July Events OPENERS

TWO FROM THE BARD



In July, all the world’s a stage when the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas begins another new season. Bring your cooler, your kids and your sharpest wit to the Fair Park Band Shell for a midsummer night’s dream of drama and humor with the Bard.



Now in its 12th year, the festival presents a light comedy and a mystical romance, which run on alternate nights. Love’s Labour’s Lost, one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays, follows young King Ferdinand in his dubious attempt to forswear women. The Tempest, a late work, is Shakespeare’s most ineffable and entrancing story. A play that defies category, it’s a tale of fantastic powers, magical mischief and love. The Tempest will be directed by SMU instructor Mesrop Kesdekian, who has a fine talent for ensemble direction and visual effects. Ivan Rider will direct Love’s Labour’s Lost.



The Tempest runs July 15-31 on odd-numbered dates, and Love’s Labour’s Lost runs July 16-30 on even-numbered dates at the Fair Park Band Shell. Gates open at 7:15 p.m.; performances begin at 8:15 p.m. No show on Mondays. Free. 827-2173.

– Tim Allis



TUNING IN TO BACH



In 1985, the music world will celebrate the 300th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach’s birth. And thanks to the newly organized Dallas Bach Society, local music lovers will have a head start on the celebration during the first annual Dallas Bach Festival this month.



Paul Riedo, organist and choirmaster at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, is the festival’s artistic director. Using a small chorus and orchestra composed of local professionals, Riedo plans to re-create an authentic 18th-century sound. He hopes to build a festival that will continue annually even beyond the Bach Tricentennial.



The Bach Festival opens July 11 with the Violin Concerto in A minor, featuring soloist J. Patrick Rafferty; the Magnificat in D, featuring chorus and vocal soloists; and the Third Orchestral Suite. The festival continues July 18 with Cantata No. 78 (Jesu, Dir du meine Seele), Cantata No. 70 (Wachet, Betet, Betet, Wachet!) and the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto. The festival closes July 25 with one of Bach’s greatest works, the monumental Mass in B minor.

All concerts are at 8:15 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 6306 Kenwood. Tickets $50-525 for the entire festival; call for individual ticket prices. 821-3086.

– Wayne Lee Gay



MAGICIAN OF THE CANVAS



Nobody likes to be fooled. Unless, of course, we’re speaking of trompe I’oeil (“trick of the eye”) paintings-works of art so realistic that we want to reach out and touch them. Nineteenth-century painter John F. Peto was one of the masters of the genre. Important Information Inside: The Still Life Paintings of John F. Peto (1854-1907), which opens at Fort Worth’s Amon Carter Museum this month, is the first comprehensive survey of Peto’s work ever assembled.

The show takes its title from a famous Peto trompe, a still life in which an envelope bearing the words “Important Information Inside” seems to be stuck to the surface of the canvas. Peto and other trompe painters loved to contrast seemingly real objects that appear to be glued to a painting’s surface against the painted illusion of depth.

The 60 works in this exhibit include several of Peto’s regular still life paintings, which prove that the artist was more than just a visual trickster. Peto was a master of inventive composition, and his relaxed handling of paint gives his works a freshness and directness that is very appealing.

July 15-September 18 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817)738-1933.

– Ken Barrow

D’s Openers include this month’s events in theater, music, film, sports, art, dance and enlightenment, as well as some of the best nightlife establishments in Dallas. These listings are updated and supplemented each month and have nothing whatsoever to do with paid advertising.

All events listings should be sent to the Openers editor and must be received seven weeks before publication.

Credit card notations: MC/MasterCard, V/Visa, AE/American Express, DC/Diners Club, CB/Carte Blanche. “All credit cards” indicates that all five are accepted.



ART



Contemporary Printmaking. Thanks to these works, purchased through the Mr. and Mrs. Jake L Hamon Fund, the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts has kept pace with the extraordinary resurgence of printmaking in America during the past two decades. Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Fair Park. Through August 21. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.421-4188.

Fabergé. Almost 200 glittering treasures from the famous “Forbes” magazine collection, including a number of the famous Imperial Eggs, are on display for the first time in this area. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Through September 18. Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451.

Linda Blackburn. In her switch from painted porcelain plates and tiles to large-scale “wall paintings,” this Fort Worth artist has lost none of her whimsical humor nor her instinct for skewed and incongruous images. Mattingly Baker Gallery, 3000 McKinney. Through July 6. Tue-Fri 10-6. Sat 11-5. 526-0031.

Mel Bochner Monotypes. Austere yet sensuous, these one-of-a-kind prints by one of the most important of the minimalist artists are hot off New York’s Parasol Press. Carol Taylor, Art, 2508 Cedar Springs. Through July 16. Tue-Sat 10-5, Mon by appointment. 745-1923.

Paperwork. Artists not only draw and paint on paper; they also make, mold, cast, fold, dye, sculpt and otherwise transform it into a multitude of artworks, as this exhibit demonstrates. Nimbus Gallery, 1135 Dragon St. Through July 8. Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat by appointment. 742-1348.

Ranchos de Taos. The famous adobe church of St. Francis of Assisi in the hills of northern New Mexico is the star of this show of photographs by Paul Strand. Ansel Adams. Laura Gilpin and 53 other great photographers. Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Through July 10. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.

