I've been all over the nightlife map this weekend -- mostly in heels. As I slowly regain feeling in my toes, I thought I'd let you in on the fun and festivities I had ... with photos!
Dallas is having another Play Date, the adults-only event where you play games from your childhood, such as Hungry Hungry Hippos and Connect Four. Sip on a cocktail and get loosened up for some Twister. It's Saturday at the Westin City Center from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 650 N. Pearl St. $10. 214-979-9009.
I can't spend all day browsing racks at the comic book shop like I used to. And that's only partly due to a restraining order. Between two jobs, a wife, a dog, and another wife in Canton that my Dallas wife doesn't know about, I simply don't have the free time that I used to. That's why I'm digging the iPhone and iPod Touch comic book applications that have been poppin' up as of late.
About a year ago, the iTunes App Store had a pretty paltry selection of titles. But in recent months, publishers and developers have activated their Wonder Twin powers to release a wide variety of comics with great art, well-written stories, and simple, intuitive controls. Here are a few of my favorites...
The four-issue comic book prequel provides readers with a ton of back-story for J.J. Abram's upcoming big screen Star Trek reboot. It also has one of the smoothest interfaces I've put thumbs to. The trade paperback collection hits shelves next week and lists for $17.99. But at 99 scrents-a-pop, iPhone and iPod Touch users can diggity-download each digital issue and have the whole thing in their pocket for less than five bucks.
Starting this weekend, Dragonfly is fluttering around the pool once again. The Hotel Zaza lounge (above) is reopening its "Urban Oasis" poolside patio and bar Saturday night, unveiling a new decor in the process. Expect furniture in beach shades outside the pool and a richer, deeper blue inside of it. When the sun goes down, a DJ starts working his magic on the room, providing the soundtrack for cocktails and mingling out of doors.
Tonight and Saturday, noted mixologist Lucy Brennan stirs up exotic cocktails at two local events. Friday evening from 5:30 to 11 p.m., she'll set up shop at Tillman's Roadhouse in Oak Cliff. Next she'll land at PM lounge downtown creating one-of-a-kind drinks. The woman was picked as a top bartender by the likes of Food & Wine and Bon Appetit, so you may just want to stop by and sample her handcrafted concoctions.
Current American Idol David Cook's latest video has hit the Web, and in it, he's singing normally, while he and the world move backward. This technique obviously isn't anything we haven't seen before -- I can't help but think that Cook's getting into a car in the middle of a forest isn't a shout-out to a similar vid by Coldplay ("The Scientist"). But this is Cookie we're talking about here, people! The song is heartfelt and sweet, and he looks incredible throughout. I hope to hear this on the radio soon!
First, a programming note from Good Records on possible rain contingincies tomorrow:
"Obviously it is raining out there but it is supposed to clear up by 2pm or so if not earlier tomorrow...our back up plan is if it rains and we need to move bands inside from the outdoor lineup we will do next door at the vacant Beagle bar which our landlords graciously have let us you as our rain contingency plan. We will have PA set up there just in case so it should be a smooth transisition. We will be outside tomorrow just not sure if all of the day. The stage is erected already and sound will come in as planned for that stage. It is going to be a special day so get ready. Bring a red, white, and blue umbrella just in case and your ears and appetite for all things good."
We're not gonna let a little rain bother us anyway. This is a humongoid party we're talking about. One of the outdoor sets will come from Blixaboy, a.k.a. local DJ and electronic musician Wanz Dover. Dover's been busy preparing a handful of new releases to drop on the public. First up he's got a Blixaboy EP called Return to the Barrier Peaks. Here's the title track.
Blixaboy, "Return to the Barrier Peaks":
Sez Wanz, "These are my first real releases in nine years. (The Frenz's Psychomagik does not count since it was never actually released). I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I enjoyed making them."
See Blixaboy in action tomorrow at 5. Oh, and while I've got you here, you might run over to Bill's Records right now for the big birthday party. It started at noon.
Friend of Quick and KERA blogger Stephen Becker had a story about the Good Records party (and the store in general) air this morning on KERA 90.1. It's streaming at the station's Art & Seek site (a daily online destination, if y'ask me), so check it out. Becker talks to several customers about what Good Records means to them, and he runs into a member of the Boom Boom Box, which will play the party tomorrow at 4 on the outdoor stage.
Fall Out Boy & 50 Cent: If it seems like an odd pairing, that's because it is. But, hey, those who live and die by Top 40 radio won't mind. Fall Out Boy's slightly humorous pop-punk has gotten increasingly political in the past year. 50 Cent may have been wounded in his record-sales battle with Kanye, but he can still pump out some highly danceable rap tracks. With opening acts Hey Monday, Cobra Starship and All Time Low. 6:30 p.m. Nokia Theatre, 1001 Performance Place in Grand Prairie. $33.75-$41. 214-373-8000 or ticketmaster.com.
'Caddyshack': The 1980 comedy classic (clip above) is a treasure chest of quotable goodness, and featured Chevy Chase and Bill Murray at their funniest. It may be the best sports movie ever. It's certainly the best one involving a gopher puppet dancing to a Kenny Loggins song. Midnight. Inwood Theatre, 5458 W. Lovers Lane. $10. 214-764-9106.
Wine in Grapevine: All aboard the Jazz Wine Train! Grapevine's Vintage Railroad will take visitors on a scenic excursion as they enjoy a wine tasting, tasty food samples and a live jazz performance. Another train ride takes off on Saturday, which is also packed with vineyard events such as a blessing of the vines and winery tours. Train boards at 6:40 p.m., departs at 7 (also Saturday). Cotton Belt Depot, 705 S. Main St. $55 per person. 1-800-457-6338 or grapevinetexasusa.com.
No Genre night at Absinthe Lounge: DJs PWR, Cygnus, and Blixaboy explore many forms of dance music. 10 p.m. 1409 S. Lamar, Suite 8. No cover. 214-941-9338. absinthelounge.net.
Rock Candy Friday with DJ Marvel at Glo Lounge: Free champagne for the ladies until midnight. 8 p.m. 2323 N. Henderson, Suite 101. $10. 214-824-2271. glo-lounge.com.
The Molly Ringwalds at the Glass Cactus: As the name would suggest, they play the best of '80s dance. 8 p.m. 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. $8. 817-778-2800. glasscactusnightclub.com.
Allen Falkner's Birthday Bash and Freak Show at Lizard Lounge: The Lizard Man will be on hand, a man who has made his body look like a snake with tattoos, brands and a split tongue. 9 p.m. 2424 Swiss Ave. $10 for under 21. $5 for 21 and up. 214-826-4769. thelizardlounge.com.