September Events OPENERS

THE PRINTS OF PICASSO

More than 250 prints by Pablo Picasso, borrowed from the collection of the artist’s granddaughter, will go on exhibit September 11 at the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. Picasso, who seems destined to go down in history as the painter of the 20th century, was also one of the greatest printmakers of all times. And yet Picasso the Printmaker: Graphics from the Marina Picasso Collection is the first exhibit in years to focus on the artist’s printmak-ing. It is also the last exhibit to be held in the old Fair Park building before the Dallas museum moves downtown.

Organized by DMFA assistant director Dr. Steven Nash, the show surveys the artist’s entire career. Brigitte Baer, an authority on Picasso prints, is chief curator of the exhibit.

Picasso’s prints reflect his constant experimentation with style and technique. This restlessness extended even to individual works. Several prints in the exhibit arc represented in more than one state so the viewer can trace the artist’s hand as he worked and reworked a plate, refining and clarifying his original ideas.

Picasso frequently used his prints to explore themes that would also appear in his paintings and sculpture, but, as this exhibit demonstrates, the prints are a major body of art by themselves. If he had produced nothing else, he might still be remembered as a print-maker worthy of the tradition of Dürer and Rembrandt. Through October 30 at the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Fair Park. Free. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. 421-4188.

-Ken Barrow

CONTEMPORARY THEATRICS

While the Hip Pocket Theatre is performing at the Edinburgh Festival, London’s Royal Festival Hall and elsewhere, its home Oak Acres amphitheater continues to present startling and original entertainment by hosting New York’s premier avant-garde company. The Talking Band. With their roots in Joseph Chaikin’s legendary Open Theatre of the Sixties, Paul Zimet and his collaborators search for ways to join the meaning and the music of the spoken word, developing a contemporary form of staging that is uniquely expressive. The players are both minstrels and actors; the performances are somewhere between cantatas and plays.

The subject of Soft Targets, September’s performance piece, is the threat of nuclear destruction (“soft targets” being people and other things that an atomic blast will vaporize). Written and developed by Ben Maddow and the company. Soft Targets was well received at New York’s trailblazing LaMama Experimental Theatre, the center of American avant-garde staging.

This is a can’t-miss event for anyone interested in the cutting edge of contemporary theater. September 2-11 at the Hip Pocket Theatre’s outdoor performance space. Oak Acres Barbecue, 1620 Las Vegas Trail North at Loop 820 North, Fort Worth. Fri-Sun at 9 p.m. (dinner available from 7 to 9 p.m.). Tickets $5; $4 for students and persons over 65; $3 for children under 12. (817) 246-1269.

-Patrick Kelly



A SYMPHONY OF JAZZ



Legendary jazz instrumentalist and avant-garde composer Ornette Coleman comes home to Fort Worth this month for the world premiere of the uncut version of his jazz symphony, Skies of America.

A monumental attempt to reconcile jazz and classical music. Skies of America has been performed with instrumental cuts at the Newport Jazz Festival. It was also recorded in an abridged version by the London Symphony Orchestra during the early Seventies. The Fort Worth performance of the complete score celebrates the opening of Caravan of Dreams, a jazz club and performing arts center in downtown Fort Worth.

Coleman will participate in the concert as a saxophonist and trumpeter in the jazz ensemble. He will be joined onstage by the full Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of John Giordano. September 29 at 8 p.m. at Tar-rant County Convention Center Theatre, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. Tickets $15- $4. Metro 429-1181.

-Wayne Lee Gay

D’s Openers include this month’s theater, music, film, sports, art, dance, enlightenment and recreation events, as well as a list of some of the top 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 addressed to the Openers editor. They must be received at least 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 cards are accepted.



ART



Andrea Rosenberg. A larger scale and colors that are more vibrant mark the latest work of this Dallas artist, who folds, dyes and draws on sheets of fine handmade paper. Carol Taylor, Art, 2508 Cedar Springs. Sept 10-Oct 8. Tue-Sat 10-5, Mon by appointment. 745-1923.

Klpton Kumler. Working in the print tradition, Kumler infuses his landscape photographs and studies of architectural and plant forms with a crisp, silvery beauty. The Afterimage, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Suite 151 Sept 6-Oct29 Mon-Sat 10-5:30. 748-2521.

