We’re technically still on break here at D headquarters, but there are plenty of happenings to help you keep your New Year’s resolution. I should say that this is only if your New Year’s resolution is something like, “Get out more” or “Experience more of the arts.” If it’s something weird like “Tame and befriend a squirrel,” there’s nothing I can do for you. Although, that squirrel will probably eat you one day. My work here is done.
As an aside, if you like the TV show Girls, we have a pair of passes to Monday night’s season three premiere party at the Granada to give away on FrontRow. It was free to RSVP, but now reservations are all full up. The party includes drinks, bites, and a preview screening of the first episodes. Enter here to attend.
Thursday
Popular dance artists Shen Yun begin a weekend residency at the Winspear Opera House, where they’ll show off their unique blend of classical Chinese dance and regional music in a journey through ancient culture and tradition. These shows are so colorful, from the costumes to the brilliant backdrops, and the whole past-future element makes for a nice symbolic start to the new year.
It’s also a good evening to check out the Sorolla & America exhibit at the Meadows Museum, since they’re open until 9 p.m. tonight. It comes highly recommended, and while you’re over by SMU, you can snag a sandwich at East Hampton Sandwich Co. I know people like the lobster roll, but I’m nuts for the one with goat cheese and avocado. Anyway, until Pablo Picasso came along and stole his thunder, Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida was riding high on the list of internationally renowned Spanish painters. Darn that Picasso. Still, Sorolla’s work is lovely, and the more than 100 paintings, oil sketches, and drawings featured in the exhibit examine the artist’s relationship with the United States throughout the early 20th century.
Friday
This year’s Cotton Bowl Classic, held many miles from the actual Cotton Bowl, was the quickest sellout in the game’s history. Kudos, sports fans.
And now for classical music fans. Pianist Joyce Yang, a silver medalist in the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, takes part in a recital at Dallas City Performance Hall. She’s accompanied by a similarly distinguished violinist, Augustin Hadelich, for an evening of music from composers such as Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.
Saturday
Does anyone else follow George Takei on Facebook or Twitter? He’s the best. He shares everything from cat photos to breakdowns of government spending. Anyway, the former Star Trek actor hosts a concert called the Sci-Fi Spectacular at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. He’ll narrate otherworldy music from Star Wars, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Close Encounters, and, of course, Star Trek.
Sunday
It’s the last opportunity to catch the Chinese Lantern Festival at Fair Park. Those pretty lights and hand-tied porcelain displays can’t last forever.
For more to do with yourself over the weekend, go here.
