Events | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Dallas

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+ Dallas’ historic Fair Park has been drawing crowds for decades

As the site of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, Fair Park remains the only original, unaltered, pre-1950's world's fair site in the country. The architecture at Fair Park is distinctively Art Deco and home to over seven million visitors a year. The park hosts a slew of festivals and events year-round, including the ever popular Texas State Fair. The Music Hall, The Science Place, the Texas Star Ferris Wheel and the Cotton Bowl all call Fair Park home, in addition to several other museums, exhibit halls, performance venues and gardens. They also offer two historic walking tours of the grounds for those interested in the architecture and history of the park. Visit fairpark.org for more information.

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+ Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! Food Tours

Dallas’ Most Innovative Food Tours Rock the House! Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! have taken Dallas by storm, and by chocolate, barbeque and burgers. We offer specialty food tours to some very unique, off-the-beaten-path, locally owned restaurants and shops. Led by some of Dallas' most knowledgeable food aficionados, each tour treats you to delicious samples and great drinks as you learn about cool food finds, the history of chocolate or a given food, how it is made and more. The tours are taken in luxury mini buses and last from three to four hours. During that time, three to four locations are visited and tasty treats are sampled at each location. The tour guides make the tours plenty of fun with interesting facts and contests. Tours (depending on the tour) include wine or beer, water and juice. Kids are welcome too. The tours are like a mini escape from the day to day, and are perfect for individuals, families, friends, groups, special occasions and team building. In addition to weekend and weekday tours for individuals through the www.DallasbyChocolate.com and www.dallasbitesfoodtours.com websites, Stevens and her guides also do private chocolate tours and tastings for groups. “We have a lot of families, even bachelorettes, seniors, homeschoolers, birthday parties and Girl Scout troops,” she says. “It’s a fun experience and it’s different than the typical shopping trip or stadium tour. Everyone makes new friends, and some guests have booked three or more tours because every tour is different.” Click here for more information.

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+ Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

Batter Up! The Texas Rangers are currently in first place in the American Leagues' Western Division. Some of baseball's most exciting players are in the Rangers uniform, such as Yu Darvish, Ian Kinsler, and Adrián Beltré. Catch all the Major League Baseball action by the boys of summer and nab a hot dog and some peanuts while you're at it. Click http://texas.rangers.mlb.com for more information.

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+ Experience CSI at the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History!

Imagine entering a crime scene and being the one responsible for noticing and collecting every trace of evidence. The pressure is on: you know the analysis of your evidence must be scientifically sound to crack the case. You've seen the hit television crime drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on CBS. Now you play the role of the investigator in a forensic science exhibit created in collaboration with the TV series and actors. CSI: The Experience is a completely immersive exhibit that invites you to enter "crime" scenes where you identify and record evidence. It takes you inside "laboratories" for scientific testing and to "autopsy" rooms for pathology analysis. Then it returns you to the "office" to build your case, based on the scientific evidence. The exhibit brings to life real scientific principles and the most advanced scientific techniques used today by crime scene investigators and forensic scientists. From DNA and firearms analysis to forensic anthropology and toxicology, you’ll be immersed in hands-on science in an exciting multi-media environment with dazzling special effects direct from the CSI TV series. Cast members from the TV show welcome you into the exhibit from a large video monitor, lead you through the experience, and praise you for a job well done at the end. Visit CSI: The Experience, opening May 25 and running until September 2, 2013. Click here for more information.

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+ Enjoy Concerts at the Arboretum!

Visit the beautiful Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn at the Dallas Arboretum. Bring family, friends, favorite food and beverages and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of White Rock Lake. Voted Best Concert Venue by D Magazine, the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage hosts some of DFW’s best bands including Emerald City, Asleep at the Wheel, A Hard Night’s Day and many more. Click here for the complete schedule.