Laurence Scholder. The striking black-and-white prints of this Dallas artist, teacher and master print-maker employ juxtaposed images found in newspapers and magazines to probe unexpected resemblances and relationships. Meadows Gallery. Owen Arts Center, SMU Through Sept 25. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.692-2516.

John F. Peto. A master of 19th-century American still-life painting. Peto specialized in trompe I’oeil. works in which everyday objects appear so realistic that the viewer is tempted to reach for the canvas. Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Through Sept 18. Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.

Fabergé. Some 120 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 Oct2. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.(817)332-8451.

Wealth of the Ancient World. Over the past several years. Nelson Bunker Hunt and William Herbert Hunt have quietly assembled this extraordinary collection of Roman and Greek ceramics, small bronzes and coins. Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Through Sept 18 Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451

Jesus Bautlsta Morales. Working in multicolored granite. Moroles grinds, slices and polishes stone into abstract forms that suggest fossils and geological strata. The show is paired with an exhibit of prints by David Salle and Julian Schnabel. two of the current enfants terribles of the New York art scene. Mattingly Baker Gallery. 3000 McKinney. Through Sept 9. Tue-Fri 10-6. Sat 11-5. 526-0031.

Clyde Connell. Now in her 80s. Connell is as original and vigorous as ever, creating totems and towers that seem to have emerged from the primeval swamps surrounding her Lake Bistmeau. Louisiana, home. Delahunty Gallery. 2701 Canton. Sept 10-Oct 5 Tue-Sat 10-5. 744-1346.

The Zoo Show. Some 30 Texas artists have donated works -mostly about animals-to this benefit exhibit for the Dallas Zoo and its Species Survival Program. Clifford Gallery, 6610 Snider Plaza. Sept 10-Oct 1. Tue-Sat 10-5:30 363-8223.



Scott Burton Chairs



When is a chair not a chair? When it’s a piece of sculpture. Working in bronze, aluminum, acrylic plastic-even in lava rock-Scott Burton has created a dozen works that probe the meaning and metaphor latent in ordinary furniture. The ubiquitous lawn chair, for example, is found to bear a strong resemblance to the human anatomy it is designed to support, with its own arms, legs-even elbows and ankles. Other chairs seem Buck Rogers-futuristic or eerily ethereal. In the Scott Burton Chairs exhibit, the artist’s well-made objects are marked by clarity, an opulent finish and a sophisticated sense of wit and art history. Fort Worth Art Museum, West Iancaster at Montgomery, Fort Worth. Sept 24-Nov 6. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 738- 9215.



THEATER



5th of July. Writing like an Ozark Chekhov, Lanford Wilson in “5th of July” brings together three generations of his beloved Talley clan (who were featured in “Talley’s Folly” and “A Tale Told”) for an Independence Day celebration at the homestead outside of Lebanon, Missouri. Wilson is a very appealing playwright, and this gentle, comfortably dilapidated comedy is his best work yet. Sept 7-Oct 8 at Stage West. 821 W Vickery. Fort Worth. Wed & Thur at 8 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. Sun matinee (Sept 25 only) at 3 pm. Tickets $8.50 Sat, $8 Fri. $7 Wed. Thur & Sun (Sept 25). Dinner available Wed-Sat beginning 90 minutes before curtain. (817) 332-6238



Good Night, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Con-an Doyle’s mastermind sleuth meets femme fatale Irene Adler (the maddeningly clever blackmailer from ’A Scandal in Bohemia”) in this jaunty comedy/mystery by Charles Dee Mitchell. Judging from the New Arts Theatre’s first production of the play a few years ago. it’s more fun than the usual mystery stage productions. Sept 8-Oct 15 at the New Arts Theatre. 702 Ross at Market. Wed & Thur at 8 pm. Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. Sun at 2:30 & 7:30 pm Tickets $10.50 Fri & Sat, $7 50 Wed. Thur & Sun. 761-9064.

Light Up the Sky. A show bound for Broadway endures all the time-honored travails in this nostalgic item (vintage 1948) by Moss Hart Although it was never as big a success as Hart’s collaborations with George S Kaufman, the play nonetheless has an enduring sweetness and charm, perhaps best realized in a community theater presentation Sept 1-24 at the Addison Community Theatre. 15600 Julian, Addison. Thur-Sat at 8:15 pm. Tickets $6: $4 for persons under 12 and over 65 934-3913.

