Central Track Contributor
You Know John Oates Is On Your List Of The Best Things In Life.
Tonight, Dallas is alive with the sound of music. And it comes in all shapes, sizes and varieties, hosted in venues to match. From the glossy pop at The Granada, the listening room experience of a time-tested industry vet out in Fort Worth, an underground buzz act in the no-frills room at Bryan Street Tavern, a mysterious, up-and-coming R&B sensation at House of Blues or a symphony performing selections from a video game, there is something out there to suit everyone's tastes.
The Rocket Summer at Granada Theater
The last time mid-cities product Bryce Avary held a Rocket Summer CD release show at the Granada, people started lining up at 3 p.m. just to make sure they'd have a good spot up close for the show several hours later. Our favorites were the ones wearing those “The Bryce is Right” shirts that they'd made using Sharpies.
John Oates at Live Oak Music Hall
We were fortunate enough to make it out to The Live Oak's soft opening a few weeks back. Simply put, the place is gorgeous with a sound system to match. The venue opens its doors tonight for its first official show. We consider John Oates' appearance on the bill a make-good for that failed Denton Country Proper imbroglio back in November.
Dent May at Bryan Street Tavern
When Dent May released his first full-length LP back in '09, he pulled off something of a major feat. He made us realize that a ukulele could, indeed, sound “magnificent.” Although his current effort is a more synth-based R&B effort completely devoid of the beloved uke, his southern charms still remain intact. Just think: If he could make us feel so enamored with a ukulele, imagine what he could do with a more conventionally adored setup.
The Weeknd at House of Blues
It's a weird concept that we've grown accustomed to, the idea that, if nobody knows who is responsible for a song, it's somehow more enjoyable. The shroud-yourself-in-mystery tactic worked rather swimmingly for Canada's The Weeknd, who have been wholeheartedly embraced by the PBR&B generation.
Final Fantasy with the DSO
The last time the DSO performed music from a video game series — the orchestra performed selections from The Legend of Zelda back in January — throngs of geeks dressed head-to-toe in Link garb snatched the tickets up pretty quick. Susan Calloway, who provides vocals in the latest Final Fantasy game will be on hand to perform works spanning throughout the franchise.
