April Events OPENERS

FIREBIRD SOARS IN DTH TRILOGY



The International Theatrical Arts Society (TITAS), Dallas’ dance presenting organization, rounds out its charter season April 5-7 with a blockbuster weekend of three performances by the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). The group was formerly known as “a ballet company of black dancers,” the Harlem inheritor of the George Balanchine tradition. Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell, the first black male dancer to rise to stardom at the New York City Ballet, DTH has moved beyond neo-classicism and has begun to accept non-black dancers into the company during the last four years.

DTH has won deep respect from classical ballet fans, bu it also draws a huge nonexpert audience. On all three of its Dallas programs, DTH has scheduled its spectacular Firebird, choreographed by John Taras to the Stravinsky score and starring Stephanie Dabney, a superb soloist. Also on the bill are Balan-chine’s 1946 masterpiece. The Four Temperaments, and, in a departure from its NYCB mold, a ballet versior of A Streetcar Named Desire as well as Square Dance, based on the Tennessee Williams play as choreographed by Valerie Bettis.

Dance Theatre of Harlem played to capacity houses during its last Dallas appearance in 1981, and 1984 should be no different. TITAS is planning another don’t-miss season for 1984-85: The Twyla Tharp Company, Nikolais Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey, Royal Ballet of Flanders and Pilobolus are already booked. April 5-7 at 8 p.m. in McFarlin Auditorium, SMU. Tickets $25-5. 528-5273; metro 429-1181.

-Tony White



SPRING OPERA MAKES DEBUT



For local opera lovers, April 1984 will be remembered as the month that the Dallas Opera first broke out of the traditional four-production fall season. And the Dallas Opera is doing it with style, bringing in one of the leading composers of our time to direct new productions of two of his operas.

The composer is Gian Carlo Menotti, who will oversee the presentation of a double bill featuring his satirical Amelia Goes to the Ball-the work that brought him recognition during the Thirties- and The Medium, a suspenseful character study in two acts. In Amelia Goes to the Ball, soprano Elizabeth Hynes takes the title role. She will be joined on stage by tenor Christopher Cameron, baritone Malcolm Arnold, bass Greg Ryerson and mezzo-sopranos Jane Shaulis, Deidra Palmer and Judith Christin. Mezzo-soprano Carolyne James sings the title role in The Medium, with soprano Jeane Ommerle as Monica and Francis Menotti as the mute Toby. Dallas Opera Artistic Director Nicola Rescigno will conduct both operas.

Pre-performance activities include a public dialogue featuring Menotti and Dallas Morning News music critic John Ardoin, who is also Menotti’s biographer. Dialogue: April 8 at 3 p.m.; performances: April 13 & 21 at 8 p.m. and April 15 at 2 p.m. All events are at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Tickets $6-$5 for dialogue; $80-$7 for performances. 528-3200.

-Wayne Lee Gay



INGRES’ ART: PURE PERFECTION



Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) was the ultimate perfectionist. Therefore, one would think that Ingres’ immaculate paintings were perfect as they were. But what had once been done well could always be done better, Ingres believed.

In Pursuit of Perfection: The Art of J.-A.-D. Ingres at the Kimbell Art Museum traces this obsession through 80 paintings and drawings drawn mostly from European collections, including the Musée Ingres in Montauban, the artist’s birthplace. Organized by the J.B. Speed Art Museum in Louisville, this little gem of a show is the first loan exhibition of Ingres’ work to travel through America in two decades. It includes mythological, religious and historical subjects as well as Ingres’ matchless portraits.

Throughout the exhibit, paintings are grouped with related drawings, enabling the visitor to follow Ingres’ progress toward perfection. A leading academician and a proponent of neoclassicism (although this exhibit reveals a robust romantic streak in his work), the artist valued perspiration over inspiration. During a career that spanned 70 years, he returned again and again to rework favorite themes, constantly refining his ideas, tracing, copying, enlarging, drawing and redrawing.

Especially drawing. Ingres was one of the consummate draftsmen of the 19th century. Although many have tried, few artists have matched the clarity and sensuous grace of his lines. He was also a tireless borrower who ransacked the art of the past, taking a posture here, a contour there. These very qualities made Ingres appear to be a rather cold fish to the younger generation of artists who preferred the spontaneity and originality of romanticism. Although he was much honored during his lifetime, it was not until the time of Picasso-another tireless ran-sacker of the art of the past-that Ingres once again began to be emulated rather than just admired. Through May 6 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451.

