September Events PREVIEWS

I HEAR A SYMPHONY

Big works and young soloists are the order of the day for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s month-long fall season. Garrick Ohlsson, an accomplished young pianist, helps the DSO kick off the classical series (Sept 3 & 5) with Brahm’s First Piano Concerto; the orchestra follows that with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor. Next, on Sept 11 and 12, are two works by Sergei Prokofiev: the popular Symphony No. 1, Op. 25 (“Classical”) and the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Op. 19, with Pierre Amoyal, soloist. The program closes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E Flat, Op. 55 (“Eroica”). Sept 17, 19, and 20 feature Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15, with soloist Ana-Maria Vera; and Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe ballet (which the DSO has recorded). The September season closes on the 24th and 26th with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Tchaikovsky’s B Violin Concerto (with Elmar Oliveira), and Richard Strauss’s tone poem Ein Heldenleben. Eduardo Mata conducts the first three programs, Michael Tilson-Thomas the fourth. Sept 3-26 at Fair Park Music Hall. Evening performances at 8:15, Sun matinee at 2:30 pm. Tickets S14-S5. 692-0203.

– Willem Brans



SOUTHERN VOICES



William Faulkner used to say that the tale was in the telling. It’s not what you say, in other words, but how you say it. The Fort Worth Art Museum will be featuring the works of three visual artists this month whose out-of-the-ordinary works are narrative in nature and Southern in scope. The storytelling tradition will be interpreted by artists Ed McGowin, Vernon Fisher, and Terry Allen -all Southern boys with fine wits and divergent ways of expressing themselves. McGowin will build what he calls an “inscape” – a room-sized sculpture with windows looking out upon a narrative scene. Fisher’s work will cover five walls with stenciled lettering that tells a love story based upon Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Terry Allen’s large, theatrical environment will tell a story and feature live birds as characters. (“We’re a little worried about the mess,” says a museum spokesman.) McGowin, by the way, is a writer as well, and one of his short stories will appear in the catalog. Allen, a country singer, will incorporate a performance into the show on opening night, September 12 at 8 p.m. The Southern Voice: Terry Allen, Vernon Fisher, Ed McGowin continues through October 12 at the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery. Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5, Tue 10-9. (817) 738-9215.

– Charles Dee Mitchell

BOUNTIFUL BALLET

“Lavish,” with its appropriate overtones of sensuality and questionable taste, is the word that crops up most often in connection with the Houston Ballet. Sets, costumes, productions -they’re all lavish. The designation is due in part to Houston Ballet’s big budget ($3 million annually versus Dallas Ballet’s modest $1 million). For the rest, Artistic Director Ben Stevenson is responsible. Since taking over Houston Ballet in 1976, Stevenson has reshaped this gifted company to his tastes, which are classical, British, and showy.



Among the more elaborate of the works in the company’s largely classical repertory is Peer Gynt, a quarter-million-dollar baby choreographed by Stevenson to Grieg’s haunting score. The ballet’s pretext is a simple folk legend -in this case, a tale of a roguish Norwegian lad’s amorous adventures. The large and accomplished cast includes the expected trolls, beautiful maidens, a mountain king, and an energetic Peer Gynt. The North Texas premiere will occur under the auspices of the Fort Worth Ballet, the same folks who brought you Paul Taylor, Pilobolus, Cynthia Gregory, and Alexander Godunov. Performances are September 24 and 25 at 8:15 at the Tarrant County Convention Centre Theatre. Ticket prices range from $3.50 to $ 11.50 for balcony; $6.50 to $16 for orchestra. For more information, call (817) 731-0879.

-Margaret Putnam

FILM SERIES

Children of Paradise. This could easily be the best film ever made Produced for the most part undercover during the Nazi occupation of France, the film stars mime Jean-Louis Barrault and Arletty (one of the world’s most beautiful women) in a story of love and crossed destinies among performers in the less-than-respectable theater of the time. A movie worth driving to, wherever it happens to be playing Sept 29 at 7:30 pm at Lynch Auditorium, University of Dallas. Irving Tickets $1 579-5225.

The Awakening City. Three films about Dallas are among the September noontime offerings at the Central Public Library. The best one of the lineup, screened on Sept 9. is Don Pasquella’s Car Hops, a film composed of period footage from the heyday of roller-skating waitresses combined with interviews of the owners of Kirby’s, Keller’s, and Sivil’s. A portion of the Sept 16 show will be The Last Meow, a segment from Bruno Bozzetta’s popular animated feature Allegro Non Troppo; and, on Sept 30. Down to Earth City Living, a thorough look at one of the most fascinating urban ecological projects ever conceived, the Integral Urban House in Berkeley, California. Features each Wednesday at noon at the Central Library, 1954 Commerce. Free. Brown baggers are welcome 748-9071. ex 255.



