As part of Arts & Letters Live, and in partnership with the School of Arts & Humanities at UTD, acclaimed auther Colson Whitehead (above) will discuss his latest novel, Sag Harbor. The MacArthur genius award-winner's new book explores race and class tension at a prep school in 1985. UT Dallas Conference Center in Richardson. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. For tickets call 214-922-1818.
Photos Do Not Bend Gallery is presenting its first non-photographic exhibit. Artist and Vietnam vet Don Schol will present a series of woodblocks that evoke scenes of the war in his collection titled Vietnam Remembrances. Explore the UNT art department faculty member's expressive pieces at his opening reception. 1202 Dragon St., Suite 103. 5-8 p.m. Saturday. Free.
The fine people at Dallas' own Cufflinks.com gave us a heads up on their officially licensed Star Trek cufflinks, being released to coincide with next week's big screen relaunch. Set your phasers on stylish...
But that got our nerd knickers in a twist for more fanboy formal wear accessories. Peruse our collection of dorktastically dapper cufflinks - as well as the inaugural edition of ROROTNSB's TOTALLY RADTACULAR BONUS AWESOMENESS - after the jump.
For the next few weeks, I'll be putting together the occasional playlist to help make Quick's Big Thing voting that much more enjoyable. This one features some (not all -- sorry to those who aren't available on Lala) of the acts nominated in our Big Group and Big Solo Artist categories.
The Goldfinger Party at Kinki Lounge. During this James Bond theme party, guests will be treated to gold painted go-go dancers and a Bond girl aerialist show. Resident DJ Pyro will spin. Doors open at 8 p.m. 3606 Greenville Ave. No cover. 214-868-6943. kinkilounge.com.
Last year's rich pop-rock album by The Cut-Off, Packaged Up for Beginners, produced by Salim Nourallah, gave the Fort Worth band solid footing in the local music scene. With Whiskey Folk Ramblers and Chatterton, Friday at 9 p.m. at the Fairmount, 600 W. Magnolia Ave. in Fort Worth. Cover TBD. thefairmountlive.com. myspace.com/thecutoff.
The Great Tyrant, the ear-splitting rock band led by Daron Beck, is considered by many to be one of the best live acts in the area. See if you agree by attending one of two shows this weekend. With Suiciety and Garuda, Friday at 10 p.m. at Lola's, 2736 W. 6th St. in Fort Worth. $6. lolasfortworth.com.
Alonzo King's ο€¥LINES Ballet from San Francisco is known for its work with Shaolin monks and African tribes. The company combines a global perspective with classical ballet for a cultural and visual delight. 8 p.m. SMU McFarlin Memorial Auditorium, 6405 Boaz Lane, Suite 101. $14-$49.1-800-462-7979 or titas.org.
Access Dallas presents Naked Fridays at Mick's Bar. No dress code ... come as you are. DJ ATG spins hip-hop, dance and R&B. $3 shot specials all night. 8 p.m. 2825 Greenville Ave. No cover. 214-527-6241. myspace.com/micksbar.
Couture Cocktails vodka party at the Hotel Capri. Complimentary vodka drinks made to order from 8 to 10 p.m. DJ NVS starts at 10 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. 2020 Greenville Ave. No cover. 214-370-9944. thehotelcapri.com.
Rock Candy Friday with DJ Marvel at Glo Lounge. Free champagne for ladies until midnight. 8 p.m. 2323 N. Henderson, Suite 101. $10. 214-824-2271. glo-lounge.com.
International producer and DJ Alyson Galagna at Lizard Lounge. Proceeds will benefit AIDS Services of Dallas. Doors open at 9 p.m. 2424 Swiss Ave. $15. 214-826-4769. thelizardlounge.com.
Saturday and Sunday events after the jump, including DMB, Kenny Chesney and ... Spinal Tap?