The People in 914. Barry Chambers (whose football-fan comedy. “Offsides,” made the lump from the Ad-dison Community Theatre to Hollywood) returns with four one-act plays about the past, present and future occupants of a New York hotel room. Together, ’Hemingway Slept Here.” “Opening Night.” “Hangman’s Lullaby” and “Steel City Anthology” span about 50 years in comic styles ranging from Robert Altman to Neil Simon. The shenanigans are directed by Jill Peters at Dallas’ best locale for alternative theater Sept 20-Oct 27 at Calm Eddy’s, 2612 Commerce at Good-Latimer. Tue-Thur at 8 pm Tickets $5 747-1131



Plaza Opening



It’s Hollywood, 1938, and David O. Selznick is hunting for an unknown actress to play Scarlett O’Hara. Actress Mariel Hemingway stars in John PiRoman’s comedy. The Palace of Amateurs, which is set in that time and place in a boardinghouse full of Hollywood hopefuls and undiscovered talents. Meanwhile, back in the real world-1983-this is the professional premiere of the play (a pre-Broadway engagement) and the inaugural production of the long-awaited (and long-delayed) Plaza Theatre. The newest phase in the nervous courtship of Dallas and the world of professional theater will begin on opening night. Sept 21. Preview performance Sept 20 at 8:15 pm. Tickets $9 & $8. Sept 21-Oct 16 at the Plaza Theatre, an MCH Theatre, 6719 Snider Plaza. Tue-Sun at 8:15 pm. Sun matinee at 2:30 pm. Tickets $20-$18 opening night. $S16-$14 Fri & Sat, $13-$11 Tue-Thur & Sun, $10-$9 Sun matinee. 363-7000.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The events of this black comedy are the same as in “Hamlet ” but with a radical change in perspective: Now the princes two nerdish schoolfellows are center stage, Tom Stoppard’s 1967 play has lost none of its laughs or occasional shivers – and it’s high time, too. that it had a professional production in town. Norma Young directs Previews Sept 30 & Oct 1 at 8:15 pm (tickets $8.50) and Oct 2 at 2:30 & 7 pm (tickets $7.50). Oct 4-Oct 30 at Theatre Three, The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7 pm Tickets $18 opening night, $13 50 Fri & Sat, $11 Tue-Thur & Sun 871 3300.

Victor Dada. Exploring the links among oral poetry, pop music and theater, this group of five poet/non-musicians offers another performance at Bath House Cultural Center. “The voices are machines,” they say. “but the poems are human” Sept 10 at 8 pm at the Bath House Cultural Center, Northcliff entrance to White Rock Lake Park off Buckner Blvd Tickets $5 692-6091.

Witness for the Prosecution. Scavenger Productions’ version of this old courtroom wheeze will not resemble any Agatha Christie stage play previously seen. Expect some original and thoroughly rowdy entertamment Through Sept 8 at Calm Eddy’s. 2612 Commerce at Good-Latimer. Tue-Thur at 8 pm. Tickets $5. 747-1131

University Theater. Although the professional and semipro theater scene is improving, area schools still round out the bill by offering plays that the fledgling companies don’t tackle The notable college try this month is “The Mikado.” Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Japanese” operetta is strictly out of an Edwardian music hall, but its outrageous sense of fun has made it a classic. Will Nanki-Poo win the hand of the fair Yum-Yum? Sept 9-18 at the University Theater, University of Texas at Dallas. Richardson. Fri & Sat at 8:15 pm (Sept 17 at 5 & 8:30 pm), Sun at 3 pm. Tickets $6.690-2983.



MUSIC



Clibum at the Kimbell. Harold C. Schonberg lectures on “Great Romantics of the Piano,” Sept 20 at 8 pm at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tickets $13.75. (817) 332-8451.

