Archive | March, 2012

2012 Jazz Nights at The Dream Café

20 Mar

Once upon a time (about two decades ago) an aspiring entrepreneur dreamed up a place where people could eat healthy, get tasty food, let the kids run free and be able to let their hair down while doing so. It would be a safe haven for adults and children alike that allowed them the freedom to be themselves and let their imaginations run wild. This place came into existence in the DFW metroplex, and the owners were so pleased with themselves that they opened a second location. Both provided a relaxing patio atmosphere, occasional classic movie nights, easy going ambiance and an eclectic family friendly menu. “Let’s call it The DREAM Café!” they said. Then, a couple years later, another idea popped into their heads. “Let’s set aside special nights where customers can not only eat and drink, but hear live music outside on the patio at the same time. We’ll do it in the springtime, since this IS Texas.”

This spring explore your dreams and find a place of evening refuge in Uptown Dallas at The Dream Café’s Jazz Nights every Monday and Wednesday from 7 to 9pm. Local artist Melanie Skybell, a regular performing artist at The Dream Café, along with The Brehms Duo will alternate nights giving live shows on location. In fact, Melani Skybell will be having her Album Release Party on Wednesday, April 11th at the Uptown Location. Help her celebrate her newest CD with Pete Brewer on sax, Jaelun Washington on drums and Jonathan Fisher on bass at her second home – The Dream Café. (outside on patio, weather permitting)

*While you’re at Jazz Nights on Wednesdays, those who like to sip after a long day’s work, can enjoy ½ priced bottles of wine, every Winey Wednesday.*

Check out the full 2012 Spring Jazz Nights Schedule:

Mon. Mar 19: The Brehms Duo
Wed. Mar 21: Melani Skybell
Mon. Mar 26: The Brehms Duo
Wed. Mar 28: Melani Skybell
Mon. Apr 2: The Brehms Duo
Wed. Apr 4: Melani Skybell
Mon. Apr 9: The Brehms Duo

Wed. Apr 11: Melani Skybell (CD Release Party!)
Mon. Apr 16: The Brehms Duo
Wed. Apr 18: Melani Skybell
Mon. Apr 23: The Brehms Duo
Wed. Apr 25: Melani Skybell
Mon. Apr 30: The Brehms Duo
Wed. May 2: Melani Skybell
Mon. May 7: The Brehms Duo

The Brehms Duo

The Dream Café is very casual restaurant (with vegetarian friendly items offered on their menu) found right in the heart of Uptown Dallas located at the Quadrangle off Routh Street. Parking is Free either in the Quadrangle lot or the nearby garage. Although The Dream Café is also in Addison, Jazz Nights will just be taking place in Uptown for now, as the Addison location is typically closed during the evenings – but perfect for Brunch. This hidden treasure is no longer remaining a ‘secret’. (I personally came across it a couple of summers ago when looking for new things to do.) So For the next 2-3 months, don’t just dream about Free Jazz Nights, but make it a reality. By the end of the evening -between the wine and the soothing sax sounds- you may be walking on clouds.

Now if we could just get those Classic Movie Nights back up and running! 😉

Uptown Location
2800 Routh Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Addison Location
5100 Beltline Road
Dallas, TX 75254

*Check out the Dream Cafe Menu here*

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2012 Art on the Greene Arts Festival in Arlington

18 Mar

Come to Richard Green Linear Park March 23-25, 2012, for Art on the Greene Arts Festival. The Free three-day festival features some of the finest artists and live local entertainment. The inaugural event will take place all between The Ballpark in Arlington and the Cowboys Stadium. Home of the Caelum Moor Sculptures by artist Norm Hines, Richard Greene Linear Park will host artists of all different categories: painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glass, mixed media, sculpture, wood and metal.

Here are some of the groups/bands confirmed for 2012 Arts On the Greene:

    – UTA Jazz Orchestra
    – Soul Sacrafice
    – Ming Fishtrap
    – Andrea Dawson
    – Nightbird
    – Ray Tarantino
    – Jace Bersin Trio
    – Ray Tarantino


Click here for a schedule of the musical performances.