THEATER

Company. Most of Stephen Sondheim’s musicals are virtually impossible to stage outside of a Broadway theater. They rely on elaborate settings, costumes, and lighting as much as on music and libretto-his recent Sweeney Todd is a good example -and few theaters can afford the expense. This show is one of the happy exceptions: some of the vocal parts are as difficult as anything Sondheim has written, but the technical requirements aren’t exorbitant, as various area productions have already proven. The music and lyrics Sondheim created for George Furth’s clever book about love and marriage will probably come off better in this Stage West production than they have elsewhere In the past, this group, under Jerry Russell’s direction, has drawn on some of the best musical talent in the area. The show should be a delight even for the people who don’t like musicals. From Sept 3 at Stage West, 821 W Vickery, Fort Worth Thur-Sat at 8:30 pm. dinner available after 7 pm. Tickets $6.50 Sat, $6 Fri, & $5 Thur (dinner extra). (817) 332-6238.

Details Without A Map. Stage No 1, one of our most valuable cultural resources, opens its third season with this production. Though it took some time for audiences to realize just what was going on at the Haymarket Theatre, where Stage No. 1 performed during its first year, the group has been an artistic success from the start. Unlike many of the other theaters in town, this one has always made clear what it intends to do, and has always done it well. Contemporary American drama is the thing here, broadly defined to include unconventional musical pieces such as Elizabeth Swados’ Dis patches (performed last spring) and more straightforward musical adaptations of earlier American plays such as Hijinks (based on a turn-of-the-century comedy and scheduled later this year). Sometimes offerings are by well-known major playwrights (Sam Shepard. Lanford Wilson) but often, as with this production, they are by lesser-known writers. Barbara Schneider is the author of Details Without A Map, a play with an unusual topical interest in light of recent events here, about an ordinary middle-class household struggling to comprehend the murder that the 15-year-old boy in the family has unaccountably committed. It’s the sort of play for which Stage No. 1 is eminently suited. From Sept 16 at the Greenville Avenue Theatre. 2914 Greenville Wed-Sat at 8 15 pm. Tickets $7.50. students & over 65. $6 369-5345. Terra Nova. During the winter of 1911-1912. a team of Norwegian explorers led by Roald Amundsen and a team of English explorers led by Robert F Scott set out on different routes to reach the geographic south pole, only the Norwegians returned This play by Ted Tally is about what happened to the Englishmen It’s a pretty intense drama, not your usual summer theatrical fare, though the Antarctic setting should be refreshing. Assuming director Christopher Nichols pulls it off-and he’s got a fine cast lined up. including L R Hults as Amundsen and Dan Kramer as Scott-this should be the most exciting show the New Arts Company has offered in sometime Through Sept 19 at the New Arts Theatre Company, 702 Ross Ave at Market. Tue-Fri at 8 pm. Sat at 8:30 pm. Sun at 2 30 pm. Tickets $7 50 Fri & Sat, $5.50 Tue-Thur & Sun 761-9064.



MUSIC

Dallas Public Library. Noontime events of musical interest at the downtown library this month include both live programs and films. On Sept 1. a film called “An Evening at Threadgill’s” captures the ambience of a now-defunct Austin country music club that operated in a converted gas station Sept 8 features a trio called Beledi that plays ethnic Middle Eastern music on flute and percussion. In the film “The Symphony Sound With Henry Lewis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” on Sept 22, conductor Lewis traces the history of the symphony orchestra with musical examples. Finally, on Sept 29, local classical guitarist David Hopman plays a variety of guitar selections ranging from the 16th century to modern repertoire. Sept 1-29 at the Central Public Library, 1954Commerce. All programs at 12:10pm. Free 748-9071, ex 249.

Meadows School of the Arts. Pianist Alfred Moule-dous, cellist Marion Davies. and violinist Arkady Fomin, who are all Dallas Symphony musicians and SMU music faculty members, will present a chamber music concert Sept 6. The program includes Schubert’s Trio in E Flat. Op. 100, and Brahm’s Trio in B Major, Op. 8. Sept 6 at Caruth Auditorium at 8:15 pm. Tickets $2.50; students, $1.50, 692-3510.

