On the Town

Art & Artifacts

African American Museum. ’Elizabeth Catien: Works on Paper, 1944-1992″ {through July 7) includes more than 73 works spanning her career as a printmaker. Reflecting concepts from African, Mexican, and African-American cultures, the artist combines basic elements prevalent in all three. “Connections: African Vision in African-American Art” (May 10-Oct. 13) explores, within the context of an American system of values and customs, the influence of the African belief system on African-American art depicting religion, social life, and secular themes. Noon-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; 3536 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Information: 565-9026.



Amon Carter Museum. “Thomas Eakins and the Swimming Picture” {through May 5) shows the preliminary photos, oil studies, and portraits of the men depicted in Eakins’ best-known work. The exhibit illustrates the painter’s interest in human anatomy and movement, his use of photography as an artistic medium, and the modern reinterpretation of classical ideas. “Lifting the Veil: Robert S. Duncanson and the Emergence of African American Artists” (through June 16): Civil War-era African-American painter Duncanson’s landscapes are each said to contain veiled messages of the black man’s hardships during a time when racial upheaval was at its zenith. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-1933.



Arlington Museum of Art. “Buttered Side Up” (through June 14) features large-scale abstract and geometric paintings and sculptures by three Houston artists. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; 201 W. Main St., Arlington. Information: B17-275-4600.



Bath House Cultural Center. “Chicano Art” (May 4-25), a one-man exhibit by painter Juan Juarez Hernandez. Exhibit opening: 6-8 p.m., May 11: Cultural center hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; between Garland Road and Northwest Highway off Buckner. Information: 670-8749.



Gallery Tour. The Dallas Gallery Association’s eighth annual tour of Uptown area galleries opens the doors to a world of painting, sculptures, furnishings, and decorative items.10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 4; noon-5 p.m., May 5. For a list of the participating galleries, call 754-7070.



Dallas Museum of Art. “Hot Cars, High Fashion, Cool Stuff: Designs of the 20th Century” (through July 14) features “I Love Lucy” reruns, Pucci fashions, rock ’n’ roll memorabilia, and vintage cars in an exhibit chronicling the history of 20th-century American design. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday; 1717 N. Harwood St. Information: 922-1200 or 922-1355.



Kimball Art Museum. “The Path to Enlightenment: Masterpieces of Asian Sculpture from the Musée Guimet” (May 5-Sept. 1) shows Asian art icons-more than 70 figures crafted from stone, terracotta, wood, bronze, and precious metal-that trace the development of Buddhist art over the course of 1,000 years. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; noon-8 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-8451.



Magnolia Lounge. Former SMU professor of paleontology and director of the school’s Shuler Museum, Bob Slaughter, is bringing his unique fossil-like sculptures to Fair Park. Through his storytelling, he will relate the “discovery” of the Fossil Remains of Mythical Creatures, such as fairies, mermaids, gnomes, and leprechauns. 7 p.m., May 3; 1121 First Ave., Fair Park. Reservations: 824-2990 or 426-1101.



Meadows Museum. “The Meadows Collection: Masterpieces of Spanish Art for Texas” (May 10-July 7) showcases the museum’s extensive collection of Spanish paintings, prints, and sculptures by such legendary artists as Goya, Picasso, Miro, and Murillo. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday. Tuesday, Friday & Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; SMU campus, comer of Bishop Boulevard and Binkley Avenue. Information: 768-2516.



McKinney Avenue Contemporary. “Solo Exhibit” (through June 9) features a collection of contemporary sculptures by artist Daniel Wiener. “Untitled” (through June 9) showcases artist Jeanne Silverthorne’s cast-rubber chandelier.11 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.



Modem Art Museum of Fort Worth. “Howard Hodgkin: Paintings 1975-1995” (through July 14) shows his color ful, evocative paintings considered representational by some, abstract by others. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday; 1309 Montgomery St., fort Worth. Information: 817-738-9215.