Dallas Chamber Orchestra. Dallas’ hometown chamber orchestra opens its season with Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence”, Vivaldi’s Concerto for Three Violins in F major and other works. Sept 18 at 7 pm in Caruth Auditorium. Owen Arts Center, SMU. Tickets $8; $4 for students and senior citizens. 826-6974.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Eduardo Mata conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No 6 in F major (“Pastorale”) and Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major (with soloist Elmar Oliveira) in the season opener. Sept 8 & 10 at 8 15 pm The Boccherini-Berio “Ritirata not-turna di Madrid” opens the next week’s concert, which also features Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C major (with soloist Yo-Yo Ma) and Copland’s Third Symphony, conducted by Mata, Sept 15 & 17 at 8:15 pm and Sept 18 at 2:30 pm Mata returns to the podium to conduct Schubert’s Symphony No 8 in B minor (“Unfinished”), Martin’s “Petite Symphonie Concertante” with harpsichordist Jonathan Woods, Stravinsky’s ’Symphony of Psalms” (with the Texas Boys Choir and the Dallas Symphony Chorus) and Bruckner’s “Psalm 150” with soloist Laura Franklin. Sept 23 & 24 at 8:15 pm. Walter Hendl conducts the final fall subscription concert, featuring Berlioz’s Overture “Le Corsaire,’ Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major (with soloist Stephen Mayer) and Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, Sept 30 & Oct 1 at 8 15 pm. All concerts at Fair Park Music Hall Tickets $15-$5 lor subscription concerts 692-0203

Meadows School of the Arts. Students appear in an organ showcase recital Sept 4 at 4 & 8:15 pm; free Larry Palmer presents a harpsichord recital commemorating the Rameau Tercentenary Sept 18 at 4 pm in the Meadows Museum, SMU; free Anshel Brusi-low leads a violin master class Sept 23 at 4:30 pm; free. Cellist Marion Davies appears in a faculty recital Sept 26 at 8:15 pm; tickets $3. Howard Dunn conducts the SMU Wind Ensemble Sept 29 at 8:15 pm; free. All events are in Caruth Auditorium, Owen Arts Center, SMU, unless otherwise noted. 692-2628.

Fantastic Flute



Born in Belfast and educated in London, flutist James Galway has won the hearts of music lovers around the world. This month, area audiences get two chances to hear the renowned Irishman in concert when he makes special appearances in both Dallas and Fort Worth. John Giordano conducts the first concert, which features Galway performing Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major with the Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra, Sept 27 at 7:30 pm at Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. Tickets $25-$9. (817) 926-8831. Eduardo Mata conducts the Dallas Symphony later that week when Galway plays concertos by Ibert and Chaminade in a concert also featuring Copland’s El Salon Mexico, Two Waltzes by Prokofiev and music from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Sept 29 at 8:15 pm at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $25-$10. 692-0203.



FILM



Dallas Public Library. “The Originals: Women in Art.” a film series presented in September and October, celebrates 19th-century women artists and their work. Sept 7: “Anonymous Was a Woman” – Pieces of folk art that were anonymously attributed were often the works of unknown women and girls; this film explores the creativity of women in a time when female artists were a rarity. Sept 14: “Mary Cassatt-Impressionist from Philadelphia”-A portrait of an artist who was ranked as one of the five great 19th-century American artists and was the only American to have exhibited in four major impressionist shows. Sept 21 & 28: “Georgia O’Keeffe,” parts I & II – In this film, Georgia O’Keeffe appears on camera for the first time to talk freely and candidly about her work and life; numerous examples of her art are presented, Free. Each Wed at 12:10 pm at the Central Public Library, 1515 Young. 749-4478.

Southern Methodist University. The American Film Institute presents a week-long British Film Institute retrospective of British short and feature films Sept 18-25. Sept 18: “The Falls.” Sept 19: “My Childhood,” My Ain Folk” and “My Way Home.” Sept 20: “At the Fountainhead.” Sept 21 “Crystal Gazing.” Sept 22: “Before Hindsight” and “Angel in the House ” Sept 23: “Down the Corner” and “So That You Can Live.” Sept 24: “Maeve” and “Animation for Live Action.” Sept 25: “Free Cinema and Beyond.” All showings at 7:30 pm at the Bob Hope Theatre, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Tickets $2 50; $1.50 lor students 692-3510

Texas Wesleysn College. This month’s International Film Series features “Breaker Morant,” Sept 8 at 11 am, and “Grand Illusion,”Sept 27 at 7 pm. Both showings at the Science Lecture Theatre. Texas Wesleyan College. Fort Worth Free 429-8224.

