Archive | September, 2011

2011 Fort Worth Music Festival | 9th Annual Jazz By The Boulevard

25 Sep

For years it’s gone by “Jazz by the Boulevard”, but in its 9th year, the Fort Worth Music Festival takes on a new name that will include all genres of music and the ownership of its host city. The 2011 Fort Worth Music Festival kicks off Friday, Sept. 30th and ends on Saturday, Oct. 1st. The name change came about in an effort to reflect Funky Town’s growth and evolving musical personality. There’s so much to jam into this two-day event! Local and national bands like the Meat Puppets, Kermit Ruffins, Dawes, the Orbans, and Telegraph Canyon will be performing at the music fest. See a complete list of this year’s festival artists here.

Sure, the main focus of the festival is music, but the food won’t be half bad either! What’s a Forth Worth festival without some delicious snacks anyways? The 2011 Fort Worth Music Festival will be featuring a host of unique local food vendors. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but in recent years DFW’s food truck industry is starting to take off. There may be only a few you can think of off the top of your head, but that will soon change as more food trucks roll into the metroplex. Dozens have popped up in Funky Town and you can catch them at the festival both days. Menu items will vary from veggie burgers and gourmet hot dogs to tangy desserts and sno cones. The following food vendors have been confirmed for our former “Jazz by the Boulevard” so far: Big Dawg’s in Cowtown, Salsa Limon, Snowie & The Yum Yum Food Truck.

Seryn is a 5-piece band from Denton

Dawes will be performing at FWMF

You’re still gonna need a ticket to get into this outdoor fall festival of concerts. The weather will be just right and hopefully so will your budget to spend only 10 bucks (at the gate) for general admission. Bringing kids under 12? If so, they’ll be getting in for Free! VIP tickets and general admission can be bought at frontgatetickets.com too. The VIP ticket basically guarantees you theatre style seating, a private cash bar, private air conditioned bathrooms, excellent sight lines and the open opportunity to chill out on comfortable outdoor lounge furniture in the shade, all with the wristband. A one-day VIP pass will cost $75 and the two-day passes are $100 ($150 for 2 people). For those of you who don’t need the upgrade feel free to carry your favorite lawn chairs or blankets. You can pay $5 if you pay in advance! Proceeds from the show will raise funds to restore and beautify Camp Bowie, which is the city’s oldest boulevard. The Historic Camp Bowie Initiatives is a non-profit group dedicated to revitalizing historic Camp Bowie Blvd. You can find out more at http://www.campbowiedistrict.com.

Lay your eyes upon some exquisite artwork at the festival Saturday & Sunday. Here’s a peek at the featured artists!

Kirk Whalum

Take a look at the After Hours schedule (and how you can get in) for the 2011 Fort Worth Music Festival. There are two stages you’ll hear all types of music coming from, and I’m excited about Kirk Whalum perform on at least one of them!

The Fort Worth Music Festival is presented by Comerica Bank. It’s fun for all ages, and scheduled at the perfect time of year for gorgeous Texas weather. Step into a regular park-like lawn transformed into a musical village made up of art-filled streets, mixed aroma of hot prepared-to-eat fare, experienced chefs ready to share cooking tips, quirky and stylish clothes and accessories, and of course non-stop music! The 2011 Fort Worth Music Festival begins at 4pm on Friday (Sept 30th) and 1pm on Saturday (Oct 1st). Say good bye to the Boulevard of Jazz and hello to a more matured block of diverse Forth Worth music.


FW Music Festival Location:
Will Rogers Memorial Center (the lawn)
3401 West Lancaster Avenue
Fort Worth

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2011 Dallas Green Festival at Texas Discovery Gardens – Sept 24

23 Sep

You'll never know til you try

You may not be a fan of Green Eggs & Ham, but what about a Green Fair Park? This weekend Dallas is turning Green, but not with envy! Texas Discovery Gardens will host the 2011 Dallas Green Festival on September 24th at Fair Park. The Dallas Green Festival celebrates environmentally positive living. Even after the Festival is over the Green Exhibit will go into the State Fair the following weekend.

