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PREVIEWS MARCH EVENTS

By D Magazine |

Horses of a Different Color

Long before I knew anything about art, I loved the work of Franz Marc. His large, brilliantly colored paintings of horses and deer could always take the gloom off a winter’s day in New England. You could decorate your room with reproductions, your friends didn’t think you were odd for liking them, even parents smiled indulgently in a way they would not if you showed up with a poster of Raquel Welch. In college 1 learned that Marc was also one of the pioneer Expressionists, that his rich colors had precise symbolic values (blue was the masculine principle, yellow the feminine, red stood for intractable matter, and so on), and that beneath the tranquil pastoral surfaces was a tormented spirit trying to find itself. Fortunately, none of this intellectual baggage need get in the way of appreciation. Marc remains one of the most accessible and visually exciting painters of this century.

Unlike his friend Kandinsky, a co-founder of the German Blue Rider group that led the revolt against representational art at the turn of the century, Marc never really abandoned recognizable subject matter. All of his paintings reveal a profound love of animals, which become the embodiment of nature’s vitality and a metaphor for a simpler, more primitive kind of life that so many of the Expressionists were searching for. His lifelong theme is the relationship of the human and animal worlds, with the advantage always going to the animals. In earlier paintings, such as “The Large Blue Horses” (1911), he employed a rhythmical, curvilinear style which makes the animals and the landscape appear as one. Later, having come under the influence of the Cubists, his style became more formal and geometric. But the animals are always animals, invested with a powerful spiritual and symbolic presence. They are everything that man is not. The exhibition will continue at The Fort Worth Art Museum through April 13. 738-9215.

Maria Nordman transforms environments, and from now until March 30 she will be transforming sections of the Fort Worth Art Museum and the DMFA into, well, we’re doesn’t give interviews and refuses to talk about her work beforehand for fear of spoiling the experience for viewers. But if we can use previous works in California and Europe as some kind of guide, then we can expect to see fixed interior spaces imaginatively altered by means of natural light, sound, and other elements. At the University Art Museum in Berkeley, for example, she covered all the gallery floors with white contact paper and affixed red, green, and blue acetate to the glass doors. The movement of the sun did the rest, slowly making walls and stairways and balconies glow and float as the day progressed. Nothing was quite what it appeared to be, and without familiar structural reference Taking Chances at Theatre Three

If it’s still a bit risky for a Dallas theater to place before the public one new play per season, then it is probably either foolish or extremely courageous to stage three of them. Theatre Three is about to walk out on a limb and do just that with its Second Stage Festival, which opens March 4. The plays provide a cross section of current American playwriting, beginning with the situation in The Taking A way of Little Willie: a retarded child; a caring, self-sacrificing mother; and an intelligent, bitter father. The drama comes not only from the father’s ambivalent feelings toward his son but also from the ominous interference of a self-appointed community guardian. The development is predictable here and there, but the play nonetheless crackles with tension.

The tension in Drinks Before Dinner is of another sort altogether; E.L. Doctorow has attempted to write a drama of ideas, an ambitious study of contemporary malaise. The outline of the play is again familiar: Somebody pulls a gun in a crowded room and forcibly brings to light a number of buried fears and longings. I don’t think Doctorow entirely meets his aim, but his method is a wonder in itself; ideas and images emerge from the flow of the dialogue like a highly-figured pattern from a carpet loom, and the language sometimes reaches the level of incantation.

Less familiar is the last play – Amlin Gray’s How I Cot That Story at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater – an ex-pressionistic Vietnam War drama with many characters, but only two performers. One plays a fledgling reporter, the other plays all the figures he meets – the diplomat, the Saigon whore, the military officer who briefs the press, the G.I. in the field, the enemy guerrilla – in his continually frustrated effort to comprehend his subject. There’s a good deal of black humor in Gray’s text, and he has captured with precision the twisted logic that seemed to snake through every corner of the war. Theatre Three, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Call for ticket information. 748-5191.

– John Branch



Avon’s Calling

Women’s tennis returns to Dallas March 3 to 9 at the Moody Coliseum, and promises to be a winner. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Maureen Connally Brinker (Little Mo) Tennis Foundation competition and the second year the tournament has been a stop on the Avon Championship tour. The top women professionals in the world are vying for total prize winnings of $150,000. Leading the contestants is last year’s winner, number-one ranked Martina Navratilova, the “ex-Czech” who now lives in Dallas. She’ll be competing against 17-year-old Tracy Austin, last year’s U.S. Open champion and a possible threat to Navratilova with her smashing and consistent ground strokes; Evonne Goolagong, one of the most graceful players; Rosie Casals, one of the world’s top doubles players and certainly the most decoratively dressed in her electric blue or red rhinestone-studded outfits; and Great Britain’s Virginia Wade and Sue Barker. A special treat for fans is the return to Dallas, after an eight-year absence, of tennis’ 36-year-old grande dame, Billie Jean King – the first woman to earn over $100,000 in a season, and the person largely responsible for the increase in prize money and prestige of women’s tournaments. Avon’s tennis tournament offers the electricity of close competition as well as an intimacy with the players’ emotions: frustration, excitement, anger, exhilaration, and some too subtle for a TV camera to capture. Avon’s slogan promises “Tennis never looked so good.” For ticket information, call the Moody Coliseum box office, 750-8362.

– Jane Boyd



Deep in the Art of Texas

“Response” is the only word in the title of the Tyler Art Museum’s current show (through March 23), but it tells a rather involved story. On one level, the show is a response to the larger and more eclectic exhibitions of Texas art such as “Fire” and “Made in Texas,” which were put together on the y’all come principle. If they offered an intriguing cross section of new art, they also lacked a critical edge, to the extent that some observers wondered if they were trying to present the best work in Texas or merely all of it. “Response” is smaller and more sharply focused. Only seventeen artists are represented, including James Surls, Ed Blackburn, Geoff Winningham, Roy Fridge, Sam Gummelt, and Al Souza. Several of the artists have created new works for the show, and director Ron Gleason has attempted to select the best work available around the state, without concern for groups, trends, or age. In the past, the Texas art community was so small and fragmented that the only appropriate critical attitude was encouragement. Now that it has matured, a more informed criticism is needed, and that is what the “Reponse” show is trying to provide. The Tyler Museum is continuing its own tradition of responsiveness to new and experimental art in Texas, which it recognized long before other museums in the state were even aware of it. The museum is located at 1300 South Mahon Avenue, Tyler. 1-595-1001.

