A Family Favorite!

Mannheim Steamroller
Monday, Dec 27 8:00p

at Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas, TX
Chip Davis probably didn't know when he released the first Christmas album by symphonic new-age ensemble Mannheim Steamroller in 1984 that he was turning the music of the holiday season into an extremely successful cottage industry. Over the course of 26 years, the 11 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD releases have sold more than 23 million copies. =

Not bad for a guy who started his own record label, American Gramaphone, in 1975 because no other imprint would agree to distribute his Steamroller projects, which also includes eight "Fresh Aire" titles. From his command center in Omaha, Neb., Davis keeps the Steamroller touring every year when the weather gets nippy. In fact, the 2010 Christmas trek by Mannheim Steamroller is really two tours: the Red Tour and the Green Tour. That's the only way Davis' band can cover 92 dates. Dallas' two-night Mannheim Steamroller stand at the Meyerson Symphony Center is part of the Red Tour. Expect the Steamroller's distinctive brand of Christmas music and a multimedia show that includes lights, screen images and videos synchronized to the holiday tunes.

Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m. at the Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., Dallas. $40-$110. www.dallassymphony.com.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Sun, Dec 19 3:00p American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was formed in 1996 by Paul O'Neill who immediately approached long time friends and collaborators Robert Kinkel and Jon Oliva to form the core of the writing team.
While producing and writing for a number of years with various rock groups Paul was always looking for ways... more

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was formed in 1996 by Paul O'Neill who immediately approached long time friends and collaborators Robert Kinkel and Jon Oliva to form the core of the writing team.

While producing and writing for a number of years with various rock groups Paul was always looking for ways to make the music have greater and greater emotional impact. He tried to write the music that was so melodic it didn't need lyrics. And lyrics that were so poetic that they didn't need music but once you put the two of them together, the sum of the parts would be greater than the whole, and you couldn't imagine them apart. Once he'd done this, he was still looking for a way to take it to even greater heights and he realized that putting the songs within the context of a story would give it a third dimension that wou ld make that additional emotional impact possible.

Hence, he started writing not just albums, but rock operas.

He realized then, that there was an inherent problem recording rock operas within the standard rock and roll band makeup. Rock operas by their nature need the voices to change as the characters change. Rock bands normally only have one (or if you're lucky) two great vocalists to work with, therefore limiting how far you can go. You're forced to make the music fit the band, as opposed to allowing the music to go wherever it needs to.

With Trans-Siberian Orchestra, first the music is created with no artificial limitations, and then we seek out within the classical, rock, Broadway and R & B worlds, the very best singers and musicians to bring each song to life. This also in many ways forces us to operate on a higher level. This environment has the additional benefit of causing a cross pollenization of musical ideas, creating hybrid forms of music that normally never would have occurred, such as an R&B singer doing a classical style melody and bringing gospel touches to it that causes it to glitter in ways that even the creators could not have predicted. Another very important aspect in the creation of the band, is that there could be no limits on the members; we mix all races and ages.

The young get to mine the experience of the old musicians, while they can't help to be inspired by the enthusiasm of people just entering the business. This has created a vast constantly changing musical group that even we do not know what it is going to do next.

Once when asked what Trans-Siberian Orchestra was about, Paul O'Neill replied, "It's about creating great art. When asked to define what great art was, Paul said, "The purpose of art is to create an emotional response in the person that is exposed to that art. And there are three categories of art; bad art, good art and great art. Bad art will elicit no emotional response in the person that is exposed to it, i.e.; a song you hear in an elevator and it does nothing to you, a picture on a wall that gives you the same emotional response as if the wall had been blank, a movie that chews up time. Good art will make you feel an emotion that you have felt before; you see a picture of a forest and you remember the last time you went fishing with your dad, you hear a song about love and you remember the last time you were in love. Great art will make you feel an emotion you have never felt before; seeing the pieta, the world famous sculpture by

Michelangelo, can cause someone to feel the pain of losing a child even if they've never had one. And when you're trying for these emotions the easiest one to trigger is anger.

Anyone can do it. Go into the street, throw a rock at someone, you will make them angry. The emotions of love, empathy and laughter are much harder to trigger, but since they operate on a deeper level, they bring a much greater reward.

-www.trans-siberian.com

Breaking New Ground: Presenting the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Tuesday, Dec 14 10:00a to 5:00p

at Meadows Museum, Dallas, TX
This recently opened exhibit displays artifacts from the George W. Bush presidency, including the bullhorn Bush used when he visited Ground Zero on Sept. 14, 2001, and the pistol retrieved from Saddam Hussein when he was captured in Iraq. Visitors will get to see planned features of the Bush Center at Southern Methodist University, including design renderings, landscape features and an architectural model. read more

Price: Free
Phone: (214) 768-2516
Age Suitability: All Ages


Bush used when he visited Ground Zero on Sept. 14, 2001, and the pistol retrieved from Saddam Hussein when he was captured in Iraq. Visitors will get to see planned features of the Bush Center at Southern Methodist University, including design renderings, landscape features and an architectural model. Visitors will also learn about the work of the Bush Institute, and get insight into the key archives of the presidential library.

The Joy of Sharing Christmas: A Walk-thru Nativity
Saturday, Dec 11 6:30p to 9:00p
at Grace Bible Church, Dallas, TX


Experience the camels, the characters, the songs, and the joy of the first Christmas in this walk-thru nativity. Every 10 minutes a tour guide will lead a group back 2000 years into the live scenes of Christ's birth. The tour runs about 40 minutes. Afterwards, kids decorate cookies and visit the petting zoo. Bring your whole family to hear the real story of Christmas.

ICE!

Every year the Gaylord Texan has a truly spectacular 14,000-square-foot ICE! exhibit that features a variety of magical holiday scenes and sculptures hand-carved by 40 visiting artisans from Harbin, China.

