Archive | August, 2011

Naturally Isis presents The Natural Hair Parade & Festival sponsored by Erykah Badu

31 Aug

This Labor Day Weekend don’t call Tyrone, but instead hit up his bare-all boo Erykah Badu and her good friend Isis Brantly owner of Naturally Isis who are presenting the 2011 Natural Hair Parade and Festival! On September 3rd Dallas native Erykah Badu won’t be strolling down Dealey Plaza naked this time but Illinois to Beckley in her “normal” natural state rather. Badu (as well as the Institute of Ancestal Braiding) is sponsoring this Free event which is a celebration of both natural hair and African economic power. Isis Brantley is the first entrepreneur to own a natural braiding salon in the DFW area and she continue advocating economic empowerment and pride within the African American community of North Texas. Isis is the brains behind The Natural Hair Parade and Festival set to take place on September 3rd at the Wynnewood Shopping Center located at 655 W. Illinois Ave. The parade will continue on down to the Naturally Isis Beckley location found at 2642 S. Beckley.

The parade and festival will include: Happy Hair Village, vendors, Grooming and natural hair demonstration, a hair show and other fun activities for the community!

Natural Hair & Parade Festival Schedule

8:30am – Parade Assembles at Wynnewood Shopping Center
10:30am – Parade Commences
12:00pm – Festival Begins (Naturally Isis and Beckley Saner Park)
5:00pm – Festival Ends

Isis’ Window-Seat supporter has put her frequent flyer miles on hold for a couple days and challenged her friend to get 400 people to march and participate in the parade. She will be speaking at the event as well. Let’s hope they’ll ALL be fully clothed, but we can certainly expect some eccentric natural hair styles to compliment the streets of Oak Cliff/Dallas. Isis says they chose September 3rd as the date of The Natural Hair Parade and Festival because “it is a labor of love”. Tell your friends and loved ones about this unique Labor Day Weekend event and when Tweeting about it mention the hashtags: #NaturalHair and #LaborofLove. If you’d like more information on sponsorship and exhibitors click here, as The Natural Parade and Festival is still open to more. Late registration is $150, and you can also donate or make payment here.To volunteer contact Naturallyisis@yahoo.com or call 214-329-3820.

About $38 million is spent monthly on natural hair care & hair care products

<This past June we had the NBA Championship parade through downtown, but now Dallas is Pleased to host the Nation’s First World Natural Hair Parade and Festival September 3rd starting at 10am!

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How Sweet the Sound Dallas 2011

31 Aug

Verizon’s annual How Sweet The Sound experience will be at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on September 15th at 7:30pm. Area choirs and gospel celebrities come together under one roof but the same stage for an amazing evening of praise. It’s like Sunday’s Best but on a choir level as they search for the best choirs in America. The performances made by these Texas gospel choirs are ones that you won’t want to miss (especially if you’re a big Gospel/choir fan) as they compete to win the yearly choir competition. Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” is hosted by Donald Lawrence and Dorinda Clark-Cole, with one of my own favorite Gospel artists, Marvin Sapp who will be performing as well as judging. Here are some of the choirs participating in Dallas’ How Sweet the Sound 2011:

For the Large choir category:

United Voices of Concord (Concord Church- Dallas)
St. John Music Ministry (St. John Baptist Church- Grand Prairie)
God’s Tabernacle of Deliverance Bishop’s Choir (God’s Tabernacle of Deliverance- DeSoto)
Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir (Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church- Forest Hill)

In the Small/Medium Choir category:

Bethel Tabernacle Choir (Bethel Tabernacle – Houston)
Christ Church Concert Chorale (Christ Church Apostolic- Houston)
Inspiring Voices (Inspiring Temple of Praise Church – Fort Worth)
The Levites (Greater Emmanuel Family Worship Center- Houston)

The program begins at 7:30pm but doors will open at 6pm! Tickets to How Sweet The Sound Dallas can be purchased here. They’re also available for only $10 and/or $15 (not including fees) at the AAC Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com. Some of the other stops How Sweet The Sound will be making this month include: Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington D.C., Detroit, St. Louis, Chicago, LA & Oakland!