– David Dillon

A New Work for the DSO

In the middle of its 80th season, the Dallas Symphony is giving itself a musical birthday present. It’s a work called Discantus II/Favola Boccac-cesca by the Dallas composer Robert Xavier Rodriguez, and it was commissioned by Eduardo Mata in 1977 who sought a way to celebrate this milestone in the Orchestra’s history. Thirty-four-year-old Rodriguez’ background is varied. He has studied in this country as well as in Europe with such well known teachers as Nadia Boulanger and Elliott Carter, and has composed works commissioned by Neville Marriner, Antal Dorati, and Mata.

His own music has a firm footing in the past (particularly the Baroque – he has done several “Baroque realizations” by setting 17th-century works for modern instrumentation), and Discantus Il/Favola Boccaccesca displays Rodriguez’ interests in literary and linguistic games (the source of the work is a 1383 tale by Boccaccio; the play-on-words with titles is reminiscent of Lewis Carroll) as well as musical parody (Favola is like Puccini’s Suor Angelica turned upside-down). Rodriguez’ composition is sandwiched between a classical work, Mozart’s Flute and Harpsichord Concerto, and a richly Spanish piece, Manuel de Falla’s Three Cornered Hat. 692-0203.

– Willem Brans



USA Film Festival Returns

Surprising as it may seem, the USA Film Festival is 10 years old this month. What began in 1971 as a small event with a handful of new films and plenty of old ones has grown into a 10-day extravaganza featuring stars, directors, champagne receptions, and other forms of Hollywood hoopla. This year’s festival opens March 21 with a screening of James Caan’s new film Hide in Plain Sight at the Loew’s Anatole hotel, followed by another nine days of films at the Bob Hope Theatre on the SMU campus. Among the changes this year are the revival of satellite screenings of older films, including some shown at previous USA Film Festivals, and the inauguration of the Eyes of Texas, a one-day program of commercials and industrials produced in Texas.

From the beginning the festival’s cachet has been that it is devoted exclusively to the American film. Depending on the year, this has been an inspired or a misguided decision. Among the memorable events have been the premieres of Hester Street, M*A *S*H, Harlan County USA, Badlands, and Hearts and Minds, uproarious sessions with legendary directors like King Vidor and Raoul Walsh, and some extremely perceptive discussions of the film world by Jack Lemmon, Glenda Jackson, and others. The festival has always been a combination media and cinematic event, and some years the mix has produced sparkling results. Among the films scheduled for this year are Nijinsky, starring Alan Bates and Leslie Browne; Best Boy, a documentary by Ira Wohl about his mentally retarded cousin; and The Haunting of M by Anna Thomas and Gregory Nava, who produced the acclaimed Confessions of Amans several years ago. The Great Director will be Rouben Mamoulian, a technical pioneer who directed Garbo and Dietrich in some of their best films (Queen Christina, We Live Again). As in the past, the selecting critics, including Roger Ebert and Judith Crist, will be present to explain or defend their choices. For ticket information call 692-2979.

– David Dillon

Texas Pride

Aside from the Grammies, most music awards are tedious affairs at which record people pat each other on the back. But the Texas Music Awards (March 11) are different. The Texas Music Awards are designed for the public. The winners are chosen by the readers of Buddy, a Texas music magazine, and the event will be strictly Lone Star at Bob Wills’ original honky-tonk haunt: the Longhorn Ballroom. Cissy Spacek (star of the movie bio of Loretta Lynn, The Coal Miner’s Daughter) will be mistress of ceremonies, and the entertainment lineup is a strong one: Swing-jazz and country-western by Asleep at the Wheel, who will bully even the most lethargic listeners from their rumps and onto the Longhorn’s sawdusted maple; Tex-eclectic songster Joe Ely, whose droll lyrics and from-the-gut delivery make his style more “western” than “country”; Ray Wylie Hubbard (“Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother”) whose recent re-banding with Jerry Jeffs Lost Gonzos promises a tighter sound with a rock-and-roll punch; The Fabulous Thunderbirds, who will have just returned from their first European tour and whose solid R & B guitar riffs will probably steal the show; and, maybe, resident Dallas C & W singer Charlie Pride. Of course the purpose of the event is to announce the winners of the Texas Music Awards. Between sets, the best Texas country, jazz, blues, rock, and Latin artists will be announced, as well as best song, songwriter, and album for 1980, and the evening will conclude with the induction of a new member into the Texas Music Hall of Fame. Showtime 8 pm. Advance tickets S10. 526-6049.

– Monika Maeckle

FILM SERIES



Cinematheque. $2.50 Bob Hope Theatre. Meadows School of the Arts, SMU campus. 692-3510.

Mar 7-9: Nothing Sacred, 7 pm and My Man Godfrey, 9 pm

14-16: His Girl Friday, 7 pm and Scarlet Street, 9 pm

Fine Film Series. Sponsored by Fort Worth Art Museum. $1.75, 50¢ children. 8 pm. 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth. (817) 738-9215.

Mar 10: Elizabeth The Queen

31: Room Service.

Granada Theater. $2.75, $2.25 students and over 65, $1.75 under 12. 3524 Greenville Ave. 823-9610.

Mar 1: The Whole Shootin’ Match

2-3: Bloodbrothers and The Wanderers 4: Rust Never Sleeps and Journey Through the Past

5-6: Lisztomania and The Devils

7-8: Wizards and Zardoz

10: Funny Lady and Funny Girl

11: The Tenant and Forbidden Dreams

12-13: The Last American Hero and Breaking A way

14-15: Take the Money and Run and Love and Death

16-17: Slaughterhouse Five and Between Time and Timbuktu

18: Dr. Strangelove

19-20: The Ladykillers

Mesquite Public Library. Free. 7:30 pm. 300 Grubb Dr, Mesquite. 285-6369.