Every visitor will feel as though they have been transported to the North Pole as they bundle up in warm parkas and enter a winter wonderland created with TWO MILLION pounds of ice and kept at a wintry 9 degrees.

This year the Gaylord Texan and ICE! have really out done themselves by recreating Charlie Brown and the Whole Peanuts Gang from a Charlie Brown Christmas.

To find out more about this annual event and more of the wonderful things happening at the Gaylord Texan this holiday season please visit our Christmas at the Gaylord Texan page.

Fantastic idea for a present

Eat and Be Merry!

Tuesday, Dec 7 6:00p to 10:00p (18 other additional dates and times) at Hilton Anatole Hotel: Nana Restaurant, Dallas, TX

Chef Tony embraces fall ingredients with his new $45 Holiday Menu, offering three courses of prized cuisine for only $45 per person. The prix-fixed menu provides three appetizer, entrée, and dessert options, such as Cavatelli Pasta,Mesquite Grilled Flank Steak with grilled vegetables and blue cheese butter, Seared Scottish Salmon with garbanzo and baby back rib ragout and sherry vinegar gelee, and “Cheesecake” with mango sorbet and mojito coulis. read more

Price: $45.00 per person
Phone: (214) 761-7470
Age Suitability: All Ages

Chef Tony embraces fall ingredients with his new $45 Holiday Menu, offering three courses of prized cuisine for only $45 per person. The prix-fixed menu provides three appetizer, entrée, and dessert options, such as Cavatelli Pasta,Mesquite Grilled Flank Steak with grilled vegetables and blue cheese butter, Seared Scottish Salmon with garbanzo and baby back rib ragout and sherry vinegar gelee, and “Cheesecake” with mango sorbet and mojito coulis. The $45 Holiday Menu is available seven nights a week.
Summer Menu includes

Your Choice of: Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Ciliegine Mozzarella, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Mesclun Salad, Goat Cheese-Tarragon Ranch Dressing, Pears
Wile Mushroom “cappuccino”, Milk Meringue, Orange Zest

Your Choice of:
Mesquite Grilled Flank Steak, Aji Panca, Avocado, Mini Quesadilla
Soy Marinated Chicken Breast, Steamed Rice, Seared Asparagus, Sesame Salt
Seared Scottish Salmon, Cucumber Ribbons, Cilantro, Yogurt, Chiles

Your Choice of:
Orange Chiffon Migas, Glazed Strawberries, Vanilla Chantilly, Licorice
Chocolate Gazpacho, Modena Vinegar, Mandarin Sorbet
“Cheese Cake”… Graham Cracker “Earth”, Mango Sorbet, Mohito Coulis

Additional Appetizer $10
Tax and Gratuity Additional

Train Exhibit at NorthPark

Train Exhibit at NorthPark

Friday, Dec 3 10:00a to 9:00p
at NorthPark Center, Dallas, TX
OK, so they're toy trains. But the "Trains at NorthPark" exhibit is so spectacular and intricate, it'll surely make you understand why adults as well as children go completely gaga. For this year's 23rd annual choo-choo fest – opening Saturday, and billed as "the most elaborate toy-train exhibit in all of Texas" – the exhibit has been completely redesigned. read more

Price: $3-$6
Phone: (214) 631-7354
Age Suitability: All Ages
OK, so they're toy trains. But the "Trains at NorthPark" exhibit is so spectacular and intricate, it'll surely make you understand why adults as well as children go completely gaga. For this year's 23rd annual choo-choo fest – opening Saturday, and billed as "the most elaborate toy-train exhibit in all of Texas" – the exhibit has been completely redesigned. It's set on 1,600 feet of track, using 24 Lionel train sets with more than 100 rolling cars and other pieces. The trains chug their way through America past itty-bitty scenes of downtown Dallas, the Cotton Bowl and the State Fair of Texas, New York City, Washington, D.C., New England, the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Santa's North Pole (who knew it was right here in North America?!), San Francisco and other spots. It covers more than 4,000 square feet of train-themed environs, with all the trimmings of the holiday train-travel experience. More than 80,000 visitors get train-happy every holiday season, so get your tickets early. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home away from home for families of seriously ill or injured children who're receiving treatment in local hospitals.

Take The Kids To the Theater!

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

Sunday, Nov 28 1:30p
at Dallas Children's Theater's Rosewood Center for Family Arts, Dallas, TX
Based on the wildly popular book series by Barbara Park, see the world through the eyes of a sassy and impulsive first grader in an all new holiday production. What kind of Secret Santa gift is Junie B. going to give her arch nemesis, Tattletale May?
Laugh out loud at the Merry Mayhem filled with Junie B. read more

Price: $12.00 - $25.00
Phone: (214) 740-0051
Age Suitability: Kids and up
Based on the wildly popular book series by Barbara Park, see the world through the eyes of a sassy and impulsive first grader in an all new holiday production. What kind of Secret Santa gift is Junie B. going to give her arch nemesis, Tattletale May?

Laugh out loud at the Merry Mayhem filled with Junie B. Joy and Glee!

The Russian Nutcracker!

Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker
Sunday, Nov 21 1:00p
at Fair Park: Fair Park Music Hall, Dallas, TX
The holiday classic gets a Russian spin, with ballet professionals and with more than 125 young Dallas dancers, tonight at 7:30, Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. at Fair Park Music Hall, 909 First Ave., Dallas. The show will star principal dancers Alexandra Elagina, making her North American debut on this tour as Masha (Clara), and Anatolie Ustimov as the Nutcracker Prince.

