Confetti, Lasers, Fog, a guy in a Dinosaur suit? What is going on? Did I get dosed? Nope just watching my first show at the Where House. Last Friday Star Death and White Dwarfs visited us from Oklahoma, followed by local super group EPIC RUINS. Skeleton Coast opened, BUT I MISSED IT WAHH!( I was soo mad) The lead singer of Stardeath is Wayne Coyne's nephew so I was expecting a somewhat Flaming Lips inspired show. The music it self was very different from song to song at some points leaning into a harder sound and some points being more dancetastic ( yea that's a word what?) but each song was a nice little Psychedelic trip. Add a cutie patootie keyboardist and I was stoked as a whole. Thank the Lord my friend John Obeidin brought his sweet camera so I can relay some of his best pictures to you ( Thanks so much John).
Star Death and White Dwarfs
ditto
EPIC RUINS performed next. I started to get excited when the floor started shaking as the band warmed up. I refer to them as a Fort Worth super group because the band consists of members of several different local bands such Sam Anderson of Quaker City Night Hawks and Steve Steward of Darth Vato and now Oil Boom. I'm not sure of the details on how it works but it seems like the same members don't always play so I can only confirm those two at this show. Next time I'll investigate more thoroughly ( hope you guys are liking reading me limp through learning how to write this stuff up) Just know that it seemed like six dudes up there including a horn section. The show totally rocked, but people seemed to trickle in an out more than when Stardeath was playing. I guess they were just used to the awesomeness that is Fort Worth music. I know next time Epic Ruins plays I will be sure to check them out.
Epic Ruins
EPIC RUINS (just in case that all caps thing is how it's supposed to look)
The whole experience seemed a little less like a rock show and more like that part in the episode of My So Called Life where she went to the party and a band was playing. There were spaces in the back to actually hang out and talk to your friends which is rare at most venues. Ryan Torres (of Skeleton Coast) said something to me to the effect of "Thanks for coming. I'm glad you got to be a part of the experience." So I guess it was an experience and I will soon be back. ( potentially tonight for they're Halloween party. Check out yesterday's blog for details)
Hey they even put a pic of me and my buddy LBC on the FB page (this photo is not by John)
Other notable events this week that I just have to experience via my homies were St. Vincent at the Granada
and Deer Tick at Club Dada. Check out rideincircles on facebook for John's footage of the Granada and Good Records and more pics from this show. Apparently Deer Tick shows are where it's at if you want to meet some pretty ladies because everyone I knew that was going was one of my cute grrlfriends. So remember that next time they come in to town fellas. Allright peoples, next week I will tell you about my costume and whatever event I go to. I'm currently having to narrow it down to one and might have to bust out a columned list like I'm picking between two boyfriends. But I digress ttyl
OMG OMG OMG It's almost Halloween weekend! 4 out 4 of Shastinalynn's household members proclaim this as their favorite holiday. It makes me want to do this
There are so many thing s going on it's ridiculous. Just pick your favorite place to go and there will most likely be some sort of Halloween celebration going on. There are also several non Halloween oriented events. To be clear I am not trying to do an all inclusive list I'm just telling you if I had the time what I would want to do the most.
Seriously, I'm just going to use bullet points
Thursday: I know you are all probably watching the World Series but before that you can go check out Seryn for free at AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas at 5:30. Expect give aways for the upcoming shows like:Explosions in the Sky, Mates of State and Ra Ra Ra Riot. If you haven't heard of them they are currently one of the most popular DFW bands.I think my friends are pretty evenly split on if they like them but I dig them. If you ever listen to KXT you've probably heard this song .
Friday in Dallas there is this cool light show thing. I really don't know how to explain it but check it out it's at 7:30. Aurora Dallas.
Also Explosions in the Sky is playing with Burning Hotels opening. I'm thinking it's gonna be awesome. (look at me if you want to go)
Friday @ the Where House the Red 100's, Hannah Barbarians, and Whiskey Folk Ramblers. 's and cover is only 10 bucks if you're in costume. I think they are also making the place into a Haunted House (Spooooky)
Also Friday at the Moon Secret Ghost Champion CD Release Party with My Wooden Leg, Igneous Grimm, and Skeleton Coast. The Fort Worth Weekly just did a write up on their CD.
Painting I did of my buddies Tressa and Gigi
Saturday there are two Dia De Los Muertos Celebrations. In Denton and in Fort Worth at Rose Marine Theatre. Rose Marine theater is having a parade, face paintings, music and pan de muerto starting at 7pm. My homegirl Diana Fonner told me all about the celebration in Denton so Ima just copy and paste what she said which she might have also copy and pasted but whatev "11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 29 — Denton’s Day of the Dead, a street carnival for the whole family, on Industrial Street in downtown Denton. With performances of Cirque du Horror, an All Hallow’s Eve vaudeville fantasia in music, dance and theater, at 6 and 9 p.m. Free. Come in costume. Visit www.cirqueduhorror.com ."
