“Lights All Night” has finally announced their set times for its complete roster of renowned electronic artists. Over 30 headlining acts will be showcased during the two-day dance festival held at the Dallas Convention Center on December 30th & 31st.
Check out the performance schedule for this year as artists perform on three main stages: Dance Hall, Bass Hall, and Groove Hall.
In only matter of days we will be jumping or rather cupid shuffling into 2012! But the question is are you ready?? How exactly do you plan on bringing in the new year? Are you as ready as she is?…..
I sure hope so.
To help make things a little easier, Dallas has created our own version of a “Time Square” where there’s “dancing in the streets!” (in my best Martha & the Vandellas voice). Yep, it’s FREE too! The Big D NYE is back for its 4th year at Victory Park, Saturday night, Dec 31st. Victory Park must have some good luck to it. We’ve celebrated so many different things right here. The Stars own Brett Hull, Ed Belfour and Joe Nieuwendyk were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame; we’ve watched great movies under the stars; even Santa stopped by a few days ago to wish the Mavs well on the upcoming season; speaking of which who threw one of the greatest celebration parties with hundreds of fans here at the Championship Parade back in June…even Lady Gaga, Michale Buble, NKOTB and Beyonce have swung thru Victory Ave. Between Blood drives, marathons, marching bands, WFAA studio happenings and tours on those “Minority Report”-type 2-wheelers, Victory Park has become a place of celebration and new beginnings. Hence the word: Victory. Now it’s time to celebrate another phase of coming events and the coming of a new year!
I’ve included a few pictures from my past experience at The Big D NYE. In fact, I think I was at the very first one they had (in 2008) with fireworks, live music and a countdown. My friends and I even got the crowd started on the electric slide and a few other line dances.
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Here’s the rundown on who will be performing on stage this year..
7:45pm – 8:30pm…….Prophets & Outlaws
(Big D NYE Stage) 9:00pm – 9:45pm …..Good Shive Low
(Big D NYE Stage) 9:45pm – 10:40pm…..Sleeperstar
(Chevy Music Stage) 10:55pm – 11:09pm….Good Shive Low
(Big D NYE Stage) 11:25pm – 12:30am……Good Question Band
(Chevy Music Stage)
Good Shive Low is the winner of WFAA and AAC’s 2nd Annual Fast Track to Fame Competition and they will help take us into the new year with their near toxic level of energy.
Good Shive Low
If you’d like to try and win a 2012 Chevy Sonic to zoom into the new year with, click here and enter the contest. Five finalists will be announced that night at Big D NYE. Hurry, because the sweepstakes ends at 11:59pm on Thursday (Dec 22nd).
If you don’t have the money for “Lights All Night” music fest down the street at the Convention Center & Omni Hotel, find your way over to Victory Park where the streets may be crowded but the outdoor festivities are free. If you use public transportation (aka the DART) you’ll probably be in even better shape. Celebrate the dawning of 2012 at a Texas-sized party with fireworks, live concerts, countdowns, contests, fresh food and Big D Fun. Who knows, we may just do the “Wobble” this year!
On December 3rd 2011, Children’s Medical Center had their annual holiday parade in downtown Dallas. We’ve provided some awesome photographs that captured the true essence of this fun and colorful event. All of the pictures were taken by photographer Matthew T Rader. If you ever want portraits, engagement photos, professional headshots, weddings or photos for another type of event taken and taken well, contact Matthew T Rader Photography! Matthew has a true craft and talent for photography. Visit the Matthew T Rader Photography website to see more great work and to contact him for any inquiries here!
If you thought Cirque du Soleil was the only French cirque to come to the DFW area, think again! This December the Lone Star Circus will be presenting Cirque Banquiste at The Rosewood Center for Family Arts. Celebrate the coming new year with a dazzling show of circus superstars. See acrobats, aerialists, clowns, jugglers and balancers dressed in some of the most beautifully adorned circus costumes this side of the Atlantic. Cirque Banquiste! is directed by Fanny Kerwich with artists from all across the globe, including countries such as Italy, Peru, Canada, Argentina and of course the U.S.
