When 2020 kicked off, Dallas-based singer-songwriter Austin Leach was ready to hit the road and play venues throughout the country. In February, he was performing in Philadelphia, in a string of shows he expected to be the first of many. In March, COVID-19 hit, and you can imagine what happened…
Feeling energetic can be a challenge now, but Dallas-based pop-punk band NU-95 wants to radiate positive energy. During this time of ongoing political debate and uncertainty about the post-pandemic future, NU-95 is encouraging fans to not feed into hate or negativity. NU-95 first formed in 2015. The band has since…
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the fate of some of Dallas Farmers Market’s small vendors was uncertain. Thankfully, many were still able to pivot to online, carryout and home delivery. Although stocks and bonds seem to be a huge concern in the midst of this economic downfall, Dallas favorite Stocks &…
A West End favorite has set up its second shop in the suburbs. Founded by Joe Groves and chef Russell Mertz, Ellen’s offers Southern cuisine and diner food, inspired by Groves’ mother, Ellen. And it’s now open in Allen. Ellen’s first opened in downtown Dallas eight years ago with 32…
Dallas-based Americana singer Sarah Johnson is an example of the truth behind the old saw that it’s never too late to follow one’s dream. At 32 years old, she’s set to release her debut EP, Volcano, next month and is more sure of herself than she’s ever been. Over the…
Many of us swore we’d never download TikTok, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to reconsider most of our life decisions. The video-sharing app has the ability to bring us 15 to 60 seconds of temporary joy at a time, and we’ll take all we can get right now…
Sweet treats from Wackym’s Kitchen are seemingly everywhere, including the Dallas Farmers Market, Albertsons and Central Market. But these light, crisp cookies with 39 flavors are local, starting just 12 years ago by the efforts of Paul Wackym. Wackym, 59, founded the business in the fall of 2008, during the…
The latest Dallas-based artist to join Def Jam Recordings’ ever-growing roster is rapper MAJ. After releasing his debut EP Majestic this March, MAJ is still at work making music. Earlier this month, he released an ode to cars called “Supreme.” When making music, MAJ tries to stay away from topics…
Last month, Dallas rapper Spencer Mahurt, better known as Uncle Skitz, died of unknown causes. Before he died, he was hard at work on his debut album, 1PLAYAWAY, which will be released posthumously Friday. Over the course of the past year, he had been recording Southern-inspired trap music infused with…
For years, Dallas-native singer Ariel Saldivar, better known as CAMÍNA, has supported local acts like The Polyphonic Spree and Broken Social Scene on their tours. With years of instrumental and vocal training accompanied by activism and a passion for contemporary social justice issues, CAMÍNA is ready to release a debut…
In the Season 1 finale of Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy, Vanya Hargreeves (Ellen Page), a superhero-turned-villain whose power is the ability to convert sound into energy, plays a concert that results in an apocalypse. When her brother Five (Aidan Gallagher) manages to gather all of their siblings in…
Good to Go is a column where our food writers explore Dallas’ restaurant scene through takeout orders, delivery boxes and reheated leftovers. It may be a tough time for our country — politically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally — but that doesn’t mean we can’t strive to make America kind again…
It appears the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t ending anytime soon, and while some restaurants have had to shut their doors for the second time in a matter of months, they are still hard at work giving back to the community. The pandemic has deeply affected first responders and service industry workers,…
Growing is an essential part of life, and that’s a message that Dallas-based singer and rapper Amore Bey conveys in every one of his songs. After facing deep losses, Bey is using the hard life lessons he’s learned to plant seeds of wisdom into his art, while planting literal seeds…
A Deep Ellum favorite is sliding over to Grapevine. Easy Slider is set to open its second physical location in a new food hall in the North Texas suburb this fall. Harvest Hall comes as part of new development project Grapevine Main, a $105 million transit-oriented project located at the…
Since its premiere in 2016, the sitcom Search Party has developed a cult following. The dark comedy tells the tale of the disappearance of Chantal Witherbottom and a group of friends who suddenly find themselves involved with the mystery. In the most recent season, characters Dory Sief (Alia Shawkat) and…
While streaming is the most popular method for music consumption, many purists still value the art of radio broadcast. Over the course of many decades, Dallas-Fort Worth has produced many legendary sportscasters, DJs and personalities, and this November, four North Texas radio personalities will be inducted into the Texas Radio…
It’s hard to find a silver lining, but if there’s one good thing that’s come from being quarantined, it’s the fact that we are being forced to slow down, reflect and get reacquainted with our homes. In the past, we would typically spend most of our waking time at school…
From a creative perspective, the first thought on some people’s minds during the pandemic is “What kind of art will come of this?” Screenwriters and producers are scrambling to create original film and television programs inspired by COVID-19. Meanwhile, a Dallas actress is already ahead of the game. On a…
Historically speaking, when opening a new restaurant, owners wouldn’t typically plan for a pandemic. If there’s anything we’ve learned during COVID-19, it’s that optimizing a store for service during an international health crisis may be the new normal. Such is the case for Michelle Bonds, owner of Trova Wine and…
Good to Go is a column in whicjhour food writers explore Dallas’ restaurant scene through takeout orders, delivery boxes and reheated leftovers. At one cute little diner, guests can enjoy burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and milkshakes, all at an affordable price. Granted, Hunky’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers has closed much of the…
When he appeared on the 16th season of American Idol, Plano native and singer-songwriter Ron Bultongez was excited to make a name for himself. While Bultongez was eliminated shortly after making it to the top 24, his hometown still celebrated him. Over the course of the past three years, the…
