently released two greatest hits records, so there's no shame in showing up to this one just waiting for that one song you secretly love.
