If you had a difficult week, and maybe if you’re about to begin an equally difficult and busy weekend, take a second to watch this video of former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democratic National Convention. Now proceed.
Friday
I don’t think there’s been a more romantic song penned in the last 25 years than Lyle Lovett’s “I Know You Know.” So  what it’s more jazz club than country, and so what nobody ever seems to put it in their top five. I love it. It’s my favorite Lovett song. I think you might like it, too. Spotify time. After that, try his crazy good cover of “Stand By Your Man.” Goodbye, stress.
Now, I can’t tell you what Lovett will perform this evening with the members of his large band. The above is just my wish list. I’m sure you have your own. But the concert is a benefit for CitySquare, which means that while the tickets will be pricey, the money supports a good cause. CitySquare offers a multitude of vital social services to the homeless, the needy, and the uninsured. You can still get tickets for the balcony at the Majestic downtown.
Also tonight, Uptown Players gives playwright Stephen Karam’s Speech & Debate its regional premiere as part of their Dallas Pride Performing Arts Festival. As I said in my weekend theater guide over on FrontRow, I think this is a writer folks might want to keep an eye on, and this strange comedy about misfit teenage drama students is worth your time. There’s a time-travelling witch from The Crucible and Abraham Lincoln is gay. What more do you want? But get tickets, because this show only runs for three nights.
Saturday
What was once Uptown Untapped is now Dallas Untapped, and all that music and beer will happen at Trinity Groves rather than outside The Common Table in Uptown. I recommend snagging the $30 advance ticket, which gets you a glass, 12 two-ounce beer tastings, and all the music you care to hear. You can buy tickets at the gate for twenty bucks, but then you’ll have to get your beer separately if you do the walk up thing. Â The concert, booked by Spune Productions and sponsored in part by our very own FrontRow, is a mix of local and national acts, such as Givers, Akron/Family, The Burning Hotels, and J. Charles and the Trainrobbers. Beers include offerings from Deep Ellum Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, Brooklyn, Lakewood, Abita, and more.
And if, for some strange reason, you want to look like Woody Allen (or feel as if you already do, I guess), the Texas Theatre hosts an Annie and Alvy lookalike contest prior to the evening’s screening of Annie Hall. Prediction: more women than dudes show up for this. Neckwear for everyone! The contest starts at 7:30 pm, the movie at 9 pm. Hopefully Ten Bells Tavern has Kronenbourg back on tap.
Sunday
Everyone, including our own critic Lance Lusk, is raving about Uptown Players’ regional premiere of The Producers. Mel Brooks, again working from film to stage, spoofs Broadway in a musical comedy about a down-on-his luck producer and his timid accountant who come up with a get-rich-quick scheme that involves the feckless duo producing a surefire flop. There’s always room in our lives for songs like “Springtime for Hitler.” But not people who reference Hitler while talking politics, which is basically the FrontBurner lesson of the week. You can get tickets to the matinee, but be sure to read Lance’s review before you go.
For tons more to do with your weekend, including gallery opening receptions with free drinks and a concert at Bass Hall celebrating the golden age of television, go here.