Wealth of the Ancient World. Nelson Bunker Hunt and William Herbert Hunt have quietly assembled this extraordinary collection of Roman and Greek ceramics, painted vases, small bronzes and coins over the past several years; now. for the first time, it is unveiled to the public. Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Through September 18. Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451.

THEATER



Dallas Summer Musicals. Joel Grey stars in “Pal Joey” through July 10; Gavin MacLeod appears in “High Button Shoes,” July 12-24; and Lucie Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill star in “I Do. I Do.” July 26-Aug 7. All performances at Fair Park Music Hall, Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm. Sat & Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets $24-$5. 691-7200.

Gershwin! It’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy. Addison Summer Theatre kicks off its third season with a revue of George Gershwin tunes, including ” ’S Wonderful.” “Fascinatin’ Rhythm” and “Rhapsody In Blue.” Through July 4 at Addison Summer Theatre in the dome, Sakowitz Village, Dallas Pkwy at Belt Line. Wed-Sun at 8:30 pm. Tickets $10 Fri & Sat; $8.50 Wed, Thur & Sun at the theater or any Ticketron outlet. 823-3670.

Talley’s Folly. This is Lanford Wilson’s touching follow-up to his immensely successful “Fifth of July.” “Talley’s Folly,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, is set in 1944 and traces the courtship of young Sally Talley and her beau, Matt. July 12-Aug 20 at the Dallas Theater Center, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tue-Thur at 8 pm, Fri at 8:30 pm, Sat at 5 & 8:30 pm. Tickets $13.50 & $12 Fri & Sat; $12 & $10.50 Sat matinee; $11 & $9.50 Tue-Thur. 526-8857.

They’re Playing Our Song. Vernon is a struggling songwriter and Sonia is a struggling lyricist in this silly but well-tuned musical by Neil Simon, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager. The very funny addition of his three alter egos and her three alter egos makes this a charming eight-part duet. Through July 31 at Dallas Repertory Theatre, NorthPark Auditorium, NorthPark Center. Wed-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets $9 Fri & Sat; $8 Sun; $7 Wed & Thur; $1.50 discount for students and senior citizens. 369-8966.

Tomfoolery. Tom Lehrer was a math professor before he began recording comedy albums during the Sixties. This four-person musical revue links some of his funniest songs, which lampoon everything from Boy Scouts to The Bomb. And don’t forget the “Vatican Rag.” July 12-Aug 21 at Theatre Three, The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Tue-Thur at 8 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7 pm. Tickets $12 Fri & Sat; $9.50 Wed, Thur & Sun matinee; $8.50 Tue & Sun. 871-3300.

Vanities. This bitingly funny play by SMU graduate Jack Heifner follows three women from a small town in Texas through high school cheerleading, college sorority years and, finally, a revealing reunion in New York City. “Vanities” has broken theatrical records around the world, enjoying one of the longest off-Broadway runs ever. Through July 4 at the Greenville Avenue Theatre, 2914 Greenville. Wed-Fri & Sun at 8:30 pm, Sat at 5:30 & 8:30 pm. Tickets $10 Fri & Sat; $8.50 Wed, Thur & Sun; $5 Sat at 5:30; available at the theater or at any Ticketron outlet 8233670.



MUSIC



Dallas Bach Festival. This new summer event opens with the Violin Concerto in A minor (with soloist J. Patrick Rafferty), the Third Orchestral Suite and the “Magnificat” in D on July 11. The Festival continues a week later with Cantata No. 70, Cantata No. 78 and the Fifth Brandenburg Concerto on July 18. The Mass in B minor for chorus, orchestra and soloists closes the festival on July 25. All concerts are at 8:15 pm at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 6306 Kenwood. Tickets $50-$25 for series; call for individual event prices. 821-3086.

Starfest at Park Central. July concerts at the open-air pops series include The Imperials with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on July 1; Chuck Mangione on July 2; the Fourth Marine Division Band with the Dallas Symphony in a Sousa celebration on July 4; Chubby Checker on July 8; Merle Haggard on July 9; Kenny Loggins on July 15; Amy Grant with the orchestra on July 16; Peter, Paul and Mary with the orchestra on July 22; Don Williams with the orchestra on July 23; Spyro Gyra on July 24; and the Beach Boys with the orchestra on July 29 & 30. All concerts are at 8:15 pm at Park Central, LBJ at Coit Road. Tickets $20 for box seats; $10 for lawn admission; children under 12 free. 692-0203.

Starfest Discovery Series. The new summer classical series continues on July 7 with pianist Panayis Lyras performing Hummel’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus 85, with conductor Christian Tiemeyer in a concert also featuring Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 3, Barber’s Capricorn Concerto and Schubert’s Symphony No. 2 in B flat major. Eduardo Mata conducts a program July 14 featuring Ginastera’s Third String Quartet, Falla’s Harpsichord Concerto in D major (piano version) and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 in E flat with soloist Joaquin Soriano. Choral and chamber music highlight the next week’s concerts, with Gabrieli’s Can-zoni, Poulenc’s Sextet, Bach’s Peasant Cantata and William Schuman’s Baseball Cantata, conducted by Ronald Shirey and featuring the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chorus, July 21. Kirk Trevor conducts the final concert of the series July 28, featuring a Symphony by Boyce, Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro, Jacob’s Horn Concerto (with soloist Greg Hustis), Rodrigo’s “Fantasia para un Gentilhombre” (with guitarist Elliot Fisk) and Copland’s Music for the Theatre. All concerts at 8:15 pm at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Tickets $12-$5. 692-0203.

