Honor the Kennedy anniversary in whatever way you see fit. We've got a bunch of events tucked in this weekend's list. (I'll be drinking pink Champagne, toasting Jackie for 24 hours straight. Chance of weep-sobbing? A solid 30 percent. That number increases to a steadfast 60 percent by the second bottle.)
There's a lot happening through Sunday. Don't believe me? Fine. There's a free three-day comedy show at the Amsterdam Bar. Oodles of art openings. A magazine release bash at the Gin Mill. Public art in Vickery Meadow. A party for your mustache and lots, lots more. It's all in this handy guide, so let's get to it. I'll see you out there. (I'll be the one in a swing coat and bouffant.)
Thursday 11.21 THWRD Issue 4 Release Party -- Those cats at THWRD are back at it, slingin' copies of their newest issue at Thursday's biggest rager. It's going down at the Gin Mill where Arturo Donjuan of Sour Grapes will paint live outside while rapscallion George Quartz dazzles on the interior.
State of the Arts -- Singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe, choreographer Bruce Woods and actor Steven Walters lead tonight's discussion with moderator Jeff Whittington. They'll discuss the ups and downs of making art in Dallas' current climate in respect to their particular fields.
Instant Film 101 Workshop -- Those Instant Film Society co-founders, Daniel Rodrigue and Justin Goode, teach a free workshop tonight at Kettle Art. Learn about which styles of cameras and varieties of instant film are still available, and get some pro tips on how to work the suckers. It's from 7 to 10, is free and is hands-on.
214 TRANS4M+JFK50 -- Photographer, writer and general view-alterer, Daniel Kusner, speaks tonight on JFK, but not in any way you've ever heard before. Just trust me on this. He's got a cool new book out filled with transgendered models recreating iconic Dallas scenes, called 214 TRANS4M. Tonight he'll pick through that while examining all of those "queer threads" knotted up in the JFK conspiracies and their ripple effects. It's free at the Cedar Springs Branch.
Noah's Ark -- At Martin Sheen's request, there will be a staged reading of a new play about the Kennedy presidency, its struggles and its reach. Sheen is one of the featured readers and your $15 ticket price goes to the Dallas Peace Center.
Friday 11.22 I Love You To Death at ATAMA -- Artist Loretta Gonzalez has created a new series of paintings about a very dangerous topic: mothers who kill their children. Now, you wouldn't know it at first glance, but these storybook images focus on young girls doing harm to their teddy bears. It's bold and interesting and worth your time. JFK 50th Anniversary Memorial Program at Texas Theatre -- Just when you thought Texas Theatre had reached the depths of possible nerddom, they root a bit further. Look at Friday's programming: A partial screening of War is Hell, a historical look back through a document-rich photo gallery and yes, a theatrical recreation of Texas Theatre-specific moments of the Warren Commission Investigation, performed by TT's staff and friends.
The Amsterdam Comedy Festival (Through Sunday) -- There's a not-so-little stand-up show brewing in Expo Park. It's three-days long, totally free and features 33 area comics. That's a shit-ton. You'll stay late each night for headliners Carolyn Cummings (Friday), Clint Werth (Saturday) and Paul Varghese (Sunday). Dan Danzy hosts this exercise in chuckle endurance.
The Artist's Commission at Grey Matters -- A powerhouse of local and national artists makes up this group show, tackling topics of mourning, collective denial, identity and celebrity surrounding the Kennedy affair.
Saturday 11.23 Movember Costume Party -- It's a party that encourages you to match a costume to your facial hair. Old-timey weight lifter? Sure. Bloodthirsty viking? Why not? How about Jesus from The Big Lebowski or John Waters as John Waters? Yes, those would also rule.
Trans.lation Vickery Meadow Outdoor Market, Part II -- Rick Lowe's social art project for Nasher Exchange does its second public art market this weekend. Go see what's been percolating over in Vickery Meadow.
JFK Day of Service -- I'm picking up trash at the Lake like a delinquent youth on Saturday, but you can choose from dozens of volunteer options at this link. Honor Kennedy's message through elbow grease. Besides, some offer snacks.
Nasher Soundings Series Presents In Memoriam JFK -- Brentano String Quartet, clarinetist Charles Neidich and pianist Seth Knopp will honor Kennedy at the City Performance Hall through the music of John Cage and Olivier Messiaen, and also premiere a newly commissioned piece by Steven Mackey called One Red Rose.
Dallas Neo-Classical Ballet at RO2 Art -- RO2's current exhibition, One Day, is reason enough to pop by for Saturday's evening of contemporary dance. Seeing how that group moves through the space, which is currently loaded with recycled Starbucks cast-offs that have been formed into sculptures, is another entirely. It's based on donation, so give a little and get a lot.
Gallery Night on Dragon Street -- It's the final push of 2013 in the Design District, so pop over and into your favorite spaces on Saturday night. (Check back with Mixmaster tomorrow for a complete guide.)
Seven Deadly Sins Burlesque Show -- Any party emcee'd by Satan promises to be one helluva time. This one's got perks, like sideshow acts, burlesque, machetes, barbed wire, hot wax and more.
Sunday 11.24 How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Musical at Bass Hall -- You just think you know how it went down in Whoville. This musical adaptation brings Seuss to life and plops it all down on the Bass Performance Hall's magical stage.
Winter Art Mart and Silent Auction -- This art auction is a cash generator for the Bath House, the pristine jewel of White Rock Lake where great things happen constantly. Hop in there and do a little early shopping for a great cause.
Movember Comedy Show at Hyena's -- Richard Estrada, Aaron Aryanpur, Seth Cowles, Daryl Felsburg, Chris Mack, Lee Van Coulter, Zach Ayers, Kerry Smith, Brandon Davidson, Steve Herdon and Usama Siddiquee take the stage to rack cancer where it hurts on Sunday night. It's based on donation, so pitch in and help put an end to that nasty cancer business, 'cause that shit's gotta go.