Saturday night if I get off in time I'm off to Nightmare on 6th street at Lola's with My Wooden Leg, and an Oingo Boingo cover band called The Elf-men (Get it Elf men like Danny Elfman wocka wocka) led by Carey Wolff. Costume contest with prizes.
Skate park in Fairmount. Photo courtesy of Keri Worthen
Last Sunday Southside participated in the first open streets car free festival in Fort Worth. Part of the street was blocked off to allow people to walk freely through the neighborhood without the threat of getting run over. (Woot for not getting run over.) There was a skateboard demonstration (hubba hubba amirite) And local vendors etc. So there will be another one this Sunday except this time near Rahr Brewery.
Sunday in The Dallas Arts District you can go be in a Zombie Walk, see a group preforming "Thriller", and watch "Night of the Living Dead" at AT&T PAC. ( Can I get some kind of discount on my bill for all the AT&T love I'm spreading this week because God knows I could use it). Info be here
I don't have any tips on sweet plans for Halloween day because I usually get my Trick or Treating action on over by Lily B. Clayton so if you have a kiddo you should take them to that hood: it's where the choice candy is for realsies. Also people in the neighborhood are usually partying in their yards and even watching movies so it's fun. Maybe that's where they should have done the second open streets festival?
OK kiddos that's all I have the DL on this week. Of course tomorrow I will probably find out about like twenty more thing so just follow me on Twitter @shastinalynn for any updates and obnoxious stories about my kids that I'm sure only I think are funny. Go have an epic Halloween weekend for me!
So This week was pretty jam packed with events. Last week at Central Market Kevin Aldridge played and then the Quaker City Night Hawks. I unfortunately missed most of Kevin Aldridge. Quaker City Night Hawks are a pretty awesome southern rock band. I've seen them get crowds dancing on several occassions. This time everyone was just chilling although my daughter did a few cartwheels and my son did this weird karate robot move he perfected. I did not know I was starting a blog this week so I don't have any pictures or permission from anyone to pilfer their pics so ummm here's a picture of a hawk
Friday I went for happy hour at Cafe Modern ( you know since walking from my desk to the restaurant is the shortest happy hour walk). If you ever want to go I'm usually working the cafe. $2.50 beers and $3.50-5.00 for wine plus half off apps.
Saturday wasss the BESTTTTT. OK first off I went with the fam to this little joint in Burleson called The Pie Place. It just served basic cafe foods ( I had the Reuben my #1 fave sandwich of all time) For dessert they have a selection of several fresh made pies. ZOMG I had the dark fudge walnut and it was as glorious as it sounds.
Later that night I headed to Dallas and did a quick ten minute walk around 500X in the Fair Park hood. They were doing their College Expo showing new works from college students in the DFW which was juried by Chris Worley and Eric Swenson. Most of the work I saw was pretty amazing.
This is an example of Eric Swenson's work btw. He was the judge for the exhibit. His work isn't on display but hey, I needed a picture here.
Then I headed to the Dallas Observer Music Awards Showcase. In case you don't know the showcase involved 50 some odd bands playing at several venues in Deep Ellum. There was an epic lineup for the main stage of Sarah Jaffe, Centromatic, Old 97's, and the Toadies. I planned for this all week by making a highlighted list of bands I wanted to try to see. I was really hoping for a miracle to make time stop or rewind so I could see every band but it didn't happen. Bands I wanted to check out were: The Naptime Shake, Grant Jones & The Pistol Grips, The Singapore Slingers, Air Review, Bravo, Max!, New Fumes, Burning Hotels, New Science Project, Oil Boom, and Sealion.
The bands I did see were the Toadies, Mind Spiders, Oil Boom, Calhoun, Sealion, The Burning Hotels, Soviet, and Telegraph Canyon. Again I don't have pictures. Well I took some but they are pretty terrible so here's a picture of a Sealion.
My favorites from the night were Sealion, Burning Hotels, and Soviet. Sealion I knew I was going to like because the Dallas Observer called them Dallas's version of Vampire Weekend. Although when they were playing it was more punk rock then I expected. There was moshing, a base was smashed. A guy in dinosaur suit rocked out. Burning Hotels were a dancerific good time. It was my first time seeing them since their record release at Lola's. Since then I had listened to the album 20 time so I knew all the words. Their show at Lola's was epic as well but the magic involved in seeing a band play songs you know all the words to is awesome times infinity. Needless to say I danced my face off at that show. Or at least that's the point when I decided to stop wearing my shoes. Soviet was totally in your face rock n roll. By in your face I mean the lead singer challenged us to get up and dance Sooo I did. Here's the pics the Dallas Observer took. The very first one is the guy from Soviet being all up in the camera's face. Ended off the night at Cafe Brazil with some vegan migas and headed home satisfied.
