(We Are 1976's Soul Train Party happens Saturday. Break out the butterfly collar.)
What's that old saying? Last week's ice storm is this week's party bender?
Since Cleon dialed our collective metabolism down to "suspended animation," most of last weekend's events were rescheduled for -- you guessed it -- this weekend. Do some heavy stretches, there's a lot going on.
Share this list with your party crew, then click on the links for more information. Now let's make a game plan. I'll see you out there. (I'll be the one doing still-frozen keg stands.)
Thursday 12.12 Hobbit Double Feature with Hobbit-Themed Food -- Being a chef at the Alamo must be the greatest job on the planet, especially during shire-inspired events like tonight's epic binge. Foods from the movie are recreated and served in an extensive, multicourse meal over a double feature, ending with a midnight screening of the newest film, The Desolation of Smaug. Mmm ... nerdery.
Shoptown! at Tractorbeam -- When you put enough interesting, artful go-getters in one place, magic happens. Tonight you can purchase said magic at Shoptown!, a stylish little shindig filled with vintage jewelry, designer clothing, shoes, gifties and even some light taxidermy. See, there's something for everyone. Also, it's a dance party. You're welcome.
"Feminism & Contemporary Art" at CentralTrak -- This latest installment of the art incubator's Next Topic series features a discussion with Leigh A. Arnold, Dr. Shilyh Warren and Rosemary Meza, all moderated by Aja Martin. It was postponed from last weekend, so get in there tonight to hear theory and intention behind the gallery's current show, Sadie Hawkins Day.
ImprovisedChristmasMovie at Dallas Comedy House -- This sketch troupe throws all of your favorite holiday schlock into night of comedy. Griswold will be there along with those Gremlins and every other seasonal offering that's ripe for parody.
Sweater Curse, A Yarn About Love -- Observer theater critic Elaine Liner doesn't just know what makes a great play, she knows how to make a play great. Proof: Her new one-woman show, the Sweater Curse (in which Liner also stars), received oodles of praise during its run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Tonight Texas gets its first look at the thing as Sweater Curse knits up a four-day run at MCL Grand in Lewisville. Catch it through the 15th.
Kettle Art's Holiday Presence IX -- "Presence" was postponed due to crap weather. Translation: You didn't miss your chance to buy great local art at cheap-o prices. Let us all give thanks for that.
Adult Night in the Neiman Marcus Tubes -- Oh you know you wanna. Stop playing coy. Tonight only, your $20 donation to Color Me Empowered gets you access to ultimate inner-child regression. Bring cash. Wear pants. (It's from 5 to 7 p.m.)
See also: Eight Places To See Holiday Lights In and Around Dallas
Friday 12.13 Friday the 13th Tattoo Party at Elm Street -- Yeah guys, it's back. Is this the time you break down and get that 13 tattoo? Better get in line. The marathon kicked off at DoubleWide last night with a pregame wig party.
Date Night -- Skate Night -- Hiding from the cold is useless, especially since you should be celebrating it with someone you're sweet on. The Hilton Anatole just opened up its skating area and loaded it with little bonuses, like Friday's Date Night. That's where you get the usual rink time, but also wine and hors d'oeuvres. You love those.
semigloss. Magazine Issue 4 Release Party -- semigloss Editor Sally Glass releases the latest edition of her small-press arts publication on Friday night. Titled "Future," the design-rich cover looks intense, but in that really good way unique to time/space portals. Don't be a schmuck: Buy a copy. Dallas treasure George Quartz performs.
amalgam d(8) -- Over in Denton a hot little group show formed. Then it met last week's frozen wrath. Now, it's reformed for Friday's official opening. A bunch of emerging artists have worked across the medium dial to present their best at Imagine Gallery, a little space near the square. Check it out.
Die Hard, at Texas Theatre -- "Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs ..." Yes. It's the greatest holiday film, and Texas Theatre shows the John McClane action flick in cushy 35-mm all weekend long.
Oil and Cotton: Annual Holiday Mercantile -- Oak Cliff's best little art nook is usually a spot for collaborative creation, but each year it diversifies to help make your holiday shopping easier with its Mercantile. That's where you'll find gorgeous hand-bound journals, fun smocks, homemade jams, bolo ties -- you see where I'm going with this? There's something for everyone on your list. Plus, this way your cash goes to support artful do-gooders. It runs through December 23.
Babes in Toyland! -- This Toys for Tots fundraiser at the Boiler Room boasts a drag king Santa, sexytime elves and the chance to brighten the holidays of some local kids. It's just $5, with a $5 toy donation.
See also: Ten Dallas Holiday Dates for Freaks, Weirdos and Outcasts
Saturday 12.14 Santa Rampage -- You just don't see 200 slutty Santas doing shots and hopping DART every day -- just once or twice a year, thanks to start-up fun-makers Santa Rampage. Get your mistletoe thong in check, add Santa Rampage to your Twitter feed and go meet several hundred new friends.
Second Annual Dallas Winter Warmer -- Nothing removes winter's bite like tiny beers, so drink dozens of the things at this craft brew sampling event.
Sebastion, at Ochre House -- This new Posey joint is in its second weekend, so you'll want to get it before it's gone forever, like all deliciously ephemeral products of our beloved Expo Park theater space. Pro tip: Book a resie or be sad. Pro tip max: Monday, December 16, is pay-what-you-can night.
Brian Posehn -- Your favorite comic-book-writing, -quoting and -resembling stand-up is back for a quick weekend of shows at Hyena's Dallas location.
Jingle Bells Bazaar in Bishop Arts -- Feeling cooped up? Need to get outside? Want to avoid the malls and find great scores by local artists? Go over to Bishop Avenue and roam this modern craft bazaar from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. It's a shopable celebration of good, local design.
ob·jec·ti·fied at RO2 Arts -- I've been looking forward to this show for a while. It features art stuffs, objects and tangible items of multiple purposes, meanings and inspirations. Plus, there's a heavy pour of ceramics and sculpture. See it opening night for first dibs.
We Are 1976's Fourth Anniversary Soul Train Party -- This is another ice storm resched, so hustle into We Are 1976's Henderson location for locomotion by DJ CJ DeMarx, drinks and snacks. And while you're there, why not help light up that dance floor? (A portion of sales go to Tacloban typhoon relief efforts.)
35 Years at 500X -- This massive milestone exhibition was meant to launch last Saturday, but you know -- ice, destruction, mayhem, all that. Now you get another chance to see big Dallas talents celebrate their roots at the mainstay artist-run space. Tom Orr, Nic Nicosia, Simeen Farhat, Frances Bagley, Randall Garret and others will collaborate to hijack those walls. It's free.
ex mus at CentralTrak -- While last week's ex mus concert got snowballed, this Saturday you can spend an evening with Native Texan, contrabassist, composer, and visual artist Adam Goodwin, who's visiting from Berlin. He'll perform five contemporary pieces on the double bass -- three of those were written for the instrument, the other two? Well, that's where experimentation really kicks in. Sunday 12.15 A Beautiful, Artful Christmas -- It's ArtLoveMagic's big holiday show and sale, and it's taking over Life in Deep Ellum from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday. There'll be live music, artists and painting, plus a one-stop gift shop from local stuff-makers.
Randy Brodnax and Friends Christmas Art Sale -- Save a little shopping steam for this three-day party, hosted by local potter Randy Brodnax. It takes over Sons of Hermann from Friday through Sunday, so I'll bet there are bargains to be had in this, the 11th shopping hour.