Sat, Nov 20 7:30p
Sun, Nov 21 5:00p

Price: $27.50 - $120
Age Suitability: None Specified
Tags: nutcracker, holidayevents, holidayperf The holiday classic gets a Russian spin, with ballet professionals and with more than 125 young Dallas dancers, tonight at 7:30, Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. at Fair Park Music Hall, 909 First Ave., Dallas. The show will star principal dancers Alexandra Elagina, making her North American debut on this tour as Masha (Clara), and Anatolie Ustimov as the Nutcracker Prince. $34.50-$97.25. Ticketmaster, www.nutcracker.com.

Beaujolais Wine Festival

Beaujolais Wine Festival
Friday, Nov 19 7:00p to 9:30p
at The World Trade Center, Dallas, TX
Over 2,000 wine & food lovers will have a unique opportunity to savor French wines as well as premium Texas wines. Attendees will also please their palates with selections from some of the top restaurants in the Metroplex. Miss Texas 2010 will be on hand for autographs and photo opportunities. Other highlights include a fashion show by Texas Next Top Designers finalist Darian Thomas, cabaret dancing & singing, and a silent auction. read more

Price: Tickets are $55 per person; parties of 4 or more are $50 each. Tickets at the door are $60
Phone: (972) 241-0111
Age Suitability: 21 and up
Tags: beaujolais wine festival Over 2,000 wine & food lovers will have a unique opportunity to savor French wines as well as premium Texas wines. Attendees will also please their palates with selections from some of the top restaurants in the Metroplex. Miss Texas 2010 will be on hand for autographs and photo opportunities. Other highlights include a fashion show by Texas Next Top Designers finalist Darian Thomas, cabaret dancing & singing, and a silent auction. Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask just to add to the fun.

Halloween Nights at the Dallas Zoo

Halloween Nights at the Dallas Zoo

Thursday, Oct 28 6:00p to 8:00p
at Dallas Zoo, Dallas, TX
The zoo gates will creak open for nighttime howls — of both the animal and laughter variety — this Thursday Oct. 28, as well as Oct. 29, 30 and 31. Kids will enjoy seeing the storybook characters in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, and you can work off the trick-or-treats with Witch-ercise and a “Monster Mash” with Witchy DJ. read more

Price: Admission is $12 for ages 12+, $9 for ages 3-11, and free for age 2 and younger. DZS members receive a $2 discount for the evening event.
Phone: (469) 554-7500
Age Suitability: Kids and up
Tags: kids, halloween, friendly, witches, kid-friendly, dallas zoo, not scary The zoo gates will creak open for nighttime howls — of both the animal and laughter variety — this Thursday Oct. 28, as well as Oct. 29, 30 and 31. Kids will enjoy seeing the storybook characters in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, and you can work off the trick-or-treats with Witch-ercise and a “Monster Mash” with Witchy DJ. Meet the Heckling Witch, and travel through a tunnel into the Wilds of Africa to see some “friendly giants” of the four-legged variety. You can also take a backward spin on the Haunted Carousel, if your stomach can handle the terror.

Haunted Houses in the DFW

AREA HAUNTED HOUSES!

BOO! Thanks to our good friends at Hexter-Fair Title Company, you can see all the best Haunted Houses in the DFW area. Click on the image below and zoom in for all the information you need to decide what haunted house you want to visit tonight!

Take The Family!

The Curse of Castle Mongrew

presented by the Dallas Children's Theater
Friday, Oct 22 7:30p
at Dallas Children's Theater's Rosewood Center for Family Arts, Dallas, TX
They're kooky and they're spooky! They're wacky and they're weird! No, not that other family. Meet the Mongrews!

Young Katherine suddenly finds herself an orphan and is sent to live in the crumbling estate of her strange uncle. Little does she know that the creepy castle is under a curse!

For more information click here.

Enjoy Sushi!

Enjoy Authentic Japanese Cuisine at Totoya Sushi & Tempura Bistro!

at Totoya Sushi and Tempura Bistro, Dallas, TX
Totoya Sushi and Tempura Bistro is a small and cozy Japanese restaurant where they serve great traditional Japanese food. Just because you get impeccable quality doesn't mean you can't also save money with their fantastic specials every day!
Lunch Special-2 PCS ROLLS FOR $1.00! (Dine-In ONLY)
Choices: California, Tuna, Salmon, Tempura, Louisiana, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon or Spider Roll
Happy Hour- 5:30-7:30PM
Choose any two for the price of $7.
Phone: (972) 248-4301
Age Suitability: All Ages
and Tempura Bistro is a small and cozy Japanese restaurant where they serve great traditional Japanese food. Just because you get impeccable quality doesn't mean you can't also save money with their fantastic specials every day!

Lunch Special-2 PCS ROLLS FOR $1.00! (Dine-In ONLY)
Choices: California, Tuna, Salmon, Tempura, Louisiana, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon or Spider Roll

Happy Hour- 5:30-7:30PM

Choose any two for the price of $7.00
Sushi (2pcs): Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, White Fish, Shrimp, & Smoked Salmon
Rolls: California, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Tempura & Philadelphia.

Happy Hour Drink Specials- 5:30-7:30PM

$1.00 Hot Sake
$2.50 Miller Lite or Budweiser
$3.00 Shiner Bock
$3.50 Wells

Cocktails with LARRY MILLER Marriage, Children & Drinking...And How Each One Leads to the Other Two


Saturday, Oct 23 7:00p to 8:30p
at McKinney Performing Arts Center, McKinney, TX
As one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, Larry Miller has appeared in over 50 films and numerous television shows. In the summer of 2010, Miller reprises his role as the over-protective father in the ABC Family television series “10 ThingsI Hate About You,” which is based on the hit film he co-starred in with Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles.

