There's an almost irresistible urge to get snide about Late Nights at the Dallas Museum of Art ending at midnight on a Friday, but the event planned for this week is cool enough to do without the more-subversive-than-thou song and dance. Starting at 6 p.m., the DMA is hosting an evening of blues and jazz legend Duke Ellington's music with the Steve Sonday Trio performing during happy hour and the Arts District Chorale taking the Atrium's main stage for selections of Ellington's rarely heard and highly ambitious "Sacred Concerts," which were composed for churches and cathedrals more than speakeasies and nightclubs. Duke held this hybrid of jazz, blues, gospel and classical music in the highest regard, and some of Dallas' finest will re-create the sound (and, to an extent, the environment), including former Ellington trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. The Late Night "After Hours" event features a DJ Shadow DVD premiere. Admission is free after the usual museum fee. The DMA is at 1717 N. Harwood St. Call 214-922-1200. --Matt Hursh
Geyser Peak Erupts
7/29
For those of us who live in the world of moderation, finding out that drinking a few glasses of wine a day could help your heart was reassurance that a little something can go a long way. For those of us who scoff at discretion, the bottle-a-day habit is just really, really preventive. Right? But whether you are prudent or indulgent, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House has an event that will appease all appetites. On July 29, executive chef Frank Rumore will host a four-course Geyser Peak Winemaker Dinner featuring beef Wellington, tenderloin, scallops and more starting at 7 p.m. The price is $95. Del Frisco's, 5251 Spring Valley Road. Call 972-490-9000. --Jenice Johnson
Hot Salsa
7/31
Shake your moneymaker. Get your groove on. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. Whatever your slang is for dancing, Havana NRG can make it happen. And the octet has been doing just that for two years now with their salsa and other Latino rhythms. To kick off a third year, Havana NRG throws Noche de Carnaval, a concert and party at Hard Rock Café, 2601 McKinney Ave., on Saturday. The event begins at 7 p.m. with a pre-party on the patio with The Global Café. Admission is $5. The real party, which runs 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., features Havana NRG, DJs and a balloon drop with $1,000 in prizes. The party will be filmed for a music video, so get ready to shake, shimmy or do something close to rhythmic movement. Admission is $20. Call Hard Rock at 214-855-0007 or the event hotline at 214-521-3114 or 214-533-7220. --Shannon Sutlief
