Tag Archives: Things to do in DFW

11th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival

3 Nov

The South Dallas Dance Festival returns November 11th-13th for its 11th year! Join The South Dallas Cultural Center and the ARGA Nova Dance Company as they celebrate performances surrounding the year’s theme: “Forging Ahead”. The festival includes all genres’ dance performances, a master class with Lela Bell, a dance film screening, a praise dance showcase (on Sunday), the dancer of the year award and a reception. The 2011 South Dallas Dance Festival takes place for three whole days at the South Dallas Cultural Center. General Admission to this dance festival is only $10 while Star System members, the Dance Council of North Texas, seniors, students only pay $5.

SDDF takes place at the South Dallas Cultural Center

The South Dallas Cultural Center provides “classes for the education-minded to finger-poppin’ jazz jams for the young and the old hipsters”. Locatedjust outside the Fair Park complex, this community resource for south Dallas residents offers a wide variety of programs inspired by the vibrancy and diversity of the African Diaspora. The SDCC seeks to educate and inspire through the visual, media, literary and performing arts. Check out some of the programs they currently offer.

ARGA Nova Dance is the official name of the organization known as Beckles Dancing Company whose major focus is the development of artists and repertory. The South Dallas Dance Festival is only one of two of their important undertakings as it aims to promote pride, sharing and nurturing of the artform in the area. Founded in 1997, ARGA stands for the Andre R. George Association. It was started to promote dance and related Art and issues. Through dance companies, festivals and lectures ARGA builds community and understanding. ARGA is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Andre R. George who was a gifted dancer, teacher, choreographer and founder of the Nova Dancing Company. ARGA Nova Dance also edits the Black Dance Review.

As you await Alvin Ailey’s arrival in February find your way down to Fitzhugh for the 11th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival Nov 11-13! They’ll be plenty of South Dallas Swag..

The South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 South Fitzhugh
Dallas TX 75210

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Wine Fest 2011 – Addison

2 Nov

The 9th Annual Wine Fest is November 5th at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison. From 6:30pm to 11pm attendees can enjoy an intimate wine and food tasting event that benefits the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The 2011 Wine Fest is sponsored by The 500 Inc.

With the help of its sponsor The 500 Inc, Wine Fest is working to help raise funds and awareness for the Cultural Arts of Dallas. The Five Hundred Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who work together in carrying out their mission of a healthy Arts Community. They have supported more than 35 local arts organizations for over 40 years. Click here to find out more information on becoming a member of The Five Hundred Inc.

The 500 Inc’s Wine Fest is one fo the premier opportunities for North Texans to taste and discover wines from around the country. Check out the list of Vinters at Wine Fest this year.

Mmmm just imagine that grape flavor lol

This is a 21 and over party so leave the kids at home. It’ll only be about 2 hours or so long, God willing your sampling doesn’t become O.D. Wine Fest begins at 6:30pm and ends at 10:00pm. Included in your $35 ticket ($40 at the door) you’ll get wine tastings from all participating wineries and vinters along with samplings from participating restaurants. I’m no wine connoisseur so I’m probably most excited about the restaurants because Addison is filled with tons of great eateries! You’ve got Blue Mesa Grill, Einstein Bros, Cantina Laredo, Chow Thai, Clay Pit, Houlihans, Sambucca 360, Paciugo, Grand Luxe Café, Fish City Grill, Taco Diner, The Ranch at Las Colinas and Sweet Tomatoes to name a few. You also receive access to a large Silent Auction. There will be Live music playing throughout the evening as well in case you want to ‘wine’ up ya body! Valet parking is available for a nominal fee, but self parking isn’t available due to the limited space.

Wine Fest is being held at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum

If this is your first Wine Fest and you’re wondering what to wear, you can come comfortable but dressed smart! Some people will wear business casual as a few may be coming from work anyways, but if you choose to wear jeans just jazz it up a bit. There are ladies who will be in cocktail dresses and gents who may decide to sport a blazer.

Wine ya body down to the Flight Museum for some grown up fun!

Why not Make it a Date!




Wine Fest Location:
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
4572 Claire Chennault Street
Addison, TX 75001

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WORLDFEST 2011 Addison

9 Oct



Travel the world in ONE weekend for FREE!! WORLDFEST in Addison grows a little more each year! On October 22nd and 23rd, Addison Circle Park will host WorldFest, a diverse culture festival celebrating all of the cultural communities that make up our metroplex. The Middle East, Africa, Asia, European and even the West Indies islands are represented. You can find cultural food as well as dancers and live performances. One year we went and were out beating drums and dancing with North Texans of all colors, ages and backgrounds. It was really fun. (see pics below)

The 4th Annual Worldfest has partnered with the following organizations for this year’s festival:

Bugarian American Cultural Center “Bulgare”
Consulate General of Mexico
Council of Ghanaian Associations – DFW
DFW Asian-American Citizens Council
FunAsiA
Italian Club of Dallas
Maharlika Dancers, USA/La Creme Ensemble
Maison de l’Artisan – Kingdom of Morocco
Romanian Food Festival DFW
Polish American Foundation of Texas
Turkish American Association of Northern Texas

Worldfest is produced in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.

