May Events OPENERS

A TEXAS TASTE OF TOKYO

After presenting the Houston Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty in March, the Fort Worth Ballet brings in something really exotic: the American debut of the Tokyo Ballet Group. Founded in 1960 to advance the cause of contemporary ballet and modern dance techniques, this company of 25 dancers performs works inspired by Japanese music, literature, history, religion and mythology.

The Tokyo Ballet Group will present two separate programs from their repertory of more than 70 works. Yuriko Kimura, a member of the Martha Graham Company in New York, will be the guest artist. When it’s an attraction as intriguing as a contemporary ballet imported from Japan, you can depend on finding it in Fort Worth.

May 3 & 4 at Tarrant County convention Center Theater, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. Thur & Fri at 8 pm. Tickets $21-$4. (817) 731-0879.

-Tony White



A TRIBUTE

TO ISRAEL



In traditional Jewish numerology, the number 18 means life. This month marks the 36th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, and Dallas’ Temple Emanu-El celebrates the “double 18” of Israeli independence with a “Salute to Israel” in music and dance.

The main attraction on the program will be If You Will It…, a cantata by Simon Sargon for tenor soloist, chorus, dancers and chamber orchestra. Sargon, a native of Bombay, India, and a former resident of Jerusalem, is well-known locally not only as a composer but also as pre-performance lecturer for the Dallas Symphony and the Dallas Opera, as a director of opera and theater at SMU and as music director at Temple Emanu-El. He wrote If You Will It…in 1983 on commission from Temple Israel in Boston, drawing on writings of modern Jewish leaders such as David Ben-Gurion as well as biblical texts. The concert will also include choral music by contemporary Israeli composers Mordecai Wilenski, Emanuel Amiran and Mark Lavry as well as Israeli folk songs and dances arranged by Sargon for brass quintet. Performers will include the Jerry Bevington Dance Ensemble, tenor Stephen Cary, the Dallas Brass Ensemble and the Temple Emanu-El Choir, and Sargon will be the conductor. May 5 at 8 pm at Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest. Free. 368-3613.

-Wayne Lee Gay

FRONTIER REDISCOVERED



On July 4, 1832, the merchant ship Janus docked in Boston harbor, and two unlikely companions-Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp of Wied and Karl Bodmer, a Swiss landscape painter-set out on an improbable journey into the American hinterlands.

For the next year and a half, the pair explored the frontier as far west as present-day Montana, witnessing Indian wars and surviving a bitter North Dakota winter. Then they packed their gear (including Bodmer’s paintings and sketches and four live bears) and set sail for Europe, never to return to this country. Prince Maximilian wrote a memoir of his travels and deposited his collection-including Bodmer’s original sketches and paintings-in the family archives, where they were forgotten. Rediscovered at the end of World War II, they eventually found their way to the Josalyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, which has assembled an exhibition commemorating the expedition’s 150th anniversary.

Views of a Vanishing Frontier,which opens at the Amon Carter Museum May 19, brings together more than 100 of Bodmer’s watercolors, Maximilian’s notes and maps and several of the Plains Indian objects gathered during the journey. Bodmer’s paintings are important historical documents since one of his subjects, the Mandan Indian tribe, was almost completely destroyed by a 1937 smallpox epidemic. But they are also works of art, highly detailed but romantic evocations of a lost world.

May 19-July 29 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 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/Vlsa, AE/American Express, DC/Diners Club, CB/Carte Blanche. “All credit cards* Indicates that all five cards are accepted.



ART



Andre Kertaaz. During a 60-year career, this living Old Master of photography has focused on the artists, writers, lovers, coffeehouses and nightlife of Paris, New York and his native Hungary. Through May 17 at Mat-tingly Baker, 3000 McKinney. Tue-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-5. 526-0031

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

Henri Matisse. This searching examination, the first major Texas exhibit of Matisse’s work, finds the roots of the artist’s style in the relationship between his painting and his sculpture. May 26-Sept 2 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5.(817)332-8451.

