Holidays

ABB: Always Be Baldwin

I'mma Blow Up Gingerbread Houses. What're You Doing on New Year's Eve?

​My favorite New Year's Eve tradition comes from my friend, Andy. One New Year's Eve a long, long time ago, Andy's step dad created the best tradition since drinking beer always. The story goes that Andy's step dad (let's call him Badass McAwesometown), Badass McAwesometown, was left at home unsup ... More >>

Better Late Than Never, Tiger Darrow and Paul Slavens Kicked Out a Christmas Jam

​Several Friends of Unfair Park have already requested one song for next year's Christmas special on K-Ticket: Tiger Darrow and Paul Slavens's "Santa Claus is Coming," which, per the note affixed to the Soundcloud, was finished just in time for his arrival in the wee small hours of Christmas morni ... More >>

The K-Ticket Christmas Eve Music Playlist, With a Few Leftovers For the Morning

​If I'm allowed on K-Ticket airwaves for a fourth annual Christmas dance party, I will ask management to carve space enough for a 17-hour set. The list of songs I wanted to play but didn't is much longer than those that actually made the air. Then again, if you really want a copy of Anya Marina's ... More >>

Folk Angel Channels Grief and Loss Through a New Christmas Album.

​If I'm allowed on K-Ticket airwaves for a fourth annual Christmas dance party, I will ask management to carve space enough for a 17-hour set. The list of songs I wanted to play but didn't is much longer than those that actually made the air. Then again, if you really want a copy of Anya Marina's ... More >>

Local Holiday Music Roundup: Seryn, Folk Angel, Josh T. Pearson & More

I think yule really enjoy this list.​We're full-blown into December, which means the holiday season surrounds us. And good lord, there are a lot of holiday albums being released this year. Seems like everyone from Lady Gaga to My Morning Jacket have the tour bus television on the Yule Log channel. ... More >>

Psst. Ginny. It's All a Lie!

I think yule really enjoy this list.​We're full-blown into December, which means the holiday season surrounds us. And good lord, there are a lot of holiday albums being released this year. Seems like everyone from Lady Gaga to My Morning Jacket have the tour bus television on the Yule Log channel. ... More >>

Rockin' Christmas Party: Not Rockin', Not a Party, Not Christmas-y

WaterTower Theatre commits musical re-gifting.

Folk Angel's Comfort & Joy Earns Billboard's Number Four Folk Album, Offers Free Download

​If you're searching iTunes for Christmas music, because who isn't at this time of year (avoids eye contact with office Hanukkah observers), it won't take long before you run across North Texas' Folk Angel and their new album Comfort & Joy. Less than two weeks after its November 15 release, th ... More >>

So Is Mac and Cheese A Black Thing?

Pat Robertson never ate mac and cheese at his Thanksgiving dinner, and after scratching my head deep in thought for the last three seconds, I'm pretty sure that I haven't either. But Robertson's question of the dish as a Thanksgiving staple ("Is that a black thing?") along with the commentator's r ... More >>

Shudder at Christmas Spirits

Pat Robertson never ate mac and cheese at his Thanksgiving dinner, and after scratching my head deep in thought for the last three seconds, I'm pretty sure that I haven't either. But Robertson's question of the dish as a Thanksgiving staple ("Is that a black thing?") along with the commentator's r ... More >>

Hey Thanksgiving, Let's Make Out.

No, Thanksgiving/Footballsgiving/Foodsgiving/Fightsgiving/Shopsgiving/Bingegiving isn't a competition, but once I caught wind of the profession of love, adoration and profanity that Alice was going to publicly give my favorite American holiday, I realized I had to come forward with one of my own. S ... More >>

I Fucking Love Thanksgiving

Alright, I know that 103.7 has already become The Christmas Station and grocery stores are already selling candy canes, but can we just hold the motherfucking Christmas phone for a second and be excited for Thanksgiving? The Day of Giving Thanks (AKA The Best Food Holiday of The Year AKA Overeatsgiv ... More >>

The Must-Have Thanksgiving Dishes of Dallas' Top Chefs

We all have our favorite dish at Thanksgiving. Maybe it's sweet potato casserole, cheesy mashed potatoes, Jello salad or cornbread dressing. No matter that crazy great-aunt Melba came up with the recipe 47 years ago; if it's not on the table when the bird is served, then just call the whole thing of ... More >>