Hosted by Donald Lawrence

Even if you can’t attend How Sweet the Sound live you can still vote for the choir of your choice here! Just follow the instructions and stay tuned for the V Cast People’s Choice Award winner at each regional show! I may be slightly biased but DFW has some of the best gospel choirs in the nation. If you’d like to be a part of this event get your ticket, take some friends or even your own church choir as Marvin Sapp and other gospel choirs rock the house and turn the American Airlines Center into a supersized sanctuary on Thursday, September 15th! Remember online voting is only from August 17th to August 31st! Support your local choirs and see How Sweet the Sound really is 🙂


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Oktoberfest 2011 Addison

26 Aug

Ever wonder why Oktoberfest is always in September?! I don’t know about you, but I just always noticed that! It turns out that they schedule the Addison Oktoberfest at this time to coincide with the opening of the world-renown Oktoberfest celebration IN Munich. It is a 16-day festival which ends on the first weekend in October. More than 5 million people attend the famous event held in Germany each year as it is an important part of Bavarian culture. (You get the opportunity to enter to win a free trip for 2 to the 2012 Munich Oktoberfest!) Free Fact: The original Oktoberfest occurred in Munich on Oct. 12, 1810.

This Festival is one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations outside of Munich! For years Addison has been recognized for both it’s great 4th of July Fireworks display and their annual Oktoberfest which attracts more than 60,000 fans. According to USA Today Addison Oktoberfest is listed as one of the Top 10 Oktoberfests in North America!

Don't come half-steppin' - FRESH

The dates for Addison Oktoberfest 2011 are September 15 – 18. It always begins on a Thursday and ends on a Sunday.

Tickets can be purchased at a discount price from any DFW Albertsons for $5. Gate admission for the entire weekend are as follows:

Thursday 9/15, 6pm – 11pm: FREE
Friday, 9/16, 6pm – Midnight: $10
Saturday, 9/17, Noon – 5pm: $5
Saturday, 9/17, 5pm – Midnight: $10
Sunday, 9/18, Noon – 5pm: $5

What can you expect at Oktoberfest?
Traditional German food and beverages, Authentic Munich beer, Arts & Crafts vendors, Live entertainment in the Family Fun Zone (i.e. obstacle courses, slide, bounce house, etc.) Outdoor Music and folk-dancing, Carnival rides, midway games, wine tasting.

Bavarian Pretzels

One tip of advice: If you’d like to go early one day and come back in the evening with more frieds, just make sure to have your hand stamped before you leave and you can return free of charge that same day. Whether you go Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Oktoberfest at Addison Circle is something you should experience at least ONCE in your life! Learn more about the German culture and have a great time with the entire family. The food is delicious by the way! I can’t begin to describe all of it. It’s just something you have to experience but expect a LOT of starch and meat!

It's not a festival without Funnel Cake

Addison Oktoberfest will kick off with the Addison Oktoberfest Run for the Children 5K/1M to support Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. You can run, walk, start your own team or volunteer Saturday Sept 17th at 8/8:30am. For more information on the 26th Annual Tom Thumb WOKC Run for the Children click here!

Oktoberfest Location:
Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle Drive

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Dallas Arboretum 2011 Fall Concerts Sept 4 – Oct 27

25 Aug

Summer is very slowly coming to a close but the Dallas Arboretum’s Fall Concert series are just revving up. Sometimes even after we’ve changed seasons, it still feels summer-like in North Texas, but what better time to attend more outdoor concerts than in the fall when the temperatures are just right. Concerts at the Arboretum ran through spring and summer months, and now after a few weeks to break, the return in September with the 2011 Line-up. All throughout September and October Concerts at the Arboretum will take place on a weekly bases from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. So in addition to being the perfect park setting with the array of flowers, trees and even the nearby lake, the Dallas Arboretum is providing you with Live music by various bands. These are Free concerts, but will be worth your money for the entire family to attend and maybe even picnic together. The typical ticket prices for non-members are: $17 for kids (ages 3-13) and $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online, and all tickets are checked upon entry to the gardens. Season passes and Genre passes are also available. The Fall Thursdays Season pass gets you into 7 performances at $105 (non-members) or $42 for members.

