Catherine Downes

Last Night: Cut Copy And The Presets At The Granada Theater

Last Night: Girl Talk At The Palladium Ballroom

LST NGHT: MSTRKRFT @ HS F BS

Giveaway: Three Pairs of Tickets To Tomorrow Night's Crystal Castles Show At The Granada

In this past week's print edition, Observer dance music junkie Catherine Downes checked in to say this about Crystal Castles:A mishmash of borrowed and new, topped off with a trendy garnish, Crystal Castles' synth-thrash is unpredictable and, at times, sporadic--but most definitely worth checking o ... More >>

Weekend Roundup: Peaches, Rascal Flatts, Quest Crew, And A New Dallas Dance Craze?

Per our Monday tradition, a few clips of some shows you may have missed this weekend...Peaches on Friday, June 12, at the Granada TheaterRaunchy dance icon Peaches rolled through town on Friday night--and it was quit the show, says reviewer Catherine Downes. Need more proof? Check this nice, clean v ... More >>

Dallas Observer Music Awards

Per our Monday tradition, a few clips of some shows you may have missed this weekend...Peaches on Friday, June 12, at the Granada TheaterRaunchy dance icon Peaches rolled through town on Friday night--and it was quit the show, says reviewer Catherine Downes. Need more proof? Check this nice, clean v ... More >>

Check Out This Jam: Vic Chesnutt, The Grouch, Metric, Tim Barry, Wheat, Richard Hawley, Owen Pallett, Great Job and Gil Scott-Heron

Welcome to Check Out This Jam!!!, a new weekly feature here on DC9. The idea's pretty simple: It's a chance for us writers to shed some light on the music we've been enjoying of late, regardless of the touring or album release schedules that tend to bear the focus of most of our coverage. Don't thin ... More >>

Staff Trax: Thieves Like Us, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Yeasayer, KISS, Goldrush and Owl City

​ "Drugs In My Body" - Thieves Like UsI first staggered upon Thieves Like Us a few years back while carelessly clicking in and out of the blogospherem, and my first exposure to the electro trio was via its video for "Drugs in My Body." Since then, the band has produced several videos, EPs and, las ... More >>

Giveaway: A Pair of Tickets To Tomorrow Night's Yeasayer Show at the Granada

Tomorrow night at the Granada Theater, the ever-buzzing Yeasayer will offer up a sure-to-be-well-attended headlining performance in support of its latest release, Odd Blood. The disc, however is a bit of a departure for the band--more poppy than its 2007 debut and breakthrough All Hour Cymbals, that ... More >>

Giveaway: A Pair of Tickets to Tomorrow Night's Camera Obscura Show at Hailey's

In this week's Observer, Catherine Downes talks Camera Obscura shop in advance of the band's Denton stop on Saturday night at Hailey's. Should be a good one, Downes writes, explaining that the band "was set for nothing less than indie splendor from the beginning." She gets into specifics, too:Camera ... More >>

Giveaway: Three Pairs of Tickets to Tomorrow Night's Owen Pallett Show at the Granada

In this week's paper (out now in some places, tomorrow at others and online soon), Catherine Downes tackles the topic of Owen Pallett, the artist formerly known as Cloud Strife Final Fantasy. Tomorrow night at the Granada, Pallett comes to town in support of his January-released debut under his new ... More >>

Staff Trax: Slayer, Future Islands, The Lilys, Dinosaur Jr, Be Your Own Pet and Captain Beefheart

Welcome to Staff Trax, the weekly feature here on DC9 where we shed some light on the music we've been enjoying of late, regardless of the touring or album release schedules that tend to bear the focus of most of our coverage. Consider it a chance for you readers to get some more insight into ... More >>

Giveaway: Two Pairs of Tickets to See The Psychedelic Furs at the Granada of Thursday

You can't read Catherine Downes' take on the Psychedelic Furs's stop through the Granada Theater on Thursday night just yet--it's in this upcoming weeks' paper, and that sucker ain't out yet. But because I'm in a pretty decent mood this afternoon, here's a taste: Unlike many of their peers who rode ... More >>

Giveaway: Three Pairs of Tickets to Tomorrow Night's Islands Show at The Loft

Last time Islands came through the region--way back in October, for a gig at Rubber Gloves in Denton--our very own Catherine Downes chatted up frontman Nick Thorburn/Nick T./Nick Diamonds about the band's group dynamic with the return of his old Unicorns bandmate Jamie Thompson into the writing fold ... More >>

Our 22nd annual music awards honor a thriving, collaborative scene that's finally getting its due.