Thanks-Giving Square. As part of its small-scale but sometimes excellent Sunday series, Thanks-Giving Square presents violinist Bill Cummings and guitarist Chris Carrington playing music by Bach arranged for violin and guitar, as well as folk music, Hungarian music, and a movement from Olivier Messiaen’s Suite tor the End of Time. Sept 3 at 3 pm at Thanks-Giving Square, Bryan, Pacific, and Ervay streets. Free. 651-1777.

University of Dallas. The High Noon Ensemble. Dallas Opera’s energetic talented community outreach program, will contain duets, quartets, and whole scenes from La Boheme, Rigoletto, Lucia di Lammermoor, Romeo et Juliette, and La Ceneren-tola. Sept 14 at Lynch Auditorium, UD campus. 8 pm. Free. 579-5225.

University of Texas at Arlington. Surrounded by first-rate music departments at NTSU, SMU, and TCU, UT-Arlington is generally overlooked as a music center, but a healthy faculty and guest recital series is beginning to make a mark for the school. Sept 13 at 3 pm Zoe Moorer opens the season with a faculty piano recital. The eminent Linton Powell performs a faculty organ recital Sept 17 at 8 pm. Guest artist Adam Wodnicki plays a program of piano music Sept 24 at 8 pm, and soprano Mary Fuller Tiner sings a faculty recital series Sept 13-27 at 3 pm. Irons Recital Hall. UTA campus, Arlington Free. 273-3471



DANCE

Ballet Folklorico. Jose Greco, the consummate master of Spanish dance, his wife Nana Lorca, and Jorge Tiller bring their company of virtuoso Spanish singers, dancers, and musicians to McFarlin Auditorium, Sept 23 at 8 pm. SMU campus. Tickets $12 $3 744-4430.

Ballet Under the Stars. If you haven’t yet caught a Dallas Ballet park performance, grab your blanket and cooler and head for Lee Park. Sloping hillsides popcorn vendors, and summer breezes heighten the charm of dance alfresco. Program highlights include the sensual Rythmetron, variations from the ever-popular Swan Lake, a showy pas de deux, and Christine Dunham’s sparkling solo, The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B Lee Park fills up fast, so come early Sept 4-7 at 8 pm. Free.



ART

Jim Baker is a photographer who has used extended lenses to create panoramic landscapes of subtle and unsettling beauty. The viewer becomes aware that the image stretches on, without a break, much further than a photograph should. His September installation will involve both old and new work hung on walls repainted to counterpoint his images From Sept 12 at DW Gallery. 3505 McKinney at Hall. Tue-Sat 11-5. 526-3240.

James Dowell paints richly colored, carefully composed interior landscapes. His views include his studio, its reflection in the mirror, a corner of uptown Manhattan that Dowell can see out his window, and the boxes of pastry and take-out food he brings home. Dowell is a realist, but not of the photographic, air-brushed variety. If there is still such a thing, Dowell’s paintings are examples of humanist realism. Sept 5-30 at the Clifford Gallery. 6610 Snider Plaza. Tue-Sat 10-5:30. 363-8223 .

Vernon Fisher has, in the past year, appeared in three major gatherings of American art: the Whitney Biennial, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Emerging Americans show, and the Hirschorn Museum in Washington, DC. His paintings and assemblages are narrative sequences, with words stenciled and cut into the canvas, juxtaposed with images that may relate either literally or obliquely to the narrative. A new series of Fisher’s surreal and often very humorous drawings can be seen from Sept 11 at the Delahunty Gallery. 2611 Cedar Springs. Tue-Sat 11-5. 744-1346.

Arshile Gorky spent years painting honorific imitations of the School of Paris, the surrealists, and the cubist masters. When he completed his tutelage, he completed his first mature American paintings, blending European styles with the developing American style that would become abstract expressionism. Gorky’s paintings are colorful and infused with a strange eroticism that drifts between playful and threatening. A retrospective of his work, organized by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of New York City, will be in Dallas from Sept 11 at the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. Fair Park. Tue-Sat 11-5. Sun 1-5.421-4187.

Gallery Hopping. Fort Worth remains better known for its museums than its galleries. But the galleries are there, and on one night in September gallery owners make sure everyone is aware of their presence. The fourth-annual Gallery Night involves seven simultaneous openings: The Hall Gallery. 312 Main: MJS Fine Art. 6333 Camp Bowie: Marie Berger, 4916 Camp Bowie; Gallery One, 4715 Camp Bowie; Carlin Gallery. 710 Montgomery; Reminisce Gallery. 3322 Camp Bowie: and the Carr Gallery. 907 University. Make the rounds on Gallery Night, Sept 19, 6-10 pm. All the galleries have maps to direct you on your way, and the event is free to the public. For more information, call (817) 327-9474.