At the Dallas Green Festival one will enjoy whole lifestyle demos, green-living vendors, natural and organic food for sale, face painting, a mobile farm and recycled arts and crafts. You can even do your part by dropping off electronics for recycling through Goodwill Industries of Dallas. Here is a list of acceptable items. Texas Discovery Gardens’ Green Festival only lasts one day and happens to be during Texas Pollution Prevention Awareness month. By recognizing this month the message is reiterated that we can live sustainable and with a minimal environmental footprint each and every day of the year. One will also find kids activity area, classes and get access to environmental products as well as some healthy refreshments. In fact, one of my favorite brunch spots in North Dallas, Blue Mesa, will be serving their delicious street version of food.

Learn more on water and energy conservation with the demonstrations and classes; Sign up for a rain barrel making class (compliments of Texas AgriLife Extension); or Check out the Nissan Leaf’s electric car charging station. The Recycled Fashion Show will leave a permanent memory as local design students use vintage fabric and other recycled materials for the attire.

Make your mark, but make it Green

The Dallas Green Festival is a FREE event!! It will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday. For a discount of $3 attendees can also go in the Texas Discovery Garden’s Butterfly House and Insectarium. (Regular admission for adults is $8) and don’t forget about the Green Exhibit going on throughout the State Fair of Texas, open daily from 10am-6pm. Every day at 10:30am and 12:30pm there will be butterfly releases inside the tropical butterfly house. If you missed Ecofest a week ago, then here’s your opportunity to brush up on being “green” or more eco-friendly. Discover a whole new lifestyle that benefits our earth and how you can be a part of the movement this weekend at the 2011 Dallas Green Festival.

Texas Discovery Gardens

3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Dallas 75210
**Gate 6 at Fair Park**

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Community Cake Parade at North East Mall

21 Sep

North East Mall has reached their 40th Anniversary, and in honor of being “over the hill” they’re having local non-profits help them celebrate with a Cake Parade! Each organization will create and decorate their own cake that represents them and come together on display for a Community Cake Parade September 25th from 1-5pm in Center Court.

The community can cast their votes for $1 for their favorite cake, and the winning organization receives a $2500 donation from North East Mall! What’s even better is each participating group gets to take home ALL of their proceeds!

To satisfy the Community Cake Parade attendees with sweet tooths, each guest receives a 40th Anniversary Cupcake!

North East Mall Turns 40

This is just one part of the mall’s full celebratory weekend for their 40th Anniversary. Check out the full schedule:

THURSDAY 9/22

40th Anniversary VIP Mixer
(Center Court near Macy’s)
5:30pm – 7:30pm

SATURDAY 9/24

Fall Fashion Show
(Center Court)
1:00pm – 2:00pm

Prize An Hour Spectacular
(Simon Guest Services)
10:00am – 8:00pm

Simon Kidgits Club Birthday Celebration
(Soft Play Area)
10:00am – 12:00pm

Might need to call Buddy (aka Cake Boss)

SUNDAY 9/25

Community Cake Parade
(Center Court)
1:00pm – 5:00pm


$40 Every 40 Minutes Giveaway
(Center Court)
12:00pm – 6:00pm


If your organization would like to participate in the Community Cake Parade, please email hconner@simon.com.

Community Cake Parade 1pm - 5pm, Sept 25th

Celebrate 40 year old North East Mall by admiring and tasting the culinary creativity of the community! Join Hurst this weekend for a look at “Cakes for a Cause”! One lucky organization will walk away with $2,500!

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VISIONS: The Women’s Expo 2011 – Sept 24-25

20 Sep

I thought my Life’s Anthem would be the most suitable for this post…




This year VISIONS is celebrating it’s 22nd year of The Women’s Expo at Dallas Market Hall September 24-25. (Ladies) Imagine an entire exhibitor hall filled with stuff geared towards Women! It’s like having “Ladies Night” that lasts all day! VISIONS is on Saturday, Sept 24th and Sunday Sept 25th. This year they have added mini Studio sessions that are specifically suited to the interests of women. As usual you can catch live fashion shows sponsored by Dillard’s and other presenters at The Geico Main Stage. Regular tickets are $10 each and Free for kids under 10, but if you want to take advantage of a 2-for-1 deal on tickets click here! For $20 you can purchase a Premium Ticket which includes the Brag Bag that is filled with samples from Philosophy, Aloette, Lush and Mineralogie.