Mar 7: A Doll’s House

21: The Castle

North Lake College. Free. 7:30 pm. Performance Hall, 2000 Walnut Hill, Irving. 659-5231. Mar 21: Fellini’s 81/2

28: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Richland College. $1. Room B142, 12800 Abrams Rd. 746-4494.

Mar 7: Carnal Knowledge, 7:30 pm and Bob and Ted and Carol and Alice, 9:30 pm

21: Wizards, 7:30 pm and Fantastic Planet, 9:30 pm

28: The California Reich, 7:30 pm and The Great Dictator, 9:30 pm

USA Film Festival. Mar 21-30: Tenth annual event includes Rouben Mamoulian Retrospective, New Feature Premieres, Short Film Day, and a selection of Texas nontheatrical productions. Mar 21 at 7pm: premiere of a new movie followed by dinner. $50. Loews Anatole. All other films at Bob Hope Theatre, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU campus. Call for schedule and ticket information. 692-2979.

University of Texas at Dallas. $1.50 general public, 75c under 17 and over 65. Founders North Auditorium, Floyd and Campbell Rds, Richardson. 690-2945.

Mar 1: Uncle Vanya, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

7: Animals Are Beautiful People and The Reluctant Dragon, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

19: The Music Room, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

21: The Private Life of Henry VIII, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

26: Woman in the Moon, 7:30 & 9:30 pm

28: Muhammed, Messenger of God, 7:30 pm

THEATER



Because of our early deadlines, our recommendations are based on what we know of the plays and the track records of the companies presenting them. Commentary is by John Branch.

The Contrast. Through March 2: The second offering of Stage #1 is a Sheridan-esque comedy of manners by Anthony Stimac, the lyrics are by Steve Brown, and the music is by Don Pippin. Jack Clay, a master of stylized staging, is the director. $5.75. Thur-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:15. Stage #1, Haymarket Theatre, 12205 Coit Rd. 369-5345.

Gideon. From March 2: An ambitious and not entirely successful treatment of the Old Testament story, written in 1961 by Paddy Chayefsky (Hospital and Network). The play is yet another curious choice in Theatre Onstage’s current season. $4.50, $3.50 students & over 65. Wed-Fri at 8, Sat at 2 & 8. Theatre Onstage, 2l20 McKin-ney. 651-9766.

History of the American Film. Through March 2: Christopher Durang’s recent comedy is a very clever melange of movie plots and characters from the silent period to the ’70s. Beneath the surface dazzle, it’s also a thoughtful commentary. The director is Dale A.J. Rose. $5. Tue-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:15. Bob Hope Theatre, Meadows School of the Arts, SMU campus. 692-2573.

Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Through March 29: A revival of the revue, immensely popular a few years ago, composed of bittersweet songs about life and love written by Jacques Brel. The company is a promising new group, formed in the late fall by local actor Jerry Russell. $4 Thur, $5 Fri & Sat. Thur-Sat at 8:15. Stage West, 600 Houston Street Mall, Fort Worth. (817)921-0620.

Ladybug, Lady bug, Fly Away Home. Through March 8: Mary Rohde’s play is a vivid, detailed study of tangled relationships in a small Texas town. $6.50, $8.50 Fri & Sat. Tue-Fri at 8, Sat at 8:30. Kalita Humphreys Theater, Dallas Theater Center, 3636 Turtle Creek. 526-8857.

The Norman Conquests. Through March 9: A trilogy by England’s premier author of middle comedy, Alan Ayckbourn. The subject is seduction; the large-scaled production is under the direction of Christopher Nichols: $5. Wed, Thur & Sun, $7.50 Fri & Sat. Wed-Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30. New Arts Theatre Company, European Crossroads, 2829 W Northwest Hwy. 350-6979.

Picnic. From March 14: The 1953 drama by Willian Inge about a virile vagabond and a collection of women in a small Kansas town. This production will have to contend with the strong impressions left by the 1955 film version which starred William Holden. $3.50, $2 students, $1 over 65. Fri & Sat at 8. Garland Civic Theatre, Garland Rd at Ave F. 272-9122.

Second Stage Festival. Three American plays that have recently premiered elsewhere are given a second look here: March 4-16: The Taking Away of Little Willie by Tom Griffin. March 18-30: Drinks Before Dinner by novelist E.L. Doctorow. April 1-13: How I Got That Story by Amlin Gray. $5.50-$6.50. Tue-Thur at 8, Fri & Sat at 8:30, Sun at 2:30 & 7. Theatre Three, The Quadrangle, 2800 . 748-5191.

The Sound of Music. Through March 30: The 1959 musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, one of their loveliest creations. The book is by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse. Dinner shows Tue-Sun, matinees Sun. Country Dinner Playhouse, 11829 Abrams. 231-9457.

Twirlin’ the Moon. Through March 8: Poetic vignettes, written and enacted by Dallas author David Marquis. $4.50, $3.50 students & over 65. Thur-Sat at 8. Theatre Onstage, 2120 McKinney. 651-9766.

You Can’t Take It With You. Through March 2: One of the best screwball plays to come from the collaborations of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. $5, $4 students & over 65 Wed, Thur & Sun; $5.50, $4.50 students & over 65 Fri & Sat. Wed-Sat at 8:15, Sun at 3. Dallas Repertory Theatre, NorthPark. 369-8966.



MUSIC

Brookhaven College. Mar 3 at 8:15 pm: Concert by the Greater Dallas Community Chamber Orchestra. Free. Performance Hall, 3939 Valley View. 746-5130.

Contemporary Chorale. Mar 11 at 12:10 pm: Group performs selections from works of Stephen Foster to Barry Manilow. Free. Central Dallas Public Library, 1954 Commerce, 748-9071, ex 249.

Dallas Chamber Music Society. Mar 12 at 8:15pm: Guest appearance by the world-famous Melos Quartet from Stuttgart, Germany. $5, $2.50 students. Caruth Auditorium, SMU campus. 526-7301.