-Ken Barrow



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

All events listings should be addressed to the Openers editor and must be received at least two months 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



Dalton Maroney. Fashioned of wooden ribs and slats and painted with an abstract expressionist’s brush, Maroney’s canoelike sculptures evoke imaginary voyages and exotic destinations- April 14-May 10 at DW Gallery, 3200 Main. Tue-Sat 11 -5. 939-0045.

Frederic Edwin Church. One of America’s first great landscape painters, Church reached for the sublime and the glorious in these early landscapes, most of which depict New England scenery. Through April 29 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.

Glsela-Heidi Strunck. Traditional sailor’s skills of knot ting, drilling, wrapping and cutting, plus the warmth o’ such traditional materials as wood, rope, clay and casi paper, combine to give these sculptures an unex pected strength and grace. Through April 14 at Nimbus Gallery, 1135 Dragon. Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4 742 1348.

Philip Van Keuren. Nobody gets more out of less than this Dallas artist, who builds simple shapes and bold colors into sculptures and prints of unexpected com plexity. Through April 12 at Mattingly Baker, 3000 McKnney. Tue-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5. 526-0031.

The Pop Art Print. The artists who discovered the modern thrills of the comic strip and the soup can dur-ing the Sixties also rediscovered the ancient pleasure: of the lithograph and the silkscreen print. April 7-May 29 at the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 738-9215.



Connemara Festival

For the past three springs, Connemara Conservancy, a 72-acre tract of woodlands and grassy meadows north of Piano, has been the location of an outdoor sculpture show and performing arts festival. Once again, eight artists have been invited to create large-scale outdoor pieces for the site. Among them are Martin Delabano, who is creating a life-size cast-iron figure, and Dalton Maroney, whose abstract, canoelike forms were recently exhibited at the Dallas Museum of Art. The sculpture exhibit opens April 15 with performances by the North Texas State University music and dance departments and continues throughout the summer. Musical performances will also be presented April 29 and May 13. To reach the site, take Central Expressway north to the Bethany Drive exit (Exit 33), drive south on the access road to the Intecom Co. parking lot and ride one of the shuttle buses; or take Central to Exit 32, follow the signs to Breezeway Farms, park and hike for 20 minutes. Free. 761-9142.

Sandy Stein. These works in Texas limestone explore the formal and structural possibilities of the wall, the column and other architectural elements. Through April 20 at Foster Goldstrom, 2722 Fairmount. Tue-Sat 10:30-5:30. 744-0711.

The Shogun Age. Beauty and utility mingle in these objects-some 300 paintings, scrolls, furnishings, musical instruments, masks and implements for the tea ceremony-which represent the golden age of Japanese culture and are drawn from the collection of one of Japan’s most distinguished families Through May 27 at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Exhibit hours: Fri-Wed 11-6, Thur 11-10. 922-0220.

Sid Richardson Collection. Here’s a prime collection of Remingtons and Russells full of rip-roaring action, showcased in a prime location amid the restored 19th-century splendor of Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. Sid Richardson Collection, 309 Main. Fort Worth. Continuing show. Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-6, Sun 1-5.(817)332-6554.

Six Black Masters of American Art. Ever hear of Henry O. Tanner, Horace Pippin, Jacob Lawrence, Robert Duncanson, Edward M. Bannister or William Johnson? Here are 30 works by six neglected artists that point the way toward a long-overdue revision of American art history. Through April 10 at the Museum of African-American Life & Culture, lower level, Zale Library Building, Bishop College, 3837 Simpson -Stuart. Mon-Fri 10-4:30, Sat noon-4, Sun 2-5. 372-8738.

Spanish Photography. The Delahunty’s staff has gone to Spain and has returned with a number of rare 19th-century albums featuring landscapes, building views and – rarest of all – scenes from inside the Royal Armory. Through April 11 at Delahunty Gallery, 2701 Canton. Tue-Sat 10-5. 744-1346.

Xavier Corbero. There is something as ancient as the Mediterranean yet as modern as Arp or Brancusi in the marble sculptures carved by this Spaniard, the son of a sculptor who was the son of a sculptor. April 12-May 12 at Adams-Middleton Gallery, 3000 Maple. Tue-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5. 742-3682.



THEATER



The Acting Company. John Houseman’s distinguished theater company, the touring arm of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, brings three plays in repertory to the Plaza Theatre for the season finale: “The Merry Wives of Windsor,’ “Pericles’ and The Cradle Will Rock,” an avant-garde piece that Houseman co-directs. April 18-May 13 at the Plaza Theatre, 6719 Snider Plaza. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 8 pm. Tickets $16 & $14 Fri & Sat; $13 & $11 Tue-Thur & Sun evening; $10 & $9 Sun matinee. 363-7000.