Scott Madison’s steel sculpture is distinguished by the surprising delicacy with which he invests his material. His work is often small; to date none of his things have exceeded human scale. An exhibition of his new work, along with paintings by Will Hipps and Jim DeWoody, will begin Sept 12 at 500 Exposition Gallery, 500 Exposition Blvd. Tue-Sat 11-5.828-1111 Don Shields studied at the Rome Academy in 1972 before completing his MFA in painting at SMU in 1977. Shields was the 1979-80 recipient of the Roma Prize in painting awarded by the American Academy in Rome, and was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in painting the following year A catalogued exhibition of Shields’ new paintings will be the inaugural show for the greatly expanded Mattingly/ Baker Gallery at its new Oak Lawn location. From Sept 11 at Mattingly/Baker Gallery. 3000 McKinney Tue-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5. 526-0031. The Indian god Shiva continues to manifest himself in 180 stone sculptures, bronzes, watercolors. and woodcarvings at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Shiva is variously a dancer, warrior, man. woman, and ascetic. “Manifestations of Shiva” required 10 years of preparation by the most distinguished scholar of Indian art in the United States. Stella Kramrisch of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Through Sept 27 at the Kimbell Art Museum. Will Rogers Road West, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.(817)332-8451.

ENLIGHTENMENT

SEMINARS, EVENTS, ETC. Art Sale and Carnival. Works by more than 35 area artists will be featured, including paintings in oil and watercolors, and bronze and marble sculpture Video games, rides, face painting, and a flea market will also be featured. All proceeds will benefit the Christ the King School. Sept 26 at 11 am, Sept 27 at 10 am at Christ the King School, Colgate at Preston Rd. Free. 369-4706.

Autumn Odyssey ’81. Poet Ric Masten will perform, and James Fadiman, a leading psychologist, will speak. Choose three workshops from 36 offered on relationships, healing, hypnosis, art, success, and weight control. Sept 25 from 6:30-10 pm & Sept 26 from 8:15 am-9:30 pm at North Lake College, 2000 Walnut Hill Ln, Irving. Tickets $25-$20. 659-5200 or (817)277-2424.

March of Dimes Western Stomp. This annual gala will include country/western dancing, a raffle, games, and a barbecue dinner. All proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes. Sept 12 at 8 pm at the Regency Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel. Ross and Akard. Tickets $60 per person, $1000 for a table of 10 620-9779.



NIGHTLIFE

Andrew’s. Folksingers and specialty drinks in an exposed brick/wood ambience-for those who like this sort of place, as Miss Jean Brodie would say, this is the sort of place they like. As for the food, stick to basic burgers and salads. Anything fancier, including the once fabled crab sandwich, is a mistake. (330? McKinney. 521-6535. Daily 11:15 am-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri until 7. AE, DC. MC, V.) Bagatelle. One of the best places for jazz listening, it’s also a dimly lighted club with comfortable seating and music that doesn’t interfere with conversation. Thursday through Saturday nights 9-1:30 feature the Paul Guerrero Jazz Quartet and Debra Smith. (4925 Greenville. 692-8224. Mon-Thur 11:30 am-1 am. Fri & Sat till 2 am. Sun noon-2:30pm & 6 pm-10 pm. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4:30-7. All credit cards.)

Balboa Café. This café calls itself Dallas’ second fern bar, meaning it’s like the San Francisco Rose -lots of glass, greenery, and couches. The sandwiches are fair, and there’s a reasonably good selection of imported beer. But the place is noisy and service is sometimes slow. (3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. Daily 11 am-2 am. MC. V, AE.) Balboa

Calé on Greenville is cozier and has a little more stylish clientele. (7075 Greenville. 369-7027 Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. and midnight-2 am. MC, V. AE.)

Al’s Bamboo. This is the new Bamboo and while the old menu claimed the spot was “Much like the islands in the off season,’’ the new management has apparently let the service blow out with the monsoons. The new menu boasts Bamboo is “Oak Lawn’s only heterosexual dance hall.” but besides their cheap drinks, this is its only forte. Do we really have to request extras like knives and napkins with chicken fried steak? The blunders can be written off to inexperience until AI gets his act together: Quicker service and tastier foods would bring us back for the cheap drinks and relaxing atmosphere. (3718 N Hall at Oak Lawn. 526-9391 Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 5 pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-9. MC. V.)

