July 22-28
National Day of the American Cowboy
It's hard to get much more Cowtownish than this daylong Fort Worth Stockyards hootenanny. Fact: American Cowboy magazine voted it the nation's best cowboy tribute. Dig the contests: This year, for the musically inclined, there's "Cowboy Idol" finals; also, watermelon- and rib-eating, seed-spitting, most worn-out boots, and best mustache. Plus horse-training demos from Chris Cox in the Cowtown Coliseum, and natch, a parade with the famous Fort Worth Herd, and Western acting notables Barry Corbin and Dean Smith.
When: Events begin at 10 a.m. Saturday; see website for full schedule
Where: Events begin in the Cowtown Coliseum
Cost: Many events free; $5 entry for some contests; Chris Cox horse-training demo is $15.
Info: www.fortworthstockyards.org
'The Lovers of Hate' Two brothers in love with the same woman: Bad for them. For her, well, you go girl. This dark comedy, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, makes its Fort Worth premiere in the Lone Star Film Society series. Award-winning writer and director Bryan Poyser will be in attendance.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth
Cost: $6-$8
Info: www.LoneStarFilmSociety.com or www.themodern.org
The New Pornographers If you only know Neko Case as a solo artist (and you should; she's the real deal), then make a point to check out this Canadian rock band, which has counted her as a member since its inception in 2000. It's touring behind a new album, Together, which includes a collaboration with Dallas' St. Vincent. Opening acts are the Dodos and Imaad Wasif.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Palladium Ballroom, 1135 S. Lamar St., Dallas
Cost: $22-$25
Info: www.thepalladiumballroom.com
Mary Karr lecture The University of North Texas' journalism school presents its annual Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. It's mainly a workshop for writers, but it's also known for notable guests. This year's keynote speaker is Mary Karr, who lit up the lit world with her memoirs The Liars' Club, Cherry and, in 2009, Lit. Girl's not afraid to expose her own life -- warts and all. The Mayborn event is Friday-Sunday, but Karr speaks Friday night. Dinner is included in the $60 keynote speech price.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center, 1800 Texas 26 East, Grapevine
Cost: $60 (includes dinner at Austin Ranch)
Info: www.themayborn.unt.edu
'The Full Monty'
In this economy, a fella's gotta do what he can to survive. If that means taking off his clothes for a little cash-- even if he probably shouldn't ever strip outside of his bedroom, with the lights off-- then so be it. Extra points if the audience is having a blast at the same time. That's the haps in this musical version of the 1997 sleeper hit film, about out-of-work British steelworkers who show off "the goods."
When: Friday-Aug. 15
Where: WaterTower Theatre, 15650 Addison Road, Addison
Cost: $25-$40
Info: 972-450-6232
Tango on the Avenue Forget all those other couple dances showcased on Dancing With the Stars. Tango is the only one you need to know. And you can do that at this event, which features a 45-minute beginner course on Argentine Tango with Val and Glenda Marchesoni.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Arts Fifth Avenue, 1628 Fifth Ave., Fort Worth
Cost: $15
Info: www.artsfifthavenue.org
The Asian
Film Festival
of Dallas We have one thing to say about a robotic geisha who can kill men with her circular saw-blade mouth or by gouging out their eyes with fried shrimp: Yes, please. Robogeisha is the most-talked-about flick at this year's ninth annual Asian Film Festival of Dallas, which happens mostly at the Magnolia theater, with some screenings at the Angelika. Other works in the weeklong lineup include Au Revoir Taipei and The People I've Slept With.
When: Saturday-July 29
Where: Magnolia theater, 3699 McKinney Ave.; and the Angelika Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
Cost: $10-$12.50 per screening; all access pass $139; day pass $15 for any three weekday films before 5 p.m., Monday-July 29.
Info: www.2010.affd.org
Fort Worth
Guitar Show Get ready to hear lots of young, budding guitarists attempting Crazy Train and Stairway to Heaven at this event. It's OK, one of them could be the Eddie Van Halen of 2025. Ya never know. You'll find everything gee-tar related at the annual showcase of every 9-year-old boy's favorite instrument.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Radisson Hotel, 100 E. Alta Mesa Blvd., Fort Worth
Cost: $5
Info: www.vintageguitar.com/events
Maya Indie Film Series There are some well-known stars in the seven films that make up this weeklong festival of indie films by Latino directors, including America Ferrera, Adrien Brody and Ray Liotta. The movies Backyard, Chasing 3000, In Therapy, Sólo Quiero Caminar, Chamaco, Trópico de Sangre and The Dry Land screen throughout the week at the Angelika Film Center.
When: Friday through July 29; screenings at 12:10, 2:30, 5:15, 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. daily
Where: Angelika Film Center, 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
Cost: $7 per film
Info: www.mayaindieseries.com
Michael McDonald No, it's not the bearded white guy from the brothers Doobie. It's the comedian and actor best known for his years on MADtv and for guest stints on Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Seinfeld and Desperate Housewives. He's now a writer, director and producer on ABC's Cougar Town, to which we say: Do better. His stand-up act is funny, though. Catch it at the Addison Improv.
When : 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Addison Improv, 4980 Belt Line Road, Suite 250
Cost: $17-$20
Info: www.improv.com
Big Daddy Alright No one tell this Denton-based retro-swing combo that there's no such word as "Alright," all right? Maybe it should go with "aiiiight." Either way, the group promises to bring out the Lindy Hop in you with its show at Scat Jazz Lounge this weekend.
When: 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Scat Jazz Lounge, 111 W. Fourth St., Suite 11, Fort Worth
Cost: $10
Info: www.scatjazzlounge.com Barenaked Ladies
It's a big week for Canadian bands (see No. 3). And, come to think of it, for nakedness (see No. 5). If you go see the Ladies, just do us a favor and don't yell out for the theme song from The Big Bang Theory. Talk about embarrassing. Ben Kweller and Angel Taylor open.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Verizon Theatre, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie
Cost: $39.50-$62.50
Info: www.ticketmaster.com
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