Price: $21-31
Phone: (214) 544-4630
Age Suitability: 21 and up
As one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, Larry Miller has appeared in over 50 films and numerous television shows. In the summer of 2010, Miller reprises his role as the over-protective father in the ABC Family television series “10 ThingsI Hate About You,” which is based on the hit film he co-starred in with Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. You may have seen him in such memorable films as The Princess Diaries I & II, Pretty Woman, and The Nutty Professor I & II and many more. His television credits include such favorites as Medium, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order, Seinfeld and the list goes on. Now, after a decade long hiatus, Miller has returned to stand-up and is currently on tour throughout the country. He is also author of the bestselling book Spoiled Rotten America.

Autumn at the Arboretum: The Great Pumpkin Festival

Friday, Oct 8 9:00a to 5:00p
at Dallas Arboretum, Dallas, TX
Grandstanding gourds are set to make an impression at this annual fall celebration at the Dallas Arboretum. All eyes will be on the Storybook Pumpkin Village, featuring four topiary houses made of pumpkins and gourds, with each topiary depicting a beloved pumpkin-themed children’s story. A hay-bale maze and thousands of decorative pumpkins and gourds will fill the arboretum’s pumpkin patch, not to mention the 150,000-plus plants and flowers creating a canvas of fall color throughout the gardens. read more

Price: $8 to $10
Phone: (214) 515-6500
Age Suitability: All Ages
Grandstanding gourds are set to make an impression at this annual fall celebration at the Dallas Arboretum. All eyes will be on the Storybook Pumpkin Village, featuring four topiary houses made of pumpkins and gourds, with each topiary depicting a beloved pumpkin-themed children’s story. A hay-bale maze and thousands of decorative pumpkins and gourds will fill the arboretum’s pumpkin patch, not to mention the 150,000-plus plants and flowers creating a canvas of fall color throughout the gardens. Other highlights include the Oktoberfest German Garten, featuring drinks, brats and more. Other advantages of savoring this annual fest include opportunities to experience additional fall events, such as the Cool Thursdays Fall Concert Series, which showcases talent from the local music scene.

A great fall recipe for you and the family:

KOESTER'S KITCHEN

1 lb. bulk sage sausage or your favorite sausage

1 15oz. can cannellini beans, drained

1 12 oz. pkg. frozen winter squash puree thawed

1 cup chunky style chipotle salasa or other salsa

1-1/2 cups water

1 3.5oz pkg herb
flavored goat cheese

Fresh sage (optional

A Delicious Fall Treat!
In a large saucepan cook sausage over medium heat until brown, stirring to break up, drain fat. Stir in beans, squash, salsa, and water. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Serve in bowls and spring with goat cheese and fresh sage. Makes 4 servings. Enjoy!

Keller Williams Red Out

Keller Williams Southlake RED OUT Open House Weekend

The Koester Team will be showcasing the following properties:

Saturday October 2nd 1-4 p.m.

605 Cannon Drive in Euless, $95,000

1300 Sylavn Court in Arlington, $425,000

ON........

Sunday October 3rd 2-5 p.m.

5320 Warm Springs Trail in Fort Worth,$149,000

1637 Arbor Ridge Drive in Fort Worth,134,000

You can see all of these properties on Realtor.com or by clicking on any of our facebook badge on the right side of the page.-------->

Shrek The Musical Comes to Town!

Shrek the Musical
Friday, Oct 1 8:00p
at Fair Park: Fair Park Music Hall, Dallas, TX

The "Shrek" franchise was a huge one among animated movies of the last decade, so it must have seemed a no-brainer to create a version for the Great White Way when so many kids’ movies make it to Broadway. Dreamworks Theatricals hired top stage talent for the transfer — recent Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire for the book, Jeanine Tesori ("Thoroughly Modern Millie;" "Caroline, or Change") for the music. read more

Price: $29-$133.50
The "Shrek" franchise was a huge one among animated movies of the last decade, so it must have seemed a no-brainer to create a version for the Great White Way when so many kids’ movies make it to Broadway. Dreamworks Theatricals hired top stage talent for the transfer — recent Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire for the book, Jeanine Tesori ("Thoroughly Modern Millie;" "Caroline, or Change") for the music. The green ogre, it turned out, only lasted a year on Broadway, but now he’s out roving the countryside. He arrives at the Fair Park Music Hall as the Dallas Summer Musicals’ State Fair show on Tuesday.

The Texas State Fair Starts Friday!

The Texas State Fair

September 24th - October 17th

ATTRACTIONS:

CHEVROLET TEST TRACK: Qualified drivers get the keys from the carmaker.
ILLUMINATION SENSATION: Lights, music, dancing waters and pyrotechnics along the recently refurbished 700-ft. Esplanade reflecting pool.
STARTEX POWER PARADE: Nights will sparkle through Fair Park. 7:15 p.m.
GREENHOUSE ON THE MIDWAY: Water features, exotic birds & Zydeco Gator Band, too!
CENTURY IN THE MAKING FOOTBALL PAVILION: A celebration of the greatest moments in the
first 100 years of football in North Texas, all leading up to Super Bowl XLV.
TEXAS SKYWAY: Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Fair Park.
RUSSIAN BAR TRIO: Daily at 1, 2 & 3 PM+ 12 noon shows Sat/Sun Marine Corps Square.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN DIVE SHOW: Daily at noon, 2 and 4 pm, + 6 p.m. Sat/Sun
MCDONALD’S STAGE IN GATEWAY PLAZA: Ronald McDonald will be greeting fans of all ages.
SW Airlines featuring Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M: 9/25, at 6 p.m.,
AT&T Red River Rivalry® as Oklahoma takes on Texas: 10/2, time TBA
Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Shootout® between Texas Tech and Baylor: Sat., 10/9, time TBA
BIG TEX: Clothes make the man, and in this case that's an under-statement.
MOBILE TOURS: Don't miss this rolling into the State Fair throughout its 24-day run.
BMX BIKE SHOW : The all-star 720 Action Sports team performing gravity-defying feats.
CELEBRITY KITCHEN: Celebrity chefs demonstrate recipes of all kinds in daily shows.
STATE FAIR AUTO SHOW: The biggest new car and truck show in the Southwest.
TRUCK ZONE: Entertainment and new offerings from Chevy, Ford, Toyota & GMC.
CLASSIC CORRAL: A revolving display of vintage autos, motorcycles, Chris-Crafts and more.
CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER BARNYARD: Visit where sows, nanny goats and their young are.
Schepps Children's Activity Center: Featuring the Backyard Circus and Mother Goose Storytime.
BIRDS OF THE WORLD: Four shows daily in the Band Shell.
KIDWAY: Featuring scaled-down rides for smaller Fair guests and all-around family-friendly fun.
STATE FAIR OF TEXAS WINE GARDEN: Across from Creative Arts.
COCA-COLA FOOD COURT: Located on the back side of the Tower Bldg.
PIG RACES: Visitors can "wager" on these wiggly piglets as they send the sawdust flying.
PEE WEE STAMPEDE: Daily, in the Ranch Arena.
GONE TO THE DOGS: Free shows demonstrate the skills and agility of man's best friend.
UNITED STATES MARINE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS: Afternoon and in the evening parade.
STATE FAIR FALL GARDEN EXHIBITION: Landscapers vie for Best of Show bragging rights.
MIDWAY: Features 70+ attractions. Definitely one of the Fair's most popular destinations.
LIVESTOCK BREED DISPLAYS: Cows, pigs, sheep and goats are showcased in dis-plays.
LITTLE HANDS ON THE FARM: Pretend egg-gathering, planting, harvesting, and caring for a cow.
"WORLD ON A STRING" PUPPET SHOW: In Creative Arts' Showplace Theater
SPIRIT OF THE HORSE: Daily, in the Ranch Arena.
LIVESTOCK: Diligence and countless hours pay off for 4H and FFA exhibitors.
MILKING PARLOR: Watch and learn as cows from nearby farms demonstrate modern proce-dures.
BACKDOOR STAGE: Located along Nimitz Avenue - the stage offers free concerts daily.
.Mercado: Open daily.
SHREK THE MUSICAL:At the Music Hall at Fair Park. From Sept. 28 - Oct. 17.


CHEVY MAIN STAGE ACTS

Friday, September 24 8:30 pm
Mat Kearney
Saturday, September 25 3:00pm
Mario
Sunday, September 26 2:00 pm
Matt Morris
Sunday, September 26 5:30 pm
Brooke White
Saturday, October 2 8:30 pm
Eli Young Band
Sunday, October 3 5:30 pm
Pointer Sisters
Friday, October 8 6:00/8:30 pm
Kraig Parker’s - Tribute to Elvis
Saturday, October 9 6/7:20 pm
Josh Abbott Band
Saturday, October 9 8:30 pm
Wade Bowen
Sunday, October 10 3:00 pm
Intocable
Monday, October 11 5:30 pm
Allstar Weekend
Saturday, October 16 8:30 pm
Laura Bell Bundy
Sunday, October 17 5:30 pm
Collective Soul

31 YEARS OF SOARING SIGHTS...JOIN US ON
September 17, 18, & 19, 2010
Festival Location:
Oak Point Park
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, Texas 75074




SEE IT…as thousands of smiling faces are awestruck by the vision of hot air balloons filling the sky with a of colors and shapes.



HEAR IT…Friday and Saturday evening as the roar of burners being ignited adds to the thrill of seeing special shapes and colorful balloons set against the back drop of the dark night sky. The balloon glow is a MUST see!



FEEL IT… as an overwhelming sense of delight spreads over you when approximately 95,000 attendees experience the wonders of the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival September 17, 18, & 19, 2010.

TONIGHT!!! A Dancing With The Stars Contest Comes To Grand Prairie

She's Hilarious, and soon to be a DWTS Star! You can see her tonight at her show in Grand Prairie

Margaret Cho - Cho Dependent
Today, Saturday, Sep 11 8:00p
at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX

ADULT SHOW ONLY

**Partial Proceeds from the show go to help Animals in the Gulf via The Institute for Marine Animal Studies in Gulf Port, MS.****

Price: $39.00 - $55.00 Age Suitability: We recommend this for ages 18 and up


Categories: Music, Comedy

Margaret Cho was born December 5, 1968 and raised in San Francisco. “It was different than any other place on Earth,” she says. “I grew up and went to grammar school on Haight Street during the ’70s. Comedians > Standup Comedy, Actors, Personalities Location & Nearby Info

Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
1001 Performance Place
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
(972) 854-5050

24th Annual GrapeFest

Thursday, Sep 16 10:00a to 10:30p
at Historic Downtown Grapevine, Grapevine, TX
GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest, celebrates wines across Texas and around the globe, and it has been voted one of the Top 100 events in the U.S.A. and Canada for 2010.
GrapeFest is four full days of festival fun with non-stop entertainment on six stages, all sorts of great festival food, boutique shops and galleries, fine arts and crafts, carnival rides, midway games, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the Central Market Culinary Pavilion and lots more. read more

Price: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and for children (6-12); children 5 and under are free
Phone: (817) 410-3185
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: wine tasting, live entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts, galleries, grapevine, funnel cakes, festival food, grapefest GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest, celebrates wines across Texas and around the globe, and it has been voted one of the Top 100 events in the U.S.A. and Canada for 2010.