University of Texas at Dallas. Sept 2: “The Great Santini.” Sept 7: “The Magic Flute,” Sept 9: “King of Hearts.” Sept 14: “Atlantic City ” Sept 16: “The Electric Horseman.” Sept21 “The Weavers” Sept 23: “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Sept 28: “Vindiana.” Sept 30: “Ragtime” Showings at Polykarp Kusch Auditorium (formerly Founders North Auditorium). UTD. Richardson. Tickets $2; $1 for persons under 18 or 65 and older. Call 690-2945 for times and information.



ENLIGHTENMENT



Dallas Museum of Natural History. The Roots of Our Culture-Texas Prairie” exhibit features photographs, live animals and museum specimens of the flora and fauna that have managed to survive in the increasingly urbanized Dallas prairies-land that once teemed with wildlife. Sept 15-Nov 18 in the second-floor gallery, Dallas Museum of Natural History, Fair Park. Free. Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun noon-5 421-2169.

USA Film Festival. Beginning September 27, a five-week course about the business of motion pictures will be offered by the USA Film Festival. The course will explore project development and financing, production and post-production, distribution, exhibition and marketing A guest film expert will lecture at each session. Tue nights Sept 27-Oct 25. Tuition $75 for non-members. $65 for members. 760-8575.

Wellesley Book and Author Luncheon. Four prominent authors- Ken Follett (“On Wings of Eagles”), Barbara Matusow (“The Evening Stars”). Douglas C. Jones (“The Season of Yellow Leaf”) and Steven Birmingham (“The Auebrach Will”)- will discuss their current works at the 20thannual event sponsored by the Wellesley Club of Dallas. Sept 24 at noon at the Sheraton Park Central. LBJ Frwy at Coit. Tickets $22.50; patron tickets $100 Call Martha Kimmerling at 522-1300 for reservations.



RECREATION



Pioneer Days. “A Cowtown Classic” is the theme of this three-day event at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Classical and ethnic entertainment. country/Western music, gunfights and dancing, contests, arts and crafts, and cooking will be offered, along with the Pioneer Days Parade Sept 24 at 4 pm Activities include the Stockyards Stampede – a 4 4-mile run benefiting the American Cancer Society – and the Cowtown Rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum, along with performances by the Fort Worth Symphony, Fort Worth Civic Orchestra, Ballet Folklorico Azteca and the Texas Boys Choir Sept 23-25 (817)626-7921.



SPORTS



Dallas Cowboys. Texas Stadium, Irving Individual game tickets $15 at the Dallas Cowboys Ticket Office, 6116 N Central Expwy, or at Central Tickets in Fort Worth (subject to availability) during game week 369-3211.

Sept 18 at 3 pm vs. New York

25 at noon vs. New Orleans

L’Eggs/YWCA Women’s 10K Run. This year’s run, the only 10.000-meter race in the Southwest for women, benefits the Dallas area YWCA. Five age categories are included: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-plus. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the L’Eggs Mini Marathon in New York City next May. Sept 24 at 8 am Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake Park. Pre-registration fee is $6; after Sept 17, registration fee is $9. 827-5600.

Manufacturers Hanover Corporate Challenge. The Manufacturers Hanover Corporate Challenge series, which sponsors races around the country, will host a 3.5-mile run, which will begin and end at City Hall and will follow a course through downtown Dallas. Runners will be judged on a team basis, with three categories of teams: men’s, women’s and coed. The winning team in each category will be flown to New York City to compete in the National Manufacturers Hanover Corporate Challenge race in Central Park on Nov 20. Sept 1 at 7 pm. Contact race director Ted McLaughlin for registration packets 692 3575.

Plaza Theater 10K and Fun Run. In celebration of the opening of the Plaza Theater this month, “Park Cities People” is presenting a 10-kilometer run through the Park Cities Sept 17 at 9 am, Snider Plaza Shopping Center. Hillcrest at Lovers Lane. A “Fun Run” of 2 kilometers (1.1 miles) will begin at 9:10 am Both runs are sponsored by Ellen Terry Realtors. Entry fee is $9; registration forms are available at the “Park Cities People” offices. 7007 Preston, Suite 395, and at all Luke’s Locker locations. 528-9380.