At Worldfest you’ll find an International Marketplace divided in sections according to regions. Each region will feature exotic items from around the world, including clothing, fashion accessories, décor, art and more. Berlitz Language classes will also be offered at the festival. WorldFest is great for the little ones! The Kid’s Activities and Global Games at WorldFest will give children a hands-on intro to global cultures through arts, crafts and exciting games from around the world. On the International Business side of things, the Gobal Business Connection offers a new lecture series presented by WorldFest’s partner, the World Affairs Council, presenting programs throughout the year on a variety of international business topics. Network with professionals from around the globe or right here in North Texas. Come to Addison Circle Park for a cultural experience you and your kids are sure to remember!

Fun at the first ever Worldfest in Addison

Drumming & Dancing at the end of WorldFest '08

Worldfest '09

Worldfest '09

Worldfest '09

Worldfest '09

WorldFest will be open from 12:00Noon- 6:00PM
on Saturday, 10/22 & Sunday, 10/23.
Remember, Admission is FREE!!!

*Parking for Addison Worldfest is available for Free at the NW corner of Dallas Parkway and Arapaho Road.


WORLDFEST Address:
Addison Circle Park
4970 Addison Circle Drive

*ATMs are also available on site.

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2011 Fall Season of Shakespeare In the Park | Shakespeare Dallas at Addison Circle Park

2 Oct

My first Shakespeare in the Park experience came when I was still in grade school. (either grade school or middle school) An adult friend of ours from church would take a couple of us to Samuell Grand Park each year to see the Junior play they were putting on. Plays like “Hamlet”, “As You Like It”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or “The Taming of the Shrew” resonate in my mind from those summers as a child. (I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly what a couple of them were about then but it was still fun to go and get out of the house and do something different.) We’d pack up some snacks, cold drinks, picnic blankets or mats and of course the OFF! Candle and spray to ward off bugs.

More than a decade has passed and Shakespeare in the Park is still going strong. But they have extended their performances to the Addison Circle area now as well. I may be a little bit older but Shakespeare Festival of Dallas can cater to people of all ages really, especially if you’re seeing it outdoors. From October 5th to October 9th and October 12th through 16th Shakespeare in the Park will be at Addison Circle Park. “Hamlet” will be the featured play this year.

The story of Hamlet

The only difference between Shakespeare Dallas in 2011 and Shakespeare Dallas of the late 90s early 2000’s is now one has to pay $10 for admission. Back in the days we were just encouraged to give donations, but everything was free. (By the way, you can donate to Shakespeare Dallas by clicking here) With it being such a major and recurring production that has so much involved throughout the year, I’m sure costs add it up and finances are required to keep such a successful program running. Click here for Tickets & Group reservations!

A little history for ya: Robert “Bob” Glenn started The Shakespeare Festival of Dallas in 1971 as a FREE summer Shakespeare Festival when inspired by the nature of the New York Shakespeare Festival. This company serves as North Texas’ only producer of an education program that focuses on teaching Shakespeare. By 2005 they branded the organization “Shakespeare Dallas” in order to illustrate the new direction that the company was taking on of “year-round, affordable and accessible programming”. Shakespeare in the Park has three programs it uses to carry out its mission: Shakespeare In the Park outdoor productions, Shakespeare on the Go! Education programs for Grades 3 -12 and Shakespeare Unplugged programs for young adults ages 18 and over. The core of their programs, which began in ’71, started with a one-man version of Hamlet, and over the years this summer tradition evolved. After growing in popularity the company decided to add a second production in its third year and you can imagine how things went from there. If you’ve got a passion for the arts or Shakespeare you can even volunteer, intern or possibly work with Shakespeare Dallas! Check out their website for more info.

One of the Shakespeare Dallas stages

The first few years of my Shakespeare Dallas experiences were kind of HOT. The plays always took place during the summer or at least some point of the year when it was warm, even though the plays were scheduled in the evening and ran after sunset. (Thank God) It’s a relief to know that now you can go when Texas temp’s are just right – October. Addison Circle’s trees help with the shade and cool breeze that will blow throughout the stage area.