Fool for Love. Actor and playwright Sam Shepard knows how to leave the grit on modern love. In this crackling tete-a-tete, two lovers battle for power and affection in a motel room on the edge of the Mojave Desert. A solid indication of the freshness of the “new” Dallas Theater Center. Through April 22 at the Frank Lloyd Wright Theater, Dallas Theater Center, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. Tue-Thur at 8 pm, Fri at 8:30 pm, Sat at 4 & 8:30 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets $14.50 & $13 Fri & Sat evening; $12.50 & $11 Tue-Thur, Sat matinee & Sun. 526-8857.

Monday After the Miracle. Not even the theater is impervious to sequels, but this one by William Gibson (who wrote “The Miracle Worker” 20 years ago) isn’t bad. His concern is still Helen Keller and her mentor, Annie Sullivan, but now Helen is grown, and the women face obstacles they never anticipated-including a young man’s love. April 26-May 27 at Dallas Repertory Theatre, NorthPark Center, Park Lane at N Central Expwy. Wed-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets $10 Fri & Sat; $9 Sun; $8 Wed & Thur. 369-8966.

Neutral Countries. During the German occupation of Belgium in 1915, a family finds that there are more than two sides of war. Barbara Field’s play, a find from Louisville’s acclaimed New American Plays Festival, examines the politics of neutrality and the option to live an uncommitted life. April 25-June 3 at Stage #1, Greenville Avenue Theatre, 2914 Greenville. Wed-Fri at 8:15 pm. Sat at 5:30 & 9 pm, Sun at 7 pm. Tickets $10 Fri & Sat; $8.50 Wed. Thur & Sun. 824-2552.

Second Threshold. In this last comedy by Philip Barry, author of “The Philadelphia Story,” a middle-aged father has lost his enthusiasm for life. The man’s daughter, who fears he may be planning to do himself in, takes over in her usual all-out way, with dizzying, hysterical results. Through April 29 at Theatre Three, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7 pm. Tickets $13.50 Fri & Sat; $11 Tue-Thur & Sun. 871-3300.

Standing on My Knees. Historically, the voices of madness and the voices of the Muse have, at times, been indistinguishable. In “Standing on My Knees,” playwright John Olive examines the faint line between insanity and art as embodied in a schizophrenic young poef named Catherine. While on the tranquilizer Thorazine. Catherine can cope with life but cannot write; without it, she can write but cannot cope. Patrick Kelly directs. Through April 15 at Stage #1, Greenville Avenue Theatre, 2914 Greenville Wed-Fri at 8:15 pm, Sat at 5:30 & 9 pm, Sun at 7 pm Tickets $10 Fri & Sat; $8.50 Wed, Thur & Sun, 824-2552.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? When Edward Albee’s play first opened in 1963, audiences were riveted by what, amazingly, is still a shocking and compelling drama. This theater milestone focuses on a marriage held together by hatred, loss and maybe something more. Through April 21 at 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.



MUSIC



Cliburn Concerts. April 3: Pianist Grant Johannesen performs works by Beethoven (Sonata in E-flat, Op. 31, No 3, and Sonata in A-flat, Op. 110) and Debussy (“Children’s Corner.’ “Hommage a Rameau,” “Masques,” and “Lisle |oyeuse”) at 8 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium, Texas Wesleyan College, Rosedale at Wesleyan, Fort Worth. Tickets $10. April 10: Pianist Gary Graffman appears “In Conversation” at 8 pm at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tickets $10. (817)738-6509.

Dallas Museum of Art. The Fine Arts Chamber Players present music influenced by and originating in Japan. April 5 at 7:30 pm in the auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Tickets $8. 922-0220.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. March 30-April 1: Eduardo Mata conducts Buxtehude’s Chaconne (arranged by Chavez), Mozart’s Smfonia Concertante in E-flat and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E minor. Fri & Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. April 5 & 7: Contralto Maureen Forrester joins the symphony lor Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody (with the men of the DSO Chorus) and Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder in a concert also including Haydn’s Symphony No. 31 in D major (“Hornsignal”) and a Suite from Richard Strauss’ opera “Der Rosenkavalier.” Thur & Sat at 8:15 pm. April 13-15: Mata returns to the podium for Wiren’s Serenade for Strings, Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor (with pianist Ivan Moravec) and Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra. Fri & Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. April 20 & 21: Eliahu Inbal conducts the following week in a concert featuring Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor and Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G minor with soloist Galina Stame-nova. Fri & Sat at 8:15 pm. April 26 & 28: Kirk Trevor conducts Haydn’s Symphony No. 102 in B-flat, Scriabin’s “Poem of Ecstasy,” Bruch’s “Kol Nidrei” and Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto in A minor, with cellist Ralph Kirshbaum appearing as soloist in the Bruch and Saint-Saens. Thur & Sat at 8:15 pm. All concerts at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $15-$5. 692-0203.