The next night I headed over to Texas Theatre to participate in a talent show. Texas Theatre is the theatre where Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. It has since been renovated and shows local and underground films. They also have other kinds of parties and events such as this talent show. As far as my night activities went I sang. Won 3rd place woot woot. The drinks were very reasonably priced btw. ( which helped when I needed the courage to sing). If you follow them on facebook you'll get updates on their special events.
This is the song I sang ( it didn't sound this awesome)
On Tuesday I went to the State Fair of Texas for the second time ever in the 22 years I've lived in Texas. It was the first time I've gone with money to do anything.I did all the typical fair stuff: I ate a fried smore( sooo good), I rode the Texas Star, I fed some goats , and I PETTED A ZEBRAAAAAAAAAA!!! (That was definitely my favoritest part if you can't tell by the all caps) It was a good time. Anyhoo here's some pics.
Predictable Texas Star Photo
My son looking pensive
View from the Texas Star Ferris wheel
Phew, well that's everything My gosh I did a lot. Next week I'll tell you all about my favorite bar and the show at The Where House and whatever else I end up doing. Send me pics and tell me what you did here shastinalynn@gmail.com. TTFN!
Ok First off if you read what I wrote about FunFunFunFest please note it's in like two weeks so aren't you glad I told you about it in advance. Yeaaa Ok let's move on.
On Friday I am hopefully going to the Where house to see Epic Ruins, Stardeath and White Dwarfs, and one of my personal favorites Skeleton Coast ( please note I promise to learn how to describe bands in ways other than I like them/they're awesome/ they rule etc. a.s.a.p) This show is going to be so cool there's even a trailer for it. Apparently a certain Gummi Skull giver from Oklahoma might be in attendance but I don't know the details on that so don't quote me.
Friday at The Moon the Red 100's are playing. They won the Best Blues Act this year at the DOMA's so they should be worth checking out.
Anytime this weekend you should go check out Magnolia at the Modern. Real quick disclaimer: I'm biased towards the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth because that's where I work, but for reals some cool stuff happens there. I'll just let you know about it as soon as I find out. That being said in case you didn't know on the weekends we play movies from Magnolia pictures. We're currently one of the few places in Fort Worth to see independent movies. This week's movie looks especially good. It's Miranda July's newest movie. You may have seen her previous movie "Me and You and Everyone We Know" also she has this awesome photo story blog thingy ( I really need to learn descriptive words) that you should check out (yo check me out). Here's the trailer for her movie showing this weekend and here are the showtimes.
On Sunday I totally wish I could go to the Texas State Veggie Fair. I'm not a vegetarian but totally dig Vegan/Veggie grub sometimes. Also Bravo, Max! is playing and I've been wanting to see them. Here is the list of all the bands playing (hey look at me). Bravo, Max! plays at 3pm.
Ok I saved the most exciting news for last! Do you guys remember Fishbone! They were one the first Ska bands ever (p.s. oops they weren't very first. Check out the comments section for their accurate historical placement). They're going to be at Texas Theatre in Oakcliff on Tuesday at 7. They are doing a Q&A after the showing of the new documentary about them "Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone" Tickets are only 9 bucks whoa!
Here's Fishbone's biggest "hit" in case you're like "who is fishbone?" "what is ska?" .
All right, kids that's all I have time to wish I could go do this week. My goal is to try to post the full week every Wednesday and then on Thursday or Friday I will tell you about the awesomeness I did the previous week. Send me your sweet pictures or tell me about whatever you go do this week and maybe I'll talk about it in next Thursday or Friday's blog.
Hey hey hey. SO this week is chock full of sweeet haps.
Almost every Thursday this month I've gone to Central Market Fort Worth for their live music on the patio. This week is unfortunately the last week :(. Josh Weathers and the True Endeavors is playing who I have never actually seen but know some pretty die hard fans of. My fave thing about this event is I can bring my kidlets and they can play on the playground while I watch/listen to the band (I have to keep one eye on my son always). Also they have 2.50 Blue Moon (mmm) or you just go inside and buy some other form of beverage. Show is usually from 6 to 9pm.
Also on Thursday you should go downtown to 8.0's The Burning Hotels are playing with Air Review. BTW The Burning Hotels just won a Dallas Observer Music Award for best Indie Act what what. I freaking love this band. I have listened to their new album about a bazillion times ( I am also a big fan of hyperbole) The times I have seen them they put on a really kickass show. Air Review was nominated in the Dallas Observer Music awards for best song and Indie Act. This is the song so take a listen. Show starts at 7pm.
If you have 50 bucks and a day off this weekend to go to Austin I highly suggest going ahead and getting tickets to FunFunFunFest which is on Nov. 4,5,and 6. So many awesome music acts I can't even stand it such as: Spoon, Lykke Li, Blonde Redhead, Murder City Devils, Henry Rollins, Mates of State. Argh, I don't want to talk about it anymore whatevers.
Ok that's all of my suggestions for the day. But stay tuned
For a closing gift here is a video where you see me waving my arm around and hear my friend calling me a groupie when The Burning Hotels played last week at the DOMAXXIII showcase.