Take a magical journey into worlds beyond your imagination with this amazing showcase. Kids and adults alike will have their imaginations stretched past the traditional “big top” with this sensational circus production. Breathtaking acts and mesmerizing stunts will have you either on the edge of your seat or standing on top of your own!
She teaches and reaches - Cirque Director Fanny Kerwich
The organization behind “Cirque Banquiste!” is Dallas’ own Lone Star Circus, a non-profit with the purpose of promoting circus acts through training and performance. Director Fanny Kerwich comes from a lineage of talented circus performers, being an eighth generation artist originally from France. She started teaching circus arts years ago at Dallas International School. By 2006 Lone Star Circus Arts Center was founded in her studio. The Lone Star Circus School not only trains adult circus artists, but provides recreational and professional training for kids too. Lone Star Circus is good for giving you circus-themed entertainment for fundraisers and civic or corporate events alike.
Bring in 2012 with Cirque Banquiste!, an inspiring show for the entire family. The Lone Star Circus will hold six performances between December 29th and January 1st at The Rosewood Center for Family Arts located in Dallas. Tickets range between $20 – $45. Get “bedazzled” at this “Banquiste” Circus extravaganza!
Check out this video snippet about Cirque Banquiste 2011!
Performance Dates/Times
Thursday, December 29 at 7:30pm
Friday, December 30 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 31 at 2:00pm
Saturday, December 31 at 5:30pm
Sunday, January 1 at 2:00pm
Sunday, January 1 at 5:30pm
Event Address: Rosewood Center for Family Arts
5938 Skillman St.
Dallas, TX 75231
“Lights All Night” is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the country that will be taking place December 30–31 in Dallas. New Year’s Eve downtown has never been this big. At the end of December – the final 2 days of 2011 – over 30 performers will hit the stage at the Dallas Convention Center where “Lights All Night” is being held. You’ll get a peak at the brand new Omni Hotel also. The new 1,000 room luxury hotel is attached to the Dallas Convention Center via sky bridge, and registered guests of the event and hotel will have access to the skybridge connecting the Omni Dallas and the Convention center allowing for an ultimate NYE experience.
The New Omni Hotel lit up
“Lights All Night” will showcase artists on three main stages, dubbed Dance Hall, Bass Hall, and Groove Hall. The two-day festival will feature state-of-the-art production with a dynamic light show, live dancers and art installations. Enjoy a dynamic array of art installations. What better way to bring in 2012 than with other electronic and dance music fans like yourself?
Some of the Top DJs in the world will be there like: Tiesto, Benny Benassi, Laidback Luke, Wolfgang Gartner, and Porter Robinson, along with Ghostland Observatory, Girl Talk, Diplo, Neon Indian, and many more!
The following artists have been added to the Groove Hall lineup:
December 30th Concert
Big Gigantic
Bonobo (DJ Set)
Paper Diamond
White Panda
Zoogma
December 31st concert
DJ Treasure Fingers
DJ Kill The Noise
Savoy Live
Michal Menert
Nadis Warriors
Govinda
BASS HALL PERFORMERS
These artists will join a lineup of some of the most celebrated electronic acts, featuring: Tiësto, Benny Benassi, Laidback Luke, Dada Life, Sandro Silva; as well as Girl Talk, Ghostland Observatory, Wolfgang Gartner, MSTRKRFT and Neon Indian.
*A complete list of performing artists can be found here.*
To Enter the DJ Competition, Dance Competition and Art Installation Submission.
Click here if you feel like you have what it takes to compete!
The Lights All Night Music Fest has also partnered with the American Red Cross to help bring awareness and procure donations for the North Texas Region. They are accepting donations at LightsAllNight.com. Click here to make a donation to the American Red Cross now to support victims of devastating natural disasters. Participating LAN artists will be contributing exclusive merchandise that will be auctioned to raise funds for the North Texas branch!