Dallas Symphony SuperPops. Henry Mancmi appears with the Dallas Pops Orchestra April 6, John Green performs April 27. Both concerts at 8 pm at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $18-$8. 692-0203.

Fort Worth Opera. Michael Lankester conducts Verdi’s “Requiem” with soprano Wilhelmina Fernandez, tenor John Anderson, mezzo-soprano Diane Curry and bass John Cheek, joined by a 250-voice chorus and the Fort Worth Symphony. April 13 & 14 at Tarrant County Convention Center Theater, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 4 pm. Tickets $30-5. (817) 731 -0833.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. March 31, April 1: Pianist Christian Blackshaw performs Schumann’s Concerto in A minor in a program also featuring Rossini’s Overture to “Tancredi” and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 6 under conductor John Giordano at Tarrant County Convention Center Theatre, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets $15-$5. April 17: The Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra appears with guest conductor Cornelius Eberhardt and pianist Menahem Pressler in a concert including Haydn’s Symphony No. 103 in E-flat (“Drumroll”) and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-flat at 8 pm at Ed Landreth Auditorium, TCU, University at Cantey, Fort Worth. Tickets $12-8. (817)926-8831.



Russian Romance

Russia’s great romantic piano tradition lives on, and Vladimir Ashkenazy is perhaps its greatest exponent outside the Soviet Union. This month, he appears in a recital sponsored by the Dallas Civic Music Association. Ashkenazy will perform monuments of the 19th-century repertoire, including Schubert’s Papillons, Op. 2, and Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13. April 27 at 8:15 p.m. at McFarlin Auditorium, SMU. Tickets $30-5. 526-6870.



Meadows School of the Arts. April 3: Music by student composers is presented. April 9: Linda Anderson Baer performs a faculty voice recital with pianist Harris Crohn. April 12: The SMU Jazz Ensemble appears in concert. April 17: Trumpeter Dick Parks presents a faculty recital with pianist Gary Okeson. April 16: Resident new music ensemble Voices of Change presents music by Bartok, Erb and Maxwell Davies. Tickets $8. 692-3189. April 18: Pianist Lorin Hollander performs and lectures in McFarlin Auditorium. Tickets by subscription. 692-2339. Anshel Brusilow conducts the SMU Symphony Orchestra in music by Berlioz, Chaus-son, Debussy and Ravel. April 24: Howard Dunn conducts the SMU Wind Ensemble, April 28 & 29: SMU Music Theatre presents Rossini’s “The Marriage Contract” with conductor Simon Sargon at the Bob Hope Theatre. Ticket prices TBA. April 29: Lloyd Pfautsch conducts the SMU Choral Union at 4 pm. Kathleen Ter-beek. soprano, and Dale Terbeek, counter-tenor, perform baroque music at 3 pm in the Meadows Museum. The SMU Summer Conservatory presents its annual benefit recital featuring cellist Ralph Kirshbaum. Tickets $500-$30. 692-3680. April 30: The SMU Percussion Ensemble performs new music accompanying the screening of films from the Southwest Film/Video Archives at 7:30 pm in the Bob Hope Theatre. All events are at 8:15 pm at Caruth Auditorium, SMU, and are free, unless otherwise noted. 692-2628.

Texas Baroque Ensemble. The University of Oklahoma Collegium Musicum joins local baroque experts to present the American premiere of a new performing edition of Monteverdi’s “Orfeo” in a concert version performed with authentic baroque instruments. April 28 at 7:30 pm at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 2520 Oates Drive, Mesquite. Tickets $5; $3 for students and senior citizens. 278-2458.