Jon Dillon and 92.5 KZPS will be Live on location at Art on the Greene Friday from 3-7pm to bring in the Weekend Party.

If you’re in the Arlington area and looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, stop by Richard Greene Linear Park for some great music and art. Spring is upon us so the weather is good for this type of event.

Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets to Art on the Greene festival. While coolers and ice chests aren’t allowed in the park, food vendors will be on site offering drinks and eats for sale.

Both parking and admission are free for this Event!

Art on the Greene Schedule
Friday, 3/23………..3pm-11pm
Saturday 3/24……..11am – 11pm
Sunday 3/25………..11am – 5pm

Richard Greene Linear Park
1601 E. Randol Mill Road
Arlington, TX 76011

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8th Annual Dallas Blues Festival

18 Mar

North American Entertainment’s 2012 Dallas Blues Fest will be March 24th at the Dallas Convention Center. The 8th annual Dallas Blues Fest is open to the public with ticket admission. All Blues fans are welcome to come out for soul stirring performances by artists like Sir Charles Jones, Mel Waiters, Latimore, Millie Jackson, Floyd Taylor, Clarence Carter and Denise LaSalle.

Enjoy classic themes and sounds of the blues resognating through the convention center from 10:30am to 11:30pm. Last week the city went Green. Now it’s time to go “Blue”! Celebrate a form of music that has forever impacted America and continues to live on in the South. It will be a full day of everything blues, high energy performances, community and fun.

*Tickets to the Dallas Blues Festival are about $55 each.*

Dallas Convention Center
650 S. Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202

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Farmers Insurance SWAC Basketball Tournament 2012 – March 6-10

4 Mar

March Madness is heating up and to add more flames to the fire, the Farmers Branch 2012 SWAC Basketball Tournament, presented by Verizon, comes to North Texas March 6-10. It will all be taking place at the Special Events Center in Garland, Texas beginning Monday through Saturday. The Southwestern Athletic Conference, headquartered in Birmingham, AL, is made up of historically black universities throughout the south who participate in the NCAA’s Division 1. It contains schools from 5 states: Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. The winners of this tournament will receive the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Eight teams have qualified for the 2012 SWAC Tournament. Unfortunately Southern and Grambling won’t be playing since they received one-year postseason bans in men’s basketball.


SWAC Schools:
Alabama A&M
Alabama State
Alcorn
Grambling State
Jackson State
Mississippi Valley State
Prairie View
Southern (Baton Rouge)
Texas Southern
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff



Follow the 2012 SWAC Tournament Bracket HERE!

Since teams and college basketball fans will be in North Texas for about 6 days they might as well have some entertainment in between the games. From comedy shows and golf tournament to college expos and live concerts, there is an entire week of events surrounding the basketball tournament. Here are some of the ones worth mentioning:

Monday, Mar 6
Charity Golf Tournament – 7am – 12noon
$340/Team
Pecan Hollow Golf Course (4501 14th St, Plano)
Click here to Register.

Erykah Badu will perform Live Wed Night at the Prophet Bar


Wednesday, Mar 7
College Expo – 8am
Special Events Center

Live Hip Hop Concert
featuring Erykah Badu & DJ Premiere – 10pm-2am
$10
The Prophet Bar (2548 Elm St, Dallas)

Thursday, Mar 8
College Expo – 8am
Special Events Center

HBCU Alumni Mixer – 5pm-12am
Live performances by Anthony David, Logan 7 Just a Few Cats
$5
Beamers Night Club
(2343 Walnut Hill Ln, Dallas)

Friday, Mar 9
Step-off Competition
$10 – standing
$15 – seated
$20 – day of events
The Palladium (1135 S. Lamar St, Dallas)

Annual Ballers of Comedy – 7:30–11:30pm
Damon Williams, Rod Thompson,
Jeremiah “JJ” Williamson & Kelly “K Dubb” Walker
$20-$30
Dallas Black Academy of Arts & Letters (650 S. Griffin St., Dallas)

Lance Gross hosts the Official SWAC After Party Sat night

Saturday, Mar 10
FREE Super Saturday featuring Miguel – 10am – 1pm
Family Fun: Battle of the Bands, Step Show, Slam Dunk Contest, Vendor Village & Live performance by Miguel)
Special Events Center

The Official After Party Hosted by Lance Gross – 9pm – 2am
$15 cover
Victory Tavern
(2501 N. Houston St, Dallas)

**For a complete schedule of the entertainment events click here.



To check game results click here.
The Championship Game for the Women will be Saturday at 5pm and the Men’s will be at 7pm.

