The backdrop at Zoe Muth’s performance tonight won’t be quite as striking, but it should still be a good time. 

Father’s Day is on Sunday, and if you don’t have plans for dad yet, we’ve got plenty of options. Man of Steel just happens to open this weekend, so why not take the Superman in your life to a viewing?

The Dallas County Community College District is pairing with DISD schools to provide a high-school programs showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this morning at El Centro West. It’s never too early to start thinking about college, and DCCCD provides many ways for high-school students to get a head start and begin getting college credit before they’ve even graduated.

The latest superhero installment, Man of Steel, has finally arrived, and Texas Theatre is giving you plenty of times to see it this weekend. It’s showing at 7 and 10  p.m. tonight.

Madison King performs at 8 p.m. tonight at Bar Belmont.

Try saying “Dave Alvin and the Guilty Ones” and “Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers” five times fast. Actually don’t. Anyway, both long-and-curiously named groups will perform at the Kessler Theater at 8 p.m. tonight, and if their music is anything like their names, you should be in for an entertaining evening.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

Listening to the Dunham & Miller show is as much a part of my daily routine as eating and sleeping. I’ve been a P1 since Day One; when my favorite show on The Ticket goes on vacation, life seems a little off. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard that the Courage Boys’ special “The Musers’ Salute to Fathers” episode would emanate from the Kessler Theater. Hey, I’m a father. I guess I’ll have to be at the Kessler bright and early on June 13 to receive my salute.

Kristy Krüger (Photo: Kristy Krüger)

Here’s a look at some options to help you get the new weekend (and new month!) started right.

The Charming Gardeners, who bill themselves as “Big grooves, big guitars, and a beautiful girl with a big voice,” will take the stage at Bar Belmont tonight at 8 p.m.

Paul Thorn, hailed the “Mark Twain of Americana,” is bringing his unique mix of blues and rock and roll to the Kessler Theater at 8 p.m. tonight. Bonnie Bishop opens.

Up-and-coming director Conor Allyn teamed up with his father, Rob Allyn to write the screenplay for Java Heat, a thriller about a Muslim detective team who pairs up with an American to find out the criminals behind a string of terrorist acts in Indonesia. If that sounds interesting to you, it opens at the Texas Theatre tonight at 7, followed by a showing of Animal House at 9:15 p.m. You’ll probably want to arrive in costume and stick around after Animal House ends — the toga party begins at 11 p.m.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

Guy Forsyth at The Saxon Pub in Austin last November (Photo: Brian Drake)

Here’s a look at what’s going on in your ‘hood this weekend.

If you still haven’t seen Star Trek Into Darkness, the Texas Theatre is showing the film  at 6:15 and 8:45 p.m. tonight.

Johnathan Hess will take the stage at Bar Belmont at 8 p.m. tonight.

Also at 8 p.m., Guy Forsyth will take the stage at the Kessler Theater. Josh Halverson and Brandon Bolin open.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

Joan Osborne (Photo: Brian Blauser)

 Texas Theatre is showing Star Trek Into Darkness at both 7:45 and 9 p.m. tonight.

Glen Farris and Ryan Thomas Becker will take the stage at Bar Belmont tonight at 8 p.m.

Blues singer Joan Osborne, she of the voice the New York Times dubbed “angelic ecstasy and sexual abandon,” will perform at the Kessler tonight at 8 p.m. Sara Hickman opens.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

If you think you have what it takes to give a TEDxSMU talk, auditions are open through May 31 here. Submit your best story, song poem, or whatever else fits in a 3-to-6-minute window.

The top 8-to-10 performances will be chosen to speak at the Kessler Theater on June 20. Judges will determine who moves on to present at TEDxSMU on Oct. 19. Finalists for the Kessler Theater round will be announced June 6.

If you just want to check out the talent and not compete yourself, you can come to the Kessler to watch the performances at 6 p.m. on June 20. Auditions start at 7 p.m., and tickets are $12 here.

BoDeans playing SXSW 2008 (Photo: BoDeans)

Despite today’s gloomy outlook, the weekend is supposed to be at least partially sunny, which should make for some nice patio-sippin’ weather. Here’s a look at your best options.