100 Holidays Ranked By Deliciousness

Known: Thanksgiving is one of the best food holidays ever. So, where do the other 99 holidays we could think of rank? We're so glad you asked. 1. Day After Thanksgiving: All the food, none of the family. Plus you get Leftovers Sandwiches. Choose to deny that this is the best food holiday of all foo ... More >>

Occupy Wall Street Plus Halloween: My Cunning Plan for a Little Political Compassion

​Great trick-or-treaters last night on my street. Some years we just get kids from the block. They're great. But last night we got spillover from the Halloween gala on Swiss Avenue a block away. When that happens, we get an even bigger window on the festival. Got me thinking. Check me on this ... More >>

Mayor Mike Rawlings Gets Rowdy as City Hall's Halloween Party Also Gets Occupied

Photos by Anna MerlanNo, I can't imagine we'll ever see this photo at right ever again. Not at all. No, never.​My most terrifying night at Dallas City Hall involved a six-hour Redistricting Commission meeting, during which I was forced to eat 1,000-year-old, partially fossilized peanut butter ... More >>

No Kidding, Halloween Nights are Perfect for … uh … Kids

Photos by Anna MerlanNo, I can't imagine we'll ever see this photo at right ever again. Not at all. No, never.​My most terrifying night at Dallas City Hall involved a six-hour Redistricting Commission meeting, during which I was forced to eat 1,000-year-old, partially fossilized peanut butter ... More >>

Candy Corn: The Worst Halloween Candy in the History of Ever

Candy corn is grosser than gross.​Candy corn, I hate you. Mainly because -- and I'm going to be blunt here -- you fucking suck. You taste like pre-digested marshmallows and Sweet Vanilla Shit Meadow Febreze had a flavor baby. You're punishment candy. People who give out candy corn on Halloween wou ... More >>

Ten Musicians' Ghosts That Still Stalk The Earth (And How To Dress Up As Them For Halloween)

​Now that the calendar has official turned to September and the back-to-school fervor is over, we've come upon that special time once again when big-box retailers to start rolling out their Halloween merchandise. Since we here at DC9 love Halloween, we think it's never too early to begin planning ... More >>

Booze and Fireworks, a Dallas PD July 4 Recap

Bottle rocket. Get it?​Beginning 'round 9ish last night, my Northwest Dallas neighborhood sounded like a war zone -- more than usual, anyhow. (As one Facebook friend put it, it turned into a parlor game: Firework or Gunshot?) Clearly, news of the countywide burn ban and threats of Class C misdemea ... More >>

Good Friday: The Independence Day Edition

Bettmann/CorbisWillie Nelson at his second annual Fourth of July picnic in 1974​It's hot as hell and the area burn bans are in full effect, which can only mean one thing: It's time to celebrate our independence! This weekend's live music offerings are fairly strong, but at Billy Bob's Texas in For ... More >>

Run Fireworks Around East Dallas

Bettmann/CorbisWillie Nelson at his second annual Fourth of July picnic in 1974​It's hot as hell and the area burn bans are in full effect, which can only mean one thing: It's time to celebrate our independence! This weekend's live music offerings are fairly strong, but at Billy Bob's Texas in For ... More >>

Eight Foodie Events for Your July 4th Weekend

Justin Terveen​Fourth of July weekend, a time to grab a lawn chair, stock the cooler and sport American flag swag. We have a list of local spots that will be celebrating the long weekend by offering up fun, holiday-themed events. On Friday, Nana, the upscale restaurant in the Hilton Anatole (220 ... More >>

Dallas County Now Under 90-Day Burn Ban

​No doubt you're aware: This is fast becoming one of the worst droughts in state history -- No. 3 so far, at a cost of billions to farmers and ranchers. And save for this tease of "dissipating thunderstorms" moving in, or not, from Oklahoma, it ain't gonna get any better any time soon. Which is wh ... More >>