Voices of Change. Dallas’ chamber ensemble specializing in new music presents a special Discovery Series concert co-sponsored by the Dallas Symphony and featuring Druckman’s Animus III for clarinet and tape, Rodriguez’s “Canto,” Erb’s “Quintet” and Davies’ “Eight Songs for a Mad King.” July 25 at 8:15 pm at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Free for Discovery Series subscribers; call for individual ticket prices. 692-0203.



FILM



Dallas Public Library. The series “African Shoot: The Nature Films of Alan Root” continues each Wednesday through July. July 6: “Castles of Clay” -the story of the African termite, which builds towering clay mounds in which to house its colonies. July 13: “Mzima: Portrait of a Spring”-this film docu-

ments life around Mzima, an oasis in Kenya, and il-lustrates the interdependence of the animals living there. July 20: “Mzima: Portrait of a Spring,” part two. July 27: “The Year of the Wildebeest”-a film record of the annual 2.000-mile migration of one million wildebeests in Kenya. Showings are at 12:10 pm at the Central Public Library. 1515 Young. 749-4478.

Granada Theatre. Ju/y 1: “Cabaret” at 7:15 pm and “All That Jazz” at 9:45 pm. July 2: “All New Three Stooges” at 2, 3:45, 5:30, 7:15 & 9 pm. July 3-4: “Napoleon” at 2:45 & 7:15 pm. July 5: “Between the Lines” at 7:15 pm and “Chilly Scenes of Winter” at 9:15 pm. July 6: “L’Etat Sauvage” (premiere) at 7:15 pm and “Routes du Sud” at 9:30 pm. July 7: “Pat and Mike” at 7:15 pm and “Adam’s Rib” at 9:15pm. July 8: “Network” at 7:15 pm and “The King of Comedy” at 9:30 pm. July 9: “Annie Hall” at 2. 5:30 & 9 pm and “Sleeper” at 3:45 & 7:15 pm. July 10: “The Pirates of Penzance” at 2:45, 5. 7:15 & 9:30 pm. July 11: “Chinatown” at 7:15 pm and “Chan is Missing” at 9:45 pm. July 12: “The Hospital” at 7:15 pm and “M*A*S*H” at 9:15 pm. July 13: “Putain D’Histoire D’Amour” (premiere) at 7:15 pm and “Une Jeunesse” (premiere) at 9:15 pm. July 14: “Bongo Man” (premiere) at 7:15 & 9 pm. July 15: “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T” at 7:15 pm and “Pink Flamingos” at 9 pm July 16: “King of Hearts” at 1:30, 5:15 & 9 pm and “Harold and Maude” at 3:30 & 7:15 pm. July 17 & 18: “Muddy River” (premiere) at 7:15 & 9:15 pm (Sun matinees at 1:15. 3:15 & 5:15). July 19: “Breaking Away” at 7:15 pm and “Pink Flamingos” at 9 pm. July 20: “Les Bronzes Font du Ski ” (premiere) at 7:15 pm and “Je Vous Aime” (premiere) at 9 pm. July 21: “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” at 7:15 pm and “The General” at 8:45 pm. July 22: “Freaks” at 7:15 & 10:15 pm and “Eraserhead” at 8:30 pm. July 23: “Atlantic City” at 2:45 & 7 pm and “My Dinner With Andre” at 4:45 & 9 pm. July 24: “The Dark Crystal” at 1:45, 5:30 & 9:15 pm and “The Thief of Baghdad” at 3:30 & 7:15 pm. July 25: “Rude Boy” at 7:15 pm and “Brimstone and Treacle” at 9:45 pm. July 26: “Cries and Whispers” at 7:15 pm and “Persona” at 9:15 pm. July 27: “Les Petits Calins” at 7:15 pm (premiere) and “Eaux Profondes” (premiere) at 9:15 pm. July 28: “Foreign Correspondent” at 7:15 pm and “The Year of Living Dangerously” at 9:30 pm. July 29: “Girl Friends” at 7:15 pm and “Personal Best” at 9 pm. July 30: “My Favorite Year” at 1:15, 5:30 & 9:45 pm and “Victor/Victoria” at 3 & 7:15 pm. July 31: “Breaker Morant” at 1:15. 5:15 & 9:15 pm and “My Brilliant Career” at 3:15 & 7:15 pm. Showings are at the Granada Theatre. 3524 Greenville. Tickets $3.50; $4 for special engagements: $2 for children. 823-9610.

University of Texas at Dallas. July 1, 7:30 & 9 pm: “Public Enemy”-James Cagney and Jean Harlow star in a delightful gangster film about Prohibition-era bootlegging. July 6, 7:30 pm: “Judgment at Nuremburg”-this powerful film about the Nazi war crime trials in Nuremburg stars Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Judy Garland and Montgomery Clift. July 8: “Waltz of the Toreadors”-Peter Sellers stars in a whimsical tale of a crusty retired general and his ever-present, ever-elusive love. July 13: “Hobson’s Choice”-the story of a spinster who picks out a shy young man and literally drags him to the altar. July 15: “The Innocent”-a governess becomes enmeshed in an eerie household where two young children appear to be possessed by ghosts. July 20, 7:30 & 9:50 pm: “Mrs. Miniver”-Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon star in the Academy Award-winning movie about the British and their courage as World War II crept closer to home. July 22: “The Maltese Falcon”-John Huston’s classic private-eye film stars Humphrey Bogart. July 27: A documentary double feature includes “Nanook of the North,” which chronicles the life of the Eskimo around 1920, at 7:30 pm, and “The Row That Broke the Plain,” a timeless study of humanity’s abuse of the environment, at 8:40 pm. July 29, 7:30 & 9:45 pm: “Tom Jones”-Albert Finney stars as a rambunctious country boy who wenches and wins his way through 18th-century British life. Showings are at 7:30 & 9:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Polykarp Kusch Auditorium (formerly Founders North Auditorium), UTD campus, Richardson. Tickets $2; $1 for persons under 18 or 65 and older. 690-2945.