Bring in 2012 at LAN!
–TICKETS–
Ticket costs range from $99 to $290
There are also 2-Day passes available for $190 and $290 (VIP)
It all just depends on how fancy you’re trying to get that weekend. Unfortunately Platinum VIP Single Day tickets have already sold out.
(You DO have to be 18 and older to attend Lights All Night.)
Hotels packages are also available with the new Omni Dallas Hotel and the Magnolia Dallas. Click here for more info on those packages.
DFW Happenings will keep you posted on all the set times for the event as they won’t be posted by LAN until 1 week prior. Gather your other Dance/Electronic buddies for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve 2012 with Lights All Night!
Address: Dallas Convention Center – Omni Dallas Hotel
650 S. Griffin St. Dallas, Texas 75202
The NBA is back!! Which means the 2011 Champions are too! Join Dirk and Santa as we celebrate the return of both the Holiday season and the Dallas Mavs season at Winterfest 2011. Winterfest will be held on Friday, December 16th at the American Airlines Center. Admission is FREE and the party starts at 3:00pm!
Some of the family fun activities you can expect include: Holiday movies (Shrek the Halls, Merry Madagascar & Kung Fu Panda) on the Big screen, Holiday carolers in the AAC and a special appearance from Old Saint Nick himself! Ice Skate on the AT&T Plaza, Meet Mavs dancers, the ManiAACs and even Dallas Maverick Legends! Watch a Free scrimmage in the AAC too! Apparently the Mavs were just that good that Santa had to travel all the way from the North Pole to commemorate the NBA season returning and the return of the CHAMPS! If you didn’t know already, Santa Claus is secretly a Mavs fan. Don’t be fooled by the red getup. 😉
The Last time we were all together at the Arena
You’ll also have a chance at winning an autographed pass for 2 to get up close and personal with your favorite Maverick players. Maybe you shouldn’t get too personal but autographs and photos will be cool enough. Tune in to ESPN Dallas 103.3 to find out your chance to win the tickets for autographs. Galloway & Company will be live on site.
There will be Mavs Championship Merchandise Specials that you can browse while you’re there and also support a great cause by bringing an unwrapped toy to benefit Operation Once in a Lifetime.
By the way, if you haven’t viewed it already click here to see the 2011-2012 Dallas Mavericks Game Schedule! (It may be a few games shorter, but I’d MUCH rather shorter, than none at all!) We’re opening the NBA season with a classic matchup against rivals Miami Heat on Christmas day!! Now that the lockout is finally over and everyone’s come to an agreement, tickets will be on sale December 10th at 10:00AM. See you Mavs fans Friday 12/16 in the Winter Wonderland of basketball champs. Winterfest begins at 3PM!
–SCHEDULE OF EVENTS– 2:30
Ice Rink on the AT&T Plaza opens 3:00
Doors open to the public 3:30
Showing of Shrek The Halls 4:00
Meet Dallas Mavericks Legends at the ESPN broadcast area! 4:15
Showing of Merry Madagascar 4:45
Showing of Shrek The Halls 5:15
Holiday Music from the House of Blues Gospel Choir 6:00
The 2011 NBA Champs take the floor
Want to take the family out for some ice skating this Holiday season? Perhaps you’d just like to get out on the rink and do something different and fun. Ice Skating is a great activity and an affordable date, even when it’s not necessarily winter time. But the cooler temps put us in the mindset and in North Texas, it’s the most white we may get to see. Here’s a list of all the ice skating rinks we could round up. Locate which one is closest to you, throw on some blades, lace em up and begin your best balancing act!
–OUTDOOR–
Frisco Square – NEW!
This rink is open now through January 8th, 2012 and is only closed Christmas Day or if there is inclement weather.
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 2:00 to 10:00 pm.