Bar Tejas. Yet another entry in the emergence of the lower Greenville Avenue phenomenon, with a Moroccan tile exterior and a classic interior reminiscent of Havana in the Thirties. The menu, however, has an Italian accent, featuring fried ravioli and the best lentil soup around. The personality of Tom Garrison’s enterprise is especially effective on an overcast afternoon. Classical music featured on Sundays. (2100 Greenville. 828-2131. Sun-Thur 11:30 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-1 am. Happy hour daily 4-7. AE.)

Belle Starr. Using the 19th-century lady outlaw as its motif, this c/w dance hall (formerly the Bovarian Steakhouse) has become a popular hangout for cowboys and cowgirls with its spacious dance floor and comfortable furnishings. The Roy Clayton Band entertains Tuesday through Saturday. $1.50 dance lessons Sunday 4-8 pm. Cover on weekends. (7724 N Central near Southwestern. 750-4787. Tue-Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun 4 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. AE, MC, DC, V.)

Biff’s. Biff’s belongs in the middle of an eight-foot snowbank with a fire blazing in its fireplace, icicles clinging to the windowsills, and red-faced people bustling about in fur-lined parkas and aprés-ski boots. But even if you aren’t at home on the slopes, you’ll love Biff’s. Ignore the mingling singles at the bar and concentrate on Biff’s burgers, nachos. and good, stiff drinks. (7402 Greenville. 696-1952. Daily 11:30 am-2 am Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. AE, MC, V.)

Cactus Bar and Grill. An Old West cattle drive-inspired atmosphere draws lots of would-be cowboys craving Texas-size burgers and fries, but the primary attention-getter is a happy hour twist called “Beat the Clock.” On Tuesdays, between 3 and 7, drink prices increase 10c an hour, starting at 30t. (5472 ￡ Mockingbird. 821-0621 Mon-Wed 11 am-10 pm, Thur-Sat 11 am-11 pm. Sun 4-10 pm. Happy hour daily 3-7. All credit cards.)

Café Dallas. The decor of the interior is rather stylish and the sound system is possibly one of the best in town, but that’s not why the line weaves out the door and around the corner. Someone somewhere declared this place the singles bar of Dallas. Bouncers resembling Dallas Cowboys hopefuls guard the doors, filtering out those undesirables who don’t satisfy the fluctuating dress code. Once inside. you can either lose yourself amidst the uncatego-rizable crowd or escape to the elevated backgam-mon/pente area. (5500 Greenville. 9870066. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Breakfast is served from 2 am-4:30 am, Sat & Sun. AE. MC. V.) Cardinal Puff’s. The atmosphere here is as calming as a 15-minute sauna. The wooden deck outside is perfect for sipping margaritas and basking in the sunshine and the cozy fireplace nestled among the plants inside is just as soothing. (4675 Greenville. 369-1969 Daily 4 pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. MC. V.)

Chelsea Corner. A low-key, collegiate version of Andrew’s, with woodsy decor, folksingers, and specialty drinks. There are, however, quiet corners to escape to. (4830 McKinney. 522-3501. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-1:30 am, Sat & Sun noon-1:30 am Happy hour Mon-Fri 11:30-7. AE, MC, V.)

Cowboy. This is no place for the closet claustrophobic-hundreds of rhinestone cowboys lookin’ lor love swarm here like bees to honey. Consequently, breathing room (much less dancing room) is almost impossible to find, and mingling-desired or otherwise-is inevitable. Expect long lines outside, too (5208 Greenville. 369-6969 Mon-Fri 4:30 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. MC, V. AE. DC.)

Cowgirl. With a decor that hovers between high tech and cowboy kitsch. Cowgirl caters mostly to hotel guests, but on weekends locals arrive to dance to disc jockey country and disco music, or play at one of the numerous backgammon tables. (Regent Hotel at Mockingbird and Stemmons. 630-7000 Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat 7 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. Private club with $5 yearly membership fee except for hotel guests. All credit cards.)

The Den. Located in the Stoneleigh Hotel, this is the essence of a bar: very small, very dark, and very red. with very strong drinks. (2927 Maple Ave. 742-7111 Mon-Fri 11 am-midnight Happy hour all day Mon-Fri. All credit cards.)