Last time Islands came through the region--way back in October, for a gig at Rubber Gloves in Denton--our very own Catherine Downes chatted up frontman Nick Thorburn/Nick T./Nick Diamonds about the band's group dynamic with the return of his old Unicorns bandmate Jamie Thompson into the writing fold ... More >>

Our Critics' Year-End Top Tens: Catherine Downes Hails Nine Inch Nails' Pretty Hate Machine Re-Release

In this week's paper, you may notice a piece including some of our DC9 writers' choices for best albums of the year. But, space being limited, we couldn't run all of our writers' lists. So, thanks to the power of the Internet, we're doing just that, right here.​The mind behind our DC9er mixtape ... More >>

The Must-See Acts at 35 Conferette

In this week's paper, you may notice a piece including some of our DC9 writers' choices for best albums of the year. But, space being limited, we couldn't run all of our writers' lists. So, thanks to the power of the Internet, we're doing just that, right here.​The mind behind our DC9er mixtape ... More >>

Picture Show: Top 5 Fan Costume Photos From Lady Gaga at the American Airlines Center

Stephen MaskerCheck out the full slideshow.​Last year, the costumed Lady Gaga fans lined up in capes and holding "Gaga 4 President" signs.It was no different last night, when a steady line of fans wearing cigarette-flecked glasses and thick skeleton paint wound outside the American Airlines Cente ... More >>

At Mamma Fays BBQ, Ask Ernie for His Sausage-and-Brisket Sandwich (and Prepare to be Happy)

Catherine DownesErnie's go-to sandwich at Mamma Fays'​The only thing more exciting than discovering delicious off-the-menu items at a restaurant might be finding savory morsels where there's no menu to begin with. Or even better, discovering such tasty treats after a few PBRs, which is exactly ... More >>

Lisa Loeb Tells Us How She (Selfishly) Got Into The Eyewear Game.

Catherine DownesLisa Loeb performed at Jack's Backyard in Oak Cliff last night.​Last night, we had the chance to sit down with Dallas' Own '90s pop sensation Lisa Loeb for a few minutes before she played to a packed outdoor crowd at Jack's Backyard in Oak Cliff. And, literally, we really do mean t ... More >>

In-N-Out's Here. What's Left to Talk About?

​This week, presumably, Dallas has moved past waiting three hours for and crying over hamburgers. We're on to more sophisticated things, like hamburgers with 8,000 calories, ballpark grub and how much we all hate the word "gooey." Read on. City of Ate Jenny Block couldn't find much wrong with ... More >>

The Porch Offers An Off-The-Menu Trifecta of Deliciousness

Catherine Downes​ The Porch is home to numerous off-menu items, what with their enormous, constantly changing blackboard, seasonal drinks and items that can be altered to suit diners' needs. Finding elusive bites at the trendy Henderson Avenue location wasn't a problem for us; the trouble was dec ... More >>

Coal Vines Off-Menu Pizza Strikes a Vein

Catherine Downes​Sure, any pizzeria somebody walks into technically offers off-the-menu items; the chefs will sprinkle some cheese and random toppings on a pie and voila! This being said, we weren't on the hunt for elusive eats when we met some friends for pizza at Coal Vines in Uptown last week, ... More >>

Central 214's VIP (Very Important Pet) Party. Quite Possibly the Cutest Dinner-Party, Ever.

Catherine Downes​Last night, Central 214 hosted their VIP (Very Important Pet) Pooch Patio dinner-party with proceeds benefiting Operation Kindness. Naughty Chef Blythe Beck made the rounds with her rescue pup, Sheriff Brown, in tow. "This is a great turn out, I feel so blessed," Beck said, as s ... More >>

Herrera's Mexican Café Opens New Location on Fitzhugh

Catherine Downes​The original Herrera's Mexican Café was located on Maple Avenue, right across the street from Observer HQ, where the lovable Grapevine Bar now resides. Amelie Herrera opened the restaurant in 1971, and it's been a popular spot for Tex-Mex in Dallas ever since, featured in a 1 ... More >>

The "Meat and Potatoes" at Macho Nacho Left Us Too Soon

Catherine Downes​Macho Nacho, located at Cedar Springs and Throckmorton, opened its doors in April, and has since been through some big changes. The menu has been altered several times, and items are constantly being added and taken away as the restaurant gauges which things work and which on ... More >>

Download and Stream Some Killer Ocelot Jams, See The Half-Dallas Duo's Free DJ Gig Tonight

​Not to keep touting each and every Thursday night gig at Rio Room, but tonight's offering at the Travis Street lounge is again an intriguing one. After recent Thursday night sets from Diplo, Shuttle (the DJ moniker of new Dallas resident Nate Donmoyer of Passion Pit) and others, the Thursday nigh ... More >>