Share Your Fourth Of July Beer Suggestion, Win A Libertine Beer Dinner For Two

​The Libertine's June beer dinner Wednesday night features Colorado's Avery Brewing Company, including a couple of rarer brews like Samael's Ale and Collaboration Not Litigation. Chef Taylor McCreary came up with a five-course menu of French cuisine inspired by the likes of Bernard Loiseau, the Tr ... More >>

Billy Bob's Texas In Fort Worth To Host Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic This Summer

Willie Nelson, American hero.​Just last night, the great Willie Nelson was in town to perform a gig at the Morton H. Meyerson Center and raise funds for LaunchAbility, a Dallas-based organization that provides services to assist both children and adults with developmental disabilities. Good guy, t ... More >>

Easter Edibles: What's in Your Basket?

The peeps are taking over. None of us is safe.​Easter is a comfortable shoe-in as the third most gluttonously celebrated holiday here in the states and a cash cow for dentists everywhere. As the Easter season blows through this weekend, thousands upon thousands of pounds of chocolate, marshma ... More >>

Easter Brunch, a Perfect Relief to Your Holy Saturday Hangover

Be sure to wear your Easter bonnet to brunch, like this guy.​Easter is one of the most gluttonous holidays of the year, a time for families to come together and feast on candy, casseroles and cute baby animals. Consequently, Easter brunch is one of the most popular brunches. Who has time to co ... More >>

For the Hungriest of Hunters

Be sure to wear your Easter bonnet to brunch, like this guy.​Easter is one of the most gluttonous holidays of the year, a time for families to come together and feast on candy, casseroles and cute baby animals. Consequently, Easter brunch is one of the most popular brunches. Who has time to co ... More >>

Easter in the Park's Back On Easter Sunday in Lee Park (Complete With Pooch Parade!)

Caity Colvard​Last month we noted that the Turtle Creek Association had bumped up the long-running Easter in the Park from April 24 to April 17 and cut from the schedule of events the beloved Pooch Parade, not to mention an appearance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. The reason: The TCA wanted to ... More >>

Easter in the Park's "Kid Friendly" Changes Seen As Slight to Gay Community, Some Planning to Resurrect Old Easter Sunday Event

Caity ColvardTurtle Creek Association's canceled this year's pooch parade, but the Oak Lawn community's refusing to roll over.​Over the years he lived in the Oak Lawn area, Mike Walker recalls the Turtle Creek Association's annual Easter in the Park as an outdoor occasion for everybody and their d ... More >>

What 19-century Texans Ate for Independence Day

Celebrate Texas Independence Day by eating a native dish -- like tacos, say, or enchiladas.​The first observances of Texas Independence Day were relatively sedate affairs: The semi-centennial in 1886 was marked by readings of the Declaration and a sprucing-up of Sam Houston's grave. In Brenham ... More >>

Single Dudes: Where to Go For Valentine's Day, Plus A Condom Giveaway For The Worst Date Story Ever

​Hey single fellows, got big plans for this weekend? If not, then we're here to save you from a weekend (and Monday) that will be dominated by four-course candlelit dinners, pink champagne, and annoying Hallmark cards that play crappy songs like "Walking on Sunshine." And as much as you might wa ... More >>

For Those Who Love Their Wine

​Hey single fellows, got big plans for this weekend? If not, then we're here to save you from a weekend (and Monday) that will be dominated by four-course candlelit dinners, pink champagne, and annoying Hallmark cards that play crappy songs like "Walking on Sunshine." And as much as you might wa ... More >>

Going for Broke: Blow Your H&R Block Loan on These Valentine Dinners

Just tell your girlfriend you're going to the bank.​It's hard not to be envious of kids on Valentine's Day when all they have to do is pass out store-bought cards and chalky candy hearts to classmates. You, however, are not going to win any points with your Valentine with gifts like stale candy o ... More >>

Valentine's Gift Ideas For Foodies (By Base)

Jack HarnerBecause romantic sports metaphors never go out of style.​Valentine's Day. It's about love and romance and red dye #5. It's about making your sweetheart feel special. But, more than that, Valentine's Day is about trading gifts for lovin'. To make things easy this year, we've put together ... More >>

As If We Need To Tell You, Avoid These Candies On Valentine's Day. Seriously.