Eight-O. Prime grazing land for semi-sophisticates and would-be Bohemians. The clientele ranges from chic to occasionally rowdy, and regulars insist the all-purpose jukebox is the best in Dallas. Menu items include chick-on-a-stick and highly rated hamburgers. (The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh, Suite 145. 741-0817. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-midnight Happy hour daily 4-8. MC, AE, V.)

élan. Still the classiest of the Dallas discos-where chic sophisticates boogie and play backgammon with members of their own set. Two dance floors are set in a posh, modern decor and are backed up with a top-notch sound system. Surprisingly good food and a Sunday brunch. Happy hour buffet features a lavish spread. Daily lunch buffet open to the public, but membership required at night. (5111 Greenville 692-9855. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 2-7 Sun brunch 11-2. AE, DC, MC, V.)

Four Seasons Ballroom. Big-band music for ballroom dancing. A strict dress code is enforced- dresses for the ladies and coats and ties for the gentlemen. Only setups, beer, and soft drinks are served, except on Fridays when food is available Cover varies, but free dance lessons. (4930 Military Pkwy. 349-0390 or 381-9072. Wed 8:45 pm-12:15 am. Fri 9 pm-12:30 am & sometimes Sat 9 pm-1 am for special bands.)

Gordo’s. Dark, with jukebox selectors at the red leatherette booths. Gordo’s is at its best during football season, when it’s a comfortable and low-key place to have pizza or burgers and watch the game. (4528 Cole. 521-3813. Sun 12-10:30 pm. Mon-Thur 11 am-10 30 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-midnight. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-6. MC. V, AE, DC.)

The Grape. Few wine bar/bistros can match The Grape for atmosphere-a kind of hole-in-the-wall chic-or for food. The wine list gets longer and more ambitious all the time. (2808 Greenville at Goodwin. 823-0133. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 pm, Dinner: Sun-Thur6-11 pm, Fri & Sat 6pm-1 am. AE, MC. V.)

Greenville Avenue Country Club. The old Vagabond Club resurrected, with the backyard swimming pool still the main attraction. The GACC has the usual chicken-fried menu and good drinks for East Dallas loyalists. Swimming encouraged. (3679 Greenville. 826-5650 Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour 4-7. AE, MC. V.)

Greenville Bar & Grill. “Dallas’ oldest bar’’ has a browsing rack adjacent to the bar, live music on special party nights, and silver dollar-sized Formica tables. Hal Baker and the Gloomchasers deliver the hottest Dixieland jazz in town every Sunday and Thursday night ($2 cover). (2821 Greenville.

823-6691. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Kitchen open till 1 am daily, closes at midnight on Sun. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. AE.)

The Hop. This small, friendly pub has the best munchies in Fort Worth-fried okra and eggplant. for example. The crowd is a happy amalgamation of college students and families. Live music most nights starting around 9. Willis Alan Ramsey and Steve Fromholz are among those who play here with some regularity. Cover after 9 when there is live music. (2905 W Berry, Fort Worth. (817) 923-7281. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 4 pm-1 am. Happy hour daily 2-7, all day Wed MC, V, AE, DC.)

Joe Miller’s. The media people bar. and a great gathering spot for regulars. The smallness and plainness of the bar are offset by Miller’s personality, as well as by his stiff drinks (3531 McKinney. 521-2261 Mon-Fri noon-2 am. AE. MC, V.)

Knox Street Pub. An apparent favorite of young professionals, this nostalgic pub features excellent food and a terrific jukebox. (3230 Knox. 526-9476. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Happy hour 4-7. Closed Sun. No credit cards.)

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. Home-cooked potato chips, really comfortable chairs, a well-stocked jukebox, and an interesting clientele. (2009Abrams. 824-1390. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am. Sat & Sun noon-2 am. AE, MC. V.)

Les Saisons. A captivating cityscape of downtown Dallas makes this bar special. You can gather around the cozy fireplace, sip an icy drink, and have enough quiet to carry on a conversation. Cheery, classy decor-like a French garden room. (765 Turtle Creek Village. 528-1102. Daily 11:30 am-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 All credit cards.)

The Library. This bar/restaurant in the spruced-up old Melrose Hotel achieves the understated tasteful-ness 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. (3015 Oak Lawn. 521-5151. Mon-Fri breakfast 7-11 am, lunch 11:30-2:30, dinner 5:30-9:45 pm; Sat 5:30-9:45 pm. Bar open Mon-Sat 5:30-midnight. Closed Sun. All credit cards.)

