It's been a crazy day around here, what with the big NX35 announcement and all. Part of us doesn't want it to end; the rest of us can't wait for the weekend to start.
Oh, who are we kidding? We're pretty stoked about this weekend--and for good reason, too, as there's plenty happening. First, as always, let's start with a reminder of the shows we've already hyped up on the blog or in print.
Tonight's pretty packed: Dale Watson and Max Stalling play the Granada Theater, LMFAO performs at House of Blues and Damaged Good$ takes its charitable party train to Good Records.
Saturday, meanwhile, sees the joint Chrismassacre parties at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios and Bee's Manor up in Denton, a performance from Reverend Horton Heat and the Von Ehrics at the Longhorn Saloon in Fort Worth and the 18th anniversary celebration at the Lizard Lounge with Robbie Rivera and others.
As for Sunday? Rooney plays the Granada Theater, and, there, the band will have available for purchase copies of its new, dedicated-to-Carter-Albrecht EP, Wild One.
There are, of course, plenty of other options--and we'll get to as many as, well, as many as we see fit--after the jump.
Bridges & Blinking Lights, Spooky Folk, Dave Coulter
Friday, Dec. 18, at Dan's Silverleaf in Denton
Headlined by two fine acts--one established (B&BL) and ready to unleash a new disc in early 2010, the other set to unleash its promising early catalog (Spooky Folk) next year as well--this bill makes for a fine show in the always-intimate Silverleaf environment.
Sarah Jaffe, Robert Gomez, Matthew Gray, Josh Mease
Friday, Dec. 18, at J&J's PIzza in Denton
This same show essentially takes place on Saturday night at The Cavern in Dallas--only with a few tweaks. For one, new Kirtland Records signee Sarah Jaffe won't be performing at The Cavern. And, second, whereas Matthew Gray will perform a solo set on Friday night, he'll be joined on Saturday night with backing players so as to perform under his Matthew and The Arrogant Sea side projects, Matthew Gray Delves...
Eaton Lake Tonics
Friday, Dec. 18, at Lola's Sixth in Fort Worth
Anthony Ferraro's Fort Worth band Eaton Lake Tonics features a rotating cast of about 10 musicians--many among the finest in the region. And, tonight, his indie rock outfit celebrates the release of its fine new album, Rancho Folly IV, in its hometown venue, Lola's Sixth. Expect a review of the disc in the coming weeks.
John David Kent, The Brushlanders, Jack County
Friday, Dec. 18, at City Tavern
Unfairly, John David Kent is perhaps most easily recalled as "One of the guys from Radish that wasn't Ben Kweller." But the Greenville native's got plenty else going for him, among them regular spins of his country tunes on KHYI-95.3 FM The Range and owning a label called Blackland Records, which serves as home to acts like HYMNS and Somebody's Darling. And, tonight at City Tavern, Kent hosts a holiday-themed party. Because he can, dammit.
The Burning Hotels, Cocky Americans, Electric Attitude
Saturday, Dec., 19, at City Tavern
The Burning Hotels seem to be performing with increased regularity about town of late--a good thing for fans of Strokes-like post-punk performed at a high energy.
Drowning Pool, The Suicide Hook, The Better Death
Saturday, Dec. 19, at Trees
This show, sponsored by KEGL-97.1 FM The Eagle, is a Toys for Tots benefit. And, as such, fans that arrive at the venue with a toy in tow will be given a discounted entry rate of $9.71 to see one of Dallas' biggest metal draws in Drowning Pool.
Sara Hickman
Saturday, Dec. 19, at Poor David's Pub
Longtime Observer favorite, native Dallas daughter and indie folk rocker Sara Hickman returns to the stage at Poor David's Pub for what should be an intimate show.
Jacob Metcalf, The Fox and The Bird, Something in the Wheel
Saturday, Dec. 19, at Good Records
The subject of this week's DC9 Live at El Sibil feature takes to Good Records' stage with fellow neo-folk acts The Fox and The Bird and Something in the Wheel, both of which feature musicians who also back Metcalf in his band.
The 4th Annual Orphanage Benefit with Dove Hunter, Dem Southernfolkz, The Orbans, Sparklepussy Barbie and DJ Slim
Saturday, Dec. 19, at The Double Wide
No doubt one of the biggest shows of the weekend--both because of the bands on the bill and the fact that P1s always show in big numbers to support events sponsored by Ticket-sponsored events--this varied, impressive show doubles as a fundraising event by the hosts of the Saturday Morning radio show "The Orphanage" benefiting The Gladney Center For Adotion. Update: Dove Hunter is no longer a part of this bill.
...and that's your weekend. Have fun out there.