Dallas Society for the Classical Guitar. Mar 5 at 8:15: Concert by Evangelos and Lisa. The two guitarists began playing as a duo in 1963 and have since toured Europe and US extensively. $5. Caruth Auditorium, SMU campus. 823-3123.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Mar 6 & 8 at 8:15 pm and Mar 9 at 2:30 pm: Orchestra and featured artists Jeanie Larson, flute, and Susan Dederich, harp, perform Mozart’s Flute and Harp Concerto, Falla’s El Sombero de Tres Picos, and the world premiere of Discantus II/Favola Boccaccesca by Dr. Robert X. Rodriguez, professor at UTD. Reception for Dr. Rodriguez and Conductor Eduardo Mata follows the Mar 6 concert in the Crystal Terrace of the Music Hall. Reception tickets $5.239-2775 or 239-5596. Mar 15 at 8 pm: Pops series presents Gordon MacRae and Anna Maria Alberghetti in concert. Mar 21 & 22 at 8:15 pm and Mar 23 at 2:30 pm: Chavez Memorial Concert with pianist Maria Teresa Rodriguez and the DSO female chorus includes Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Chavez’ Piano Concerto and Sinfonia India, and three nocturnes by Debussy. Mar 29 at 8pm: Pops series stars Mitch Miller. Music Hall, Fair Park. 692-0203.

Dave Brubeck. Mar 9 at 7pm: Famous pianist and his trio perform selections from La Fiesta de la Posada, Light in the Wilderness, and Beloved Son. $5 advance, $5.50at the door. Tickets available at Sears stores and Preston Ticket Agency. First United Methodist Church, 1928 Ross. 742-6222.

DeGolyer Estate Chamber Music Series. Mar 3 at 8 pm: “Romance with Strings Attached.” The Dallas Renaissance Quartet performs Borodin’s Quartet No 2 and Tchaikovsky’s Quartet No I. Informal discussion with the artists follows the performance. $6.50. DeGolyer Estate, 8525 Garland Rd. 324-1401.

Fort Worth Opera. Mar 7 at 8 pm and Mar 9 at 2:30 pm: Fidelio, Beethoven’s only opera, features Judith Ehrlich as Leonora, tenor John Alexander as Florestan, and William Dooley as the villainous Pizzaro. Bliss Herbert directs. Tar-rant County Convention Center Theatre. 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. (817) 731-0833.

Fort Worth Symphony. Mar 4 at 8 pm: Texas Little Symphony and featured artist, pianist Daniel Adni, perform the Mother Goose Suite by Ravel, Piano Concerto No 2 by Saint-Saens, Vocalise by Rachmaninoff, and Divertimento for Strings by Bartok. Kimbell Art Museum, Will Rogers West, Fort Worth. Mar 16 at 3 pm & Mar 18 at 8 pm: The symphony and guest pianist Christina Ortiz present an evening of Beethoven’s works including Leonore Overture, Piano Concerto No 4, and Symphony No 5. Mar 29 at 8pm: Pops series presents PDQ Bach. Tarrant County Convention Center Theatre, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. (817) 921-2676.

Highland Park Chamber Orchestra. Mar 9 at 7pm: Featured soloist, pianist Jo Boatright, performs Schubert’s Trout Quintet in A Major, op. 114, followed by reception for audience. At 8:15 orchestra and guest artists Jim London, French horn, and flutist Harvey Boatright perform Beethoven’s Sextet for Horns and Strings, Mozart’s Concerto No 23 in A Major for Piano and Or-chestra, and Vivaldi’s Concerto in B Minor for Four Violins. $5, $2.50 students. Caruth Auditorium, SMU campus. 692-2964.

Highlander Concerts. Mar 23 at 7 pm: The Highland Park Chamber Orchestra and members of the DSO join the choir in an evening of French music. Included are Maurice Durufle’s Requiem and Francis Poulenc’s Gloria. Free. Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd. 526-7457.

St. Mark’s School. Mar 9 at 7:30 pm: The school’s Boys’ Choir, joined by area musicians, presents an evening of Bach’s music. S3, $1 students. 10600 Preston Rd, 363-6491.

Sunday Concert Series. Sponsored by Mu Phi Epsilon and the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, the series presents local artists in concert. Mar 2: The Early Music Players. Mar. 9: Vocal duets by Patricia Crenshaw and Janette Williams. Mar 16: Cellist Harriet Aronson and pianist Carol Houston. Mar 23: Pianist Dave Evans. Mar 30: Suzanne Stiles, soprano. All performances at 3:30 pm. Free. Museum Auditorium, Fair Park. 421-4187.

Texas Christian University. Mar 5 at 8:15pm: Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble concert. Free. Ed Landreth Auditorium. Mar 21 at 8:15 pm: Jazz Festival concert featuring New York trombonist Urbie Green. $4. Ed Landreth Auditorium. Mar 21 at 8:15 pm: Bach Series IX concludes the series with a tribute to Bach’s birthday. Free. Robert Carr Chapel. Mar 23 at 8:15 pm: Concert by Concert Chorale, Choral Union, and Chancel Choir includes Brahms’ German Requiem. Free. Ed Landreth Auditorium. Mar 26-30: Production of A Little Night Music. $3.50. Mar 26-29 at 8 pm, Mar 30 at 2 pm. Scott Theatre. 3505 W Lancaster. (817)921-7626. Mar 30 at 7:30pm: Chapel Choir presents Palm Sunday program of baroque and contemporary music. Free. Robert Carr Chapel. (817) 921-7810.

University of Texas at Arlington. Mar 2 at 3 pm: Recital by oboist Robin Hough and pianist Larry Wiley. Mar 6 at 8 pm: Performance by the Brass Choir. Mar 9 at 3 pm: Concert by A Cap-pella Choir and Chamber Singers. Mar 13 at 8 pm: Woodwind Ensemble concert. Above performances in Irons Recital Hall. Mar 17at 8pm: Performance by Concert Band. Texas Hall. Mar 18 at 8 pm: Concert by UTA Jazz Ensemble. Texas Hall. All performances free. UTA campus. 273-3471.