ENLIGHTENMENT



SEMINARS, EVENTS, ETC.

Coors Fourth of July Celebration. Willow Distributors sponsors a Fourth of July show featuring the Fourth Marine Aircraft Wing Band, a parachutist exhibition and a jet air show in addition to the 20-minute fireworks display. Spectators are urged to bring chairs or blankets and a picnic supper, since no food or drink will be served. The festivities last from 7:30 to 10 pm at the Trinity River bottom near the Commerce-Industrial intersection. 426-5636.

The Dallas Institute. “The Working Imagination of the Artist” seminar series demonstrates, displays and discusses the working imaginations of Dallas artists. The final seminar in the series presents builder Harvey Phillips in a free seminar led by Mary Vernon, July 6 at 7:30 pm. The Dallas Institute, 2719 Routh. 698-9090.

The Dallas Zoo. “Zooper Tours ” gives adults and children over 15 a look at little-known features of the Dallas Zoo, including behind-the-scenes walks and a visit with an animal and a zookeeper. Tickets $8 per tour; zoo admission $2 for adults; $1.25 for children 6-11; children under 6 free. The Dallas Zoo, East Clarendon Drive. Daily 9-6. 670-4100.

Fort Worth Independence Day Fireworks Show. The sixth annual free fireworks display sponsored by Continental National Bank and the “Fort Worth Star-Telegram” will be July 4 at 9:15 pm at Fort Worth’s Heritage Park, north of downtown Fort Worth (between Main and Henderson streets on the Trinity River bank). Spectators are urged to bring their own refreshments, since no food or drink will be sold. 429-0348.

Miss Texas Pageant. More than 70 women from around the state compete July 5-9 for the Miss Texas crown and the chance to become Miss America. Preliminary competition is July 5-8; final competition is July 9. Pageant begins at 8 pm each night at Tar-rant County Convention Center Theater, Fort Worth. Individual tickets $8 & $9 Sat; $6.50-$7 Fri; $6 Tue-Thur; series tickets $30. Individual tickets available at Ticketron outlets and during pageant week at the Tarrant County Convention Center box office. (817) 265-0789.



SPORTS



Texas Rangers. Arlington Stadium, Arlington. Tickets $8.50-S3.50, $2 for children 13 and under, at Arlington Stadium, Sears stores, Preston Tickets (Dallas), Central Tickets (Fort Worth), Sun Rexall (Richardson), North Star Pharmacy (Garland). All games start at 7:35 pm. (817) 273-5100.

July 11-13 vs. Milwaukee

21-24 vs. Toronto

25-27 vs. New York



NIGHTLIFE



Abernathy’s. This is one of the first fern bars in Fort Worth. Consistently good burgers, nachos and salads, as well as just-right drinks, keep the TCU and young business crowds satisfied. (2859 W Berry, Fort Worth. (817) 9230941. Mon-Thur 11 am-mid-night, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am. MC, V.)

Andrew’s. The decor here is Scottish pub with lots of brick, and the service is efficient. The drink menu is larger than the food menu (great for liquid diets), with specialties ranging from hot coffee drinks to tutti-frutti tropical knockouts. (330) McKinney, 521-6535; and 14930 Midway, 385-1613. Daily: 11:15 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 2-7 pm, daily 11 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Arthur’s. The bar at Arthur’s is definitely not a Dudley Moore/”Arthur”-type hangout. It’s classy, yes, but it caters to a very subdued, mostly over-30 crowd. Have a few drinks and talk yourself into staying for an exquisite meal. (8350 N Central Expwy. 361-8833. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am, Sun 6 pm-midnight. All credit cards.)

Balboa Café. This relaxing, dark fern bar offers good drinks, expeditious service and moderate crowds. The menu consists of reasonably priced and filling sandwiches, burgers, salads, and smooth guacamole and chips. The Greenville Avenue location has a patio for balmy nights but only a small bar. (3604 Oak Lawn, 521-1068; and 7015 Greenville. Suite 300, 369-7027. Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm. All credit cards.)