At 3 p.m. today at Oil and Cotton, there will be a reception for an exhibition of local students’ work. Entitled “Course Over Ground,” the artists range from toddlers to adults enrolled in the studio’s “creative exchange” program.

Sunset High School is hosting a dance concert at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

When my boss, Dan Koller, found out that I had never seen Star Trek (or Star Wars, or any other sci-fi film for that matter) before, I know he seriously, seriously questioned his judgement in hiring me. I don’t blame him for that. You’d think I would have made a beeline for the nearest Blockbuster (yes, there’s still a few left) to rent the saga, but alas…I have yet to do so (please don’t fire me for this, boss!). Texas Theatre is showing Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan at 7 p.m. tonight, so I really have no excuse not to catch up and go. The Source Family follows at 9:15 p.m.

BoDeans is playing The Kessler tonight at 8 p.m., with special guest Shannon Whitworth opening.

Keep reading for more weekend fun!

Read More…

Bob Schneider (Photo: Bob Schneider)

Cinco de Mayo is on Sunday, and since the weekend’s forecast looks sunny and warm(er), I’d suggest planting yourself on a patio with a margarita in each hand. Or that’s what I would do, if I drank. (Sidenote: who makes a good virgin margarita? Leave suggestions below, please!) Have one or five for me, but I’d skip the frozen ‘ritas, as it may still be a bit chilly for those. Here’s a look at the other events going on in your ‘hood.

It’s undeniable that some of the city’s most talented youth study at Greiner Academy, so it’s probably safe to bet that their talent show will be pretty impressive. If you’re interested in attending, it happens at 3:15 p.m. today, followed by a carnival at 5 p.m.

At 6 p.m. tonight, Oil and Cotton is hosting a closing reception for INNATE: Fibers Work, a show featuring the work of four senior undergraduate fiber arts students from UNT.

Austin’s Bob Schneider is performing two sets at The Kessler tonight, at both 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

Dan Hicks, minus the Hot Licks (Photo: Dan Hicks)

If you haven’t made plans for the weekend yet, there’s still time to schedule some fun. Here’s the roundup.

Enjoy an evening at the races with The Kessler School tonight. The derby fundraiser takes place at 6 p.m. at Lone Star Park and will include a dinner buffet and cocktails.

The uniquely-named Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks will take to the stage at 8 p.m. tonight at the Kessler to perform their unique blend of jazz, folk, country, and swing music. Carsie Blanton opens.

It’s time for Spring cleaning, and the members of Stevens Park Estates Neighborhood Association are hosting a community yard sale on Saturday. It begins at 8 a.m. and will take place in various yards in the neighborhood.

With Earth Day right around the corner, it’s only fitting that Saturday is all about the bikes. Bike Friendly Oak Cliff and Dallas Art Dealer’s Association (DADA) are hosting a “Bike Swarm” at 1:30 p.m. at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center. The event is free and open to all ages, and it will include a self-guided tour of of the art galleries in the design district.

Keep reading for more weekend fun! Read More…

Get your jazz/soul/hip-hop/funk fix with Rebirth Brass Band. (Photo: Pableaux Johnson)

Join Haley-Henman Gallery this weekend for the Trinity Groves Art Fest, a pop-up exhibition featuring 17 artists. The event kicks off at noon today and will continue through Sunday.

At 7 p.m. tonight, The Padilla Gallery is hosting a release party for up-and-coming artist Amanda Roshelle’s debut album, “Four Moons.” Roshelle just happens to be owner Daniel Padilla’s niece, so it’s obvious that creativity runs through this multi-talented family. Tonight will be Amanda’s first performance in Dallas, so head to the gallery to give her a warm welcome to The Cliff.

I can’t really think of a better program than Bishop Arts Theatre Center’s Teenagers and Theater (T-n-T) program. The organization partners with community members such as the Dallas County Juvenile Department and the truancy program at the Volunteer Center of North to provide an arena for artistic expression. The teens will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 7:30 p.m. tonight. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, supporting young artists, and providing opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them — you don’t want to miss this show. Get your tickets here.

Catch Rahim Quazi at Bar Belmont at 8 p.m. tonight.

Head to the Kessler at 8 p.m. tonight for a special night of jazz featuring New Orleans’ own Grammy-winning  Rebirth Brass Band with special guest Kristy Kruger.

Keep reading for more weekend fun!

Read More…