University of Texas at Dallas. Mar 2 at 4 pm: Program of vocal music. Mar 9 at 4 pm: Sigma Alpha Iota concert features faculty string orchestra from D1SD. Performances free. Jonsson Center Performance Hall, Floyd and Lookout Dr, Richardson. 690-2292.

Van Cllburn Foundation. Mar 11 at 6 pm: Recital series features guest pianist Eugene Rowley. Reception at 5 pm in the Solarium of the Fort Worth Art Museum precedes the performance. $4.50. Scott Theatre, 3505 W Lancaster, Fort Worth. (817) 738-6509. Mar 19 at 8 pm: Performance by the Tokyo String Quartet with pianist Minoru Nojima. Ed Landreth Auditorium, TCU campus, Fort Worth. Call for ticket information. (817) 738-6509.

Vocal Majority Chorus. Feb 29 & Mar 1 at 8 pm: Barbershop chorus’annual production. This year’s theme is “Here’s to the Winners,” and includes performances by several award-winning quartets as well as the chorus. McFarlin Auditorium, SMU campus. For ticket information call 341-5524.

Voices of Change. Mar 31 at 8:15: “Texas Premieres” includes works by Priscilla Mc-Clean, Paul Cooper, Robert Rodriguez, David Ward-Steinman, and Bruce Faulconer. $4, $2 students. Caruth Auditorium, SMU campus. 692-3189.



NIGHTLIFE

COUNTRY WESTERN

Longhorn Ballroom. Built by Bob Wills in 1950 and later leased by Jack Ruby, the historic Long-horn is Dallas’ definitive country western dance hall. Here, real and affected cowboys two-step on a roller rink-sized dance floor framed by cactus pillars. Meanwhile behind a curtain, fortuneteller Miss Violet reads cards “for a donation.” Owner Dewey Groom fronts the Longhorn Band nightly and on weekends warms up for big name c/w acts. Free c/w dance lessons Wed and Thur nights. Cover varies. Set-ups available. Wed & Thur 7-midnight, Fri & Sat 7:30-midnight, Sun 3-midnight. AE, CB, MC, V. 216 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128.

Texas Tea House. A get-down country place, with dancing in the beer garden outside. Cover varies. They serve only Longnecks, Spanada, and Old Milwaukee on tap. No credit cards. Tue-Sat 8-2. 3042 Kings Rd. 526-9171.

Whiskey River. Decorated in rustic western style and resembling a corral, it usually features – what else? – progressive country acts. Daily 8-2. Cover varies. AE, MC, V. 5421 Greenville. 369-9221.

The White Elephant. Located in the recently revived Stockyards District in Fort Worth, this place looks like what all non-Texans think real Texas bars should be – lots of rough wood, a long bar, and a clientele occasionally decked out in Western attire. Entertainment provided by singer-guitarist Don Edwards. Mon-Sat 11-2. Closed Sun. MC. 106 E Exchange. Fort Worth. (817)624-0271.



DISCO

Cowboy. Curious hybrid of Western and disco cultures, and judging from the long lines, a popular idea. Closet rednecks can shed the three-piece and get rowdy. Tue-Sat 7-2. 5208 Greenville. 369-6969. Down the street is Diamond Jim’s, another raucous cowboy/disco, less fancy, but equally as fun. Mon-Fri 5-2, Sat & Sun 7-2. 5601 Greenville. 691-2411.

da Vinci. Plush, hi-tech disco catering to models, well-heeled jetsetters, and those who’d like to identify as such. Also a mecca for fashionable foreigners, often more sheik than chic. Membership requirement has been dropped. Mon-Fri 4:30-2, Sat & Sun 7-2. AE. DC, MC, V. 7402 Greenville. 369-5445.

elan. Most polished and consistent of Dallas’ Great Disco Triumvirate; serious dancers and single predators may prefer Papagayo or da Vinci, but for sheer sophistication, elan is tops. Modern, tasteful decor. Surprisingly good food, plus a great Sunday brunch to help atone for the previous night’s behavior. Daily lunch buffet open to public, but membership required at night. Mon-Fri 11:30-2, Sat 7-2, Sun 11-2. AE, DC, MC, V. 5111 Greenville. 692-9855.

Overtake Bellringer. The best straight disco in town, usually jammed with serious dancers and hustlers in their late 20’s and early 30’s. The help is sometimes surly, liable to make up dress restrictions on the spot when the place is too crowded; there’s usually not much seating, so go only if you just want to boogie. The Beggar, across the street, attracts Saturday Night Fever types, but it’s often less crowded. Daily 11-2. AE, MC, V. 9525 Overlake. 350-5541.

Papagayo. No wet T-shirt contests here, just pure, stylish big city disco. Cavernous showplace with awesome sound and light show. Packed dance floor doesn’t allow Travolta-types their usual gymnastics, which is probably just as well. $2 cover charge on weekends. Tue-Fri 4:30-2, Sun & Mon 8-2. 8796 N Central Expy. 692-6110.



JAZZ

Bagatelle. One of the best places for jazz listening, it’s also a comfortable, dimly lighted bar with low couches and music that doesn’t prevent conversation. Entertainment nightly. Thur noon-1, Fri & Sat noon-2, Sun-Wed noon-midnight. All credit cards. Reservations Fri and Sat. 4925 Greenville. 692-8224.

The Embers Lounge. Forget that it’s only a waiting place for tables for the Southern Kitchen restaurant which houses it: On Saturday nights, the Embers becomes one of the best jazz bars in Dallas; pianist/vocalist Al Dupree could give lessons to Bobby Short. Sat 7:30-10:30. All credit cards. Southern Kitchen East, 6615 E Northwest Hwy. 368-1063.

Greenville Bar & Grill. Billed as Dallas’ oldest bar, it’s been brought back to life as a neighborhood gathering spot for Lakewood/East Dallas. A comfortable place to drink, talk, and munch burgers. Daily 11-2. Thur & Sun: Hal Baker and the Gloom Chasers play Dixieland. Food served 1 lam-lam. $2 cover Thur, $1 Sun. 2821 Greenville. 823-6691.