Lillie Langtry’s Saloon. 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 John DeFoore and Tim Holiday (who call themselves Stumpbroke) and guitarist Delbert Pullen. Nachos and sandwiches served. No cover. (6932 Greenville. 368-6367. Daily noon-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-8, Sat & Sun 2-8 AE, MC. V.)

Longhorn Ballroom. Built by Bob Wills in 1950 and later leased by Jack Ruby, the historic Longhorn is Dallas’ definitive c/w dance hall. Here, real and affected cowboys two-step on a roller rink-sized dance floor framed by cactus pillars. Owner Dewey Groom fronts the Longhorn Band nightly and on weekends warms up for big-name acts. Free c/w dance lessons Wednesday and Thursday nights. Cover varies. Setups available (276 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128. Wed & Thur 7 pm-midnight, Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 3 pm-midnight. All credit cards.)

Madison’s. Slick, popular North Dallas bar with trendy clientele and tasteful setting. Excellent copy bands do precision versions of Steely Dan, et al. (8141 Walnut Hill Ln. 361-0644 Daily 5 pm-2 am Happy hour Mon-Fri 5-7. AE, MC, V.)

The Mirage. For non-hotel guests, the setting of this comfortable lobby piano bar is what makes it worth a trip: The Atrium II of Loews Anatole, with its 100-foot-long banners draping from 14 stories, is spectacular. Judy Moore plays pop tunes on the baby grand nightly 6-11:30. (Loews Anatole, 2201 Stem-mons. 748-1200. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. All credit cards.)

NFL. One of the friendliest bars in town, the NFL (Nick Farrelley’s Lounge) is a hangout for Irish people. Come here in a rowdy mood-especially on Friday nights when Irish Texans tune up with old Irish folk songs. Dancing, darts, and shuffleboard are available for the restless $2 cover Fridays. (3520 Oak Lawn. 559-4890. Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. No credit cards.)

Nick’s Uptown. An enormous smoke-filled room dotted with tables, a raised stage in one corner, and a bar running almost the length of the room on the opposite side. The club offers a good cross section of music; it is one of the few spots in Dallas to hear well-known Austin bands on a regular basis. Nick’s also books musicians like Ray Wylie Hubbard and Delbert McClinton. (3606 Greenville. 827-4802. Mon-Sun 8 pm-2 am. AE, MC. V.)

Papagayo. Cavernous showplace with awesome sound and light show. Packed dance floor doesn’t allow Travolta imitators their usual gymnastics, which is probably just as well. Live music Tuesday through Thursday. $3 cover on weekends. (8796 N Central. 692-5412. Tue-Thur 8 pm-2 am. Fri & Sat till 4 am. AE. MC. V.)



Papillon. Seating above the dance floor lets you ignore the Beautiful People if you wish: usually quiet, with touch-dancing music late in the evening. (7940 N Central. 691-7455. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am. Sat 6 pm-2 am. Sun 6 pm-midnight. All credit cards.)

Piafs. An atrium bar with high ceilings and huge plants. The menu offers basic salads, quiche, and hamburgers. (4527 Travis at Knox. 526-3730. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. Happy hour daily 11 pm-closing. Kitchen open till 1:30 am Thur-Sat, Sun-Wed till midnight. DC, MC, V, AE.)

Playboy Club. Take your pick of three rooms attended by-what else-cottontailed bunnies: a disco, a subdued lounge with quiet music Thursday through Saturday, and a dinner/show room with comedy and music acts. Private membership required. (6116 N Central. 363-3800. Buffet Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30 pm. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am. Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE.)

Poor David’s Pub. Small, dark, and informal, PD’s has a variety of entertainers like ex-Bees Knees guitarist Anson Funderburgh and his Rockets, a talented, no-nonsense blues band. Good sandwiches available. Cover varies. (2900 McKinney. 821-9891. Mon-Fri 1 pm-2 am. Sat 7pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri till 7. Closed Sun. Kitchen open till 1 am. No credit cards.)

Popsicle Toes. Taking its name from a Michael Franks tune, this club’s not long on atmosphere or comfort, but presents a diversity of local jazz. The house band is the funk/jazz unit Buster Brown (Tuesday through Saturday), and on Sunday there’s big-band jazz with the Dallas Jazz Orchestra. Cover varies, no cover on Tuesdays. (5627 Dyer. 368-9706. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. TGIF Fri 4:30-7:30. MC. V.)

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. (3120 Knox. 526-6180 Tue-Thur noon-midnight. Fri & Sat noon-2 am. Sun & Mon 4 pm-midnight. No credit cards.)