SMU. Texas Stadium, Irving. Single-game tickets $12; available at SMU ticket office. Moody Coliseum. Home games start at 7:30 pm 692-2901

Sept 3 vs. Louisville

TCU. Amon Carter Stadium, Fort Worth. Single-game tickets $11 for reserved seats, $12 for armchair seats; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster or at the TCU ticket office Home games start at 7:30 pm 921 -7967. Sept 10 vs. Kansas

24 vs. SMU

Texas Rangers. Arlington Stadium. Arlington. General admission tickets $8 50-$3.50. $2 for children 13 and under, at Arlington Stadium. Sears stores. Preston Tickets (Dallas). Central Tickets (Fort Worth), Sun Rexall (Richardson) and North Star Pharmacy (Garland). Home games start at 7 35 pm unless otherwise noted. (817) 273-5100.

Sept 2-4 vs. Kansas City

5-7 vs. Minnesota

20 & 21 vs. Oakland

22-25 vs. Seattle (2:05 pm on Sunday)

30-Oct 2 vs. California (2:05 pm on Sunday)



NIGHTLIFE

ENTERTAINMENT/DANCING



Belle Starr. If Levi’s originated in the Old West, then designer cowboy leans 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. Tue&Sat 7pm-2 am, Wed-Fri 6 pm-2 am. Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Café Dallas. Newly remodeled Cafe Dallas sports ceiling fans, slick art posters, obligatory potted plants and smiling waitresses bedecked in slinky red dresses. The club’s circular, casinolike layout seems conducive to just about any sort of bar behavior, from frenzied dancing on the twinkling dance floor to intimate whispering on the cushioned couches that line the walls. (5500 Greenville 987-0066. Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sal & Sun 8 pm-2 am Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-9 pm, MC, V, AE.)

Calm Eddy’s. If the fun goes out of routine bar hopping, hop on over to Calm Eddy’s located 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. Sun-Thur7-11 pm, Fri & Sat 8pm-midnight. No credit cards.)

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 take the stage for short sets of stand-up humor. (8202 Park Lane at Greenville. 361-7461. Sets begin Tue- Thur & Sun at 9 pm: Fri at 8:45 & 10:45 pm; Sat at 8:30 pm, 10:30 pm & 12:30 am. “Dallas Showcase” on Tue Closed Mon. Reservations recommended Wed.Sat. MC, V, AE.)

Confetti. One man’s clutter is another man’s eclecticity, 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.)

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.)

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, and the world is smooth, elan still glitters – only 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. (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. This ballroom offers 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. No credit cards.)

Ground Zero. Welcome to 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:8pm-2am. Cover varies. MC, V. AE.)

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 may as well plan on coming home with bruised toenails (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. 428-3182. Wed-Sun 7pm-2am. All credit cards.)

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 big-name jazz or rock ’n’ roll – come from near and far. Buying a ticket doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a seat, however-it’s sometimes standing room only. But the fans just keep coming back. (3606 Greenville. 827-0561, ticket information 827-4802. Daily: 8 pm-2 am. MC. V, AE.)

Packard’s. This new dance club in Old Town shopping center gave Confetti-goers a place to go when the line at Confetti’s grew too long. 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 4:30-3 am, Sat 7 pm-3 am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Weekend cover: $3. MC, V, AE.)

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 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, as do country/folk rockers Steve Fromholz, Shake Russell and John Vandiver. We miss 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. Fri & Sat 2-2. Wed & Thur 4 pm-2 am Closed Sun & Tue. No credit cards.)

Popsicle Toes. The name may be a bit odd (it’s taken from a Michael Franks tune), but this place has great iazz/funk and an enjoyable, casual clientele. We’ve never been to a Dallas bar that’s so comfortably integrated or felt so at home on a first visit |ust sitting and listening to the music. Regulars such as Phyrework and Buster Brown seem able to do it all – from \azz to rock to country. (5627 Dyer. 361-0477. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Fri4-7pm. MC. V, AE.)

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 (6919 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.)