Bella Starr. If denim Levi’s originated in the Old West, designer cowboy jeans may have originated at Belle Starr-the New West. But Belle Starr isn’t too slick: The semi-urban cowboys and cowgirls who polka and two-step on Belle’s large dance floor certainly know Hank Williams when they hear him. (7724 N Central Expwy near Southwestern. 750-4787. Mon-Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Biff’s. When you look out Biff’s windows through the lush wooded greenery of Old Vickery Park, even the snarled traffic on Greenville Avenue somehow seems peaceful. The combination nachos here are a civic treasure, but the drinks are average. (7402 Greenville. 696-1952 Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Billy Bob’s Texas. It was only a matter of time before someone built a country/western nightclub bigger than Gilleys. Billed as the world’s largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob’s has 42 bar stations, six shops, two restaurants, a seating capacity of 6,000, real cowboys riding real bulls in a stockyard arena and some of the biggest names in country music. (2520 N Commerce, Fort Worth. (817) 625-6491. Mon-Sat 10 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Café Dallas. This place is overflowing with eager, young (well, maybe not quite so young) swingles in all shapes and sizes Anything is in here; as long as you act as if you belong, you will. If you like to dance (anything from disco to New Wave to rock) and don’t mind a few indecent proposals, Cafe Dallas is the place for you. (5500 Greenville. 987-0066. Mon-Thur 3 pm-2 am, Sat 7 pm-3 am. Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 3-9 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Calm Eddy’s. If the humor goes out of routine bar hopping, hop on over to Calm Eddy’s in the rebudding Deep Ellum district near downtown. This innovative comedy club features a comedy show a la “Saturday Night Live” performed by the house troupe, the Pezz, and live jazz performed by Palladium every Friday and Saturday night. Call for information about other weekly performers. (2612 Commerce. 747-1131. Tue-Thur 7-11 pm, Fri & Sal 8 pm-midnight. No credit cards.)

Cardinal Puff’s. Mostly we love the atmosphere here: open rooms filled with gentle breezes, plants, garden furniture and an occasional wandering cat. The large beer garden is great for conversation and relaxation. (4615 Greenville. 369-1969. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-7 pm. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Chelsea Comer. Almost hidden at the intersection of Monticello and McKinney, Chelsea Corner offers the fun food and drinks of upper Greenville Avenue in a casual atmosphere more akin to lower Greenville Avenue-without being either. The well drinks are potent and reasonably priced, and the special drinks (such as the frozen Tumbleweed and the Scarlet Fever) are truly luscious. (4830 McKinney. 522-3501. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am, Sat & Sun noon-2 am; Sun brunch: noon-3. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Comedy Corner. This isn’t such a bad place to catch semi-big-name comedy acts. Comedians in their own right fill the audience, while comedy performers of varying quality lake the stage tor short sets of stand-up humor. (8202 Park Lane at Greenville. 361-7461 Sets begin Tue-Thur & Sun at 9 pm:Fri & Sat at 8:45 & 10:45 pm; Tue amateur night. Happy hour: Tue-Sun 7-8:30 pm. Reservations recommended Wed-Sat. MC, V, AE.)

Confetti. One man’s clutter is another man’s eclectic, and this is possibly the most eclectic bar in Dallas. Dangling bicycles, zigzag neon and poster-plastered walls expose a theme bar that couldn’t decide on a theme. If you can dig your way through the crowd, you’ll discover two flashy dance floors, several well-manned bars-maybe even Mr. or Ms. Right. Music varies from Fifties doo-wa to Eighties do-whatever. (5201 Matilda off Lovers Lane. 369-6969. Mon-Thur 4:30 pm-2 am. Fri 4:30 pm-4 am, Sat 7 pm-4 am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Weekend cover $3. All credit cards.)

Dave & Buster’s. “There’s nothing quite like it” is Dave& Buster’s slogan, and they’re not kidding. The place is enormous, but the brass and dark wood decor adds a degree of sophistication. Head for the umpteen pool tables lining the walls or try shuffleboard, darts, Penté or backgammon; or just sip a cool one at the large bar on the main floor. Champagne brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays. (2710 Electronic, near Walnut Hill at Stemmons Frwy. 3530620. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am; Sun noon-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-7 pm. All credit cards.)

The Den. Located in the Stoneleigh Hotel, this is the essence of what a bar used to be: very small, very dark and very red, with very strong drinks. We like it a lot. (2927 Maple. 742-7111. Mon-Sat 11 am-mid-night. Sun noon-midnight. All credit cards.)

Diamond Jim’s. What a great place to get picked up! It’s not too pretentious, it’s not overdone and it has the essential country/western elements to offer its patrons: pseudo-Western surroundings, lots of floor space for two-stepping or swing dancing and oodles of available singles. We especially like the windowsills that line one wall; they’re perfect perches for people-watching. (5601 Greenville. 691-2411 Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm. MC, V. AE.)

EastSide. This place has all the right hi-tech elements-black-and-white tile, vases filled with gladiolas, avant-garde art on the walls-but somehow EastSide seems passé. Even after savoring several strong drinks, it’s difficult to loosen up and feel at ease here. Part of the problem seems to be that there is just too much space. But the drinks are good, the fried zucchini is top-notch and the jukebox is truly eclectic. (7035 Greenville. 987-0559. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Eight-O. This still gets our vote for the most original bar in town. The sanitarium-green walls don’t seem quite as shocking now as when Eight-O first opened its New Wave doors more than two years ago, but the atmosphere is still spirited; the clientele, fascinating; and the jukebox, bitchin’ (The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh, Suite 247. 871-1180. Mon-Sat 11:30am-2 am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Live jazz at lunch Wed-Sat. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

élan. Since Dallas’ original beautiful-people bar underwent a bit of cosmetic surgery and reopened- completely remodeled-in early March, its mood has changed a bit. The word is smooth, elan still glitters (now with a tad more of the hi-tech look) but it’s quieter, more sophisticated and generally less showy-for-the-sake-of-being-showy. The happy-hour spread of cheeses is irresistible, and the crowd is equally sharp. (5111 Greenville. 692-9855. Tue-Fri 4:30 pm-2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am. Closed Sun & Mon. Happy hour: Tue-Fri 4:30-8 pm. All credit cards.)