FILM



Granada Theatre. April 1 & 2 “Alfie” at 7:30 pm (Sun at 3 pm) and “Educating Rita” at 9:45 pm (Sun at 5:15 pm). April 3&4: “Juliet of the Spirits” at 7:15 pm and “The Clowns” at 9:45 pm. April 5: “The Assistant’ at 7:30 pm and “Signum Laudis” at 9:15 pm. April 6 & 7: “All That Jazz” at 7:30 pm (Sat at 3 pm) and “Cabaret” at 9:45 pm (Sat at 5:15 pm). April 8 & 9: Tibet: A Buddhist Trilogy” is presented in 3 parts- Parts 1 & 2, Sun at 3 & 7:30 pm, Mon at 7:30 pm; Part 3. Sun at 5 & 9:30 pm, Mon at 9:30 pm (special engagement; tickets $5). April 10 & 11: “Nightsof Cabina” at 7:15 pm and “8 1/2” at 9:30 pm. April 12: “Rusalka” at 7:30 pm and “Beauty and the Beast” at 9:45 pm. April 13 & 14: “Warner Brothers Takes on the Classics” at 7:45 & 9:15 pm (Sat at 3:15, 4:45 & 6:15 pm). April 15-18: “Boat People” at 7:30 & 9:30 pm (Sun at 3:30 & 5:30 pm). Special engagement; tickets $4. April 19: “Way Down East* at 7:30 pm and “Broken Blossoms” at 9:45 pm. April 20 & 21: “My Brilliant Career” at 7:30 pm (Sat at 3:30 pm) and “Breaker Morant” at 9:30 pm (Sat at 5:30 pm). April 22-28: “Tomorrow” at 7:30 & 9:30 pm (Sat & Sun at 3:30 & 5:30 pm). Special engagement; tickets $4. April 29 & 30: “The Maltese Falcon” at 7:30 pm (Sun at 3:45 pm) and “Hammett” at 9:30 pm (Sun at 2 & 5:45 pm). Granada Theater. 3524 Greenville. Tickets $3.50 unless otherwise noted. 823-9610.



SPORTS



Dallas Mavericks. Reunion Arena, Dallas. Home game tickets $8. $6 & $4; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets, Sears stores and Reunion Arena box office. All games start at 7:35 pm. 988-0117.

April 3 vs Portland

6 vs San Antonio

7 vs Utah

Texas Rangers. Arlington Stadium, Arlington. Reserved seat tickets $8-$4; general admission $3.50 for adults, $2 for children 13 and under; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets. Sears stores and Arlington Stadium. Home games start at 7:35 pm unless otherwise noted. (817) 273-5100.

April 3 & 5 vs Cleveland

6-8 vs New York (Sat & Sun at 2:05 pm)

13-15 vs Toronto (Sat & Sun at 2:05 pm)

25 & 26 vs Detroit

WCT Finals. John McEnroe. Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl, the three top men tennis players in the world, lead a 12-player field that will compete for a top prize of $150,000 in the 14th annual World Championship Tennis finals. April 24-29 at Reunion Arena, Dallas. Tue-Fri matches at 6 pm, Sat at 11 am. Sun at 2 pm. Tickets $20-$8 Tue-Fri; $30-$10 Sat & Sun. 651-8444.



ENLIGHTENMENT



Temple Shalom. The annual Art Forum series continues this month with a lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Alex Haley, author of “Roots” and “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” April 18 at 8 pm at Temple Shalom, Hillcrest at Alpha. Series tickets $24.661-1810.

Texas Christian University. Playwright Edward Albee, who recently completed a new play, “Finding the Sun,’ presents a lecture April 5 at 11 am in Ed Landreth Auditorium, TCU, University at Cantey, Fort Worth. Free. (817)921-7810.



RECREATION



Best of Dallas Comedy Benefit for the Dallas Aquarium. The Dallas Museum of Natural History Association sponsors this second annual fund-raiser for the struggling Dallas Aquarium. Performers include Alan Kaye, Guava Bomblets, The Pezz, Random Scam and Bill Engvall. April 12 at 7:30 pm in the Grand Ballroom, Dallas Hilton. 1914 Commerce. Tickets $15 through April 1; $18 thereafter; available at Ticketron outlets. 265-0789.

Equestrian Grandprix. Las Colinas hosts Texas’ first AGA (American Grandprix Association)-sanctioned equestrian Grandprix, the most formidable of the English-style jumping competitions. The $30,000 Mercedes Grandprix of Las Colinas features about 40 riders. April 8 at 2 pm at Las Colinas Equestrian Center, 600 Royal Lane, Las Colinas. Tickets $15. 869-0600.

Golden Triangle Pod Chili Cookoff. This chili cookoff, which will include a cook’s party and a cook’s breakfast, will benefit Friends of the Family, an organization that aids battered women and children. Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) rules will be followed. April 7, 8 am-5 pm at the North Texas Fairgrounds, Denton. Free. Call Sarah Paddock, 430-1792.

Scarborough Faire. Step back in time at the fourth annual Scarborough Faire, a Texas re-creation of a springtime English Renaissance festival that features jousting, crafts, games and musicians along with Old English food and drink. April 28-June 10 near Wax-ahachie, 1.6 miles west of I-35E, Exit 399A. Advance tickets $6 for adults, $3 for children 5-12; at entrance, $7.50 for adults, $3.75 for children 5-12, free for children under 5; available at Ticketron and Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets or at entrance. 1-937-6130.