Concerts at the Aboretum start back up Sept 4

The fall version of Concerts at the Arboretum will kick off with a Labor Day weekend Concert (& Picnic) at 7pm featuring the “kings of Texas swing” Asleep at the Wheel. Sunday September 4th it all begins at the Dallas Arboretum. After that the concerts will be every Thursday, throughout the months of September and October. Gates open at 6pm so you can grab your spots early and get all set up with your mats, blankets, picnic items, etc. The Dallas Arboretum is located at: 8528 Garland Road, Dallas 75218.

FALL SCHEDULE

September
Sunday, 9/4…..…Asleep at the Wheel (Swing music)
Thurs, 9/15…….Hard Night’s Day (Beatles Tribute)
Thur, 9/22…….Dallas Unlimited (Top Hits of the Decades)
Thur, 9/29……..Max Stalling (Country Singer/Songwriter)

October
Thur, 10/6………Blaze of Glory (Bon Jovi Tribute)
Thur, 10/13.…….4 Way Street (CSNY Tribute)
Thur, 10/20…….Signed, Sealed Delivered (Party and Dance Hits)
Thur, 10/27………Micky & the Motorcars (Texas Country)

During one of my shoots earlier this year at the Arboretum

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CSC North Texas ONE RUN | Inaugural Cancer Support Community 5K Run/ 1K Walk

23 Aug

September 10th 2011 marks an important day in history. It is the day that the Cancer Support Community North Texas (aka Gilda’s Club) has their Inaugural One Run! On Saturday 9/10, our unique North Texas community of cancer survivors, fighters and supporters will gather for a 5K Run/ 1K Walk and 100 Yard Children’s Dribble & Dash at Reverchon Park in Dallas. The ONE RUN unites all cancer diagnoses and survivors of cancer into one event. Teams and race participants of specific diagnosis will be identified during the race too. If you’d like to create your own team with family and friends you can do so as well. There are already some really cool teams signed up. To register for the ONE RUN, visit One Run Texas. It is $25 to register before Aug. 31st, and $35 after that or on the day of the race.

You can Walk or Run at the ONE RUN

I actually joined CSC North Texas just this year and am excited to be a part of such an event. I’ll most likely do the 5K Run, even if I’m walking at an upbeat pace, but there’s a 1K Celebration Walk for those who are interested. Other exciting activities will also take place. The Cancer Support Community North Texas (formerly Gilda’s Club) is the ONLY Texas affiliate of Cancer Support Community which is the largest international non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, hope and community to those affected by cancer. With support groups, workshops, networking groups, educational presentations and social events CSC North Texas is located right in the Oak Lawn area not far from downtown or uptown Dallas. The clubhouse is an awesome facility that hosts an assortment of activities from yoga, pilates and meditation, to painting, scrapbooking and drumming. It has a very warm at-home feel and a full-on library of books/videos too. The Collin County location is in Allen at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.

I almost forgot to mention that Vocal Trash (one of CSC’s favorite groups) will also be performing at the ONE RUN and other family friendly activities are planned for that day.

Make your own T-shirts for the race- The feeling is mutual

Here’s a schedule of events:

7:00AM…………Race Day Registration
7:45AM…………Kids’ 100 Yd Dribble & Dash
8:10AM…………1K Celebration Walk
8:30AM…………5K Run/Walk
8:45-11AM………Celebration (Post-Race Party) & Entertainment by Vocal Trash


Be sure to register online at http://www.OneRunTexas.org, and keep in mind that if you do so before 8/31, you only pay a $25 registration fee. If you’d prefer to volunteer on the day of the race, you have that option as well. You’re also welcome to make donations to the Cancer Support Community North Texas. Registration starts at 7AM Saturday 9/10! See you then!

If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer in some way or another and are interested in receiving more information on the disease and/or a support system visit the Cancer Support Community North Texas website for more information. The have new member meetings just about every week.

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Free Texas Power Fall Concert Series at Levitt Pavilion – Arlington

22 Aug

Rest assured that even after the summer months have ended and the kids are back in school, you’ll still have the opportunity to enjoy some free outdoor concerts, And although we can still have heat in September in Texas, it should be cooling off just a little or be the more bearable heat. Texas Power presents a Free Fall concert series at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday of each week in September. The Fall Concert Series begins on September 1st at 7:30pm. A new artist or band performs each time as the series will only last for a month.

The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts was designed just for this type of thing: to promote and premier local artists for free to the surrounding public.