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. Free dance lessons are offered. (4930 Military Pkwy. 349-0390. Wed 8:45 pm-12:15 am, Fri 9 pm-12:30 am & the first Sat of each month 9 pm-1 am. No credit cards.)

Greenville Avenue Country Club. Take one step inside the door of this low-key, easygoing place, and the name “country club” takes on a new meaning. Drinks are served inside the “clubhouse.” where the surroundings are warm and comfortable. At this country club, though, the only big shots are the ones poured into your glass. (3619 Greenville. 826-5650. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. MC. V, AE.)

Greenville Bar & Grill. Dallas’ oldest bar-or so the ownets claim-has alleviated the overcrowding somewhat with the opening of a quieter adjoining room. You may be more comfortable in the annex, especially if you want to carry on a conversation, but the real GB&G is still out in the boisterous main room. The drinks are straight-up and strong, and the entertainment is eccentric and erratic. (2821 Greenville. 823-6691. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am. Sun noon- 2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. AE.)

Ground Zero. Sixties go-go gone New Wave ga-ga. “Dallas’ first nuclear bar” features live bands nightly, plenty of parquet and oh, yeah a dancing girl in a cage. (6844 Twin Hills, one block south of Park Lane. 363-0167. Daily: 8 pm-2 am. Cover varies. MC, V. AE.)

Hippopotamus. Far from the bright lights of Greenville Avenue, tucked in the beautifully renovated Bradford Hotel, Hippopotamus offers a dark, soothing atmosphere and a New York-style piano bar. The large picture window looks out on the shimmering Hyatt Regency and the occasional passing strollers who-by Hippopotamus’ standards-are moving too fast. (302 S Houston at Jackson. 761-9090. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 4 pm-midnight. Pianist: Mon-Fri 8 pm-midnight; happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards.)

The Hop. The Hop, a longtime Fort Worth institution, has pizza, spaghetti and all kinds of music, from rock to jazz to the country/folk sound of songwriters B.W. Stevenson and Steve Fromholz. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. (2905 W Berry, Fort Worth. (817) 923-7281. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 4 pm-1 am. Happy hour: daily 2-7 pm, all day Wed, Sun 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Hot Klub. Dallas’ premier punk rock showplace is, in a word, authentic. The Hot Klub features the best New Wave bands in Texas as well as groups from all across the country. The atmosphere well, there is no atmosphere, except for the music and the crowd, which can be an unruly-dare we say rough? -bunch of serious rockers. (4350 Maple. 526-9432.)

Joe Miller’s. A perfect late-afternoon bar for friendly conversation-easy on the background music, soft on the lights and hard on the sledgehammer drinks that, along with the media crowd, have helped build Joe’s substantial reputation. But watch that third drink. (3537 McKinney. 521-2261. Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sat 5 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Knox Street Pub. Over the years, this neighborhood bar has worn very, very well. It’s a slice of the Sixties (it’s popular with Woodstock veterans and the work-shirt-and-jeans set), but it attracts other folks as well. Knox Street has its cadre of regulars, but there’s no cliquish spirit here. The menu is limited, but the fare is reasonably priced and substantial. (3230 Knox. 526-9476. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 4 pm-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. Sun all day. No credit cards.)

La Cave. Ah. a place for lovers, for discussion and for good wine. This small, chic wine shop/bar has a walk-in wine cellar with a fine collection of foreign and domestic wines. A few dinner entrees are offered, but we suggest sticking to the cheese and to the nut and fruit trays. (2926 N Henderson. 826-2190. Wine shop: Mon-Thur 10 am-11 pm, Fri 10 am-11:30 pm, Sat noon-11:30 pm. Bistro: Mon-Thur 10 am-2 pm & 5:30-11 pm, Fri 10 am-2 pm & 5:30-11:30 pm, Sat noon-11:30 pm. All credit cards.)

Lakewood Yacht Club. The Yacht Club is a well-deserved reward for those families-be they blood-related or not-who have stuck together long enough to learn to enjoy each other and to get past the door of this 21-and-over, self-proclaimed “family tavern and neighborhood gathering place.” The drinks, which include some interesting specialties, are to be taken seriously, and the food is better than you’d expect for a place where the atmosphere alone would be enough. (2009 Abrams. 824-1390. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat & Sun noon-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Les Saisons. A far cry from the typical fern racks of Greenville Avenue and the hi-tech of Oak Lawn, Les Saisons is a quiet haven for grown-ups. This is a place for smooth, elegant drinks and music that can be savored or left as a backdrop for conversation. The view from the bar isn’t as spectacular as that from the restaurant, but the surroundings are attractive and comfortable. (165 Turtle Creek Village, Oak Lawn at Blackburn. 528-1102. Daily 11:30 am-1:30 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards.)