This is the way I remember it - Samuell Grand Park

How fitting that 30 years later Shakespeare Festival of Dallas puts on Hamlet performances in 2011 the same way they started out, only with more than one man. It’s probably not a coincidence. My childhood years may be long gone but now Shakespeare might just provide an affordable date night idea in one of my favorite hang-out spots in North Texas. Pack up the coolers, bug spray and picnic mats (wine & cheese if you must) and take your honey or the kids out for an evening of Shakespeare. Even if the play runs a tad bit long (luckily it’s in a park too), your kids won’t forget their time spent with Shakespeare. I know I didn’t.

Addison Circle Park

4970 Addison Circle Dr
Addison, TX 75001

Look for the Blue AC structure and Shakespeare won't be far away

~Entrance Times~

6:45PM
Members Only
7:00PM
Groups, Special Guests, Advance Tickets Holders
7:30PM
General Admission Tickets on Sale at the Park
8:00PM
*SHOWS BEGIN*

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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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Dralion Cirque du Soleil – Frisco, TX

26 Jul

Cirque de Soleil is coming to North Texas July 27th and bringing their Asian acrobatic flare with them. For an entire weekend Dralion will use the FC Dallas’ stadium for jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts, amazing live music and eye catching costumes that reflect a 3000 year old Chinese tradition. If the costumes don’t grab your eye the whole entire set is sure to! A wall covered with perforated aluminum tiles takes up the whole length of the stage while a mammoth structure creates the backdrop. The 60 feet wide 26 feet tall metallic set suggests a futurists Chinese temple in some scenes and a giant plate of medieval armor in others.

A set like you've never seen before

Unique culture and Cirque du Soleil always go hand in hand. The source of Dralion’s inspiration comes from Eastern philosophy’s continuous quest for harmony between nature and humans. Dralion is a mixture of the words dragon & lion, but it’s meaning is a little deeper. The lion which symbolizes the west, and the dragon, representing the East, represent the two emblematic creatures of the culture. Witness as the four elements (air, water, fire and earth) which govern the natural order take on human form in Dralion. If you’ve never been to a Cirque du Soleil before, expect colors costumes and patterns that surpass regular creativity and bring the whole stage to life. This fancy smancy circus will be in town from July 27 through July 31, just in time to make way for UniverSoul Circus and the classic Barnum & Bailey. I can only imagine the amount of planning, designing, artwork and more that goes into Dralion. You won’t even realize you’re at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Texas.

For tickets to the Dallas Dralion show (Frisco) you can click here, but don’t expect Ringling Bros. prices. Although they have grand performances, Cirque du Soleil has a way of sneaking in and out of town. I can’t believe we almost missed doing a write-up on it! Get a babysitter, or load up the minivan for a trip out the Frisco to see what surprises Dralion has in store for you and the family! It is like none other! Circus acts at their finest!

If you’d like to see a view previews of the show click here.

There will be two shows on the final date.
For TICKETS visit the Dr. Pepper Arena site or the official Dralion site.

Dralion is directed by Guy Caron

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Broadway’s Guys & Dolls at Fair Park | Dallas Summer Musical of July

24 Jul

From July 19 – July 31 catch Guys & Dolls at Fair Park’s Music Hall! Guys and Dolls is presented by Dallas Summer Musicals and is appropriate for all ages! Guys and Dolls is based on two short stories by Damon Runyon- “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown” and “Blood Pressure” and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

Guys and Dolls is a romantic musical comedy set in New York City. The vivid cast of characters brings the story to life on stage with fun and catchy songs, lyrics by Frank Loesser, that bring the spirit of Broadway right into the heart of Dallas!

The organizer of the oldest permanent floating crap game, Nathan Detroit, makes an interesting bet with Sky Masterson who is traveling alone to Havana and believes he could get any woman he wants to company him. Nathan makes an interesting Bet with Sky that he’s sure he’ll win. Nathan proposes that Sky take a ‘doll’ chosen by Nathan to dinner in Havana. He bets that Sky can’t make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. Turns out the lucky contestant happens to be Miss Sarah Brown of the Save-a-Soul Mission. As soon as Nathan chooses virginal Sergeant Sarah Brown, Sky’s confidence fades. Meanwhile, Nate’s ‘doll’ (Miss Adelaide), who is the main attraction at the Hot Box nightclub, only has marriage on her mind after lying to her mother for about 14 years about being married with kids. She is suffering from a psychosomatic cold after dealing with the long overdue engagement. Nathan is in need of $1000 and relies on winning this bet to rent out Gilmore’s Garage in order to maintain the “Oldest Established Permanent Floating Crap Game in New York”. Find out if Sky gets the girl or if Nathan gets the garage when you go see Guys and Dolls this week!

