That footage above was filmed at an O'Reilly Autorama in Dallas back in 2007 and yes, I'm now definitely going. It's happening all weekend long, so prepare your switches to be flipped.
Happy Sexytime Day, y'all! What's that? You don't have plans? No sweat. Check out my list of super awkward Valentine's Day ideas for freaky people. Then, spend the rest of the weekend at The Kessler for a cabaret-style peep show; at Klyde Warren Park where they're filming a giant Harlem Shake video; at the rollerderby season opener; art shows galore; slam poetry; Thin Line Festival in Denton's continuation weekend, and even a class in how to dye fabrics out of local plants. If I were the kind of girl who shouts "Woooo!" this is when I'd do that.
Now, share this list with your friends, and get rowdy with your game plan. (Don't forget to click on the event titles for more information.) I'll see you out there. (I'll be the one hot wiring the Batmobile.)
Thursday 2.14 10 Weird Valentine's Day Events for Weirdos Like Us -- When the guy at the grocery store asks you what you're doing for Valentine's Day, just say something insane, like, "That the new Die Hard movie looks great!" It's what he wants to hear. Then, pick something from my custom made Valentine's Day list for freaks, and do that instead.
Wine and Chocolate at RGB Gallery -- This is an art show, but there's also chocolate covered strawberries? I believe they intend to stimulate all of your senses. Let's leave smell out of it, kay? Cupid's New Weapons of Love -- This should be interesting. It's a Spanish mini opera based on nearly forgotten folklore that's performed on time period instruments. Also, it'll sound yankin' in the new Performance Hall. If going on Valentine's Day is too weird, I totally get it. There's a repeat show on Saturday.
Friday 2.15 Lollibombs Present "Love Hurts" -- Taking a stab at the cheesiest of holidays is best done with a wink and a shimmy, or so think the 'bombs, Dallas' longest-operating burlesque troupe. Besides, there's nothing like a tassel in the face to put the whole romance thing into perspective. DaVerse Lounge Season 8 Episode 3 -- This mainstay resource for Dallas youth has another installment on Friday evening. If you're unfamiliar, DaVerse is a place that encourages creative expression in the under 21 sector by providing a stage, live music back-up and an audience for those exploring their open mic poetry skills. Awesome.
AutoRama, through Sunday -- I don't know what happens when you combine Batmobiles, monster trucks, popular child actors, professional wrestlers and dirtbikes, but I imagine that it's pretty freakin' glorious. GO AMERICA!
Saturday 2.16 Be in a Harlem Shake Video -- I mean, why not? It's a Saturday afternoon, you're at Klyde Warren Park doing some light not-jogging, and a few hundred people are participating in a massive Dallas version of that damn song -- of course you're going to shake it all weird. You're only human.
Mardi Gras Texas Style -- This is a big 'ol country music festival with beads, 28 bands, and its own interpretation of the phrase "Mardi Gras." (Aren't we in Lent?) It's all going down at Fair Park. I vote that we rename it Party Gras.
My My Misfire -- A good rule of thumb: If Stephen Lapthisophon is curating a show, go check it out. Also, it's happening in the afternoon, at an address (2701 Main Street) in Deep Ellum. You'll see work by Hannah Hudson, Hayley Fowler, Lana Paninchul, Apophenia Underground, Michael Mazurek, Michael Wynne, Pierre Krause, and Sharon Turner AND you've got a solid 6 hours to do so. This runs from noon to 6 p.m.
Roller Derby Mayhem -- Assassination City Conspiracy and Dallas Derby Army of Darkness face off on Saturday in a knock-down, drag-out, fishnet-ripping season opener. Baller? Yes, that's baller.
For the Love of Artists -- Consider this mandatory. If you're starting your local art collection or building on an existing one, this annual follow-up show to last week's For the Love of Kettle sale, allows artists to take home every penny of what their item sells for. Last week, the money went to Kettle. This week, it goes to the artist. Both weeks you get great art. EVERYONE WINS. Well, except those who don't go. They lose big time.
Natural Dye Workshop at Oil and Cotton -- Sarah Westrop leads this very intriguing class on fabric art at our favorite Oak Cliff artspace on Saturday. She'll teach how to build hue and pigment in your textiles, ripped completely from available local flora. Who knows, maybe that plant that's been bitchslapping your allergies can be cut down, boiled and turned into a useful sacrifice?
Pretty Things Peep Show at the Kessler -- This traveling act has it all, from chainsaws to fire swallowing, magic to strip tease. It's classic cabaret meets variety and I can't imagine a better spot to see it than The Kessler. Treat yo' self.
Red Arrow Contemporary Turns One -- One of Dallas' newest galleries catering to the non-stuffy sector is having a big ol' birthday this Saturday night. You're going to want to go to this because you like great parties. Also, the first 20 in the door (Well, 19, including me) get swag.
Sunday 2.17 Chagall Opens at the DMA -- No big deal, it's just Chagall. Alright, it's a very big deal and this exhibition includes everything from costumes the artist created for operas to sculpture and paintings. Your free membership won't get you into this, but your soul will high five you for going.
Quinceañera Magazine Expo -- Every time a young girl dreams of becoming a fairy princess, a quince dress is born. Then, it goes to the Expo, so all PYTs can choose their dream gown for their dream day. See 'em all this weekend at the Irving Convention Center.