Introducing SugarBox, Uptown's Newest Dessert and Coffee Bar (Photos)

All Photos by Catherine Downes​Friday night marked the grand opening of SugarBox, Dallas' newest dessert and coffee bar. The sweet shop -- located under the Mondrian apartments where Dimples Cupcakes used to live, at 3000 Blackburn Street -- boasts a broad selection of cupcakes, French macaron ... More >>

Things Got a Little Too Cheesy and Too Private This Week in Dallas Food

​This week in food blogs, some special people ate special meals, Dallas placed ahead of Anchorage but behind everywhere else, and someone finally thought to stick corndogs in cocktails. Read on. City of Ate Scott Reitz decides Wild Salsa is decent for its hit-or-miss selection of tacos, passa ... More >>

The Food of the Greek Festival (Photos)

​Greek Fest was a plate-smashing success this weekend. Saturday around noon there was a sizable but fast moving line that ushered people into a courtyard that reeked of savory, delicious lamb. The weather was warm, but there was a stiff breeze and a tent provided some shade for those who wante ... More >>

Here Are Some Photos of the V Spot

All Photos by Catherine DownesHouse-made arugula fettuccini with basil, cherry tomatoes and pistachio pesto​Dallas welcomed yet another sexual double-entendre named eatery to the scene on Wednesday: the V Spot Vegan Café. I paid a visit to the tiny space, wedged between the Pearl Cup and We ... More >>

The Birth of Bistro 31, the Death of Heart Attack Grill and More Movement from Last Month in Dallas Dining

Catherine DownesThe V Spot Cafe opened on Henderson.​October has been a busy month for restaurant owners in Dallas, with many restaurants opening and some closing their doors for good. Some notable additions to the city include Vegan café, V Spot and Alberto Lombardi's latest project, Bistro ... More >>

Thai-Rrific is Open on Cedar Springs (Photos)

"Rainbow cake" ​Thai-Rrific closed its longstanding North Dallas location and opened its doors on Cedar Springs last month, where Hung Dinger used to live. The first thing I noticed walking into the restaurant was a refrigerated case full of multicolored cakes. The green tea and "rainbow" ca ... More >>

The Winter Cocktails of Dallas

All Photos by Catherine DownesMarquee Grill's Pomegranate Sling: Laird's Applejack brandy, sweet vermouth distilled in chai tea, lemon, simple syrup and pomegranate juice, garnished with three dried rosehips​ The holidays are here, and restaurants and bars around town have broken out their sea ... More >>

Sundown, the New Bar at the Granada, is Open (Photos)

All Photos by Catherine Downes​Sundown at Granada, owned and operated by Granada Theater owner Mike Schoder and girlfriend Julia Garton, opened its doors yesterday in what used to be M Street Bar. The once dingy and abrasively painted red and black interior has been transformed by earth tones ... More >>

Last Night at Sundown: Getta Load of This Soft Opening

Catherine DownesView from the Sundown​Oh, look. City of Ate's got a nice photo report on last night's Sundown grand opening. The Granada's new bar and restaurant was lovely and copious amounts of booze were had by all. A friend had enthused, "This will be a great place for drinks before and ... More >>

Over the Weekend: Blackstone Rangers and Kiwi Sisters Blackout 2826 Arnetic

Catherine DownesKiwi Sisters​ Blackstone Rangers, Kiwi Sisters, Jakkk-E-Chan 2826 Arnetic Saturday, January 7 Better than: Playing Christian Death albums alone in the dark. Dallas Distortion Music, a fairly new catchall site for DFW's weirder sounds, hosted this triple-header at 2826 Arneti ... More >>

303 Bar and Grill is Open in Oak Cliff, and Its Namesake Special Will Eff You Up (Photos)

All photos by Catherine Downes.The 303 special.​303 Bar and Grill opened last Friday, and by the following Sunday afternoon people were packed into the Oak Cliff joint, eating, drinking beer and watching football. The restaurant is located in an old, renovated house on West Davis and Madison; ... More >>

Sundown Rises, Lumi Goes Dark and More Openings and Closings from a Busy January

Catherine DownesSundown at Granada​January proved to be a busy month in the Dallas food scene. The highly anticipated Sundown at Granada opened its doors, along with a handful of other eateries. Read on for the full opening and closing slate, and be sure to share tips about restaurant openin ... More >>

Things Overheard During the Shepard Fairey DJ Set

Catherine Downes​If you're like me, you wondered what exactly Shepard Fairey would spin at Saturday's Dallas Contemporary Phenomenon event. Sadly, Tuvan throat singing and Icelandic death metal were not in the cards. Instead, it was sort of like being at a really fun wedding reception: House o ... More >>