Jamie Richards - Sept 10

With Levitt Pavilions located across the US (Memphis, LA, Pasadena, Westport & Bethlehem) Arlington shares the commonality of celebrating its own community with free professional concerts displaying a rich array of music. Each year 50 or more take place!

Enjoy Free music under the stars in the weekend evenings of September. Picnic baskets, coolers, lawn chairs and blankets are welcome to the park. While they do allow alcoholic beverages, no glass containers are allowed and concessions are available at the pavilion.

Texas Power’s Free Fall concert series brings Arlingtonians Free music under the stars with various genres of music like: rock, blues, indie pop, indie-rock, salsa, jazz, country, alternative and funk!

Souls Rebels Brass Band - Sept 29

Wayanay Inka - Sept 22

There will be no concert on the 18th and Ecofest falls on September 17th when Velvet Love Box & Spoonfed Tribe will both perform. You can view the full calendar of performances for the Texas Power Fall Concert Series right here! The final performance will be by Deryl Dodd & The Homesick Cowboys October 1st, giving the audience a taste of Texas music with contemporary flair.

The Levitt Pavilion is located at 100 W. Abram Street in Founders Plaza. Not far from the UTA campus it’s right at the corner of Abram and Center Street. It is directly across the street from City Hall.

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Sunset Screenings Every Month the AT&T Performing Arts Center

21 Aug

From August through November the relatively new AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas is having Free Sunset Screenings every 3rd Saturday of the month in Strauss Square. Sunset Screenings begin showing at about sunset time, but we know that time changes as we transition into fall so check below for the schedule. The free outdoor shows, presented by the Dallas Film Society allow North Texans to come and relax in the Arts District while viewing a movie. If you haven’t been able to enjoy this trendy new downtown venue, here’s good reason to. There are only 500 reserved seats in chairs in the front of the lawn so the remaining seats will be on the lawn. That means you might carry your own lawn chair just in case or RSVP here so they know that you’re coming!

Watch a Free movie in Strauss Square at Sunset

Being that it’s summer in August in DALLAS, the only thing preventing the Sunset Screenings from taking place is if a Heat Advisory has been issued for that day or if the temperature is expected to be 100 degrees and up. We don’t want anyone passing out! Plus you will be miserable sitting outside when it’s THAT hot. The good news is that once we get into the Fall months it will be a lot cooler. In fact, check out the lineup for AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Sunset Screenings this year:

August 20: “Exit Through the Gift Shop” (8:30pm)

September 24: “Waiting for Guffman” (8:00pm)

October 15: “Almost Famous” (7:00pm)

November 19: “Walk the Line” (7:00pm)

*To watch trailers, RSVP or learn more about each movie/documentary click here!

Thanks to the Dallas Film Society you can enjoy 4 Free movies over the next 4 months and enjoy the view AT&T Performing Arts Center in the District Arts area. The Dallas Film Society is a non-profit organization that celebrates films as well as their impact on society. Not only do they recognize and honor filmmakers who enhance the creative community, but they also provide educational programs to students to help them develop a better understanding of the role of film in today’s world. The Dallas Film Society promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking so join them in celebrating film at Sunset Screenings every 3rd Saturday of the month from now through November!

The only catch to this Free event is that you cannot bring your own food and drinks into Annette Strauss Square, but concession stands have refreshments available for purchase.

Address:
Strauss Square
2403 Flora
Dallas, TX 75201

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Uptown Village’s Back-To-School Kid’s Fest & Concert

17 Aug

It’s that time of year again! Time to find new backpacks, lunchbags, wide ruled paper and take advantage of the annual Tax Free weekend! In Cedar Hill, it’s time to celebrate Uptown Village’s first ever Back-To-School Kid’s Fest & Concert August 20th! It’s still pretty hot outside in Texas so this Back-To-School Fest will only last about 4 hours. Throughout the entire Saturday event Two-Wins Foundation will be accepting $25 donations to help provide local underprivileged children with school supplies.

Expect exciting Drumline performances

During the first two hours (4-6pm) of Back-to-School KID’S FEST Stacia’s School of Dance, the Duncanville Cheerleaders and DeSoto High School’s Drill Team will give dance performances. Attendees will also get the opportunity to meet the 2011 Cedar Hill High School football team.

Meet this year's CHHS Fball team

Face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, crafts and other fun activities will keep attendees engaged.