In Pursuit of Perfection. Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres believed that what had been done well could always be done better. He proved that theory by returning to favorite themes and refining his ideas in tracings, fresh arawings and new versions of old works. Through May 6 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 332-8451.

Jasper Johns: Savarln Monotypes. A coffee can full of paintbrushes provides the theme for this set of 17 variations by one of the masters of contemporary print-making. Through May 20 in the Print and Textile Gallery, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Tue, Fri & Sat 10-5, Thur 10-10, Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

Peter Foeller. This young German artist, whose paintings and silkscreens depict fantasy landscapes in a very realistic manner, presents his debut show in the area. May 5-June 20 at Contemporary Gallery, Sakowitz Village, 5100 Belt Line, Suite 544. Mon-Sat 10:30-5.934-2323.

The Pop Art Print. The artists who discovered the modern thrills of the comic strip and the soup can during the Sixties also rediscovered the ancient pleasures of the lithograph and silkscreen print. Through June 17 at the Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 738-9215.

The Shogun Age. Beauty and utility mingle in these objects-some 300 paintings, scrolls, furnishings, musical instruments, masks and implements for the tea ceremony – representing the golden age of Japanese culture and drawn from the collection of one of Japan’s most distinguished families. May 1 & May 5-27 at Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Exhibit hours: Fri-Wed 11-6, Thur 11-10. Tickets $4 for adults; $2 for children; DMA members free Tickets available at the museum box office. 922-0220.



Walks of Life

“I am an artist who makes walks,” says Richard Long, the British artist featured in Concentrations 9: Richard Long,an exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. Long’s walk, installed in one bay of the museum’s sculpture garden, consists of 168 red slate stones laid out in a straight line 36 feet long and 6 1/2 feet wide. Despite its apparent simplicity, the work presents a graceful, even romantic sight amid the hard edges of downtown Dallas. Through May 20 at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood. Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 10-5, Thur 10-10, Sun noon-5. 922-0220.



Three Documentary Photographers.The Amon Carter Museum shows off recent gifts: Morris Engel’s photographic essay on one family’s life in a small Texas town, Robert Frank’s pictures of cowboys at the annual Madison Square Garden rodeo, and Depression-era photos made by Marion Post Wolcott for the Farm Security Administration. May 19-July 29 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5:30 (817) 738-1933.

Works by Women. The late Bette C Graham, inventor of Liquid Paper correction fluid, assembled this fine little collection of works by women artists including Georgia O’Keeffe, Helen Frankenthaler and Mary Cas-satt. Through June 15 in the Community Showcase, Central Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4. 749-4100.

Xavler 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. Through 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. Through May 13 at the Plaza Theatre, 6719 Snider Plaza. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 8:15 pm.Tickets$16&$14Fri&Sat;$13&$11 Tue-Thur& Sun evening; $10 & $9 Sun matinee. 363-7000.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This production is a spirited reworking of the biblical tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score, written in the early Seventies, is weak, but enthusiasm and wit make up for it. Fun, fun, fun. May 22-27 at the Maiestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Tue-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 2:30 & 8 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7:30 pm. Tickets $25-$21 Fri & Sat; $23.50-$19 50 Sun-Thur. Tickets available at Ticketron outlets or at the Dallas Theater Center box office 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. Through 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 to 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 Through 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.

Seven Keys to Baldpate. In order to win a wager, a writer of mystery stories goes to a deserted summer resort in the dead of winter to prove that he can compose a thriller in only 24 hours. He thinks he has the only key to the house, but he’s wrong. Written by George M. Cohen, this is one of the first plays of the modern mystery genre. May 8-June 10 at 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.

Slstar Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You. Christopher Durang has bones to pick, and one of his biggest is with the Catholic Church. In this scathingly funny play, he leaves the meat on his victims and the audience on the floor as Sister Mary teaches her own version of the catechism to a pupil who is too young to catch the joke. This is satire that never loses control. May 8-June 3 at Theatre Three, the Quadrangle. 2800 Routh. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm. Sun at 2:30 and 7 pm. Tickets $13.50 Fri & Sat; $11 Tue-Thur & Sun. 871-3300.