Strictly TaBu. A recent return to the TaBu confirms our faith in one of Dallas’ best jazz bars, not |ust for the jazz- which is frequently excellent – but for the easy, unpretentious atmosphere We like the dining area in the back, where great pizza and pasta are dished up. 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 Wed-Sun at 9:30pm. Food served daily 6 pm-1 am. Bar open Tue-Sat till 2 am. Sun & Mon till 1 am. All credit cards)

Studebaker’s. This latest offering in nostalgic dance bars with car themes gets its name from the bright red Studebaker at one end of the dance floor. Stude bakers disc jockey favors hits from the Fabulous Fifties (the club doesn’t play any music recorded after 1969), and the waitresses wear poodle skirts and saddle oxfords. 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 after 4 pm MC. V.AE)

Tango. If you can’t SUAD. don’t Tango. SUAD is Tango-lingo for Shut Up And Dance, and SUAD is what Tango is all about. Tango was 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) as well as 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. (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.)

Texas Tea House. The Tea House is a friendly, trend-less country/Western spot in which to drink beer and enjoy the harmony-lacking but good-natured Will Barnes Band. The beer is cold, the crowd is always rowdy and the bleachers (this is strictly a beer garden) aren’t too bad, unless the night is chilly (3400 Kings Road. 526-9171. Tue-Sat 8 pm-2 am. Filties rock ’n’roll night every Tue. No credit cards)



NIGHTLIFE



DRINKING



Andrew’s. The decor here is Scottish pub with lots of brick; 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. (3301 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)

Balboa Cafe. 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. (3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. Daily: 11 am-2am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards)

Biff’s. When you look out the windows to the lush greenery of Old Vickery Park outside Biffs, 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: 11am-2am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

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; Sun brunch: noon-2 am Happy hour: Mon-Fri 11:30am-7 pm. MC. V, AE, DC)

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, Pente or backgammon. Or just sip a cool one at the large bar on the main floor. Champagne brunch served Saturdays and Sundays. (2710 Electronic, near Walnut Hill at Stemmons Frwy. 353-0620. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am; Sun 1130 am-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri4-7pm. All credit cards)

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 the Eight-O first opened its New Wave doors more than two years ago, but the at-mosphere is still spirited; the clientele, fascinating; and the |ukebox, bitchin’. (The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh, Suite 247.871-1180. Mon-Sat 11:30am-2am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Live jazz at lunch Wed-Sat Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm MC, V. AE.)

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. But the only big shots at this country club are the ones poured into your glass. (3619 Greenville. 826-5650. Mon-Sat 11 am-2am, Sun noon-2 am. MC. V.AE.)

Greenville Bar & Grill. Dallas’ oldest bar-or so its owners claim – now has a quieter ad|oining room that alleviates the overcrowding somewhat. You may be more comtortable in the annex, especially if you want to carry on a conversation, but the real GB & Bis 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 4-7pm. AE.)

Hippopotamus. Far from the bright lights of Greenville Avenue. tucked inside 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 6-10 pm. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. All credit cards.)

La Cave. Ah, a place for lovers, for discussions and for good wine. This small, chic wine shop/bar has a walk-in cellar with a fine collection of foreign and domestic wines. A few dinner entrées 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-11:30pm. Bistro: Mon-Thur 10am-2pm & 5:30-11 pm, Fri 10am-2pm & 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 in a place where the atmosphere alone would be enough. (2009 Abrams. 824-1390. Mon-Fri 11 am-2am. Sat & Sun noon-2 am. MC. V, AE.)

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, which allows 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 – or just about anything -at great length, (5460 WLovers Lane. 350-7834. Sun-Wed 5pm-1 am, Thur-Sat 5pm-2am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-7pm. AE.)

Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margaritas are your passion, Mariano’s is the place for you. The only 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 a real Tex-Mex experience. (5500 Greenville. 691-3888. Mon-Thur 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 11 am-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Sat 11 am-7 pm. Sun noon-7pm. 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 wait, 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. (4515 Travis. 528-8880 Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended. Jackets required for men after 6 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 get it. (2114 Greenville. 827-6800. Mon- Thur 7 pm-2 am, Fri & Sat7pm-3am. Closed Sun. No credit cards; personal checks accepted.)

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 can leave 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 visit chatting to our heart’s content at a corner table 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. (4216 Oak Lawn. 559-3160 Sun-Thur 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Piafs. It used to be so easy to get a table at Piafs. Now there’s more of a crowd at this California-esque 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 11:30am-2am, Sun 11:30 am-midnight; Sun brunch: 11:30-3, Happy hour: Mon-Sat 4-7pm& 10 pm-1 am, Sun 4 pm-midnight. All credit cards)

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-2am, Sun noon-2am. 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. 8260940. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-3, Sat 11-5; dinner: Mon-Thur 5-midnight. Fri 5 pm-1 am. Sat 5 pm-1 am, Sun 5-11 pm: 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.)