GrapeFest is four full days of festival fun with non-stop entertainment on six stages, all sorts of great festival food, boutique shops and galleries, fine arts and crafts, carnival rides, midway games, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the Central Market Culinary Pavilion and lots more.

Anybody is welcome – wine connoisseurs, wine lovers or those interested in learning more about wine; plus with the entertainment, carnival rides, funnel cakes, corn dogs and more, it’s perfect for families, couples, groups of friends.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and for children (6-12); children 5 and under are free; a weekend pass (unlimited admission all weekend) is $18 and the souvenir weekend pass is $23.

Labor Day Plans? Here is something for the WHOLE Family!

Enjoy this beautiful LABOR DAY weekend!

Labor Day Picnic at the Arboretum
When: September 6, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. is the Deryl Dodd and the Homesick Cowboys Concert.

Where: Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX. 214-515-6500

What: Labor Day Picnic. Come to the Dallas Arboretum on September 6th, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a Labor Day picnic and a performance by Dallas Native Deryl Dodd. Dodd made a name for himself as one of the most authentic artists in country music. He got his call to stardom as a guitar player and backup singer with Martina McBride and on tour with country music icons like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw and Brooks & Dunn.

Dallas Arboretum & BotanicalDallas Arboretum & Botanicals=9677850333747354389
Place page

8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218-4335
(214) 515-6500


Tickets:
Member Adult Price: $15
Member Children Price: $10
Non-Member Ticket: $20

Blue Man Group Goes Dallas

Blue Man Group
Tuesday, Sep 14 8:00p
at AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, TX
Blue Man Group is best known for its widely popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at the live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience.

Date Time Type Tools
Wed, Sep 15 7:30p
Thu, Sep 16 7:30p
Fri, Sep 17 7:30p
Sat, Sep 18 7:30p
Sun, Sep 19 7:30p
Mon, Sep 20 7:30p

AT&T Performing Arts Center
2403 Flora St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 954-9925


Blue Man Group is a creative organization founded by Phil Stanton, Chris Wink and Matt Goldman. The organization produces theatrical shows and concerts featuring music, comedy and multimedia; recorded music and scores for film and television; television appearances for shows such as The Tonight Show, Scrubs, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, and Arrested Development; and a children's museum exhibit ("Making Waves"). All of the organization's appearances star a trio of performers called Blue Men, who appear to have blue skin and no hair or ears.

Meryl Vladimer, the Artistic Director of The CLUB, saw their work as part of a variety show hosted by the Alien Comic (Tom Murrin) and commissioned Blue Man Group to create a full-length show. The resulting piece, Tubes, took off after Vladimer persuaded New York Times theater critic Stephen Holden to review it. Blue Man Group's popularity continued to snowball, resulting in a performance at Lincoln Center titled "Serious Fun", and eventually an Obie Award and a Lucille Lortel Award, which led producers to take the show to off-Broadway. Tubes opened in 1991 at the Astor Place Theater in New York City.

Blue Man Group won a special citation in the 1990-1991 Village Voice Obie® Awards, and a special award in the 1992 Lucille Lortel® Awards, which are for excellence in off Broadway theatre.

Early in the history of the group, the members would speak with audiences after the show while still in makeup, answering questions, signing autographs, and talking about the show. Eventually, however, it was decided that cast members would stay in character at all times while in makeup, meaning after shows they would still not speak to audience members, and the only "autograph" they would sign would be a smudge of blue paint. When shown a "new" piece of technology, such as a cell phone or even an old pair of binoculars, they will simply stare at it in wonder.

You won't want to miss this!

The Man In The Mirror...

Dallas Symphony Presents The Music of Michael Jackson with the dso
From his early years with the Jackson 5 to his mega-hit album Thriller and beyond, Michael Jackson stormed the music industry with hit after hit. The Music of Michael Jackson with the DSO will take you through each era of this storied performer from ABC, I'll Be There and Got To Be There through Beat It, Thriller, Rock With You, The Way You Make Me Feel and many more!

Join conductor Brent Havens, singer Delisco and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for an evening filled with fabulous music spanning 40 years of Michael Jackson's influential and celebrated career!

Click Here For Tickets
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Summer Concerts: Dallas' outdoors beckons lovers of nature and music. During the spring and summer,you can hear "Jazz Under the Stars" at the Dallas Museum of Art on Thursday evenings.
Phone: Dallas Symphony Orchestra: 214-692-0203; Dallas Museum of Art: 214-922-1200

Art Walk Dallas!

Public ArtWalk Dallas!
A free self-guided art walk promoting a healthy lifestyle through increased awareness and appreciation of public art in downtown Dallas. The 3.3 mile route highlights thirty pieces of art and architecture in the Arts District and downtown Dallas.
Where: Starts at Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St.

http://www.publicartwalkdallas.org/en/index.shtml

Public ArtWalk Dallas!
is a free, self-guided art walk promoting a healthy lifestyle through increased awareness and appreciation of public art in downtown Dallas.
The ArtWalk
is a 3.3 mile route highlighting thirty pieces of art and architecture in the Arts District and downtown Dallas.
Walking Benefits the Body, Mind and Spirit
Walking is a great way to improve overall health. Physical activity delivers nutrients and oxygen to the body, affecting the cardiovascular and immune systems and helping the body become more resilient to disease and infection. Concentration, problem solving abilities and mood management are enhanced, leading to improved personal relationships and increased general satisfaction.

Cool Off This Summer

Waterparks in YOUR Area!

(Hawaiian Falls- 3 area locations)
Website: http://www.hfalls.com/
Locations in The Colony, Garland and Mansfield
All location prices : General admission is $22.99 for guests 48 inches and over; $15.99 for children 48 inches tall or shorter and seniors 60 and older; free for children 2 and younger.