Wild Oats. This 18th-century farce is about a troupe of really awful Shakespearean actors and a father in pursuit of his son. No one is who he seems to be, everyone seems to be confused, and why cant that actor get his Shakespeare quotations straight? This play may be old, but it’s not a bit musty. May 10-June 16 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



Cllbum Foundation Concerts. May 1: Pianist Stephanie Brown joins the Mendelssohn String Quartet in a concert featuring Beethoven’s Quartet in A, Op. 18, No. 5; Seeger’s Quartet (1931); and Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor. Op. 34, at 8 pm at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth Tickets $10. May 22: 1981 Grand Prize winner Andre-Michel Schub appears in a recital featuring Beethoven’s Sonata No. 23 in F minor (“Appassionata”). Mendelssohn’s Variations Serieuses. excerpts from Debussy’s Preludes and Mussorgsk/s “Pictures at an Exhibition” at 8 pm at Ed Landreth Auditorium. University at Cantey, Fort Worth Tickets $16-$5. (817) 738-6509.

Dallas Chamber Music Society.Pianist David Golub. violinist Mark Kaplan and cellist Colin Carr perform Beethoven’s Variations on “Ich bin der Schneider Kakadu,” Op. 121 A; Shostakovich’s Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67; and Schubert’s Trio in B-flat. Op. 99. May 7 at 8:15 pm at Caruth Auditorium, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Tickets $6 526-7301, 521-3831.



Lacerta on the Lake

Part classical, part jazz, part Third World ethnic, Dallas’ improvisational quartet, BL Lacerta, is hotter than ever this spring after a much-acclaimed debut at Carnegie Hall in October. Named for a coordinate in the Lacerta constellation (Lacerta means “lizard” in Latin), the group performs regularly at the Bath House Cultural Center on White Rock Lake. This month’s subscription concert features the quartet with dancer Deborah Hay. May 25 & 26 at 8:15 p.m. at Bath House Cultural Center, 521 East Law-ther. Tickets $6.50. 328-8428.



Dallas Grand Opera Association. The Metropolitan Opera appears May 17-29 for four productions. May 17: Wagner’s “Die Walkure.’ conducted by James Levine and starring Eszter Kovacs. Johanna Meier, Gwynn Cornell, John Vickers, Simon Estes and John Macurdy at 7 pm. May 18: Levine conducts Mozart’s “Abduction from the Seraglio’ with Gail Robinson, Judith Blegen. David Rendall, Philip Chreech, Ara Berberian and Nico Castel at 7:30 pm. May 29: Marilyn Horne takes the title role in Handel’s “Rinaldo,’ with Mario Bernardi conducting and Marvis Martin, Benita Valente, Dano Raffanti and Samuel Ramey in the cast at 1:30 pm. May 19: Renata Scotto and Placido Domingo join Cornell MacNeil and Italo Tajo under Levine for Puccini’s Tosca” at 8 pm. All performances at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $45-$10 for “Walkure,” “Rinaldo” and Tosca”; $125-S15 for ’Abduction from the Seraglio.” 661-9750.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. May 4 & 5: Eduardo Mata conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D, Mahler’s “Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen” (with baritone Hakan Hagegard). the world premiere of Rodriguez’s “Oktoechos” and Enesco’s Rumanian Rhapsody No. 1 at 8:15 pm. May 10 & 12: The Dallas Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra under Mata to close the season with Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and Kodaiy’s “Hary Janos” Suite at 8:15 pm. Both concerts at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $15-$5. 692-0203.

Dallas Symphony SuperPops. Peter Nero performs May 11 at 8 pm at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $18-$8. 692-0203.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. May 12 & 13: John Giordano conducts the final concert of the classical subscription series, featuring Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto (with soloist Eugene Istomin) and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 3 pm. Tickets $15-$5. May 25 & 26: The Pops Series concludes with Giordano conducting a concert of “Starship Discovery,” including music from Hoist’s “The Planets,” Richard Strauss’ “Thus Spake Zarathustra” and popular motion pictures. Fri & Sat at 8 pm. Tickets $18- $10. All concerts at Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston, Fort Worth. (817) 926-8831.

