I think by now we've reached an understanding. A cultural trust fall, of sorts.
This Saturday is Artopia, the Observer's annual art-dance-music-fashion party, and you should go. I say that with bias aside, because the lineup is crazy good. VIP is sold out. A few general admission tickets are still available.
C'mon, loves. Let's get together.
There's more. Lots more, so step away from the Netflix. It's a huge weekend for local theater. The DMA's flexing another Late Night. There are comedy, resurrected cinema, MLK Jr. celebrations and even a birthday party for a brewery. (They grow up so fast.)
I'll see you out there. (I'll be the one handing out GIANT checks out to local artists at Artopia.)
Friday, 1.17 Late Night at the DMA -- Running until the witching hour, tonight's artful rager celebrates the museum's 111th birthday with music by Brave Combo (8 p.m.), digital video experimentation (9:30 p.m.), films and another set of live music by Denton's Two Knights (10 p.m.). It's free, people.
On The Eve -- Last year's grassroots stage charmer returns this weekend in 2.0 form. Catch the whimsical time travel rock musical, penned by local talents, at Theatre Three through February 9.
Abraham Zobell's Home Movie: Final Reel -- Undermain's newest production is a world premiere by three-time Obie-winner Len Jenkin. Directed by Katherine Owens, Final Reel spins you backwards through the life of its title character. The journey is patched with a live soundtrack, video projections and that stage magic Undermain is known for. After tonight's $10 preview, prices go up.
Brian Regan -- Only a handful of comedians can really work a room without going blue. Regan tops that list. Tonight Dallas gets a rare visit by the top-billed stand up when he visits the Music Hall at Fair Park.
See also: Brian Regan on Playing it Clean, Getting Coffee with Seinfeld and More
International Association of Blacks in Dance -- This annual conference and performance takes place in Dallas this weekend, a privilege that speaks to Dallas Black Dance Theater's international reputation. See monumental works stretched out across style genres when youth, semiprofessional and pro teams occupy McFarlin Auditorium through Saturday.
Oedipus El Rey -- Adding to this weekend's christening of new theater productions is this adaptation of Greek tragedy by playwright Luis Alfaro. Dallas Theater Center keeps the tale of Chicano street gang warring at the Wyly through March 2.
(Akirash): Etכ Etכ [ENTANGLE] at Ro2 Art -- Last time we saw Akirash he was wearing water bottles, leading an art pilgrimage through Dallas. The visiting artist has a solo show opening this evening at Ro2's downtown space, and you'll want to pop by. New paintings, two installation works and a series of performance pieces round out the night. It goes from 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, 1.18 Artopia -- Once a year we throw an art party. I take getting you drunk very seriously, so know that Artopia is one helluva bash. We've taken over Three Three Three First Ave. and are filling it with Dallas' best stuff. We've got music by ISHI and DJ Sober, live art by Sour Grapes, a magician, local designer fashion shows, a dance performance by Danielle Georgiou Dance Group and an awards ceremony for this year's Masterminds.
There's also lots of drinking and some light breakdancing. See you there.
See also: Dallas Observer Masterminds 2014: Meet the Winners of Our Annual Art Awards
32 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade -- Celebrate the man who devoted his life to civil rights on Saturday morning and cheer on those who continue to march. It starts at City Hall and wraps in Fair Park.
Community Beer Company's One Year Anniversary Party -- One-year-olds are just little drunks, if you think about it. They sob for no reason. They drool and vomit. But oh, they're angels when they sleep. Help Community Beer ring in its first birthday on Saturday afternoon. They'll have all of your favorites available. Tickets cost $20.
Trans.lation Vickery Meadow Market -- This ongoing social sculpture project by Houston's Rick Lowe is part of the Nasher's Xchange offering. These markets are a lot of fun, so go visit the culturally diverse neighborhood and see what its occupants have been making. While you're there, check out the White Cube Galleries lining the main drag.
Ms. 45 with After-Party -- Texas Theatre loves dusting off obscure cinematic treasures. Its doing that again this weekend with Ms. 45, the dark story of a mute seamstress taking out bloody revenge on the seedy males of New York City. To help keep it gritty, they've found a 35-mm version. Don't close your tab too early: A Street Scum afterparty keeps the tempo up until close.
Sunday, 1.19 Master Pancake Spoofs Twilight: New Moon -- Love the Twilight series? Cool. Hate the Twilight series? Great. Never given three shits about the Twilight series? Perfect. By the time Master Pancake rips this one apart, you'll forget where your loyalties originated. Since you'll snort-laugh through your nose holes, be a good neighbor and bring a hankie.
Blue Man Group -- Those extremely focused faces are back at Bass Hall this weekend, just begging for a "Go blue yourself" reference. Give 'em one.
Tony Tasset Speaks at the Joule -- That 30-foot eyeball parked downtown is Tasset's, literally. The artist replicated his own baby blue (scale aside) in attempt to make a quintessential iconic symbol. He's an interesting man, and you can hear him speak about Eye and the rest of his body of work on Sunday in a chat at the Joule, co-sponsored by the Nasher. Better RSVP.