NIGHTLIFE

ENTERTAINMENT/DANCING



Belle Starr. The famous lady outlaw herself would have felt in good company at this country/western hangout. An extensive bar from which beer flows copiously, a large dance floor and live country music keep the cowboys and cowgirls that frequent this club satisfied-the place is packed on weekends. Round up some visiting Yankees and take them to Belle Starr for some good, two-steppin’, honky-tonkin’ Texas nightlife. (7724 N Central Expwy near Southwestern. 750-4787 Tue-Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun 4 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. All credit cards)

Boardwalk Beach Club. This place is a pleasant (if fast-paced) mixture of opposites. The club’s drawing card is Fifties and Sixties music, but patrons are mostly under-30 singles. Space has been cleared for a dance floor next to the South Seas mural on one wall, but strangely enough, hardly anyone dances. Drinks are pretty solid here, but the snail-like service may hamper your enjoyment of them. (6332 La Vista. 823-5340. Daily 5 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Café Dallas. Café 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 split-level dance floor to intimate whispering on the cushioned couches that line the walls. But all you beautiful people partial to sweatsuit chic, beware: Sneakers-however expensive they may be-are not allowed. (5500 Greenville. 987-0066. Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-9 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Calm Eddy’s Comedy Club. 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,” and live jazz is performed every Friday and Saturday night. Call for information about weekly performers. (2612 Commerce. 747-1131. Tue-Thur 7:30-11 pm. Fri & Sat 7.30 pm-midnight. Closed Sun & Mon. MC, V.)

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 Mon- Thur & Sun at 8:30 pm, Fri S Sat at 8:30 & 10:30 pm. Reservations recommended on weekends. MC, V, AE.)

Diamond Jim’s. Although this is really a country/ western disco, rock ’n’ roll frequently prevails. Tight quarters make for close encounters between patrons, both on and off the somewhat limited dance floor. (5601 Greenville. 691-2411. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, SatS Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm, Thur 5-9 pm. MC, V, AE.)

elan. Ever since Dallas’ original beautiful-people bar underwent a bit of cosmetic surgery last year, its mood has changed somewhat-and the word is smooth. Although elan still glitters- except now it’s a tad more hi-tech – 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.)

Jazba at Ratcliffe’s. If we mention this place too loudly, will we have trouble getting a table when we want one? This small, elegant jazz bar sunken in Ratcliffe’s seafood restaurant has what we like: clean lines, smooth music and Southern comfort. Food, too! (1901 McKinney. 748-7480. Daily 5 pm-2 am; live music beginning at 8 pm. No cover. MC, V, AE.)

Longhom Ballroom. The Longhorn hasn’t changed much since the last time you were there. It still offers only beer and set-ups and one of the best country/ western dance floors in Dallas. Dewey Groom has made his place synonymous with country music and a lasting source of local pride. (216 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128. Wed& Thur 7 pm-1 am, Fri &Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 5-11.30 pm. All credit cards.)

Nick’s Uptown. Behind the shaded 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. But beware: Buying a ticket doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a seat-it’s sometimes standing room only. Yet 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 Old Town dance club, which takes its name from the classic automobile, is 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. (Old Town, Greenville at Lovers Lane, Suite 403, 361-9517. Mon- Thur 4 pm-2 am, Fri 4 pm-3 am. Sat 7 pm-3 am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-9 pm. Weekend cover: $3. MC, V, AE.)

Poor David’s Pub. After considerable deliberation, Poor David moved his hole-in-the-wall folk music establishment from its longtime McKinney Avenue location to the lights of Lowest Greenville. But he didn’t leave behind his commitment to solid live music: Kerr-ville Folk Festival regulars, including legendary folk singers Odetta and Tom Paxton, appear often, as do 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-Sat 4 pm-2 am. Cover varies. No credit cards.)

Popsicle Toes. Go here to listen to the live and lively jazz, funk and rock ’n’ roll, not just to hear it. Granted, you’ll have trouble hearing anything else, but that’s okay, because the music is great. Don’t be disappointed, though; Popsicle Toes isn’t a place to be “seen,” although this jazz-oriented club attracts a spirited, sincere-looking dance crowd. (5627 Dyer. 361-0477. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Fri 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

,Ravel’s. This cavernous singles bar may remind you of a bad 1967 sci-fi movie version of The Future.’ Track lights cut through the smoky blackness, beaming down like searchlights from a spaceship. Music video screens are everywhere. The well drinks are expensive, and the service can be slow, even when the room is mostly empty. But if you dance up an appetite, you can satisfy it under the same roof (Ravel’s is also part restaurant, offering a limited and pricey menu). (Registry Hotel, 15201 Dallas Pkwy. 991-6923 Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm. Weekend cover: $5. All credit cards.)