Meadows School of the Arts. May 2: Anshel Brusilow conducts the SMU Symphony in performing selected music of Berlioz, Chausson, Debussy and Ravel at 8:15 pm. May 3: The SMU Brass Ensemble performs at 8:15 pm. May 6: The SMU Choir appears under director Lloyd Pfautsch at 4 pm. All concerts are in Caruth Auditorium, Owen Arts Center, SMU. Free. 692-2628.

University of Texas at Dallas. Tommy Loy and the Upper Dallas Jazz Band appear in concert May 4 at 8:15 pm in the University Theatre. UTD, Floyd at Campbell, Richardson. Tickets $3. 690-2983.



DANCE



Dallas Black Dance Theatre. No longer an “emerging” dance organization in Dallas, the Black Dance Theatre has proven its stature during the last several years with strong artistic direction, some very capable dancers and the organizational clout to present programs on a citywide basis. DBDT takes its biggest leap yet by presenting the full-length production of “Carmen Jones,” Hammerstein’s adaptation of Bizet’s opera, which was choreographed by Darwin Prioleau, assistant professor of dance at SMU. May 3 & 4 at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Thur & Fri at 8 pm. Tickets $25-$8. 371-1170 or 369-9000.

Dancers Unlimited Repertory Company.Dallas’ only major modern dance troupe promises an exciting, eclectic mix in its second Majestic season. The program features a gospel work by New York choreographer John Perpener and the world premiere of a work choreographed by Gregg Lizenbery to the music of Bach. Two repertory pieces, “They Owe Me An Inch” by Debbie Poulsen and “Suite Exchanges,” choreographed by Terry Lacy to the music of Claude Boiling, complete the program. May 11 & 12 at the Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm. Fri & Sat at 8 pm. Tickets $15-$5; available at Ticketron outlets. 742-7821.



ENLIGHTENMENT



Dallas Public Library.“The Elements of Romance: A Writer’s Workshop’ is a program presented by four local romance writers. May 12,9:15 am-4 pm, at the Central Dallas Public Library, 1515 Young. Advance registration fee $25. 749-4285.

Dallas Museum of Natural History.This is the first major retrospective exhibit of works by artist, naturalist and explorer Louis Agassiz Fuertes, who is acclaimed by many as America’s foremost bird artist. Through May 27 at the Dallas Museum of Natural History, Fair Park. Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun noon-5. Free. 421-2169.

Public Safety Fair.This event, designed to increase public knowledge of available safety services and to promote safety awareness, is sponsored by the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. The fair will include rescue equipment demonstrations, displays and information booths. May 12,10 am-4 pm, in the east parking lot of Valley View Center, Preston at LBJ Frwy. Free. 368-6485.

University Lecture Series. SMU’s lecture series presents a three-pan: lecture on “Politics and the Presidency 1984.” Led by journalism professor Philip Seib and political science professor Ruth Morgan, the series will explore the influence of the media, the party system and the changing role of conventions April 30-May 14 at the R.L Thornton Alumni Center, 3000 Daniel, SMU. Mondays at 11 am. Tuition $39; cost includes lunch. 692-2532.



RECREATION



Artfest. The annual family festival presented by the 500 Inc. will include arts and crafts exhibits, a juried art show featuring more than 250 artists, continuous entertainment, an auction, a children’s area and numerous concession stands. Artfest, sponsored this year by The Dallas Morning News.’ benefits the arts in Dallas. May 25-27 at the Esplanade, Fair Park. Fri 6-10 pm, Sat 10-10, Sun 11 am-6 pm Tickets $2.50 in advance; $3.50 at the gate; children under 4 free Tickets available at Tom Thumb stores; at the 500 Inc. office, 8220 Westchester, Suite 6; or from any 500 Inc. member 361-2011

Big D Charity Horse Show. More than 400 horses and ponies will compete in harness, saddle and halter classes in the 14th annual Big D Charity Horse Show. Proceeds will benefit charities of the Civitan Clubs of Dallas that aid handicapped children. May 17-20 at the State Fair Coliseum, Fair Park. Thur-Sat at 9 am, 1 pm & 7:30 pm; Sun at 9 am & 1:30 pm Tickets $5 for box seats; $3 for reserved seats; $1 for general admission; children under 12 free; morning performances free. Tickets available in advance at Sears stores; during the show at the State Fair Coliseum box office 340-0221.