Click Here for Tickets and Tournament Packages!

Special Events Center - Garland, TX

~2012 SWAC Tournament~
Special Events Center
4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard
Garland, TX 75040

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Free Outdoor Spring Concert Series at Mockingbird Station

3 Mar

Finally a Free Concert series is coming to Mockingbird Station! This is their first time doing it and it’s bound to go well. The location is just right and the weather is warming up so why not bring some live music to Mockingbird Lane? The 2012 Spring Outdoor Concert Series kicks off March 1st and will be every 1st and 3rd Thursday until July 5th. Sounds of a variety of local artists will ring throughout the hip shopping spot found right off Hwy 75 (North Central Expressway). It’ll all be coming from the Mezzanine Level in front of the Angelika Dallas Film Center.

    Dates: Every 3rd Thursday of the Month in Spring
    (Mar 1, Mar 15, April 5, April 19, May 3, May 17, June 7, June 21, July 5)
    Time: 6pm – 9pm
    Location: Mockingbird Station in front of the Angelika Theatre
    (5307 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas)

The Concerts will be held right in front of the Angelika

Check out the Lineup!

March 1: Club Wood

March 15: Devin Leigh

April 5: Greg Reichel

April 19: The O’s

May 3: Aaron Woods Band

May 17: Mockingbyrd Station

June 7: SouthWestern Playboys

June 21: Achachay!

July 5: The Carters

Although this is a “Spring” concert series, the shows will go well into early summer. Plus spring is short-lived in North Texas, if it occurs at all, so bring a lawn chair and cool drink or find something to cool off with from a nearby eatery (i.e. Vapianos, Cold Stone Creamery, Rockfish, Café Express, Urban Taco or Starbucks). You’ve sat in traffic most of the evening anyways so why not ring in the weekend (on Thursday nights) with Mockingbird Station’s Free spring concerts? The DART stops right there at Mockingbird Lane too!

Keep an eye on Mockingbird Station this year. They seem to be adding a nice list of fun activities and events to their calendar. If you don’t hear it from us first, you’ll hear it from them.

*Parking is Free around the stores, and the garage is also be available for complimentary parking.

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North Texas Irish Festival | NTIF 2012 at Fair Park Dallas

1 Mar

This year the North Texas Irish Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary! It all started back in March of 1983 and has grown into this major Celtic Celebration at Fair Park in Dallas. The 2012 theme is “Harps & Fiddles” because these two instruments are played more than any others for Irish music. You can spend up to 3 days celebrating the Irish Culture with other North Texans since NTIF is March 2-4. It may be a little ahead of St. Patty’s Day but it’s the right time of year so make it a green day and embrace that fighting Irish inside.

Features:

Tickets
Anyone who arrives in line at or before 7:00pm on Friday is allowed in FREE! After 7pm on Friday it will be $10. Say “Happy 30th!” at the gate and get in for $5 or less. There are also 50% discount available in the local newspapers.

Tickets on Saturday cost $20 and on Sunday they are $15.

Learn more about how to get your tickets to the Irish Festival here.

Interested in Volunteering? Click here to find out all the opportunities in volunteering and how to apply.

The North Texas Irish Festival is way bigger than this article can describe. You just have to follow your nose to the lucky charms and see it for yourself. The year I went I was amazed. So many vendors and so much culture! They might as well dye the fountains green (if they haven’t)! This year is the year to go also since NTIF is celebrating their big 3-0! The Irish party almost all night long so check the schedule below for dates and times when the park will be open.

-NTIF 2012 Weekend Schedule-

Friday, March 2nd
6:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday, March 3rd
10:30am – 11:30pm
Sunday, March 4th
11:30am – 7:30pm

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