The Back-to-School Concert will take place from 6:00 – 8:00pm. The concert will feature local party and dance band Top with drumline performances during intermission. Between JAM to Give, Wine Walks, Family Movie Nights and great shopping, Uptown Village is quickly becoming the place to go! Now as the summer comes to an end, the Village Green events don’t stop. Support Two-Wins Foundation August 20th as we come together to make the schoolyear a little better for those who have less than what’s needed.

Donations will go towards school supplies for local underprivileged students

So as some of us gear up for school again let the rhythms of Soul II Soul get you back in the mode of homework, sack lunches & good ole’ PTA meetings!

Back to Life…Back to Reality…

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DFW HOME SHOW – The Ultimate Home Remodeling Event

17 Aug

Everybody loves Ty

Take Extreme Home Makeover, hundreds of excited North Texas homeowners/builders/designers, a large indoor air-conditioned space and you’ve got the 2011 DFW Home Show! On August 20th & 21st Hilton Anatole will host the Ultimate Home Remodeling Event. Tickets for DFW Home Show are $10. Seniors only pay $7 while kids 12 and under get in free.

From cabinets to roofing, Home theatres to patios, you will find it all at the DFW Home Show. Check out all of the categories. Get tons of ideas for your own home here! Sit in on informative seminars and be exposed to brand new products! Tim Allen isn’t the only one who can succeed at Home Improvement. Head out to 35 North in Dallas and get your increased dosage of Costco & Home Depot all in one this weekend. If you’re interested in seeing what exhibitors will be at the expo first, click here. Saturday, 8/20 the event will be open from 10-5pm, and on Sunday again the same hours!

There will be plenty professionals to assist you

Two of the speakers are Glen Boudreaux and Tonia Tomlin. Glen is a Registered Interior designer who will speak on “Understanding the Remodeling Process” who are ready to give your property a facelift. Tomlin of Sorted Out, LLC will present the topic “What Clutter is Costing You” for all you Hoarders, or fans of the show. The DFW Home Show isn’t like your typical Home & Garden show. Unlike many others, it is an upscale with quality vendors and guaranteed Home Improvement professionals. Not only do I love the smell of Home Depot but I enjoy getting free stuff too. Lucky for you there will be prizes and giveaways at the show as well!

*Oh and if you want to save $3.00 on your ticket click here!

Hilton Anatole
2201 N. Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207

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August Bridal Show at Gaylord Texan

15 Aug

Here comes the Bride all dressed in.….jeans?!? Calling all Brides to the Gaylord Texan on Sunday, August 28th!! You don’t have to come dressed in white just yet! If you haven’t even finalized on your gown that’s okay too because you may see something you really like at Star-Telegram’s Bridal Show in Grapevine. The Gaylord Texan Resort & Hotel alone is a wonderful place to visit, but when you’re a B2B trying to juggle all the things on her list of “Things to do” before Wedding day, it’s like ‘Heaven on Earth’.

Gowns, tuxes, cakes, music, flower girl fashion and photographers are just a few of the things you can expect at this End-of-summer Bridal exhibit. Click here to see more! (Star-Telegram’s Bridal Section)

Gaylord Texan is only a couple of minutes north of DFW Airport. Not far from Grapevine Mills, it sits across from Great Wolf Lodge off Highway 26 midway between 114 & 121.

The Bridal Show will be at Gaylord Texan from 10:00am - 5:00pm

If you haven’t seen this event publicized in the Star-Telegram already, you’ll see it here!! This year’s Bridal Show will feature a fashion show (2:00pm) as well as door prizes. Rumor has it that the Star-Telegram Bridal Shows are the premier Bridal Events in Tarrant County.

Grab your planning book, your planner, your MOH or your mom…Heck take anybody!! but most importantly take yourself (if you’re a North Texas bride) down to Gaylord Texan for a Bride Exhibit you can’t afford to miss! The exhibitors will bring you their best and you and yours can do the rest! The show is 10-5pm on August 28th. Admission is $8.00 and Parking is $10. However, you can present your Press Pass at the box office at the Show to receive half off the regular ticket price! (4 discounts per valid Press Pass account) Children ages 12 and below get in free.

*A week before the show, the Bridal Publication will be released on Aug. 21st.

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