The Saloon. This casual, comfortable bar features live bluegrass music. The rowdy crowd and jam session-like atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious. Sit back, order a pitcher and enjoy the great music. (2818 Greenville. 823-6550. Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am. Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour: daily 4-7 pm. Cover varies. 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. Studebaker’s disc jockey favors hits from the fabulous Fifties and Sixties (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. (North-ParkEast, 8788 N Central Expwy. 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 betore Shannon Wynne converted it into a labyrinthine shrine to dancing. Now it’s a two-story New Wave hodgepodge hangout swarming with every imaginable variation on the word “punk.” Dont go to Tango on weekends unless you’re very fond of crowds. But with careful planning, you can catch good live bands here (1827 Greenville. 821-5800; box office 824-1101. Tue-Thur 7 pm-2 am. Fri & Sat 7 pm-4 am. Happy hour: Tue-Fri 7-9 pm. MC. V, AE.)

Texas Tea House. While looking for a good place to go dancing, we were tempted to pass up this historical establishment simply because of its appearance. But the Tea House is a friendly, trendless country/western spot where you can drink beer and enjoy the disharmonious but good-natured Will Barnes Band. The beer (longnecks only) is cold, the crowd is always rowdy, and the outdoor bleachers (this is strictly a beer garden) aren’t too bad, unless the night is chilly. (3400 Kings Road. 526-9171. Wed-Sat 8 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Top of the Dome. This revolving bar atop Reunion Tower affords guests a panoramic view of the city, as well as live entertainment and a small dance floor. But drink prices are as high as the bar. (Reunion Tower. 741-3663 Mon-Fri 2 pm-2 am. Sat noon-2 am. Sun noon-midnight. All credit cards.)

Zebo’s. This is a wide-open pop-music dance bar that’s unpretentious and has a low cover charge-an increasingly rare find. Zebo’s real forte, however, is its Rockabilly Wednesday, which features live bands and pumped-in rock ’n’ roll. (5915 E Northwest Hwy. 361-4272. Tue-Fri 6 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Tue-Fri 6-9 pm, Sat 7-9 pm. MC, V, AE.)



NIGHTLIFE

DRINKING



Andrew’s. This pleasant bar/restaurant is reminiscent of New Orleans with its abundance of old brick, soft lighting and a small courtyard. Try one of the wacky, potent drink selections and let le bon temps roulez. (3301 McKinney. 521-6535; 14930 Midway, 385-1613; 7557 Greenville, 363-1910. Daily 11:15 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 2-7 pm, daily 11 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Balboa Cafe. Is one of Dallas’ oldest fern bars withering on the vine? Our recent happy-hour visits have been anything but happy, with sparse crowds and slow service, but the thoughtful mix of blues and novelty numbers on the jukebox can still lift the spirit. (3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm. All credit cards.)

Cardinal Putt’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 over cold pitchers of beer and loaded nachos. (4615 Greenville. 369-1969. Daily 11:30 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-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; try shuffleboard, darts, Pente or backgammon; or just sip a cool one at the large bar on the main floor. (2710 Electronic, near Walnut Hill at Stemmons Frwy. 353-0620. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 11.30 am-2 am. Sun 11:30 am-midnight. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-7 pm. 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-0 first opened its New Wave doors, but the atmosphere is still spirited; the clientele, fascinating; and the jukebox, bitchin’. (The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh, Suite 125. 871-1180. Mon-Sat 11.30 am-2 am. Sun 6 pm-2 am. Live jazz at lunch Wed-Sat. Happy hour: Mon-Sat 4-9 pm; all night Sun. 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-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. MC. V, AE.)

Greenville Bar & Grill. Dallas’ oldest bar (or so its owners claim) now has a quieter adjoining room that somewhat alleviates the overcrowding. 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-Fri4-7 pm. AE.)

Joe Miller’s. This is a perfect late-afternoon bar for friendly conversation: It’s 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. (3531 McKinney. 521-2261. Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Le Louvre. Dark and dimly lit, Le Louvre is a picture-perfect setting for a discreet afternoon rendezvous. The heavy curtains block the prying rays of the Texas sun, and martinis and strong highballs take the place of tutti-frutti drinks. An added bonus: The happy-hour buffet is always spread with hors d’oeuvres, from sauteed meatballs to make-your-own tacos. (The Corner Shopping Center, 9840 N Central Expwy. 691-1177. Sun-Thur 6-11 pm, Fri & Sat 6- 11:30 pm. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-8 pm. All credit cards.)