The Colony location
4400 Paige Road
The Colony, TX 75056
Hours: Open Saturday through Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed August 23 through 27 and August 30 through September 3.
Phone: (972) 370-4327

Garland location
4550 North Garland Ave.
Garland Texas 75040
Hours: Open Saturday through Thursday from10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed August 23 through 27 and August 30 through September 3.
Phone: 972-675-8888

Mansfield location
490 Heritage Parkway South
Mansfield, Texas 76063
Hours: Open Saturday though Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Phone: (817) 853-0050



It’s summertime in Texas — there is no doubt that it’s hot outside. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun water parks around the area to help you, your friends and family beat the heat on even the hottest day in July.



Six Flags Over Texas: Hurricane Harbor

1800 E Lamar Boulevard
Arlington, TX 76006
The moment you enter Hurricane Harbor, you are greeted by the overwhelming atmosphere of excitement: people passing by you on the Lazy River, music pumping out the park speakers, and kids screaming as they make their way down the nearest waterslide. All are promises of a good time.



Prep work

Before you leave the house, buy your tickets online. Not only is it cheaper, but it saves time — you can completely bypass the ticket line and walk straight into the park. Same goes for a parking pass and a food voucher, if you want them. Lines are the worst before noon, so make plans in the morning for activities outside of the park — I suggest doing some shopping and eating breakfast at the nearby Lincoln Square.

Since I went with a large group, we decided to split a family-sized locker to stow all our bags and towels. Because the lockers were opened via wristband (it has a code to your locker and recognizes it when you place it near a sensor), I never had to worry about my stuff being stolen and felt very safe about leaving it. However, there are two sides to every coin: they only give out one wristband per group, so my friends couldn’t get in the locker when they were separated from me.

Also Online Weather: Get the local weather forecast

Traffic: Find traffic reports
Before taking your first dip in the water, remember the first rule of any water park: sunscreen. A sunburn is just the thing that will ruin your park experience (I have one to prove it), so apply your sunscreen and apply it often.



What to eat

We ate lunch in the park at the Surfside Grill, which wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great, either. Food snobs, beware. The pickings are pretty slim (and definitely not diet-approved) at every eatery within the park — mostly hamburgers, fries, pizza, funnel cakes or chicken fingers. Any place inside the park will run you a lot more money, so if you don’t want to leave the park, bring lots of extra cash.



What to ride

There are 24 total rides in the park, so you’re sure to find something you like. I’m a big thrill-seeker, so I was very pleased with the attractions on which I could scream my head off. The Black Hole (a water ride in which you ride in almost complete darkness) and Der Stuka (a waterslide in which you’re in virtual free fall for over six stories) were my favorites, followed by the Tornado and the park’s newest ride, the Mega Wedgie. The park also features a non-water ride, the Caribbean Swing, which hoists you and two friends 183 feet above the Surf Lagoon and drops you (and your stomach) in an extreme pendulum. The experience does run you some money, though — $20 per person if three people go on, $25 per person if two people go on and $35 if one goes on.

Being a family-friendly park, there are also quite a few attractions for kids, including Hook’s Lagoon Treehouse, the Bonzai Boggan and the Bubba Tub. All of it is centered around the Surf Lagoon (often called the wave pool) and the Lazy River, where you can take breaks and cool off in-between thrills.



Staying dry

If water isn’t your thing, there are plenty of things to do without getting wet. Hundreds of beach chairs are placed all throughout the park and waiting if you need to sit down or work on your tan as well as covered areas with tables and chairs to keep families in the shade. If you forget anything (sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit), need souvenirs or just want to hide in a place with air conditioning, check out the Cabana Brothers shop by the main entrance.

Once we were thoroughly soaked to the bone and generally tuckered out, we rinsed off the chlorine and made our way to Lincoln Square, which is about a ten minute drive from the park. After grabbing dinner at the nearby El Chico’s (we needed some spice after a day of bland park food), we finished the day with a cherry on top at Marble Slab for a much cheaper ice cream than we could have gotten in the park.

All in all, Hurricane Harbor does not disappoint in its variety and general knack for fun — kids and adults alike can find something to keep them having a good time and, most importantly, cooled-off throughout the day.



General information

Hours: Open Sunday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Website: http://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneHarborTexas/index.aspx
Phone: (817) 640-8900
Price: General admission is $25.99 at the entrance for guests 48 inches and over; $19.99 for guests under 48 inches; free for children 2 and under.


FOR DALLAS FOLKS:


Bahama Beach

1895 Campfire Circle
Dallas, TX 75232
Hours and prices: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Not open Mondays except for Memorial Day. General admission is $13 for those over 48 inches; $9 for guests under 48 inches; free for children 2 and under.
Phone: 214-671-0820
Website: www.bahamabeachdallas.com

StoryTIME LIVE!

Nickelodeon presents Storytime Live!
Friday, Aug 27 7:00p
at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX

Price: $15.00 - $43.00
Age Suitability: All Ages

Sat, Aug 28 11:00a
Sat, Aug 28 2:00p
Sat, Aug 28 5:00p
Sun, Aug 29 2:00p
Sun, Aug 29 5:00p

Nickelodeon presents STORYTIME LIVE, their latest musical adventure featuring four of the top-rated preschool shows: “Dora the Explorer,” “The Backyardigans,” “Ni Hao, Kai-lan,” and “Wonder Pets!” Join hosts Moose & Zee as they take you through four exciting musical adventures.

Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
1001 Performance Place
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
(972) 854-5050

Bellydance Superstars present Bombay Bellywood

Friday, Oct 8 8:00p
at The Palladium Ballroom, Dallas, TX
With 6 years of touring performing over 700 shows in 22 countries the Bellydance Superstars have earned the accolade given them by the Sunday Times of England " the most important dance troupe in the world." They have taken an ancient art form previously seen in clubs and restaurants and turned it into a mega show to compete head on with the likes of Riverdance and Stomp.

