Last Weekend: Rock the Dead, OUT TAKES, Tattoo Round-Up

That's right, you missed out on Day-Glo paint at Rock the Dead.It felt like we were all over the place this weekend. We hit up a tattoo festival, a celebration of dead rock musicians, a gay and lesbian film festival and some concerts. Chances are you couldn't hit all the...

By Chelsea Mueller

November 5, 2007

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That's right, you missed out on Day-Glo paint at Rock the Dead.

It felt like we were all over the place this weekend. We hit up a tattoo festival, a celebration of dead rock musicians, a gay and lesbian film festival and some concerts. Chances are you couldn't hit all the events we did, so here are the highlights.

1. Rock the Dead at Ridglea Theater

In a twist on a traditional Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, Rock the Dead honored dead rockers including Janice Joplin and Layne Staley through decorated altars (check the pictures) and a slew of cover bands. At the Saturday festival, Day of the Dead-themed art, candies and other goods were for sale. Plus, the money from the festival was donated to the Texas Musicians Museum. We like that, too.

2. OUT TAKES Film Festival at Magnolia Theater

We couldn't miss the opening night of OUT TAKES Dallas Friday night. The ninth annual gay and lesbian film festival kicked off its 10-day run with hot, naked men in Naked Boys Singing. The line was long (and we didn't see a single female in the bunch), but it was damn worth it. (Did we mention the nakedness?) The mixer at Cork was lively, to boot.

3. Texas Tattoo Round-Up at Crowne Plaza Market Center

Tattoo artists and fans from all over Texas (and a few from other states) checked out this three-day expo. We saw stunning artwork and some brave souls getting armpits, kneecaps and ribs tattooed -- some of the most painful sites. With all the on-site work being done and contests constantly around the corner, the friendly (and often talkative) artists maintained a low-key vibe at this ninth annual tattoo expo.

4. Jay Reatard at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios

Jay Reatard, founder of garage punk band The Reatards, impresses further in his solo career. He brought his straightforward sound to Denton Friday night, and we loved it. -- Chelsea Ide

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