The Lounge. This semi-art deco, semi-hi-tech retreat in the lobby of the Inwood Theatre is separated from the movies and moviegoers by a wall 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 W Lovers Lane. 350-7834 Sun-Wed 5 pm-1 am, Thur-Sat5 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 pm. AE, DC, CB.)

Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margaritas are your passion, this is the place for you. Mariano’s remodeled bar is a bright, airy place to enjoy some of the best Tex-Mex munchies in town. And the margaritas are so famous that the mix is available for sale. Need we say more? (Old Town, 5500 Greenville. 691-3888. Mon-Thur 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-midnight, Sun 11-11. Happy hour: daily 4-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)

Monopoly’s Park Place. With the coming of Monopoly (in the former Agora Ballroom), we may have reached the ultimate in cutesy theme bars. The name of the game here is Monopoly, of course. The dance floor is a huge game board checkered with old standbys such as Vermont Avenue and Reading Railroad, with a few new additions, including Lowest Greenville. Old Town and European Crossroads (which rents for nothing). The staff seems earnest and eager to please, but our drinks had Boardwalk prices and Baltic quality, (6532 E Northwest Hwy. 696-3720 Mon-Thur 5 pm-2 am. Fri 5 pm-4 am. Sat 7 pm-4 am. Sun 7 pm-2 am. MC, V. AE.)

Nostromo. Before venturing to Nostromo, it’s 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. 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 11.30 am-2 am. Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended 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. (2114 Greenville. 827-6800. Daily 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 7-9 pm. 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.)

SRO. We keep no secrets here-the name stands for “standing room only,’ which is likely to become the case at this ever-so-black, ever-so-chichi nightclub trimmed in (did you guess?) pink neon. There’s a wide assortment of drinks, an unusual assortment of food and the standard assortment of 30ish trendies who are doing more following than setting. (2900 McKmney. 748-5014. Daily 11 am-2 am. MC, V, AE, DC.) St. Martin’s. What could be better for an intimate late-night rendezvous than sharing a good bottle of wine and a cheese-and-fruit or paté board in this quiet, relaxing Lower Greenville bistro? The atmosphere is romantic, with uncrowded candle-lit tables, fresh red carnations, crisp white tablecloths and soft classical music; the service is pleasant. (3020 Greenville. 826-0940 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 -3. Sat 11 -5; dinner: Mon- Thur 5-11. Fri & Sat 5 pm-1 am. Sun 5-11 pm: Sun brunch: 11 -3. All credit cards.)

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-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat & Sun 10 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. AE.)

The Wine Press. This is the perfect place to go on a rainy night -or any time 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; the wine selection, extensive-to say the least. (4217 Oak Lawn. 522-8720 Daily 11 am-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. (2912 Greenville. 828-2250. Tue 6 pm-2 am, Wed & Thur 11.30 am-2 pm&6 pm-2 am, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-3:15 am, Sun 10am-midnight. MC, V, AE.)



FORT WORTH NIGHTLIFE



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 you’re partial to being trampled by thousands of people (the club can hold 6,000) and you 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 9:30 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Reduced cover charge Mon-Sat 4-8 pm. 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 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 & Sat 7 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Cheers. Don’t expect Ted Danson or Shelley Long to be in this club’s crowd: This Confetti-like dancery is a far cry from the sophisticated wit of TV’s Boston bar. Female bartenders wear flesh-colored Danskin tights, skimpy leotards and baseball hats, and there’s enough paper confetti around to make you want to save a tree. By the looks of the crowd on the Tuesday night we visited, this is a good place for single women: The ratio of guys to gals was about 10-to-1, (6773 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. (817) 735-8814. Mon-Fri 11 am-2am, Sal & Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

The Hop. In three words, The Hop is warm, woody and wonderful. It has the air of a typical college hangout (it’s located just one block from TCU), but it lacks the cutesy crowd or trendy atmosphere. A stage tucked in the corner features national and local bands, with music ranging from folk to reggae, rdck to country. The food is good, but nothing could surpass the pizza. (2905 W Berry. (817) 923-7281. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 4 pm-1 am. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Spencer’s Beverly Hills. If you’ve been nostalgic fordisco, don’t worry: Saturday night fever is alive and welland living in Fort Worth. The disco-crazed crowdgathers here almost every night to shake their bootiesand to watch wide-screen movies such as “Fast Timesat Ridgemont High.” The drinks are heavy-handed-as are some of the regulars-but most patrons don’tseem to mind. (1724 S University. (817) 332-5651. Daily4 pm-2am.MC.V,AE.)