Vickery Feed Store. This deli/bar has an odd but appealing mixture of country and class. Wooden walls, a wooden floor and a hometown atmosphere are combined with burgundy vinyl booths and slick black tabletops in what turns out to be a very pleasant watering hole. Vickery has good drinks, great deli/snack food and some of the friendliest service in town. (6918 Greenville. 363-9198. Mon-Fri 6am-2am, Sat8am-2 am. Sun 8am-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Sat3-7pm, Sun noon-7pm. 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, friendly but not hovering; and the wine selection, extensive -to say the least. (4217 Oak Lawn. 522-8720. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. All credit cards.)



Zanzibar Deli. A fresh face on the burger-spattered strip of lower Greenville Avenue, Zanzibar offers drinks and good deli food in a colorful café setting. The decor – neon, glass bricks and pink-and-green walls-is odd enough to work. (2912 Greenville. 828-2250. Sun 11 am-midnight, Mon-Thur 11:30 am-2 am, Fri& Sat 11:30 am-3:30 am. Sun brunch: 11 -3. Happy hour: Daily 4-7pm. AE.)



FORT WORTH NIGHTLIFE



Abernathy’s. This was 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. (817) 923-0941. Mon-Thur 11 am-midnight, Fri & Sal 11 am-2 am. MC, V.)

Billy Bob’s Texas. Bigger does not always mean best, and that’s quite evident at the world’s largest honky-tonk. Of course, this novelty club has a lot going for it: two restaurants, 42 bar stations, a real bull-riding arena and several shops. But when there’s a concert going on, Billy Bob’s is the last place you’d want to be-unless, of course, you’re partial to being trampled by thousands of people (the club can hold 6,000) and don’t mind paying a two-digit admission charge that affords you a view of the rafters. (2520 N Commerce in the stockyards. Metro 429-5979. Mon-Sat 10am-2am. Sun noon-2 am. Reduced cover charge Mon-Sat 4-8 pm. MC. V. AE.)

Blossoms Downstairs. This live music club is the downstairs half of the restaurant of the same name. The likes of hometown hero Delbert McClinton and Roomful of Blues, an East Coast swing jazz band, can be found here, along with an assortment of regulars. The dance floor is large enough to move around on, but watch out for the low ceiling. The restaurant upstairs offers a generous happy hour buffet, and on most nights, a soft-rock trio performs. (5201 Camp Bowie. (817) 732-2082 Tue-Sun 9 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. MC, V, AE.)

The Blue Bird. Even when the band’s not playing, you’ll feel like dancing at The Blue Bird. The jukebox is probably the best in Fort Worth. But then, the patrons of this near-Southside club don’t want that to get around; they know a good thing when they’ve found it. The club is packed nearly every weekend, with regulars dancing to the infectious rhythm of Robert Ealey and the Bluesblasters. This is rhythm and blues at its finest, but sssshhh! (5636 Wellesley. (817) 732-6243 Fri & Sal 7 pm-2 am. No 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. (817) 923-7281. Mon-Sat 11-2 am. Happy hour: Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 2-7 pm, all day Wed, Sun 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE. DC.)

The Pickin’ Parlour. Just up the road from the popular White Elephant Saloon is a club that is unusually devoid of the hordes of Yankees who invade this touristy area each weekend The reason? They take their beer drinkin’ and two-steppin’ seriously here, folks. Those who can’t get their feet to move to the one-two, one-two-three beat get lost in the shuffle-literally. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to disco. (103 W Exchange in the stockyards. (817) 624-2592. Tue-Sat 5 pm-1:30 am. Closed Sun & Mon. No credit cards.)

The White Elephant Saloon. In 1887 Luke Short,then owner of the White Elephant, shot it out with aformer U.S. marshal. Today, the Elephant has country/Western music six nights a week and lots of touriststrying desperately to learn the two-step on a smalldance floor. (106 E Exchange. (817)624-8273 Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V. AE.)