Longhorn Ballroom. So what if it’s crowded and smoky, the cover’s too high and the tourists are too many? This is Bob Wills’ Longhorn Ballroom, the place for kicker dancin’. beer drinkin’ and hell raisin’. You’ll fit in whether you can dance or not, but you might as well plan on coming home with bruised toe-nails (those rhinestone cowboys can be real oafs). No one should live in Dallas without going to the Longhorn at least once: It’s a Texas tradition. (216 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128. Wed-Sun 7 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

The Lounge. This semi-art deco, semi-hi-tech retreat sits in the lobby of the Inwood Theatre, separated from the movies and the moviegoers by walls of water and its own outside door. But the Lounge is sans ceiling, allowing patrons to share the view of the ocean-motif mural that floats high above the theater lobby. This is a wonderful place to discuss films at great length. (5460 W Lovers Lane. 350-7834. Sun-Wed 5 pm-1 am, Thur-Sat 5 pm-2 am. AE.)

Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margaritas are your passion, Mariano’s is the place for you. The problem is that every other nacho/frozen margarita lover in town will have beaten you here. The bar is small and crowded, and a mariachi band is usually blaring “El Rancho Grande” and other favorites to make your visit truly a Tex-Mex experience. (5500 Greenville. 691-3888. Mon-Thur 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-10 pm. Happy hour: Mon-Sat 11 am-7 pm, Sun noon-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Nick’s Uptown. Behind the dark windows at Nick’s you’ll find what is perhaps the finest musical club in Texas. The musicians-usually jazz or rock ’n’ roll -come from near and far and are frequently big-name. Buying a ticket, however, doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a seat-it’s sometimes standing room only. But the fans just keep coming back. (3606 Greenville. 827-0561. Daily: 8 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Nostromo. Before venturing to Nostromo, it is advisable to have one or all of the following: (1) the looks of a New York model. (2) the clothes of a New York designer. (3) the blase countenance of a New York socialite, or (4) an entourage. If the above applies, welcome to Nostromo. If not. good luck getting in without a lengthy wait (if at all), especially on Thursdays and weekends. Nostromo offers the jet set and the would-be jet set strong drinks, good service and a stark, well-lit place to spread their feathers. (4575 Travis. 528-8880. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended. Jackets required for men alter 8 pm. MC, V, AE.)

On the Air. Video addicts, rejoice! Death to conversationalists! Here you can sip your favorite drink and gawk at both the New Wave videos and the back of your companion who has twisted around in his seat to see the big screen, too. The late-night Thai snacks-namely the egg rolls and the stuffed chicken wings-are a giant step above bland bar eats, but don’t order the rubbery spicy noodles. You’ll have a painful need for water long before you’ll get it. (2114 Greenville. 821-4563. Mon-Wed 7 pm-3 am, Thur-Sat 7 pm-5 am. No credit cards. Personal checks accepted.)

Packard’s. This new dance club in Old Town shopping center gave Confetti-goers a place to go when the line there was too long. But now the Packard’s line is just as long, so take your pick-both bars are flashy, large and swingles-soaked. Packard’s features a wide, open dance floor, lots of fluorescent colors and pop music mixed with Fifties and Sixties tunes. (5500 Greenville. Suite 403. 361-9517. Mon-Thur 4:30 pm-2 am, Fri 4:30 pm-3 am, Sat 7 pm-3 am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Weekend cover: $2. MC, V, AE.)

The Palm Bar. This is a beautiful place for downtown workers to have an extended series of drinks. As hotel bars go. it is the most upscale in Dallas. Although you can’t reach the bar through the hotel, a walk through the Adolphus is worth the excursion; or if you prefer open spaces, have a drink in the lobby. (Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce. 742-8200. Mon-Fri 11 am-7 pm. All credit cards.)

Peabody’s. Big bars, we’ve come to realize, are usually loud and impersonal. And institutional drinking leaves a patron feeling like little more than another Miller Lite along the wall or a faceless Seven and Seven at table 33. Peabody’s, while fairly roomy, is not of that genre. We spent a lengthy “working lunch” chatting to our heart’s content at a corner table with our papers spread across the top. The friendly, well-paced service never faltered with our ice-cold beers, and we suspect that the comfortable couches and tables yield this same relaxing ambiance in the evening as well. (4216 Oak Lawn. 559-3160. Mon-Wed 11 am-midnight, Thur-Sat 11 am-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Piaf’s. It used to be so easy to get a table at Piaf’s. Now there’s more of a crowd at this Californiaesque bar/restaurant, but so it goes with a good thing. The crowd is varied and lively, as are the food and drinks. Best of all, Piaf’s remains casual, comfortable and fairly quiet. (4527 Travis. 526-3730. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun 11:30 am-midnight. Sun brunch: 11:30-3. Happy hour: Mon-Sat 4-7 pm & 10-midnight, Sun all day. All credit cards.)

Poor David’s Pub. After considerable deliberation, Poor David finally did it: He moved his hole-in-the-wall folk music establishment from its longtime McKinney Avenue location to the lights of lower (lowest?) Greenville. But he didn’t leave behind his commitment to solid live music. Kerrville Folk Festival regulars, including legendary folk singers Odetta and Tom Paxton, appear often, and country folk rockers Steve Fromholz, Shake Russell and John Vandiver are regular performers. Gone, however, is the coffeehouse look of mismatched tables and dinette chairs, but the new version still retains much of Poor David’s old flair. (1924 Greenville. 821-9891. Mon & Wed-Sat noon-2 am, Sun & Tue closed. No credit cards.)