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+ TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition in Ft. Worth

Discover the compelling human stories told through authentic artifacts and recreations of the ship's interior. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, features hundreds of artifacts and painstakingly recreated rooms and details. You will experience Titanic's voyage from launch to tragic ending, to modern-day recovery and restoration efforts. Your journey will be educational, emotional and appropriate for all ages. At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History until April 28, 2013. Click here for more information.

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+ American Idol LIVE! Aug 9th

By this time the American Idols Live arrives at American Airlines Center on August 9th, one of the ten "American Idol" finalist will have been crowned the winner.

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+ 1. Magnolia Films at the Modern July 2-25

Most people take it for granted that movies are art, but thankfully the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth doesn’t. Magnolia at the Modern is an ongoing series featuring critically acclaimed films from one of the most prominent independent film studios, Magnolia.

In July, enjoy screenings of Micmacs, a David-and-Goliath tale where a man tries to destroy weapons manufacturers; Women Without Men, which is an adaptation of a novel chronicling the lives of four Iranian women during the summer of 1953; the newly released Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky that shows that passionate affair of two of the twentieth century’s icons; and City of your Final Destination, starring Anthony Hopkins and Laura Linney, of a young Iranian-American academic who seeks permission to write a biography of a Uruguayan novelist. The screenings are at various time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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+ 3. Modern Dance Festival at the Modern July 10-25

For the seventh year in a row, Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth teams up with the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for the Modern Dance Festival at the Modern. With dance performances to lectures to site-specific events and even screenings of films from the Dance On Camera Festival, dance is taken to the next level with so many artistic venues for expression. The festival kicks off with the CD/FW Dance Exchange: A Choreographer’s Showcase, featuring special guest Dan Halquiet who will perform choreography from Bill Evans (who has his own workshop and lecture a few days later). It’s 15 days of free events, making this festival repeatedly one of the most popular.

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+ 1. Shakespeare in the Park June 16-30

One of the best things about summer-

besides the good weather- is being able to enjoy amazing theater in the great outdoors. Dallas puts on a fabulous Shakespeare in the Park Summer Series that begins in June and goes through to July. In June, though, you have the choice of two great Shakespearean plays. The first to open the series is Cymbeline, a tragedy/romance loosely based on the legends of the early Celtic British King Cunobelinus. Later in the month, and on through July, is one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, Comedy of Errors. Moving into a different direction, this is short and slapstick happy in a story that deals with mistaken identities and a flurry of puns and wordplay.

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+ 3. First U.S. Luc Tymans Exhibit at DMA Begins June 6

Jointly organized by the prestigious San Francisco MOMA and the Wexner Center, Belgian artist Luc Tymans will be showing his first U.S. retrospective work at the Dallas Museum of Art starting on June 6, 2010. The New York Times has already raved about this exhibit. Luc Tymans is known for his deceptively simple figurative paintings that evoke strong thoughts and discussions in its simplicity. The exhibition will go in chronological order of his career, highlighting the fluid progression of his famous painting style. Enjoy it in Dallas before the exhibit heads over to the SFMOMA.

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+ 1. Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival May 14-16

The B-52s, Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, Los Lonely Boys and Bowling for Soup; there’s only one festival in Texas that can handle all of these great acts, and that’s the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival. Over 70,000 guests will celebrate the festival’s 18^th anniversary with three days of music. But that’s not all, the festival also features a Kidz Korner and dozens of buskers and acrobats, a Petting Zoo and the Laser Spectacular Show. This year the laser show is entitled The King of Pop and will pay tribute to none other than Michael Jackson.

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+ 2. Kick Off the Summer at Mayfest May 1-2

It's four days of fu

n for every member of the family at the Mayfest. It’s one of the largest and most diverse festivals in Texas and this year is no exception. There are three stages devoted to live music, each stage featuring several local acts every day and Saturday will feature dance and performing arts all day on four separate stages. Once you’ve seen all the entertainment you want, there’s still the Trinity Haunted House, a Frisbee Dog Show, The All American Lumber Jack Show, and the art and gift market area which features over 40 booths of handmade crafts and gifts. All that fun and entertainment is sure to work up and appetite, and have no fear, this year’s Mayfest will host over 25 different food vendors ready for tastes of all types and ages. If you’re looking for a great way to kick off the summer months, look no further.