At the beginning of each VISIONS session, Macy’s will have their Style Show which showcases fall trends and the best fashion. The VISIONS: Women’s Expo will also be providing full makeovers for two ladies in the final segments called “Frumpy to Fabulous”! This year’s Women’s Expo is bound to be a win! Gather the girls and head over to Dallas Market Hall to meet your new B.F.F. – Beauty Fashion & Fun!

Saturday, 9/24 – 11am – 7pm
Sunday, 9/25 – 11am – 5pm

Check out the schedule for the Geico Main Stage during the
2011 Women’s Expo!

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Dallas Video Fest 24 – September 21-25

19 Sep

One of the oldest video-based festivals in the country returns to the city of Dallas this year! Dallas Video Fest takes place at the Angelika Film Center and the Texas Theatre from September 21-25. For years the DVF has showcased a wonderful selection of films, had panel discussions, workshops and seminars. This year is no different as the opening night presentation is the new feature from French New wave pioneer and legendary director Jean-Luc Godard, entitled “Film Socialisme”. The 2011 Dallas Video Fest will also be showing the MMA documentary “Once I Was A Champion” which tells of the life and struggles of former UFC Champion Evan Tanner. Two projects from Spike Jonze will be featured this year, and the documentary “Connected”, created by the founders of the Webby Awards will also be shown at DVF. You still have time to get your tickets!

Reserve your seat at the Angelika Theatre!

There are some great topics that will be covered this year led out by film/media specialists that you’ll want to grab a front seat for. Some of the workshops/panels at Dallas Video Fest this year include How to Create a Good Website, Changing Landscape of Independent Media, and Become a Pro at Final Cut Pro X.

A Filmmakers Reception will be held on Friday the 23rd from 5-7pm where attendees can mix and mingle with filmmakers over cocktails. One can also sign up to become a Video Fest member for only $24. That discounted membership fee will be available that night only! The reception is free and everyone is welcome to attend. It starts at the Angelika Film Center.

Get your passes and/or tickets to Dallas Video Fest here!

For information on joining the Video Association of Dallas click here.

Next year marks Dallas Video Fest’s 25th Anniversary so be prepared for the ultimate celebration in January 12th at The Kessler in Oak Cliff. See you at opening night September 21st for the 2011 Dallas Video Fest! Roll the cameras!!


Angelika Film Center
5321 East Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206

214-841-4712

Texas Theatre
231 West Jefferson Blvd
Dallas, TX 75208

214-948-1546

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The 2011 State Fair of Texas

16 Sep

If you’re a Texas resident, and you’re experiencing an increased heart rate, unexplained cravings for cholesterol-bearing fare, and anxiousness AND it’s the month of September then you may not necessarily need to see a Physician. Just pay a visit to Big Tex because those symptoms are a clear indication of the soon arrival of the annual State Fair of Texas!! I don’t know about cold sweats at night, but depending on the weather you may just have general sweats during the day. Our summer temperatures may or may not taper off in time to go see Big Tex up close and personal!

Big Tex

Each year thousands gather for this amazing festival which celebrates any and everything Texan! Fair Park is transformed into Heaven of Unhealthy foods and extreme rides that won’t find at your local Six Flags. The State Fair of Texas is a one of a kind. Many state fairs pale in comparison to what we’ve got going on in Dallas. The State Fair of Texas menu has put Dallas on the map as being the “Fried Food Capital of Texas”. ANYTHING, and I do mean ANY-thing fried that you can imagine or are looking for, will be at this Fair. At one point there was talk of bringing the state fair to the summertime. After a record amount of revenue that was brought in in 2010, there was discussion of “Summer Place” a three month amusement park that includes a big new ride. Some people make their yearly income JUST from business they receive AT this State Fair! It’s insane! But It’s TEXAS.