Railhead. It’s a shame this bar is so shoddy because the entertainment is often good: primarily comics and popular music copy artists. But no cover means huge crowds. Stick to basic drinks or brews: The house wine is truly bad. and the bar cant seem to handle anything tricky. (6919 Twin Hills. 369-8700. Sun & Mon 5:30 pm-1 am, Tue-Sat 5:30 pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 5-7. Three shows nightly. All credit cards.)

San Francisco Rose. A bright, laid-back place, adorned with greenery, a few couches, and wing-back chairs. Salads, sandwiches, and soups are all pretty ordinary. (3024 Greenville. 826-2020. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. AE. MC, V.)

6051 Club. 6051 Club is really just an oversized living room furnished with the kind of tables and chairs your grandmother called her “dinette set.” Some of Dallas’ foremost jazz musicians gather on the crowded stage to play their renditions of classics mixed with their own material Only one drawback: If you arrive after the first set on weekends, it’s standing room only in the bar. (6051 Forest Ln. 661-3393. Mon-Fri 4 pm- 2 am. Sat & Sun 8 pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-6:30. MC, V)

St. Martin’s. Small, candle-lit. and soothing-as wine bars should be (and too many aren’t). St Martin’s has made a conscious effort to put a ceiling on wine prices to encourage experimentation. If the result is a wine list composed of lesser vintages, the food alone is still worth a visit: The ham and Swiss sandwich is a perfect foil for a glass of red (3020 Greenville. 826-0940. Sun & Mon 5-11 pm. Tue-Thur 11-11, Fri & Sat 11 am-1 am. All credit cards.)

Stoneleigh P. The long-awaited re-opening of this Oak Lawn institution (it burned down in January 1980) took place in July. One of the regulars describes the new place thusly: “It was like you had this girl friend you liked a lot and she died. Two years later, you meet a new girl who looks exactly like the oid one, and talks like her and acts like her. only she’s even better.” In other words, the new P has the same casual feel and clientele, but seems slightly more spacious The menu still has burgers, spinach salad, artichokes, and chicken breast sandwiches. (2926 Maple. 741-0824. Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour 4-7. Mon-Fri. No credit cards.)

Strictly Ta-Bu. The consistently decent jazz here ranges from fusion to Forties swing, the crowd is a mix of mature professionals and high school seniors, and the decor is vintage art moderno. A separate eating area offers outstanding but small pizzas along with other Italian dishes. Cover on weekends. (4111 Lomo Alto. 522-8101. Food served Mon-Thur 11 am-2:30 pm & 5 pm-mtdnight, Fri 11 am-2:30 pm & 5 pm-1 am. Sun 6 pm-midnight. Bar open until 2 am Mon-Sat. MC. V.)

Texas Tea House. A get-down country place with dancing to the Will Barnes Band in the beer garden outside. Mixed drinks available. (3402 Kings Rd. 526-9171. Tue-Sat 8 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Top of the Dome. The only bar in town with several views of the Dallas skyline. Nightly entertainment. Annoying $1.50 charge for elevator ride has been dropped for club-goers. (Reunion Tower, 300 Reunion. 651-1234. Mon-Sat 1:30 pm-1:30 am. Sun 11:30 am-1:30 am. All credit cards.)

Venetian Room. A fancy and expensive mock-up of the Doge’s Palace, this supper club attracts couples who appreciate the semiformal dress requirements and who like to fox-trot to an orchestra before the show. (Fairmont Hotel. Ross & Akard. 748-5454. Mon-Sat 7 pm-1 am. Shows Mon-Thur 8:30 & 11, Fri &Sat9& 11. All credit cards.)

Whiskey River. A rowdy honky-tonk of a place Top-notch entertainment ranging from c/w to Sixties rock and roll seldom fails to keep the crowds goin’ and the long necks flowin’ Cover varies. (5427 Greenville. 369-9221. Nightly 8 pm-2 am. AE, MC. V.)



Located in the revived Stockyards District in Fort Worth, this place looks like what all non-Texans think real Texas bars should look like-lots of rough wood, a long bar, and a clientele occasionally decked out in western attire. Entertainment varies. (106 E Exchange, Fort Worth. (817) 624-1887 Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 1 pm-6 pm. MC. AE, V.)

The Wine Press. The Wine Press serves an array of both California and imported wines. The blackboard offers daily by-the-glass selections, occasionally studded with gems And unlike many wine bars, The Wine Press also serves a full range of cocktails. (4217 Oak Lawn. 522-8720 Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 11:30 am-2 am. No reservations. MC. V. AE.)