Popsicle Toes. Taking its name from a Michael Franks tune, this club’s not long on atmosphere or comfort, but has presented a diversity of local jazz. The house band is the funk /jazz unit Buster Brown (Tue-Sat), and on Sunday there’s big band jazz with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. Tue-Sun 9-2, closed Mon. Cover varies, no cover Tue. No credit cards. 5627 Dyer. 368-9706.

Recovery Room. The closest thing to a real big-city jazz club, Dallas’ version of NYC’s Bird-land. Nothing cosmic, just classic bebop and straight-ahead jazz. Occasionally, visiting celebrities sit in with the regulars. Robert Sanders Tue-Wed, Marchel Ivery Quartet Thur-Sun. Tue-Sat 9-2, Sun 8-midnight. 4036 Cedar Springs. 526-1601.

Strictly Ta-Bu. The Forties are alive and well in this neighborhood bar and restaurant, from the pink flamingo mural to Benny Goodman on the tape system. A comfortable club with separate dining and listening areas, it attracts an eclectic clientele of all garbs and predilections to hear mainstream jazz standards. Mon-Thur 5-1, Fri 5-2, Sat & Sun 6-2. No cover. MC, V. 4111 Lomo Alto. 526-9325.



POP/FOLK

Andrew’s. One of Dallas’ better bars, impeccably crafted with paneled walls, hardwood floors, and antique furniture. Its best features are the outdoor courtyard and the bargain drinks. Mon-Fri 11-2, Sat & Sun noon-2. Happy hour daily until 7. AE, MC, V. 3301 McKinney. 521-6510.

Arthur’s. Arthur’s late-at-night is a lively place with popular piano-bar music for touch dancing and excellent after-dinner coffees. Open nightly till 2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 11:30-6:30, Sat 5-8. All credit cards. 8350 N Central Expwy in Campbell Centre. 361-8833.

Cardinal Puffs. A favorite of the quieter SMU set, it’s a bright, friendly place with no pretensions. In warm weather, enjoy the decked beer garden; in colder months, the greenhouse with fireplace. Excellent sandwiches and munchies; beer and wine only. Daily 4-2 am. MC, V. 4615 Greenville. 369-1969.

Chelsea Corner. A little over-ferned and antiqued, but if you wish, you can find a quiet corner and escape from both the collegiate clientele and the folk singers. Excellent drinks – they serve Johnny Walker Red off the bar. Mon-Fri 11:30-2, Sat 12-2, Sun 1 -2 am. Happy hour daily 11:30-8. AE, MC, V. 4830 McKinney. 526-9327.

The Enclave. The Enclave tries to be a class joint, and it succeeds in terms of drinks, attentive service, and low lighting. It and pianist-vocalist Gene Albert suffer, however, from the over-sized sound system that makes the live music sound just like Muzak. Albert performs solo during Happy hour 6-8:30 Mon-Sat; two sidemen join him from 8:30-12:30 on weeknights and until 1:30 on weekends. Mon-Thur 11:30-2:30 & 5-12:30, Fri & Sat til 1:30. All credit cards. 8325 Walnut Hill. 363-7487.

Les Saisons. One of the loveliest bars in town; windows line the bar inviting a view of the Dallas skyline. You should expect steep prices, but don’t let that stop you. An unusual assortment of appetizers is available; order the cheese platter and you’ll want to dine the early evening away. Duet provides bar music 5:30-8; a band takes over at 8:30. 11:30-1:30 am daily. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. All credit cards. 165 Turtle Creek Village. 528-6653.

Lyman’s. New Orleans style minus the Bourbon St rowdiness. With its excellent service, candlelight, and linen tablecloths, this quiet bar (formerly Jason’s) offers a welcome retreat from the crowds besieging Andrew’s down the street. Folk musician Gordon Carol Wed-Sat. Mon-Thur 11-11, Fri & Sat 5-2 am, closed Sunday. Happy hour daily till 7. AE, MC, V. 2916 Hall. 522-6120.

Madison’s. Slick, popular North Dallas bar with trendy clientele and tasteful setting. Excellent copy bands do precision versions of Steely Dan, et a). Mon-Sun 5-2. AE, DC, MC, V. 8141 Walnut Hill Ln. 361-0644.

Papillon. Interesting sealing slightly above the dance floor lets you ignore the Beautiful People if you wish; usually quiet, with touch-dancing music late in the evening. Mon-Fri 11:30-2, Sat & Sun 6-2. All credit cards. 7940 N Central. 691-7455.

Railhead. It’s a shame this bar is so shoddy, because the entertainment is often good: primarily comics and popular music copy-artists. No cover means huge crowds; stick to basic drinks or brews: The house wine is truly bad, and the bar can’t seem to handle anything tricky. Open daily 4:30-1 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4:30-7. Two shows nightly. AE, MC, V. 6919 Twin Hills Ave. 369-8700.

Top of the Dome. The only bar in town with several views of the Dallas skyline. Piano bar nightly. Daily 11-2. All credit cards. Annoying $1.50 charge for elevator ride has been dropped for club goers. Reunion Tower, 301 Reunion. 651-1234.



ROCK

The Hop. This small friendly pub has the best munchies in Fort Worth – fried okra and eggplant , for example; pitchers are $1 every Wednesday after 2. The crowd is a happy amalgamation of college students and families. Mon-Sat 11-2, Sun 4-1. MC, V. 2905 W Berry, Fort Worth. (817)923-7281.

Llllie Langtry’s. Antlers on the wall, portraits of actress Langtry, and an informal clientele are aspects of this small, rustic club. More important are the entertainers, who have recently included talented locals like Karen Bella and blues guitarist Charley Lee. Nachos and sandwiches served. No cover. Noon-2 am daily. Happy hour Mon-Sat 4-7, Sun 2-7. AE, MC, V. 6932 Greenville. 368-6367.

