The holiday season is upon us in North Texas, and there is no better time of year to give back. Every December, Dallas promoters and musicians come together to organize all kinds of charity benefit live music events. What could possibly be a more fun way to do a good deed before 2013 is behind us? Whether you'd like to see some turntablists or some experimental folk, there's something for everyone and it's for the kids! Consider this your cheat sheet for good holiday karma.
Parade of Flesh Presents: Holiday North Texas Food Bank Benefit Saturday, December 7 at Club Dada This year, local booker Parade of Flesh brings a fantastic lineup to Club Dada to help support one of the North Texas Food Bank's busiest seasons. 100% of the night's sales going toward the beneficiary, so you'll feel good about your $10 cover charge helping feed hungry families across the region. It'll also get you two stages of some of the most cutting edge local acts in the city this year. The lineup includes Silk Rodeo, Cutter, Nervous Curtains, cygnus, Pinkish Black, Vulgar Fashion and The Black Dotz.
Hip Hop Helps Heal Productions Presents: The Night H4 Saved Christmas Saturday, December 7 at DNA Gallery Hip Hop Helps Heal AKA H4 Productions is a local entity that specializes in throwing these type of benefit events. This large-scale fundraiser for Children's Medical Center is no different. Taking place at Oak Cliff's DNA Gallery, this event features a fully interactive space with live art, music, and vendors. While it costs you nothing to get it the door, H4 will be accepting both cash and toy donations. You can also enter a fundraising raffle that promises lots of great prizes.
The 8th Annual Local Honey Holiday Mix Concert Friday, December 13 at Lakewood Theatre This concert has a slightly higher ticket price than the other events on the list at $20. However, it's clear to see what an important cause you'll be supporting. East Dallas Community Schools is a nonprofit organization that's been operating since 1978. They operate innovative early childhood learning centers, providing inspiring classroom environments for kids up to age 9. There's quite a variety of local performers signed on for this, including members of Naked Lunch, The Revolvers, and Inner City All Stars. Plus, it's at the beautiful and historic Lakewood Theatre, so this one is pretty much a no brainer.
The 5th Annual Xmas in Den10 Saturday, December 14 at Andy's Bar In its fifth year, Xmas In Den10 continues to be one of the northern college town's best holiday celebrations. This year, local rap crew Mac Broadz Music and Denton Dance Collective team up to give the yearly party one of the most well-curated hip-hop lineups we've seen in awhile. Headlining the bill is one half of former Dallas duo Sore Losers, whose newer material released under the moniker Tony Vice is not to be slept on. Admission is $5 for 18+, and $3 for 21+. However, if you bring two or more canned goods for donation to the North Texas Food Bank, you'll get $2 off admission.
Chad D's 14th Annual Holiday Toy Drive Monday, December 16 at Libertine, The Bottle Shop, The Crown & Harp, and Singlewide The Lower Greenville neighborhood is home to one of Dallas longest-running annual holiday benefits, and this year, Chad D's yearly toy drive turns 14. What started all those years ago as the brainchild of a neighborhood regular has become one of the Dallas music scene's favorite holiday traditions. Spanning across four different stages, the lineup is stacked with some of the city's most notable performers of almost all genres. There are three beneficiaries this year. At Libertine, bring an unwrapped toy for the kids at Dallas Life Foundation. The cover at The Crown & Harp is a cash donation for local melanoma-stricken artist, Nevada Hill. Singlewide and Bottle Shop will be accepting donations for Granada Theater Creative Director Gavin Mulloy's infant cousin Eevie, who was recently born with leukemia. You'll receive a stamp for each donation you give -- collect all four and you'll get a chance to win some Granada Theater tickets and a free drink.
See also: -The 100 Best Texas Songs: The Complete List -The Ten Most Badass Band Names in DFW -The Best Bands in DFW: 2012 Edition -Photo Essay: The Tattoos of Dallas' Nightlife Scene