Popsicle Toes. The name may be a bit odd (taken from a Michael Franks tune), but this place has great jazz/funk and an enjoyable, casual, cosmopolitan clientele. We’ve never been to a Dallas bar that is so comfortably integrated or felt so at home on a first visit just sitting and listening to the music. Regulars such as Phyrework and Buster Brown seem able to do it all-from jazz to rock to country. (5627 Dyer. 368-9706. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Fri 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

The Quiet Man. This is the quintessential neighborhood bar, defined as one of those places you go to only if you’re meeting some buddies to quaff some brews and swap some stories. A lone stranger here sticks out like a Ralph Lauren shirt. The Quiet Man lost some of its beer garden out front when Knox Street was widened a few years ago. but that just means that the regulars have to squeeze a bit closer together. (3120 Knox. 526-6180. Tue-Sat noon-2 am, Sun & Mon 4 pm-midnight. No credit cards.)

The Railhead. Quality entertainment with no cover charge is the drawing card here. It’s a rarity that almost overcomes the club’s major irritations: You can’t run a cash tab during happy hour, the drinks are only so-so and the waiters and waitresses sometimes wait too long between visits to your table. (6979 Twin Hills. 369-8700. Sun & Mon 5 pm.1 am, Tue-Sat 5 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 pm. MC, V, AE, DC.)

San Francisco Rose. When you’re relaxing at San Francisco Rose, it’s easy to feel as if you’re in someone’s living room rather than in a lower Greenville Avenue bar. Seating consists of cozy groupings of easy chairs and overstuffed Victorian sofas. Whether you’re alone or with a group, this arrangement lends itself to the cause. If, however, you’re looking for a place for an intimate conversation for two, you may be out of luck here. (3024 Greenville. 826-2020. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards.)

St. Martin’s. St. Martin’s has been among our favorite romantic nightspots for a long time. We don’t know of another place in town with such unassuming class, good service, pleasant classical music and an intelligent selection of wines. (3020 Greenville. 826-0940. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-3; dinner: Mon-Thur 5-11: Fri 5 pm-1 am; Sat 11 am-1 am; Sun brunch: 11:30-3. MC, AE, DC.)

Stoneleigh P. This is an artist’s bar. And a businessman’s bar. And a construction worker’s bar. And a housewife’s night-out-on-the-town bar. And just about anyone’s bar. There are no pretenses here, just a lot of open space with room to “do your own thing.” There’s a great jukebox, a varied selection of magazines and always an interesting assortment of people. (2926 Maple. 741-0824. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. AE.)

Strictly TaBu. A recent return to the TaBu confirms our faith in one of Dallas’ best jazz bars, not just for the jazz-which is varied and lively-but for the easy, unpretentious atmosphere. We like the dining area in the back, where pizza and pasta are the highlights. This is the perfect place for a late-night rendezvous with an intimate admirer or an old friend. (4111 Lomo Alto. 522-8101. Live music Thur-Sun at 9:30 pm. Food served Sun-Thur 6 pm-midnight, Fri & Sat 6 pm-1 am. Bar open Tue-Sat till 2 am. Sun & Mon till 1 am. All credit cards.)

Studebaker’s. This is the latest in nostalgic dance bars with car themes. studebaker s disc jockey emphasizes hits from the Fabulous Fifties (the club doesn’t play any music recorded after 1969). It all makes for a boppin’ good time. (8788 N Central Expwy in NorthPark East. 696-2475. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 4 pm-2 am. Dress code. Cover varies. MC, V, AE.)

Tango. If you can’t S.U.A.D., don’t Tango. S.U.A.D. is Tango-lingo for Shut Up And Dance, and S.U.A.D. is what Tango is all about. Tango used to be a bank building before Shannon Wynne converted it into a labyrinthian shrine to dancing: There’s a cavernous two-story room dedicated to live music, another room with a large fenced-in dance floor and recorded music, a video arcade (in the old bank vault) and a video “lounge ’ filled with lots of zap food (Tango-lingo for fast food), a microwave oven and 23 TVs, all playing the same rock videos. The music’s loud, the rooms are dark and the crowd’s as diverse as the bands that are booked here. Dallas has never seen the likes of Tango, and its time is long overdue. (1827 Greenville. 821-5800; box office 824-1101. Sun-Wed 7 pm-2 am. Thur-Sat 7 pm-4 am. Closed Mon. MC, V, AE.) The White Elephant Saloon. In 1887. Luke Short, then the owner of the White Elephant, shot it out with a former U.S. marshal. Now the Elephant has country/western music six nights a week and a lot of tourists trying desperately to learn the two-step on a small dance floor. (106 E Exchange, Fort Worth. (817) 624-1887. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE.)

The Wine Press. This is the perfect place to go on a chilly, damp winter night or a balmy, starlit summer evening-those times when you’re looking for romance, intimacy and spirits. The Wine Press is decorated with wine bottles from floor to ceiling on almost every wall. The atmosphere is low-key and elegantly casual, the service is friendly but not hovering and the wine selection is extensive, to say the least. (4217 Oak Lawn. 522-8720. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. All credit cards.)

Zanzibar Dell. A fresh face on the burger-spattered strip of lower Greenville Avenue, Zanzibar offers drinks and good deli food in a colorful cafe setting. The decor-neon, glass bricks and pink and green walls-is odd enough to work. (29/2 Greenville. 828-2250. Sun 10 am-midnight. Mon-Thur 11:30 am-2am. Fri&Sat 11:30am-4am. Sun brunch: 11-3. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. AE.)