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+ 3. Get Outside at Grapevine’s Outdoor Adventure May 21-23

Non-stop performances on five stages, scuba diving, BMX stunts, trampoline acrobat stunts and kayaking. Put them all together and you’ve got a very eventful weekend at the Main Street Outdoor Adventure in Downtown Grapevine. This fun-filled festival is set in the Historic Downtown Grapevine, and highlights everything one can enjoy outside, with three days full of “grillin, chillin and thrillin.” The festival is a celebration of all things outdoors and will feature gunfighters of the Old West, music from rock and R&B to bluegrass and country, as well as grilling demonstrations. Main Street Outdoor Adventure will also feature traditional festival food like funnel cake and corn dogs as well as two wine tasting pavilions.

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+ 1. Premier Dallas Wine & Food Fest April 21-25

Come and taste the best wine that Dallas has to offer at the 26^th annual Dallas Wine & Food Festival. This is the premier food and wine event in Dallas, taking place over five days at landmark settings in and around the city. The festival showcases local and national talent and is the only festival in Dallas to feature award-winning wines from the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, the largest national wine competition outside of California. There are various events throughout the festival, from a movie & dinner ticket to cooking seminars to an over-the-top five-course winemaker’s dinner featuring the top winners of the annual Rising Stars Chefs’ Contest.

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+ 2. Eclectic Deep Ellum Arts Fest April 2-4

With over 75 national, regional, and local original bands, the free-to-attend outdoor “street party,” also known as the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, is what makes Deep Ellum one of Dallas’ most progressive and eclectic neighborhoods. With four separate outdoor stages, the festival presents a mix of music genres, including Dallas’ favorite fusion rock, southern soul, and “genre-breaking” bands. This year, the featured headliners include Shuttle, Moosehound, and Hendrick.

Other than music, there are more than 100 top-notch juried decorative and visual artists displaying and selling original works. There’s also the Pet Parade, where hundreds of pet owners and their pets can stroll down Main Street and take part in the various pet related activities and competitions. Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of food, including Mexican, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian, and American.

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+ 3. Highly Respected USA Film Festival April 28-30

Now in its third decade, the 40^th Annual USA Film Festival is one of the oldest, most respected festivals in the United States. The festival features the best in American and foreign film. Preview films prior to wide release or discover ones that aren’t scheduled for commercial distribution, meaning you won’t be able to see it anywhere else! There are plenty of discussions and encounters with dozens of filmmakers, directors, actors, screenwriters and composers. One of the two most important competitions, the National Short Film and Video Competition, will be held during this week.

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+ 4. Denton Arts & Jazz Festival April 23-25

Come experience jazz in the heart of Dallas in beautiful Quakertown Park. With over 2,200 performers on seven stages, this free festival takes place over two and a half days. This year, the headliners are Chick Corea Trio, Jimmie Vaughan with Lou Ann Barton, and Brave Combo. There are also 175 artists showing and selling their original art. Be sure to eat some great food in one of the five food courts and check out the various games and activities.

For kids, there is the Children’s Art Tent, where the 12 and under can mold, draw, sculpt, and create. Attracting over 200,000 annually, this festival is the place to be for enjoying the culturally diverse music and art.

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+ 5. New Vintage Wine & Gallery Weekend April 16-17

With an abundance of activities and some of the best wine, the 18th Annual Blessing of the Vines and New Vintage Wine & Gallery Trail is the place to go for a fun and relaxing weekend. To start off, there’s the free Annual Blessing of the Vines, where hundreds of wine enthusiasts gather to take part in a centuries-old European ceremony to ensure robust vines and savory grapes. Then there is the New Vintage Jazz Wine Train, a two-and-a-half hour ride that happens in the evenings and features several Grapevine wines, dinner, and live jazz entertainment in each passenger car. The New Vintage Art Show features more than a dozen local artists displaying watercolors, photographs, pottery, and much more. Finally, there’s the New Vintage Wine Trail, a memorable journey that visits the many unique winery-tasting rooms of Grapevine. It’ll definitely be a jam-packed and wine-filled weekend at this event.