Poor David’s Pub. Small, dark, and informal, PD’s has a variety of entertainers like ex-Bee’s Knees guitarist Anson Funderburgh and his Rocketts, a talented and no-nonsense blues band. Good sandwiches available, kitchen stays open till 1 am. Mon-Fri 11:30-2, Sat 7-2, closed Sun. Happy hour Mon-Sat 2-7. Cover varies. No credit cards. 2900 McKinney. 821-9891.



DANCE HALLS/SUPPER CLUBS

Grand Hall at Union Station. Located above Dallas’ turn-of-the-century railroad station, Grand Hall is one of the best reasons to stick around downtown after dark. The service may be slow, but the drinks are stiff, the entertainment lively, and the atmosphere – Gatsby’s Daisy couldn’t ask for more. On Thursdays, swing-era veterans and Arthur Murray students practice their foxtrot to the sound of local big bands. Cover charges vary. Happy hour daily 5-8. Mon-Fri 11 am-mid-evening, Sat 5-mid-evening, closed Sunday. All credit cards. 400 Houston St. 741-1561.

Playboy Club. Take your pick of three rooms attended by – what else? – cottontailed bunnies: a spacious disco, a subdued lounge offering quiet music Thur-Sat, and a dinner/showroom with top-name comedy and music acts. Crowds include out-of-town business execs as well as SMU frats with their sorority dates. Private membership required. Buffet daily, 11:30-2 and after 6 pm. Mon-Fri 11:30-2, Sat & Sun 5-2. All credit cards. 6116 N Central. 363-3800.

Venetian Room. A fancy and expensive mock-up of the Doge’s Palace, this supper club attracts couples who appreciate the semi-formal dress requirements and who like to foxtrot to an orchestra before the show. The cover is usually $10 and up a head and worth it only when you know the performer gives a dynamite show. The service reminds one of Brennan’s – friendly and attentive at its best, lackadaisical and downright surly at its worst, but a good spot to catch big-name acts. Mon-Sat 7 pm-2 am. Shows Mon-Thur 8:30 & 11, Fri&Sat 9& 11:30. AE, DC. MC, V. Fairmont Hotel, Ross & Akard. 748-5454.



PUBS, CLUBS, CAFES

Balboa Cafe. This cafe calls itself Dallas’ second fern bar, meaning it’s like the San Francisco Rose – lots of glass, greenery, and couches. The sandwiches are good, and there’s a reasonably good selection of imported beer. But the place is noisy and service is sometimes slow. Mon-Sat 11-2, Sun 12-2. All credit cards. 3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. Balboa Cafe Greenville. Even cozier and has a little more stylish clientele. Mon-Sun 11-2. All credit cards. 7015 Greenville Ave. 369-7027.

Biff’s. A cut above other north Greenville Ave mixing spots. Always crowded with upwardly-mobile singles and spillovers from the nearby disco scene. Offers good drinks and comfy setting. A great place for a late-night snack. Daily 11:30-2. AE, MC, V. 7402 Greenville Ave. 696-1952.

The Den. A warm, cozy, and quiet atmosphere pervades this bar located in the Stoneleigh Hotel. The drinks are excellent (doubles served from opening till closing), and the service is friendly and attentive. A good place to unwind after a hectic day at the office. Mon-Fri 11 am-mid-night. 2927 Maple Ave. 742-7111.

Greenville Avenue Country Club. The old Vagabond Club resurrected, with the backyard swimming pool still the main attraction. Part of the new wave of Dallas restaurant/bars (Lake-wood Yacht Club, Balboa Cafe), the GACC has the usual chicken-fried menu and good drinks for East Dallas loyalists. Swimming encouraged. Daily 11-2. AE, MC, V. 3619 Greenville Ave. 826-5650.

Joe Miller’s. The media people bar, and probably not much fun for non-regulars. The small-ness and plainness of the bar are offset by Miller’s personality as well as by his two-ounce, well-iced drinks. Mon-Fri noon-2 am. AE, MC, V. 3531 McKinney. 521-2261.

Knox Street Pub. An apparent favorite of young professionals, this nostalgic pub features excellent food and a terrific jukebox. Daily 11-2. No credit cards. 3230 Knox. 526-9476.

Lakewood Yacht Club. In this neighborhood bar, scores of press photos decorate the walls from eye level all the way up to the incredibly high ceiling; there’s also (inexplicably but interestingly) a UPI teletype machine. Home-cooked potato chips, really comfortable chairs, a well-stocked jukebox, and an interesting clientele. Daily 11-2. AE, MC, V. 2009 Abrams. 824-1390.

The Library. This bar /restaurant in the spruced-up old Melrose Hotel achieves the understated tastefulness for which most motif bars strive. The small bar area is richly appointed in brass, leather, and, of course, books; it’s comfortable, blessedly quiet, the drinks are excellent, and the service is unobtrusive. Daily noon-l am. All credit cards. 3015 Oak Lawn. 521-5151.

Piaf’s. This recent addition to Knox Street boasts an atrium bar, high ceilings, and huge plants. The menu offers basic salads, quiche, hamburgers, but be sure to try the homemade French fries. Happy hour daily 2-8. Sunday brunch noon-3. Mon-Sat 11:30-2, Sun noon-midnight. All credit cards. 4527 Travis at Knox. 526-3730.

The Quiet Man. One of the few surviving Sixties quiet places, the small beer garden is a great place to talk – except during rush hour on Knox Street. Lacking some but not much of the place’s charm is the other Quiet Man at 5629 Yale. Sun-Thur noon-midnight; Fri & Sat until 2. No credit cards. 3120 Knox. 526-6180.

San Francisco Rose. A bright, laid-back place, adorned with greenery, a few couches and wingback chairs. Salads, sandwiches, and soups are all pretty ordinary; but as a bar, it’s an appealing place, particularly on a dreary day. Mon-Sat 11:30-2, Sun-noon-2. AE, MC, V. 3024 Greenville. 826-2020.