I got so caught up talking about what you can find at the fair that I forgot to mention the actual dates. You get a window of 3 weeks to check out the fair. Opening day is September 30th as the State of Fair of Texas Celebrates 125 years!!! Big Tex even got some new threads and boots to celebrate. The exact dates for the fair are September 30 – October 23. That’s practically a month!! Plus, you can find special deals on weekdays. Get discounts on your Texas State Fair tickets here!

I’ll likely post an article solely devoted to the FOOD of the Fair (since FOOD IS the top reason why people attend the State Fair of Texas), but I can give you a preview of some of the new edible Fried stuff coming out! The 2010 Big Tex Choice Award went to Fried Frito Chili Pie last year as it should have! That thing was delicious! This year’s winner for Best Taste goes to the Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack while Fried Bubblegum won Most Creative! Imagine fried bubble gum!! ONLY at the State Fair of Texas. It’s technically not real bubblegum though; more like a pink marshmellow-y type substance, but either way, you’d probably never hear of such a thing outside the Texas State Fair.

Other 2011 Deep Fried Finalists include:

Fried Frito Chili Pie

Deep Fried Pineapple Upside Down cake
Deep Fried Texas Salsa
Fried Autumn Pie
Hans’ Kraut Ball
Walking Taco

Click here to see some of the winners over the years!

At the fair you also get the mega auto show, livestock, tons of arts & crafts, games, free concerts and more live entertainment. You almost have to take on this Texan festival with a strategy in mind. Decide whether you’re going to get your food first, what shows you want to see, when to spend time in the Auto Show pavilion and when to ride rides, if you’re brave enough. I wouldn’t recommend eating right before the rides, just in case some of the fried delicacies don’t agree with your system OR if you plan on pigging out. This fair only comes around once a year but you can always pace yourself. Speaking of pacing, the park grounds are rather LARGE so be prepared to do a lot of walking around the 277 acres that the Fair inhabits.

Expect to pay in and around $15 for parking. ($30 for Valet) There are lots of ‘sidestreet hustlers’ (whom you can trust if they have a permit) that will be selling parking spots in the surrounding areas of the Fair grounds for about $10-$15 or you can attempt to park inside the designated Fair parking also. Just know it’ll either be packed (if you go late) or you’ll spending a little bit more than you have to. (if you don’t mind a little gravel or grass on your tires)

The Auto Show takes up two buildings! Then there are truck areas all outside with various activities, TV screens playing the football games and live performances on the Chevy main stage. You get the chance to see some of the newest models coming out in the Auto Show pavilion and just enjoy getting into some of the cars you like to explore. All ages seem to enjoy this part of the Fair and it can be quite exciting for any car lovers.

Catch lots of Trucks, even in the Sky

There’s even a Garden Show at the State Fair now. The State Fair Fall Garden Exhibition, which started back in 2002, has only gotten better with time. It started out as a professional landscaping contest during the 24-day fair but now most participants just maintain their beds all year long. I’m telling you this Fair has something for EVERYONE! (You included) If you didn’t see something in here that grabs your attention (which is highly unlikely since so many of us like Fair Food) then visit http://www.bigtex.com to see what else I may not have covered. Plus, stay posted for the Texas State Fair FOOD article!

We even got OPRAH to break her diet & wear a cowboy hat

We don’t even need Oprah & Gail for this taste testing. It’s best to just get out there and do it yourself! Celebrate 125 years of Texas Fun at the 2011 State Fair of Texas which officially opens for business SEPTEMBER 30TH!! The countdown to the 2011 State Fair of Texas has been on since the day the 2010 State Fair of Texas ended! See you there!!