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+ 1. Dallas’ St. Patty’s Day Parade is like Mardi Gras March 13

Now in its 31^st year, the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade is so large and so crazy that it’s billed as “Dallas’ version of Mardi Gras.” And with a comparison like that, you know it has to be huge: celebrities, thousands of participants and lots of surprises. With 100,000 people expected in attendance, over 1,500 people will march down the two-mile route with grand floats, outrageous costumes and tons of party spirit. Every year celebrity judges decide what float and what group gets the honor of awards like “Best of the Best” and “Most Irish Animal.” After the parade, the fun doesn’t stop, as the official after-party begins at the Granada Theater and lasts all night long.

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+ 2. Dallas’ Only Official Oscar Night Party March 7

It’s every movie star’s dream to win an Oscar. For everyone else, just being at the Oscar’s would be a dream come true. USA Film Festival rolls out the red carpet to make that happen with the official Oscar Night America Dallas. On March 7th, watch The Academy Awards in style, from your seat at Studio Movie Grill. Sip on champagne while you experience the thrills and excitement as the event is telecast on the large theater screen. Dinner will be served, as well as a live auction featuring movie memorabilia. The same official program will be provided as the one at the presentation at Kodak Theatre in Hollywood!

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+ 3. North Texas Irish Festival March 5-7

A week before the official St. Patrick’s Day holiday, Texans can begin to start the party thanks to the North Texas Irish Festival. In its 28^th year as a staple in Dallas, this festival features world-class entertainers including Irish dancers, musicians, Celtic storytellers and horse performers on nine stages throughout the weekend celebration.

This year the theme is Celtic Music of the Eastern Coast of Canada, so don’t be surprised to see a Maple Leaf or two mixed in with all the green. On top of a great way to celebrate, this festival also offers workshops for those who want to bring the Irish spirit home!

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+ 4. Rock ‘n Roll Dallas Half Marathon March 14

Who says a marathon is all work and no play? Okay, most marathons are only fun after you’ve finished (and survived!), but the Rock ‘n Roll Dallas Half-Marathon is completely the opposite. Dotted along the 13.1 mile course, there are 20 local bands who will be rocking it out and giving the gifted runners a unique playlist to their marathon running. More than that, there will also be Spirited Cheer Squads if runners need an extra boost. After it’s all done, runners and spectators alike will be able to cool down with a post-marathon concert at the Finish Line Village’s main stage. If this race doesn’t sound cool enough, the run is all for a good cause: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the Official National Charity.

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+ 5. London’s Infamous Equus Premieres March 1-21

Equus, the scandalous play that had Harry Potter fans in a bundle when a fully nude Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) starred in the West End premiere, makes its way to the Big D. While this touring production doesn’t have a major movie star in its lead role, the story is still as captivating as ever.

Equus is about a seemingly normal, young man who has a passion for horses, but inside harbors darkness. One night, the young man commits a violent crime that no one can believe came from such a quiet boy. Equus unlocks the mystery of this dark and complicated teenager.

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+ 1. Valentine’s Sweetheart Wine Trail Feb. 13-14

Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Nothing says I love you more than a glass of red wine, or, rather, gets you to say I love you. Therefore Grapevine Wine Trail is proud to put together the perfect Valentine package for lovebirds. Guide yourself and your sweetheart in three tasty samplings at each of 8 wineries. Come on an empty stomach, because hors d’oeuvres will be served as well. Each ticket includes a bottle of premium wine and a large wine glass so the romance and suds don’t stop when the trail winds home.

