What’s Cookin’ in The Cliff This Weekend?

Didn’t make it to the 12:007 a.m. opening of Skyfall? Don’t worry, neither did we. Fortunately, there are still plenty more opportunities to catch the latest Bond installment (shown on 35 mm film!) at the Texas Theatre. Because tickets will probably sell out opening weekend, arrive early or purchase them in advance here.

If broken-lawn-chair-and-warm-beer-filled block parties aren’t your thing, this weekend you have the opportunity to attend a neighborhood party that’s decidedly more upscale than most. From 7 to 10 tonight, the Friends of Stevens Park and Coombs Creek Trail will host their inaugural fundraiser at the Stevens Park Clubhouse with food, live music, and appearances by Dallas dignitaries. At $50, tickets aren’t cheap, but they cover heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and all net proceeds will go to maintaining and upgrading Stevens Park Golf Course and the Coombs Creek Trail. Register and purchase your ticket here.

Local pop/folk musician Rahim Quazi’s website says that he “writes and performs melodies more comfortable than a feather bed and [as] comfortable as your favorite sneakers.” While I’m not entirely sure what that means, I’d be willing to check him out, especially if cocktails are involved. Catch his show at 7 tonight at Bar Belmont.

From 2010 to 2011 Sara Hickman served as the Official Texas State Musician, following in the footsteps of Willie Nelson, so that probably means she’s pretty good. Catch her at the Kessler Theater at 8 p.m. tonight, with special guest Madison King.

The Hampton-Illinois Library will present a “Library Live” event featuring Alfreda Rollins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and the Oak Cliff Ball & Chain Chrocheters Guild meets at noon.

If a night of smooth jazz and soulful blues sounds as relaxing to you as it does to me, head over to the Bishop Arts Theatre Center Saturday at either 7 or 9:45 p.m. to hear Ronnie Laws and Alex Bugnon perform.

Interested in something a little more upbeat? The Kessler School in conjunction with the Kessler Theater is sponsoring the third annual Kessler City Limits event from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Le Freak, widely considered to be one of the greatest disco bands of all time, will perform, so dust off your leisure suits and get ready for some Saturday night fever. Tickets are $45; purchase them here.

Canterbury Episcopal School is holding an open house at 2 p.m. Sunday at 1708 N. Westmoreland Road in Desoto.

Metro Paws Animal Hospital is also holding an open house to celebrate their newest location in Oak Cliff. Join them from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at 1021 Fort Worth Avenue for light snacks and to welcome them to the neighborhood. This probably goes without saying, but pets are invited to join the festivities too.