Consult Dr. Chuck Norris before giving anyone modified candy dispensers on Valentine's day.​Valentine's Day is a zero-sum game. And I say that as someone who loves Valentine's Day, as someone who knows terms like "Hallmark holiday" and "Singles Awareness Day" are just the protests of the unhappy a ... More >>

What's the Right Culinary Way to Celebrate MLK Day?

​Valentine's Day means chocolate, Thanksgiving means turkey and Martin Luther King Jr. Day means somebody gets in trouble for serving fried chicken. Last year, the Denver Public Schools issued an apology for putting "Southern-style chicken" and collard greens on its cafeteria menu under the h ... More >>

Happy New Year, Japan

​Valentine's Day means chocolate, Thanksgiving means turkey and Martin Luther King Jr. Day means somebody gets in trouble for serving fried chicken. Last year, the Denver Public Schools issued an apology for putting "Southern-style chicken" and collard greens on its cafeteria menu under the h ... More >>

Soup's On! Get Your Rear in Gear and Volunteer for MLK Jr. Day

WWMLKD? We bet he wouldn't sleep in on Monday.​Monday, January 17, is when we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in honor of a courageous man who believed in all of us and believed we all deserve an equal share of the American dream. It's no wonder then that MLK Day is an official Day of Se ... More >>

New Year's at Nick & Sam's Goes Smooth as Velvet

The New Year's resolution about dieting can wait a bit.​Remember those New Year's Eve nights/early mornings when your parents came back from a party or dinner wearing top hats and tiaras glittering with the New Year's digits? I do. I remember my parents would pay the babysitter and then cracke ... More >>

Good Friday: The "Happy New Year!" Edition

No seriously, these will definitely look cool on you.​We kind of jumped the gun on this weekend's shows already --- but only to help you whittle down your list of New Year's Eve concerts before they sell out. But hey, New Year's Eve is on a Friday night, and there's still the rest of the weekend's ... More >>

When Waking Up is Hard to Do

No seriously, these will definitely look cool on you.​We kind of jumped the gun on this weekend's shows already --- but only to help you whittle down your list of New Year's Eve concerts before they sell out. But hey, New Year's Eve is on a Friday night, and there's still the rest of the weekend's ... More >>

Race Ya

No seriously, these will definitely look cool on you.​We kind of jumped the gun on this weekend's shows already --- but only to help you whittle down your list of New Year's Eve concerts before they sell out. But hey, New Year's Eve is on a Friday night, and there's still the rest of the weekend's ... More >>

It's Not Too Late to Make New Year's Eve Plans

​Still don't have plans for New Year's Eve yet? You've only got three days left to plan the big night or risk spending Friday night ordering from Papa John's. On Monday, we gave you our top picks for NYE dining, and today we've got suggestions for where you can still find those prime 7 p.m. dinne ... More >>

New Year's Eve Round-Up: Where To Be and Who To See When The Ball Drops

​As always, Dallas music promoters are making every attempt to pack their venues to the gills for New Year's Eve shows. And, if the stacked bills all over town are any indication, you can be sure that the crowds at many of these shows will, no doubt, be nuts-to-butts. Never mind that tickets are g ... More >>

Made a Playlist, Now Checkin' it Twice: By Request, Last Night's Christmas Music Show

​Many thanks to the many folks who tuned in and called in during last night's late-night Christmas-music spectacular, which gets a replay on KTCK-AM (1310, The Ticket) beginning, why, right this very moment. (That'll be just the three-hour yuletunes special, not the two hours of pirate-radio non-h ... More >>

Cookies for a Good Claus

​Many thanks to the many folks who tuned in and called in during last night's late-night Christmas-music spectacular, which gets a replay on KTCK-AM (1310, The Ticket) beginning, why, right this very moment. (That'll be just the three-hour yuletunes special, not the two hours of pirate-radio non-h ... More >>

A Very Indie Christmas: Ten Songs To Conquer Your Parents' Karen Carpenter Blues

Bring a little rock to your Christmas.​There are few things more refreshing on Christmas morning than wheeling the dial and finding an original Christmas song. Or, at least, one that is not by Mariah Carey. Our parents have to be sick of it too. They just have to be. The frustrating thing is that ... More >>