(Staff Photos: Rick Lopez)

In April, Mayor Mike Rawlings announced a plan to revitalize the 300 block of Jefferson Boulevard.

Rawlings had hinted at a brewpub opening on that block, and this weekend, it became clear those intentions are inching closer to reality. This weekend, posters introducing the Jefferson Boulevard Small Brewpub surfaced at 333 E. Jefferson Blvd., which announced a tasting in conjunction with the Oak Cliff Film Festival.

Regrettably, I missed Friday’s event (apparently, that was not their debut), so readers, please comment away if you’ve had a taste. Brewpub isn’t the only place planning on producing spirits in North Oak Cliff. Bishop Arts Winery recently opened on Davis Street, and the Bishop Cider Co. is also set to open soon.

Read More…

The Sweat Shop owner Joshua Corona (Staff Photos: Rick Lopez)

For a few weeks now, I’ve been noticing small crowds working up a sweat inside a gritty little space on Tyler Street, just north of Jefferson Boulevard.

It turns out the place – aptly named The Sweat Shop – is hosting a grand opening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring demonstrations, nutrition shake samples, and a deejay. I stopped by last night to chat with the owner, 27-year-old Oak Cliff native Joshua Corona. Read More…

U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey will host “Congressman on Your Corner” tomorrow. Come out to the El Rio Grande on Jefferson Boulevard anytime from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Grab a free cup o’ Joe and chat with police officers tomorrow morning at the McDonald’s on Jefferson Boulevard. Councilwoman Delia Jasso is partnering with the DPD to host a new program called “Coffee with Cops.” Tomorrow will be the first such meeting, so stop by from 8 to 10 a.m.

“I hope this program builds good relationships between the neighborhood patrol officers working in District 1 and residents who live here, and I think this program will be a good model for implementing it throughout the city,” Jasso said in a statement.

Jefferson Boulevard’s longtime mecca for Tex-Mex platters and mariachi music, El Ranchito, is celebrating its 30th birthday this Wednesday. For the special occasion, managers have secured a mechanical bull (don’t worry; it’s staying in the parking lot), face-painters, and clowns for an early evening of festivities, from 3 to 6 p.m. A manager I spoke to today said they’ll also have free appetizers and margaritas. With all this, who needs cake?

Multiple lanes will close on the Jefferson Boulevard Viaduct starting at 9 p.m. Friday in preparation for the upcoming closure of the Houston Street Bridge.

Over the weekend, the corridor will be repainted to create two-way access to and from downtown. It is slated to reopen at 5 a.m. on Monday, March 11.

Closures will extend from downtown’s Young Street to Oak Cliff’s Colorado Boulevard.

Alejandro Escovedo (Photo: Marina Chavez)

I can’t believe it’s already March, but I’m definitely ready for Spring (read: warmer weather). There’s always plenty to do in The Cliff, and this weekend is no exception. Read on for a full list of entertainment options.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out DMN photo editor Guy Reynold’s “Back Alley Doors” exhibit, you’re running out of time to do so. The exhibit explores the back alleys of Jefferson Boulevard in all of their vibrant glory. It’s hard to believe that the photos were shot using just an iPhone. The closing reception starts at 7 p.m. tonight at Oak Cliff Cultural Center.

At 7 p.m. tonight, the Texas Theatre is showing documentary-comedy The Bitter Buddha, about alt-comedian Eddie Pepitone. At 9 p.m. they’re showing, Tommy, the musical film based on The Who’s 1969 album by the same name.

Husband-and-wife country duo Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis’ show at The Kessler tonight is already sold out, but if you weren’t lucky enough to snag tickets you can get their latest collaboration here.

A regular on local stages, Rahim Quazi will perform tonight at 8 p.m. at Bar Belmont.

More weekend fun after the jump!

Read More…

(Photo: Oscar.go.com)

A couple of beloved venues are celebrating the little golden guy this Sunday. Read More…

No, that’s not a mistake. The legendary actress is making a guest appearance at Texas Theatre tonight for TMC’s “Road to Hollywood” tour, leading up to  the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood this April. Dickinson and TCM host Ben Mankiewicz will be there for a free screening of “Rio Bravo.” Details here. Tell us about your favorite movie starring Dickinson.

Here’s some happy Valentine’s Day news for you art aficionados: The Jefferson Boulevard Viaduct is one step closer to getting a colorful makeover.

The city’s Public Art Committee approved Carlos Donjuan’s mural designs on Feb. 5, and if the Cultural Affairs Commission gives him the green light on Feb. 21, Donjuan can officially begin his masterpiece on the connection from Oak Cliff to downtown.

Jefferson Boulevard is about to get more traffic with the upcoming closure of the Houston Street Bridge, so maybe this mural will make the crowded commute a little more cheerful.

Pick up a copy of this week’s issue Oak Cliff People to read Georgia Fisher’s story about the project and to see a sneak peek of the approved designs.