G.R.i.D. (Get Rich in Dallas)

I’ve never seen this girl on campus…

Just got this word about tonight’s Save Deep Ellum meeting. That’s not the real name…I’m just grumpy from a headache. I vaguely recall though that the last meaning was in the nine o’clock hour but don’t quote me on that. Call before going and hopefully it hasn’t started already. But here’s the info:

The meeting tonight will be at Kettle Art and is being filmed as a part of a short documentary on Deep Ellum.

We will be discussing lots of issues: the Street Art Attacks fair, DEEP Movie Night, DEEP Market and other upcoming events.

WE WILL ALSO BE VOTING ON WHETHER TO MOVE OUR MEETINGS FROM MONDAY TO TUESDAY.

Since we are having the meeting at Frank Campagna’s (Kettle Art) you will also get to see great art from the 421 opening (4 pieces from 21 different artists). Oh, and it’s BYOB and a potluck too. So, bring plenty for yourself to drink and if you have the inclination, bring some food to share too.

Kettle Art
2714 Elm, Deep Ellum
(by Dada)

Update - yes it’s at nine. 

And while I’d love to mean that in the sense that the music and arts scene are headed that way, it’s more like brazen crime. David Webb reports about the recent murder on Cedar Springs that was pretty much out in the open it sounds like. Even worse, the man killed had a young family. Scary stuff. The story also may have one of the worst quotes ever. Or rather, maybe one of the best that displays a certain sense of shallowness. Michael Doughman of the Dallas Tavern Guild recently hosted LGBT writers to Dallas last week and had this to say:

Doughman noted that he had just finished conducting a press tour of the city for visiting travel writers sponsored by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Dallas Tavern Guild. He showed off Oak Lawn as the “crown jewel” of the city, he said.

“Thank God it didn’t happen while the writers were here,” Doughman said.
“Can you imagine that being a part of their stories?”

Yes, Mr. Doughman, thank God for you and the bars this happened conveniently after. 

More like laugh of the week as I can’t resist ‘her’ clever rap and catchy beats. You hear me?

I saw Return to Khandahar when it first made its way to DVD. I wasn’t sure what to expect but part of me was figuring on some kind of cultural propaganda in which we should all be enlightened to the ways of every culture on earth. Not that I’m against that mind you, I just don’t like being preached to. But this film wasn’t that. It was gritty and scary and intriguing. It’s worth a viewing.

Afterward, discussion will follow about what America’s War on Terror has meant to the people of Afghanistan. Heavy stuff indeed. Donations received from the screening will benefit the Dallas Peace Film Festival.

Wednesday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.

Magnolia Theater at WestVillage, 3699 McKinney, Dallas

Free Event. Suggested donation, $10.

For reservations and information please call The DPC at 214-823-7793

…for the next few weeks.

OK, so I’m a day late. so I hope these guys don’t drop kick me but yesterday was the beginning of the Dallas Invitational Pride Cup, the first ever gay rugby tournament hosted by our own Dallas Diablos Rugby Football Club. Teams from Atlanta, New York and North Carolina are packing into the Big D this weekend to knock on each other and see who rises to the top. You missed the boys before the bruises as the matches start today but here’s the schedule for the weekend.

Friday, April 20
Welcome Party at The Round Up Saloon — doors open at 7:30, show at 8
Dancing and Drinking at TMC — 10 pm until late

Saturday, April 21
Matches at 11am, 12 noon and 2pm — come for all of them
Lake Highlands at Buckner Blvd

3rd half drink up and BBQ lunch
Begins at 3:30pm at Woody’s on Cedar Springs
$10 for guests

Pub Crawl begins at 9:30 at Woody’s

Sunday, April 22
Brunch at Blue Mesa (across NW Hwy from NorthPark Mall)
10:00 am — $20 per person

Go Diablos.

Well, maybe for those who have pets. Tomorrow is theFourth Annual Pet Fest in McKinney presented by the infinitely awesome SPCA. Although I am curious when they say “fabulous entertainment”, that could mean so many things…that aren’t potentially fab but nonetheless, they do sound fun. Along with the fab’tainment, there’s going to be vendor booths, arts and crafts, food and music provided by Mix 102.9. With all this inconsisent weather though, Pet Fest will hold its own rain or shine.

On top of all that, more fun and games with a bounce house, Mini Hoops Shot game, face painting and pet contests such as best trick, best costume and best dog/owner look alike as well as flyball and K9 unit demonstrations. Pet activities include paw painting (awwww), a puppy pool play area and even canine massages. If my dog gets a massage before I do in his lifetime, something is TRULY wrong. Just remember, Fidos and Spots must all be on leashes.

The pet contests will be $5 per contest or $10 for all three. Boxed lunches will be available for purchase at the event for $4 (hotdog, chips and drink) and $5 (hamburger, chips and drink). Popcorn, cotton candy and various other snacks will be free. Doggie treats, I don’t know.

WHERE: SPCA of Texas’ Perry Campus
8411 Stacy Road/FM 720 (off Custer Rd., right at first stoplight north of Hwy 121,
second drive on the right)
McKinney, TX 75070
214.742.SPCA (7722)

WHEN: Saturday, April 21, 2007 from noon to 3 p.m.

Parking and admission free.

When I first heard of Friday Night Frights, I got the sense it was semi-sorta grassroots thing that housed itself at the Studio Movie Grill. I totally dug their Friday the 13th event and their myspace page is nothing short of inspired. When I got this notice though, I realize I’ve totally underestimated their powers. Teaming up with the USA Film Fest and bringing in an Academy Award winning director? All I can say is wow. Here’s their word.

Dread Central, along with Pit of Horror and Friday Night Frights in conjunction with the USA Film Festival, will be hosting a screening of American Scary (film info here) at 5:00 pm THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, APRIL 21st with guest host Mary Jo Pehl from Mystery Science Theater 3000, director John E. Hudgens, and writer Sandy Clark.

Following that, get ready for a special 20th anniversary screening of the Terry O’Quinn slasher classic The Stepfather. We got our hands on a restored 35mm print, and screenwriter Donald E. Westlake will be in attendance. Audience members will receive a copy of Donald’s new book What’s So Funny? (while supplies last).

Want more? Dig on this:

On TUESDAY, APRIL 24th at 7:00 pm, we will be hosting a screening of Bug with guest host — are you ready? — the legendary director of The Exorcist, William Friedkin!

Audience Q&A will follow each screening with the filmmakers.

The Angelika Dallas

5321 E. Mockingbird Ln.

Admission: $8.00 per ticket

Click here for the USA Film Festival’s full schedule!

Color me impressed. Now look at the flyer.

Without a doubt, one of the best festivals in the Metroplex. I’m heading out to the Main St. Arts Festival manana by way of the TRE train. That’s the only way to go. Feel free to join ’cause I’m going solo.