Guys and Dolls is showing at The Music Hall at Fair Park

The Broadway musical first premiered in 1950 at 46th Street Theatre directed by George S. Kaufman with 1200 performances. After the first year the Broadway musical received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1951. Guys and Dolls has received multiple Tony Awards in 1951, ‘65, ‘77, ‘92 and 2009. The musical has had many Broadway revivals and West End productions.

SHOW SCHEDULE

Tue, Jul 19………..8PM
Wed, July 20……….8PM
Thu, July 21……….8PM
Fri, July 22……….8PM
Sat, July 23……….2PM & 8PM
Sun, July 24……….2PM & 8PM
Tue, July 26……….8PM
Wed, July 27……….8PM
Thu, July 28……….2PM & 8PM
Fri, July 29……….8PM
Sat, July 30……….2PM & 8PM
Sun, July 31……….2PM



Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com ranging from $20 to $85. Prices vary based on showtimes, dates and seating levels.
Click here for directions and additional information on The Musical Hall at Fair Park.

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JAM to Give | Braxton Family Values

15 Jul

The 8-week concert series of Cedar Hill Uptown Village continues this week as DFW saxophonist Tom Braxton returns to the stage. Last year he filled the Village Green with smooth jazzy sax sounds that had the crowd dancing and tapping their heels, and this year will be no different. Believe it or not, he taught my brother to play the saxophone when we were younger, so I know he’s a talented musician! With his new album, Endless Highway, now available in stores, Braxton instills those family values by giving to a charitable cause through his music. As it may not be the same exact values as Toni Braxton and her sisters, Tom Braxton (no relation to the VH1 reality stars) has managed to make a name for himself across the U.S. and most importantly the DFW Metroplex. By supporting the local non-profit Hope Mansion, Braxton can help you support a worthy cause and cool off at the end of the week with some quality live music.

Dallas Saxophonist Tom Braxon plays July 15

Found just last November, the Hope Mansion is a faith-based community partnership organization aimed at providing a support system for women in crisis with unplanned/unwanted pregnancies. Located right in Cedar Hill, Hope Mansion provides women support facilities for women in the metroplex should they choose to keep their child or place them up for adoption with limited availability in the entire metroplex as Elizabeth Homes and Grace Home were both recently closed. You can be a part of supporting the non-profit’s mission of practical support for mothers’ and their babies during a time of crisis by bringing toiletry items to Friday’s evening concert (July 15). Whether it’s toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, lotion, whatever, help make a difference in someone else’s life by providing just a small simple contribution. We, as a community, can make a difference and JAM to Give helps us do just that on a weekly basis. Join us at the Village Green once again for a live saxophone performance by one of Dallas’ best jazz musicians and support this concert for a cause that benefits the Hope Mansion.

The concert will be from 7-9pm so you have a little time to change and unwind after work. The kids can bring their swimsuits and beat the heat playing at the fountain in the meantime. This is the second to last concert of the Summer hosted by Uptown Village so catch it before July 22nd comes!

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The Event

29 Jun

Well, well, well…. Look who it is. Yeah, you!!

Did you get tired of doing the same ole same ole and realized there HAS to be other stuff going on around here? Maybe you hear about neat things that people do AFTER the fact and have basically gotten sick of it…

WELCOME to DFW Happenings!!! Your new source for the cool stuff taking place in the DFW Metroplex! This site will focus mainly on the Dallas side of town but every once in a while we’ll venture over to Fort Worth, Tarrant County and surrounding cities as well. DFWH keeps you connected with what’s going on. Dallas has so many hidden jewels so now we’re here to reveal them! As we discover them for ourselves we’ll pass it along to you! Why not share the wealth! You can just call us your “North Texas Treasure Map” for now. If you’re someone who likes to find unique new things to do around the city and try out new places or venues then this is just the place for you. (Warning: This is not a site used to promote the typical clubs or movie theaters) Whether you’re looking for a cheap date idea, a free concert, discounts on food, a hot new restaurant or something out of the ordinary to do DFWH is here as a resource. “She Cez” will guide you through the town and post announcements or upcoming events for your knowledge; If she’s interested in it, you’ll see it here! And what better time to get things rollin’ than in the HEAT of the Summer!

Try venturing out of the norm. Discover what the DF-dubb has to offer! and if you know of someone new to the area, point them this way! Find stuff to do whether it’s in Uptown, Downtown or Funky Town! Remember DFWH is your new “North TX Treasure Map”!….and now off to find some GOLD!!!

DFWH will lead you to the Treasures North TX has to offer!

Word of Advice: Listen to ‘She Cez’…..She’ll keep u ‘IN’ the know, so you won’t be out of the loop with what’s HappenINg 😉

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