ART

MUSEUMS

Amon Carter Museum. Through Mar 9: “Posada’s Mexico.” Major exhibition of prints and drawings by the social and political Mexican artist. Through Mar: “Silver in American Life.” Sponsored by the American Federation of Arts and Yale University Art Gallery, this exhibition of over 200 objects chronicles the history of silver from the 17th to 20th centuries. Mar 25-27: Anne Burnett Tandy Lectures by John Coolidge. Free. 7:30 pm. Tue-Sun 10-5, Sun 1-5. 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. (817) 738-1933.



Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. Through Mar: Exhibition of installation by Maria Nordman. From Mar 19: “Scholastic Art Exhibition” features award-winning works by area high school students. Also “Japan: Photographs 1854-1905” includes 150 photographs from US, European, and Japanese collections. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. Fair Park. 421-4188.

Dallas Public Library. From Mar 18: Exhibit of 50 masks from around the world from the collection of Dallas architect George Dahl. Terrace Room, Central Dallas Public Library, 1954 Commerce. 748-9071, ex 280.

Eastfield College Gallery. Mar 17-27: Works by Brent Matzen. Second level, Learning Resources Center. From Mar 27: Smithsonian exhibition “Black Women: Achievement Against the Odds” profiles 30 black women in US history. Mon-Fri 9 am-10 pm. Upper level, Campus Center, 3737 Motley, Mesquite. 746-3229.

Fort Worth Art Museum. Through Mar 9: Installation by Maria Nordman. Through Mar: Works by German expressionist Franz Marc. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. 1309 Montgomery, Fort Worth. (817) 738-9215.

Kimbell Art Museum. Through Mar 2: “Eighteenth Century Master Drawings from the Ash-molean.” Exhibition of 89 works from the Oxford University museum with examples of Italian, French, and English drawings. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. Will Rogers West, Fort Worth. (817)332-8451.



ENLIGHTENMENT

SEMINARS, EVENTS, ETC.

Celebration of Japanese Arts. Mar 10, 17 & 24: “Zen and Contemporary American Literature.” Series of discussions in conjunction with the Japanese celebration. Free. Mar 12, 19 & 26: First in series of six lectures, “Aspects of Japanese Culture,” features guest artists and speakers. $25. All lectures 7-9:30 pm. Lynch Auditorium, University of Dallas, Irving. 438-1123, ex 223.

Charity Antique Show. Mar 13-16: Events include lectures, gallery tours, and special exhibits. Mar 12 at 7:30: Preview party and private sale. $25. Grand Ballroom, Dallas Convention Center. Sponsored by local Delta Delta Delta alumns. Proceeds benefit various charities. Dallas Convention Center. Tickets available at Dallas Symphony Orchestra Box Office and Preston Ticket Agency.

Daniel Schorr. Mar 24: Veteran newsman lectures on media in the 80’s. Free. 12:15 pm in Performance Hall and 6:30 pm in the Campus Center. East field College, 3737 Motley, Mesquite. 746-3185.

Friday Forum. Mar 7 at 9:45 am: Guest speaker is Jules Bergman, documentary writer for radio and TV. Cinema I, NorthPark. Call for ticket information. 369-2210.

Irish Fair. Mar 16: Exhibition by area artists and craftsmen hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Dallas Ballet to raise funds for the ballet. Free. NorthPark Mall. 7444396.

Smith College Book Sale. Mar 20-23: Annual sale offers terrific variety and good prices for used books. Proceeds for scholarships. Mar 20-22 9-9, Mar 23 (half price day) 1-5. The Corners (Walnut Hill & Central Expwy). 327-5478.

Temple Shalom Arts Forum. Mar 26 at 8 pm: Hodding Carter, III, Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, lectures on the Iranian crisis. Temple Shalom, Hillcrest at Alpha Rd. Call for ticket information. 661-1810.



SPORTS



Basketball – NCAA Regional Playoffs. Mar 7 & 9: First and second rounds of the Midwest Region championships. Hosted by North Texas State University in the Coliseum, Denton. Teams to be announced. Tickets $8. (817) 788-2662.

Hockey – Dallas Black Hawks. Fair Park Coliseum. All games begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets $3-$6. 565-0362.

Mar 7 vs. Fort Worth

8 vs. Tulsa

12 vs. Salt Lake City

15 vs. Houston

21 vs. Indianapolis

28 vs. Fort Worth

30vs. Salt Lake City

Hockey – Fort Worth Texans. Will Rogers Auditorium. 7:30pm. Tickets S3.50-$5.50. (817) 332-1585.

Mar 1 vs. Dallas

13 vs. Oklahoma City

14 vs. Dallas

19 vs. Salt Lake City

21 vs. Houston

22 vs. Indianapolis

26 vs. Birmingham

29 vs. Dallas

Tennis – Avon Championships of Dallas. Mar 3-9: One of the year’s biggest women’s tournaments with $150,000 in prize money. Competing are Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Goola-gong, Austin, and others. Reserved seats $6-$IO; general admission $4-$6. Call for ticket information. 750-8362.



KID STUFF



DISD Scholastic Art Exhibition. Mar 19-30. DMFA presents fine, award-winning work by local high school students. This show in celebration of National Youth Art Month, recognized with exhibits at City Hall, the Dallas Teacher’s Credit Union, and area banks.



Bicycle Safety. Mar 15 at 2 pm: Learn helpfulrules for bicycle safety. Free. Casa View branchLibrary, 10355 erguson Rd, 328-4113.

Celebrate Saturday. Through Mar: Freemovies for children on Saturdays at 3 pm.Nicholson Memorial Library, 625 Austin,Garland. 494-7187.

points, viewers were forced to create their own spaces, worlds within a world. The work thus became a lesson in the art of seeing. Unlike many contemporary artists, Maria Nordman works very slowly. She negotiated with the Fort Worth Art Museum for nearly three years before deciding on what she was going to do. In the interim she visited the city several times to get a feel for the community as well as the institution. Unlike conventional paintings and sculptures, Nordman’s works can’t be moved without being destroyed. They are designed for specific spaces at specific times, and when the time is over so are they. Best be present at the creation.

– David Dillon

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