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+ 2. Mardi Gras Texas Style Feb. 6

You don’t have to be Catholic to know it’s once again the season for Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday will come and go, but if you can’t make it to New Orleans for this year’s event, don’t fret, it’s coming to you. Texas really knows how to put on an all-out Mardi Gras event, complete with crawfish, king-cakes, and, of course, lots and lots of beads! There will be four stages jam packed with live country music stars for everyone to enjoy. This is an authentic style Mardi Gras event, so you may want to leave the kids at home. New Orleans may be famous for Mardi Gras, but, remember, everything’s bigger in Texas.

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+ 3. Diddy Does Dallas for NBA All-Stars Feb. 21

The NBA 2010 All-Star Game is being held in Dallas this year, and with that comes a weekend full of star-studded parties. But the party that everyone’s talking about is none other than Diddy Does Dallas: 5 different rooms with over 35 fully staffed bars, 10 of the nation’s best DJs, 3 VIP lounges, and close to 10,000 guests. Host Diddy is pulling out all the stops for this all-star red carpet event. Famous for his White Parties at the Hamptons, Diddy says the top five ingredients for the perfect party are the people, music, amenities, food and drink, and lighting. With guest lists that include A-listers from presidents to Michael Jackson to David Beckham, he’s got to be doing something right. You’re going to want to look your best, people will be talking about this for years.

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+ 4. Crash a Dock Party at the Dallas Boat Show Feb. 5-14

The Dallas Boat Show is back and jam packed with more than 40 exhibits to bring you Party Barges, Yachts, Cabin Cruisers, Powerboats, Jetskis, and even inflatable boats! Sounds li

ke a trip to the Gulf and after 10 fun-filled days at this event you’ll want to make that trip. Many events are planned throughout the week including: fishing, boat safety trivia, scavenger hunt, etc. For your entertainment, music artists Austin Allsup, Mike Ryan, and Stars Go Dim will be playing during the show and at the Dock Party at Lost Cove Bar. Don’t miss the Dock Party on the 10^th, when 13 restaurants will be added to the mix to bring you delicious food and wine, while special guest TV and Radio personality Brian Doty presents the live auction. There will be a silent auction as well. Children will be entertained and educated at Kids Cove. It’s more than just boats at the Dallas Boat Show.

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+ 5. All Texas Garden Show Feb. 26-28

Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start planning for the breat

htaking flowerbed that will put the neighbors to shame! Sure, HGTV is handy, but how are you ever going to learn without getting your hands dirty? All Texas Garden Show is ready to give you just that, with seminars and how-to demonstrations by savvy gardeners, including expert horticulturist Neil Sperry. With waterfall landscapes, flower and plant features, stone product, garden décor, paving systems, and water garden displays, this is the perfect place to get ideas for your landscaping. No gardener should miss this inspiring event.

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+ 1. Cheer on Cowboys or Rebels at the Cotton Bowl 1/2/10

Root y

our team to victory at the 74th Annual AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. Oklahoma State University will go head to head with the Ole Mississippi Rebels at this year's Cotton Bowl Classic. The first classic was envisioned by the late J. Curtis Sanford, a Dallas oilman and business executive, and the first of many games was held at the Fair Park's Cotton Bowl Stadium. But this year they're upgrading with the recently finished Cowboys Stadium hosting the classic game for the first time. The Cotton Bowl halftime show will star the Rebel Band and the Cowboy Band, as well as a finale that will include 11 high school Marching Bands from across the country, and the world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes, who are making their 60th consecutive visit to the Cotton Bowl. Get your tickets early, because the stadium will be packed with excited Cowboys, and ruthless Rebel fans.

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+ 2. Kick off 2010 with the New Year’s Parade 1/1/10

Brush off the hangover and head downtown for the Come

rica Bank New Year's Parade to start the New Year off right. As a precursor celebration to the Cotton Bowl, the parade will star the Oklahoma State Cowboy Marching Band, Ole Miss's Rebel Marching Band, and the cheerleaders from both schools. As usual, the parade will also feature the world famous Kilgore Rangerettes as well as 35 high school bands and drill teams from across the country that have been invited to participate in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Music Festival. There will also be many floats to view. The parade starts in the Dallas Art District, and will conclude in Victory Park, next to American Airlines Center.