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Resolana 2nd Annual Westside Music Festival – A Celebration of Community

13 Sep

September 24th marks the 2nd annual Westside Music Festival sponsored by Resolana. It is an afternoon festival that celebrates Resolana’s efforts to enable women to share most fully and productively with our greater community. Resolana is a community-based nonprofit that works with women in the Dallas County Jail to help educate and empower those incarcerated. With Resolana’s unique learning community that takes place behind jail walls, women can spend time in custody productively building a foundation for change as they prepare for their return to society.

Westside Music Festival is only one day – September 24th! It will start at noon and end at 6:00pm. Tickets to the 2nd Annual Westside Music Festival are $10 per person ($15 at the door), and $25 for a family pass ($30 at the door). The theme for this year’s festival is “A Celebration of Community”.

Both yoga sessions and chair massages will be provided that day. All the proceeds from Malorie Tolles’ seated chair massages will go towards Resolana. The same certified yoga instructors that visit the ladies in jail will go over the practices that they teach inside the jail.

All the food for the 2011 Westside Music Festival will be provided by Gandolfo’s NY Deli Food Truck!! Enjoy cool drinks and a variety of deli-style sandwiches fresh, made to order!

As far as the MUSIC goes…. Westside has a lot in store! Click here for a complete list of the performing artists!

Feel free to participate in the silent auction and bid on some award-winning items! From paintings, to gift certificates, artwork and crafts the money from the auction will also help benefit Resolana and their efforts to support incarcerated women move towards a positive and productive future. The 2nd Annual Westside Music Festival is definitely kid-friendly as there will be events catered specifically for children.

If you are unable to attend the Westside Music Festival, but would still like to support their initiative, you can donate via Donor Bridge on SEPT 15TH. Go to the Resolana profile at Donor Bridge and click “Donate Now”. Donors Bridge will match a portion of any gift that exceeds $25The organization depends on financial contributions from kind people such as yourselfs! Remember Sept 15th, which is North Texas Giving Day, between 7am and 7pm!

Performances by Brent Byrd - the peaceful rebel man

2011 Westside Music Festival Location:
511 W. Commerce Street
Dallas, 75208

WESSSSTIIIIIIIYYYYDDE

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Ecofest Arlington 2011

12 Sep




Who says North Texas can’t be “green”? We may not have the rain, but at least we’re working on the whole ‘being more environmentally friendly’ aspect. On September 17th ECOFEST Arlington will take place at Levitt Pavilion where the Free Fall Concerts have been taking place. This family oriented event not only helps to build a sense of community but it also stimulates environment awareness across North Texas. Local business have been invited to showcase their green products as well as do-it-yourself home solutions, and if you have a business and would like to participate please feel free to come. The business will be positioned along the festival streets surrounding Founder’s Plaza. There is NO COST to attend!!

Ecofest 2011 begins at 10 am on Saturday 9/17 and will last until 10pm that night. Of course we’ve got local musical artists performing also in the Pavilion like: Velvet Love Box and Spoonfed Tribe. Ecofest Arlington is presented by Naturally Fun (Arlington Parks & Recreation) and the concerts are presented by Safe Harbor Insurance Solutions.

All day Saturday Ecofest will be going strong where you can expect:

Demonstrations by vendors
Educational Classes for Kids
Live Music
Games
Giveaways
Food & Drinks

**For a map of the festival, click here.

Let’s reduce consumption of our natural resources and shoot to help reduce, repair and prevent environmental problems in the future. Start with simple things like turning off the lights if you’re not using a room or if you can use the sunlight from the window; Not running the water when brushing your teeth; Carrying your own reusable grocery bags or choosing paper over plastic; Carpooling with neighbors; Unplug seldom used appliances (and chargers when not in use) that contain only a few items which may also save on your utility bill; Set your computer to sleep or hibernate when you’re done using it; Reuse office print-outs as notepads; Recycle your aluminum cans, plastic bottles & newspapers.

These are just a few tips on being a little “greener” or eco-friendly. For more information, resources and some fun check out the 2011 Ecofest in Arlington at Levitt Pavilion and Founder’s Plaza, Saturday Sept. 17th (10am – 10pm)!