Dallas Symphony Designers Showhouse. The Reese home, selected as this years showhouse. features rooms decorated by 22 Dallas designers as well as a restaurant and a gift shop The showhouse benefits the Cornerstone Campaign of the Dallas Symphony Association Inc April 28-May 20 at 8626 Douglas. Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Sun 1 -4 pm. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11 am-2 pm. Tickets $8 at the door; $6 in advance; $5 in advance for groups of 20 or more. Tickets available at Tcketron outlets, including Dillard’s stores and Melody Shops 521-8400.

Gladney Skittle. The second annual Skittle, a family day of fun at Sesame Place, features Gordon of PBS’ “Sesame Street” along with shows featuring well-known Muppets Bert and Ernie The Skittle benefits the maternity services of the Edna Gladney Home, which places babies with adoptive parents. May 5, 10 am-8 pm, at Sesame Place. Hwy 183 at Esters Rd. Tickets $6; free for children under 3 Call 327-7106 or 341-9880 for tickets; 637-5513 for information.

McKinney’s May Fair. The third annual fair focuses on the rich heritage of McKinney with arts and crafts, antiques, dancers, singers, puppeteers, clowns, musicians, contests and games Antique and classic cars will be displayed, and four restored homes near the Chestnut Square Historical District will be open for viewing The fair begins with a parade around the square at 10 am and ends with a country/western street dance from 6 to 10 pm. May 5,10-10, at the Chestnut Square Historical District, 311 S Chestnut, one block west of Hwy 5 at Anthony. Free. (214) 542-0163.

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. Weekends April 28-June 10 near Waxahachie. 1.6 miles west of I-35E, exit 399A. Sat & Sun 10 am-7 pm Advance tickets $6 for adults; $3 for children 5-12; free for children under 5 Tickets available at Ticketron and Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets or at entrance 1-937-6130.

Swiss Avenue Tour of Homes. The 12th annual celebration of Dallas’ first historical district, one of the largest areas of early 20th-century residential architecture left intact in the Southwest, will be May 11-13. Seven houses, each carefully restored to its original composition, will be featured on the tour. Fri 6:30-10 pm.Sat 10am-6pm,Sunnoon-6pm. Tickets $6 at the tour site; $5 in advance 824-6603.

Top of Texaa Klckoff Cookoff.The Top of Texas Kickoff Chili Cookoff will be May 12 at noon at Shepler’s Western Wear. Hwy 80 at Hwy 360, Arlington CASI rules will be followed. Registration fee $15. Tom or Linda Tyler, 276-2737 or 270-3446.



SPORTS



Texas Rangers.Arlington Stadium, Arlington. Reserved seat tickets $8-$4 50; general admission $3.50 for adults, $2 for children 13 and under. Tickets available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets, Sears stores and Arlington Stadium Ticket Office. Home games start at 7:35 pm unless otherwise noted. Metro 273-5120. May 4-6 vs Baltimore (Sun at 2:05 pm)

8 & 9 vs Boston

22-24 vs Milwaukee

25-27 vs Chicago (Sun at 2:05 pm)

28-30 vs Kansas City



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 ana 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 A 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. (6332La Vista. 823-5340 Daily 5 pm-2 am. 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 rather small dance floor (5601 Greenville. 691-2411. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 5-8 pm, Thur 5-9 pm. MC. V. AE)

In Cahoots. Like a randy phoenix rising from the remains of the old Papagayo’s, this multilevel, chromed-out fleshpot is Babylon revisited in NorthPark East. What has the Me Generation come to? The obligatory video here is a mix of cartoons, rock and Selfdance – you can watch your celluloid self writhing on the dance floor. The waitresses are scantily clad, the drinks are strong, and the happy hour buffet ranks with the best in Dallas (NorthPark East. 8796 N Central Expwy 692-5412. Mon-Fri 4:30 pm-2 am. Sat &Sun 6:30 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4:30-8:30 pm, Sat & Sun 6:30-8:30 pm. MC. V. AE.)

