Did you happen to catch Mayor Rawlings’ panel discussion on the arts last night? I did, and I just want to say that the Booker T. Washington Latin Ensemble sounded terrific, as they provided the pre-talk entertainment. You know what else was great? The pale blue “art-tinis” they were serving at Dallas City Performance Hall. The drinks certainly went a long way to help digest what could at times be an uncomfortable discussion, but it’s one I was glad to have witnessed. Our own Peter Simek has a lengthy opinion about the event, over on FrontRow.
Should I find myself in the Arts District again this evening, I would consider the party that SMU is having at the Meyerson. The Meadows School of the Arts is celebrating its 21st annual spring gala, with proceeds benefitting the school’s scholarship program. Conductor Paul Phillips will lead the Meadows Symphony Orchestra through a variety of compositions vaguely related to Italian culture, including a more contemporary selection by Ottorino Respighi. I don’t mean to knock classical by any means, but I’m always intrigued when an orchestra chooses to at least dip into the 20th Century. Tickets at the 100-dollar level include champagne and sweets, so choose accordingly.
Though the Dallas Art Fair doesn’t officially start until this weekend, the city is already overflowing with related activity. The Power Station down in Expo Park is hosting an opening for Norwegian artist, Fredrik Vaerslev, whose work is heavily treated in ways that other painters might find downright abusive. Everything from paint-stripping to erosive exposure is used to achieve the singular look in his work, and it will be a privilege to see the damage up close. Consider drinks at the Underpass afterward. It’s a fairly new, aptly-named bar and it already has a lot of personality for such a young spot.
For more things to do in Dallas tonight, go here.
