... isn't over yet. The parade and block party was last Saturday, but there's still a costume contest lined up for Halloween and who knows, your Space Monkeys outfit (above) or Yahtzee dice get-up could win you some pretty impressive prizes.
Here's what to do: At 11 p.m. Saturday, be at Station 4, TMC, Sue Ellen's or JR's for the preliminary rounds. Winners move on to the finals at midnight at Station 4 and compete for one of three prize packages.
First place is two round-trip tix on American Airlines anywhere in the lower 48, plus 2 nights in any Kimpton Hotel and a few other envy-worthy goodies. Click here to see the other prize packages.
As part of Hard Rock Cafe's "Pinktober" celebration benefiting cancer support center Gilda's Club North Texas, the restaurant is silent-auctioning a black and pink guitar signed by singers Jason Mraz and Taylor Swift (above, autographing the axe). The auction is only part of the celebration: a $10 ticket gets you into the Halloween-themed party, emceed by Dallas Maverick Jason Terry. With a $30 VIP ticket, you're invited to a private reception with Terry and receive a memento signed by him and one drink coupon. The fun starts at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, and tickets are limited, so get a move on!
It's been nearly three years since Midlake's The Trials of Van Occupanther topped our 2006 year-end local-albums list and enjoyed critical praise from, oh, everybody else. So you can imagine how painful the wait for new material has been for fans of the Denton band. But today we get a glimmer of hope, if only a glimmer.
From a press release:
MIDLAKE SET TO RELEASE AMBITIOUS, ENGROSSING NEW ALBUM 'THE COURAGE OF OTHERS' - THEIR FIRST IN OVER THREE YEARS - ON FEB 2 VIA BELLA UNION
FIRST US TOUR DATES SINCE 2007 ANNOUNCED
On Feb 2, 2010 Bella Union will release the eagerly anticipated new Midlake album 'The Courage of Others,' the follow-up to the group's 2006 breakout 'The Trials of Van Occupanther.' The eleven original songs on 'Courage' were written by Tim Smith and produced by Midlake at their new custom-built studio in Denton, TX. The band's lineup remains: singer Tim Smith, Paul Alexander on bass, drummer McKenzie Smith, and guitarists Eric Pulido and Eric Nichelson.
'Courage' builds on the complex textures that made 'Van Occupanther' a touchstone, revealing breathtaking soundscapes and bygone eras. Equal parts intimate and epic, the album evokes a cloistered world of its own with dreamlike melodies, stunning vocal harmonies and ambitious arrangements.
Midlake took a two year break from the road to focus on the new album, but will tour extensively in 2010, with an initial string of dates and a return to SXSW - genesis of the 'Van Occupanther' groundswell in 2006 - already confirmed.
** Dallas bred super producers Play-n-Skillz drop their "Recession Proof" mixtape today for a nationwide release. The compilation lists all-original tracks from the Grammy Award winning brothers with exclusive guest spots from heavy hitters Slim Thug, Bun B, Talib Kweli, Tum Tum and more.
Bonus: To keep the mix even fresher, each song from "Recession Proof" will also feature an exclusive music video, starting with the braggadocios (Video: " XXPENSIVE"). Play-n-Skillz are keeping their momentum flowing after recently inking their G4 Muzik record label to a major deal with SRC/Universal. More info on the mixtape goods at www.myspace.com/playnskillz
** Last night Dorrough Music aka Mr."Ice Cream Paint Job" premiered his music video for his latest single (Video: "Wired to the T") on BET's 106 & Park TV show. The Dallas rapper is nominated for three 2009 BET Hip-Hop Awards and will perform on tonight's taped showcase (7:00pm) with Snoop Dogg, Souljah Boy and Jim Jones. There will be a BET Awards Viewing Party and B-day celebration with Dorrough tonight at 8 Lounge (1906 Greenville Ave). See "flyer".
**"The Fresh Air Tour" hits Dallas tonight with emcee Brother Ali headling at The Granada Theater (3524 Greenville). The lyricist has gained respect as a top flight rhyme spitter with the Rhymesayers crew and is currently touring 50 cities in 60 days to promote "Us" his latest hip-hop album. Also performing: Evidence, Toki Wright & BK-One. Tickets $15-20, more details at granadatheater.com
** 11-year old producer VohnBeatz, fresh from his "Red River Rap Rivalry" gig, has released a new video for his inspiring "You Are Looking Over Us" song. The cut is the first single from the talented producer/rapper's upcoming "Next Generation" EP release. Watch the video "here".
Minneapolis rapper Brother Ali is part of the Rhymesayers crew, and frequently collaborates with Atmosphere. His style harkens back to the KRS-One/Public Enemy era -- heavy on the politics, but with compelling rhymes and beats. He's joined by Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Toki Wright and DJ BK One. 8 p.m. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave. $15 and $20. 214-824-9933. granadatheater.com.
Good Records will put on its third Flaming Lips-styled Halloween bash. You'll hear the Lips' Zaireeka -- a complex package in which the multiple discs of the album are played simultaneously -- along with the band's new Embryonic, and a screening of the film Christmas on Mars. A costume contest and prizes are part of the fun. 7 p.m. 1808 Greenville Ave. Free. goodrecords.com.
Denton DJ Yeahdef presents his weekly '90s night. 10 p.m. Hailey's, 122 Mulberry St., Denton. $5 for under 21, no cover for over 21. 940-323-1160. haileysclub.com.
Disqo Disco at Fallout Lounge, hosted by Sydney Confirm DJs. 835 Exposition Drive. 10 p.m. myspace.com/disqodisco.
Futura Events presents Kenichi Tuesdays at Kenichi. $3 domestics, $4 hot sake, $5 wells and you-call-its and $150 bottles. With local DJs and go-go dancers. 10 p.m. 2400 Victory Park Lane. No cover for the downstairs bar, $5 for upstairs lounge. 214-871-8883. kenichidallas.com.
New CDs in stores today:Wolfmother's Cosmic Egg, Sting's If on a Winter's Night, Swell Season's Strict Joy, Atreyu's Congregation of the Damned, Creed's Full Circle, Tech N9ne's K.O.D., Michael Jackson's This Is It. New DVDs: Orphan, Whatever Works, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
And two notes for all basketball fans -- the Dallas Mavericks open the regular season tonight at 7:30 against the Washington Wizards at American Airlines Center. Read Skin's season preview here. And the new book from Bill Simmons (the entertaining "Sports Guy" of ESPN) is out today. Get The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy at area retailers.
Comments (0)