Price: $20 to $39.50 Age Suitability: All Ages Tags: bollywood, bellydance, bhangra, belly dance, bombay, bellydance superstars With 6 years of touring performing over 700 shows in 22 countries the Bellydance Superstars have earned the accolade given them by the Sunday Times of England " the most important dance troupe in the world." They have taken an ancient art form previously seen in clubs and restaurants and turned it into a mega show to compete head on with the likes of Riverdance and Stomp.

Bellydance Superstars present Bombay Bellywood - Website
Categories: Dance, Music, World


Bellydance Superstars
The ancient art of bellydance has existed for generations as part of Middle Eastern culture; sometimes celebrated, sometimes suppressed, but always a natural partner to the rich music of the region. World, Artists Location & Nearby Info
The Palladium Ballroom
1135 S. Lamar St.
Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 373-8000

Amazing museum exhibition!

BODIES - The Exhibition

Sunday, Aug 8 10:00a to 7:00p
at West End Marketplace, Dallas, TX
Learn more about the human body at this show featuring real human specimens, including whole bodies and individual organs. Produced by Premier Exhibitions Inc., the exhibit surveys the muscular, skeletal, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. The specimens on display have undergone a preservation process that makes them dry and helps prevent decomposition.

http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/dallas/

Price: Adults 13-64: $22 Mon-Fri, $24 Sat- Sun, Children 3-12: $14 Mon-Fri, $16 Sat-Sun Seniors /Military $18 - $20
Phone: 1-877-263-4375
Age Suitability: All Ages
Tags: science, education, art, anatomy, museums, fundraisers, art exhibits, under20, art exhibits, the human body, physical structure Learn more about the human body at this show featuring real human specimens, including whole bodies and individual organs. Produced by Premier Exhibitions Inc., the exhibit surveys the muscular, skeletal, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body. The specimens on display have undergone a preservation process that makes them dry and helps prevent decomposition.


West End Marketplace
603 Munger St.
Dallas, TX 75202-1811
(214) 741-7180

Camp For Kids - Fort Worth, TX

Camptivity Day Camp

Today, Wednesday, Aug 4 6:30a to 6:00p
at Lockheed Martin Recreation Association, Fort Worth, TX
For ages kindergarten through eight. Camp activities include swimming, team sports, arts and crafts and more. One-week sessions from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Lockheed Martin Recreation Area in Fort Worth. Check Web site for details.

Price: $175
Phone: (817) 831-2111
Age Suitability: For ages kindergarten through eight.
Check Web site for details.

Event Website

S M T W T F S


Thu, Aug 5 6:30a
Fri, Aug 6 6:30a
Mon, Aug 9 6:30a
Tue, Aug 10 6:30a
Wed, Aug 11 6:30a
Thu, Aug 12 6:30a
Fri, Aug 13 6:30a
Mon, Aug 16 6:30a
Tue, Aug 17 6:30a
Wed, Aug 18 6:30a
Thu, Aug 19 6:30a
Fri, Aug 20 6:30a

Location & Nearby Info
Lockheed Martin Recreation Association
3400 Bryant Irvin Rd.
Fort Worth, TX 76109
(817) 732-7731


http://www.campfirefw.org/

Want to be a detective?

Keith & Margo's Ultimate Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre At The Monte Carlo

Saturday, Aug 7 7:30p

at Monte Carlo, Addison, TX

An Elite North Dallas Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner for Sophisticates.
An Ultra Interactive Experience designed especially for Amateur Sleuths
who are C.S.I. and Law & Order fans... with a twisted sense of
humor!
You are literally in the middle of a live-action experience, conducting
your OWN investigation into a homicide case. read more

Price: $69

Age Suitability: None Specified

Tags: discount, half price

An Elite North Dallas Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner for Sophisticates.
An Ultra Interactive Experience designed especially for Amateur Sleuths
who are C.S.I. and Law & Order fans... with a twisted sense of
humor!
You are literally in the middle of a live-action experience, conducting
your OWN investigation into a homicide case. YOU are discovering and
analyzing hidden evidence, YOU are interrogating the criminal element
surrounding you [improvisational actors posing as suspects from the
plot] - all the while being treated as a suspect yourself by an
hysterical Homicide Detective [professional stand-up comedian] working
the case.
Along with motive, means and opportunity, the plot meticulously unravels
throughout the evening with a generous dose of humor, a lot of action
and a series of clues and leads which take some real unsuspected turns.
Before the mystery comes to a dramatic conclusion, each of the guests
are invited to hand in their own solutions. Then, the Homicide
Detective, in a suspense-filled final scene, ties all the pieces
together and exposes the murderer or murderers -- much to the surprise
and delight of the guests. Our Grand Prize is then awarded to the most
detail-oriented and accurate amateur sleuth.
The Monte Carlo Restaurant :
Offers a French Riviera-inspired mood as sunlight washes it’s soft
pastels and neutrals to create a summery atmosphere. Coupled with
excellent service and relaxing Mediterranean ambiance, award-winning
Monte Carlo Restaurant promises a wonderful dining experience not to be
missed.
Additional Information:
You can pick up tickets at the Will Call table at the event as your
name will be on the list. 3 course dinner, tax & gratuity is included with the price.
Attire: upscale casual - tie/jacket optional.
Murder Mystery Texas.
The Monte Carlo Restaurant
@ Hotel InterContinental Dallas
15201 Dallas Parkway
Addison, TX 75001
Directions

SATURDAY AUGUST 7th @ 7:30pm

Location & Nearby Info

Monte Carlo
15201 Dallas Pkwy.
Addison, TX 75001
(972) 386-6000

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