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+ 3. Celebrate MLK, Jr with Star Studded Concert 1/17/10

Reflect on the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 27th Annual Black Music and the Civil Rights Movement Concert. With music and dance, this touching tribute celebrates a nationwide spirit of change. This year's concert will star American Idol winner and Grammy Nominee Ruben Studdard. The concert will also show historic film footage from the 1960's to reflect on the civil rights movement.

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+ 4. Family Friendly Films at KidFilm Festival 1/23-1/24/10

Enjoy films fit for the whole family? The 26th Annual KidFilm Festival is the place to be. With genres ranging from animated features and shorts to children's features and shorts, you're sure to find just what you're looking for at this two day festival. Organized by USA Film Festival, a year-round film and arts organization, KidFilm is the oldest and largest family film festival in the U.S. Last year's festival featured a modern telling of Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper" as well as a sing-along version of the great American classic "The Wizard of Oz". What great films will be modernized at this year's festival? Head over to Angelinka Film Center to find out.

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+ 5. Get Jazzy with DWS at Swing! Swing! Swing! 1/26/10

Pianist Jeff Hellmer serves as guest conductor for th

e Dallas Wind Symphony Swing band for an evening of Big Band Music. Twice named a finalist in the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Hellmer's latest CD "Peak Moments" was declared an "exciting addition to the modern jazz piano catalog" by the All Music Guide. At Swing! Swing! Swing!, the lineup includes favorites such as "It Had to be You", "Tuxedo Junction", "One o-clock jump," and many more. DWS's sound combined with Hellmer's creativity promises for a night to remember!

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+ 1. Discover the Art District’s Architecture 12/1/09 – 1/8/09

The largest urban arts district in the US is now complete with the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. The performing arts center is a masterpiece of work from four Pulitzer Prize winning architects: Norman Foster, Rem Koolhass, I.M. Pei, and Renzo Piano. At this exhibit there are also other important buildings to the civic history of Dallas that can be viewed at the authentic living museum of architecture in the Dallas Arts District. The buildings are placed into a larger context within the astonishing architectural splendor. Take a guided walking tour and enjoy examining the District's evolution- for this month only!

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+ 2. Lights are Big in Grand Prairie Texas 12/1/09 – 12/31/09

Pop in your favorite Christmas CD and buckle up for the world's largest drive-thru light tunnel at the Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie, TX. These two miles of winding roads are lined with scenic displays made up of more than 3 million lights. After singing your favorite carols, grab a cup of hot cocoa at the concession stand and head over to the walk-though lighted wonderland "Holidays Around the World". Don't forget to catch a glimpse of the 10-minute choreographed light show "Holiday Magic" created by Josh Barnett's Lightasmic, new to the park this holiday season.

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+ 3. Romance in the New Year at Nana’s 12/31/09

Feast your way into the New Year with an eight-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Anthony Bombaci at one of the "Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in America" as honored by ForbesTraveler.com. The evening includes a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Brut champagne per couple, live entertainment, dancing, a balloon drop, and party favors. Hilton Anatole's award-winning Nana will host three different party options to ring in the New Year. We'll put money on it that someone will get engaged when that ball drops!

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+ 5. Grammy Winners Galore at Vocalese 12/9/09

How many Grammy Winners can fit in a room? Well Vocalese has quite a few! Living legend Jon Hendricks is brought together with the eight-time Grammy winning jazz/pop harmony vocal group, Manhattan Transfer, and the Grammy winning jazz vocal ensemble, The New York Voices, to make for an unforgettable evening. This group adds swinging poetic lyrics to some of the most sophisticated and complicated instrumental solos in jazz. This combination can only result in Vocalese, one of the most technically difficult and musically rewarding singing styles in jazz, and makes for an exciting, energy-filled evening.