Friday – Sunday, noon to 10:00 pm $10 admission
Hopefully the DFW will get more Outdoor rinks but until then, enjoy the host of indoor rinks. Don’t be timid once it’s time to step out on the ICE ICE…Baby. You may even consider participating in Broomball or Ice Hockey as a sport one day!
Every year KwanzaaFest comes to Fair Park in Dallas and brings with it amazing talent! There’s always featured R&B or Hip Hop artists, and this year is no different. Prepare yourself to be serenaded by Tyrese and Eric Benet!! KwanzaaFest is a two-day festival that celebrates the African American culture and African Christmas traditions. Taking place Saturday and Sunday, December 10-11, at the Automobile Building, the annual festival offers free admission with tons of vendors. Although the event is Free, you still have to have a ticket to get in, so click here to find out all the different ways of getting your hands on a ticket! You can register here also for a ticket.
Here’s a clip of Jaheim performing at KwanzaaFest a few years ago (2007):
Although “Kwanzaa” to many North Texans simply means a good concert by a popular artist and getting together for Christmas arts and crafts, the history of Kwanzaa goes much deeper. Kwanzaa comes from the phrase ”matunda ya kwanza” which in Swahili means, “first fruits”. Professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University – Long Beach, Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in LA, he searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in their own way, but oftentimes celebrations include songs, dances, African drums, poetry reading, storytelling and a large traditional meal. There are seven principles (or Nguzo Saba) associated with Kwanaza and each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle. Click here to learn the set of 7 ideals created by Dr. Mualana Karenga.
KwanzaaFest takes place at the Automobile Bldg at Fair Park
KwanzaaFest certainly helps bring some unity to the North Texas African American community around the holiday season. Not only does it bring African Americans together, but residents of all colors and backgrounds also. The annual gathering of business owners and their products and services started back in 1990. Since then the event has grown into a yearly well-known cultural, educational, family-focused event that includes several worthwhile components. In the past singers like Mary Mary, Lloyd, Jaheim, Jazmine Sullivan, Jon B. and many other big headliners have performed on stage.
Eric Benet
Wale
Tyrese
Some of the other artists expected to perform at KwanzaaFest 2011, in addition to Eric Benet and Tyrese, include: Mindless Behavior, Wale, Durrough, Mario, Beat King, Kirko Bangz, Ace Hood, Treal Lee & Prince Rick and apparently the Free concert starts at Noon!
Another important aspect of KwanzaaFest is the health outreach. Last year KwanzaaFest reached a hallmark of providing more than $1 million dollars in FREE healthcare through more than 46,850 health services!
I have to note that Be the Match will also be on location registering bone marrow donors. Unfortunately, 28% of registry members are of diverse racial or ethnic heritage, and only 7% of that 28% is African American/Black represented on the Be The Match Registry of over 9 million members. (10% of 28% is Latino community) This makes it very difficult for patients with sickle cell and Leukemia that are from this heritage find the needed help and hope. Seventy percent of patients needing a marrow transplant who do not have a matching donor in their families. Four out of ten patients actually receive the transplant they need. Barriers to transplant include: lack of access to health care, no or limited insurance, lack of timely referral for transplant, decline in health status and inability to find a matching donor or cord blood unit. In either case, remember that you can help to save a life. If you’re a minority or of diverse/ethnic heritage it’s even more important that you do your part and not be dissuaded by the myths. Do your research! (well enough about that….for now)
The Annual Beat Obesity 5K Walk/Run and 1 Mile Kid’s Run will take place on Saturday morning, December 10, 2011. Click here for more info!
Get ready for KwanzaaFest 2011 at Fair Park’s Automobile Building!
–KwanzaaFest 2011 Dates–
Saturday, December 10
10:00AM – 7:00PM
Sunday, December 11
11:00AM – 6:00PM
Address:
Automobile Building
(Fair Park)
1010 1st Avenue
Dallas 75226
dfwhappenings 