10:00AM – ECOFEST open for business!
6:30PM – Velvet Love Box performs
8:00PM – Spoonfed Tribe performs
10:00PM – Ecofest Ends

Presented by

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2011 Plano Balloon Festival

8 Sep

Float on over to Oak Point Park in Plano for a beautiful display of hot air balloons. InTouch Credit Union is sponsoring the 2011 Balloon Festival of Plano. The festival will go on for 3 days as North Texans of all ages stand in awe at the kaleidoscope of colors filling the sky. Not only will there be hot air balloons, but also skydivers, fireworks, concerts, a kid’s fun zone, vendors, corporate exhibitors, a balloon glow and food of course! Fly up, up and away on the weekend of September 16-18.

Although this event isn’t Free, the cost for admission isn’t high at all. If you go between 9am and 3pm, you can pay the discounted admission of $4 but general 1-time admission is $5. Seniors 65 and older get $1 off admission while children under 36 inches are allowed in Free! If you’re interested in becoming a “Freind of the Festival” you can enjoy VIP Treatment and a more exclusive experience of the Balloon Festival with the following packages.

As far as parking goes it is $10 for Prime Parking (at Collin College Spring Creek Campus, Oak Point Rec Center & First United Methodist Church) and off-site parking is $5 (at Collin Creek Church & Plano Centre).

The Plano Balloon Festival Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to educating people about hot air ballooning and producing a family oriented, high quality event that offers other local non-profits the opportunity to assist in the operations of the Festival. This year 36 non-profits and 10 corporate groups will be supporting the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival! It is the objective of the Plano Balloon Festival to offer these participating non-profit agencies the chance to raise funds as well as awareness for their programs and service, and as a result enhance the quality of life for everyone.

Skydivers

This year we’re taking the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival to new heights with balloon rides for the attendees at about $250 per person, but you must be over 10 years old and have made arrangements by the 9th. If you didn’t catch it this year, be sure you do next year!

The State Fair may not be for another couple of weeks, but the list of food that will be sold at the festival is pretty long and will leave you salivating! From turkey legs and spiral cut potatoes to frito pie, fresh squeezed lemonade, roasted corn and snow cones you’ll have no excuse to have left the Balloon Festival hungry. Check out the list of vendors that will be there.

Festival Hours

Friday, Sept 16: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, Sept 17: 6:00am – 10:00pm
Sunday, Sept 18: 6:00am – 7:00pm

Just when you thought the festival couldn’t get any bigger, it does! On the final day of the Balloon Fesitval there will be the Inaugural Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 5K and 1K Fun Run/Walk. Race day is Sunday, 9/18 and you can click here to register! Each registered runner receives up to 2 tickets to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival along with VIP Parking! Some snacks will also be provided from Central Market.

Let's leave all the skydiving to the Pros


Plano Balloon Festival Location
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Plano 75074

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Grand Opening of Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill

6 Sep

Classic

Welcome to the Great Outdoors! If you like hiking, nature activities, animals and roaming the forest then you’ll be excited to hear of the GRAND OPENING of the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill!! On the weekend of September 10th and 11th the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center officially opens its doors as well as trails to the public.

Bring the family and some friends to explore this wild, adventurous place. The Grand Opening will run from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday. It’s a FREE 2-day event that includes family fun festivities like guided hikes, arts & crafts, building tours, guest speakers and nature play activities for kids.

GRAND OPENING 9/10 & 9/11

The New Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center is located about 16 miles south of Dallas off 1382 between Joe Pool Lake and Hwy 67. You can also get there from I-20 traveling to 1382. There will be parking and shuttle service provided. In fact, the shuttle is strongly recommended as there is limited parking and lots of other wild 4-limb creatures are expected to attend. You can park for Free at Uptown Village shopping center just a few miles away) in the Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kirklands parking lots which face FM 1382. The shuttles will run during the Grand Opening Hours on both Saturday and Sunday. If you need to see a map click here.

Audubon offers education programs, tours, facility rentals, and a nature store.

No more peeking...Just come in!

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