Jazba at Ratcllffo’s. If we mention this place too prominently, will we have trouble getting a table when we want one? This small, elegant jazz bar in Ratcliffe’s seafood restaurant has what we like: clean lines, smooth music and Southern comfort. Food, too! (1901 McKinney. 748-7480 Sun-Thur 5 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 5 pm-2 am; live music beginning at 8 pm. No cover. MC, V, AE.)

Longhorn Ballroom. The Longhorn hasn’t changed much since the last time you were there. It still offers only beer and setups and one of the best country/western dance floors in Dallas Owner 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.)

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. 61-0477. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Happy hour: Fri 4-7pm. 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.)

Studebaker’t. 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. The disc jockey favors hits from the fabulous Fifties and Sixties (Studebaker’s 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. (NorthPark East. 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.)

Texas Tea Howe. 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.)

Tim Ballaitfs. Dallasites are missing out on a good thing if they pass up this jazz bar on the Lemmon Avenue strip. It’s perfect for a late-afternoon chat over drinks. Perfect, that is, until the band heats up around 9 o’clock. Then it’s time to sit back, cut the chatter and enjoy the jazz that is the club’s drawing card. On the minus side, service is haphazard, and the drinks are expensive. (3524 Inwood at Lemmon. 559-3050 Tue-Fn 4 pm-2 am. Sat 6 pm-2 am. Happy hour: Tue-Fn4-8 pm. Sat 6-8 pm. Weekend cover $3. MC. V. AE.)

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 the 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.)



NIGHTLIFE

DRINKING



Biff’s. When you look out Biff’s windows and see the lush foliage of Old Vickery Park, even the traffic on Greenville Avenue somehow seems peaceful. The combination nachos here are a civic treasure, but the drinks are only average. (7402 Greenville. 696-1952 Tue-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun & Mon 11 am-midnight. Happy hour; Mon-Fri 4-7 pm. MC. V, AE)

Chelsea Corner. 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 luscious. (4830 McKinney. 522-3501. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2am, Sat& Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 2-7pm, daily 11 pm-2am. MC, V, AE. DC.)

Elght-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 Roulh. Suite 125. 871-1180. Daily 11:30 am-2 am. Live jazz at lunch Wed-Sat. Happy hour: Mon-Sat 4-9 pm: all night Sun, 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-Fri 4-7 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.)

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-Sat 5 pm-2am. 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. (Old Town, 5500 Greenville. 691-3888. Sun-Thur 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri& Sat 11:30 am-midnight. Happy hour: daily 4-7pm. 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 like 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.)

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’s 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 McKinney. 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 pate board in this quiet, relaxing Lower Greenville Avenue 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.)

Stonelelgh 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 S Sun 10 am-2 am. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm. AE)

The Wine Press.This is the perfect place to go on a rainy night-or any time 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 Deli. 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-Thur 11:30am-2am. Fri&Sat 11:30am-3:30am; Sun 3 pm-midnight; Sun brunch: 10-2. Closed Mon 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 honkytonk. 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 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.)

Cheers. Don’t expect Ted Danson or Shelley Long to be in this club’s crowd: This dancery is a far cry from TVs 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. (6773 Camp Bowie. Fort Worth. (817) 735-8814 Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat& Sun 4 pm-2am. All credit cards.)

The Hop. In three words, The Hop is warm, woody and wonderful. It has the air of a typical college hangout, 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, rock to country. (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 too much. (1724 S University. (817)332-5651. Daily 4 pm-2 am. MC. V, AE.)