Temple Emanu-EI. “Yiddish Has Not Yet Said Its Last Word” (May 31- June 23). a collection of books, letters, and other memorabilia from the Isaac Bashevis Singer collection of the University of Texas at Austin, is exhibited in conjunction with the Singer tribute planned by Arts & Letters Live; 1-8 p.m.. Tuesday & Friday; 1-5 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday; 12:30-2:30 p.m., Saturday; Jacobus Archives Room., Temple Emanu-EI, 8500 Hillcrest Ave. Information: 922-1220.



Attractions

Conspiracy Museum. The museum’s exhibits provide information on assassinations since 1835, including those of Abraham Lincoln, Garfield McKinley, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. The crash of Right 007 in Korea is also examined. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Sunday: first floor, Katy Building, 110 S. Market St. Information: 741-3040.



Dallas Aquarium. More than 320 aquatic species are featured, including sharks, a 125-pound snapping turtle, sea horses, piranhas, and a 4-foot electric eel. Some of the newer exhibits include the Amazon Flooded Forest, a California kelp forest, a living coral reef, and the World of Aquatic Diversity featuring unusual survival adaptations. Public feedings of the piranhas are held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday; shark feedings are at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday & Sunday. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily; First Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard, Fair Park. Information: 670-8443.



Dallas World Aquarium. One of trie newest attractions to open in the West End, the Dallas World Aquarium features 12 saltwater tanks replicating underwater environments around the world. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 1801N. Griffin St. Information: 720-2224.



Dallas Zoo. Visitors can see more than 2,000 animals in a variety of natural displays, including The Wilds of Africa. 25 acres where the animals roam free in desert and bush habitats. Other exhibits feature forest, mountain, woodland, and river habitats. One of the two walk-through aviaries includes a waterfall, and children love the Reptile Discovery Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 621 E. Clarendon Dr. (Ewing exit off I-35E). Information: 670-5656.



Fair Park. Built In the 1930s to celebrate the Texas centennial. Fair Park’s 227 acres feature art deco buildings, an aquarium, Dallas* Museum of Natural History, The Science Place, the Age of Steam Museum, the African American Museum, the Civic Garden Center, the Starplex Amphitheater, the Hall of State, and picnic areas. The Friends of Fair Park and the City of Dallas run the Visitors Center (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) in the Magnolia Lounge, and show a 10-minute film about the park. A current exhibit in the Hall of State, “Bound for Texas: The Lone Star Story from the Age of Exploration to the Civil War,” tells the story of the cultural and economic forces that shaped the region prior to statehood through maps, letters, and photographs (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday). Walking tours around the park are available by appointment. Open daily, year round. 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd. at Grand Avenue. Information: 670-8400 or 426-3400.



Fort Worth Zoo. In one of the nation’s most acclaimed zoos, more than 4,000 exotic and native animals wander the exhibits, which include Flamingo Bay. Raptor Canyon, a walk-through Birds of Prey Aviary, Asian Rhino Ridge, the World of Primates, and Asian Falls with Sumatran tigers and Malayan bears playing around a 40-foot waterfall. Through May 29, the zoo features “Masters of the Night, The True Story of Bats,” with hands-on exhibits and displays featuring the zoo’s collection of Indian and Egyptian fruit bats. Exhibit costs $2.50 in addition to regular zoo admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., daily; 1989 Colonial Pkwy., Fort Worth. Information: 817-871-7050.



Sixth Floor Museum. This intelligent and moving exhibit in the former Texas School Book Depository, where Lee Harvard Oswald allegedly fired the shot that killed President John F. Kennedy, explores the many facets of the assassination as well as Kennedy’s life through photos, film clips, and interpretative information, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.. daily: Dallas County Administration Building, 411 Elm St. Information: 653-6666.



Movie Studios at Las Collnas. Dallas and Fort Worth have become popular places for filming movies and television shows. The studios, where scenes of RoboCop, Leap of Faith, and JFK were filmed, are open for tours. In addition to seeing screening rooms, sets, costumes, and special effects production, the studios house the National Museum of Communication and the Hollywood Company Store. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., daily; 6301 N. O’Connor Blvd., Las Colinas. Information: 869-RLM.

Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on a 274-acre wildlife sanctuary, the museum features rocks and minerals, seashells, and natural science and history exhibits, including hands-on activities for children. Regular nature walks on the wildflower trails and canoe trips are offered; the sanctuary is a permanent breeding site for 60 species. Several nature groups, including the Junior Naturalists, the Collin County Archaeology Society, and the Heard Nature Photographers Club, meet here. On May 11, the Museum will hold its 10th annual black tie gala, A Taste of the Orient, at the El Dorado Country Club. The evening includes live and silent auctions, drawings for prizes, dancing, and a five-course gourmet dinner. Call for ticket information. Sanctuary hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday; One Nature Place [exit 38 off North Central Expressway, follow the brown and white signs). McKinney. Information: 562-5566.



Dance

Cinderella. The Port Worth Dallas Ballet’s season finale, the classic fairy tale with music by Sergei Prokofiev, features more than 100 children from the Fort Worth School of Ballet. 8 p.m., May 3: 2 & 8 p.m.. May 4; 2 p.m.. May 5; Fair Park Music Hall, First and Parry avenues; 8 p.m.. May IT & 18. 2 p.m.. May 19; JFK Theatre, Tarrant County Convention Center, ill! Houston St.. Fort Worth. Tickets: 1-800-377-9988.



Ballet Folklarico. With bright-colored costumes and traditional sombreros, the Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company presents a free performance of regional Mexican dances. 8 p.m., May 4; Bath House Cultural Center, between Garland Road and Northwest Highway off Buckner. Information: 6700-8749.



Flamenco. The Conte de Loyo Flamenco Theatre presents dancers in full costume performing the famous Spanish dance to heel-stomping, hand-clapping guitar instrumentais. 8 p.m., May 10 & 11; Bath House Cultural Center, between Garland Road and Northwest Highway off Buckner. Information: 670-8749.



Fairs & Fiestas

Scarborough Renaissance Faire. Step back to the time of King Henry VIII, as the 16th annual festival brings to life a 16th-century English village replete with jousting matches, court jesters, jugglers, period arts and crafts, a mud pit, and food such as turkey legs and rogue sandwiches. April 27-June 16; 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Saturday & Sunday: exit 399A off I-35E. near Waxahachie. Information: 938-3247.



Mayfest. The annual Fort Worth event features an art market, a children’s area with more than 20 free activities, a sports area with sand volleyball and obstacle courses in speed pitching, an entertainment area with karaoke and other music events, and food and drinks. 3:30-10 p.m.. May 2 & 3; noon-10 p.m.. May 4; noon-7 p.m., May 5. Parade with floats, antique cars, and local performers begins at the north entrance of Farrington Field at Trinity Park. 6 p.m., May 3; Trinity Park, on the banks of the Trinity River off of Lancaster and University Boulevard, Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-1055. Mayfest Garden Run includes 2-mile. 4-mile, and 10K runs held at the Botanical Gardens. May 4: 7:45 a.m.. 2-mile; 8 a.m., 4-mile: 8:45 a.m.. 10K; Botanical Gardens, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. off of University and north of 1-30, Fort Worth.



Cinco de Mayo. The two-day cross-cultural event marking Mexican independence will include a car show, a job and health fair, a children’s area, a carnival with rides and games, musical entertainment ranging from Tejano to Top 40, and a variety of food. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.. May 4 & 5; Fair Park. Information: 750-0670.



Dessert Lover’s Delight. Benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, this event gathers under one roof every kind of cake, candy, pie. and mouth-watering delectable from Dallas’ finest and most popular restaurants. Participants can roam from table to table with forks in hands and sweet tooths on red alert. Noon-4 p.m.. May 11; West End Marketplace, second floor, 603 Munger Ave. at Market Street. Information: 480-0011.



Mother’s Day at the Dallas Arboretum. Sixty-six acres of roses, day lilies, and begonias await moms and their families at the Dallas Arboretum, where plans include a special Sunday brunch, children’s activities, and musical entertainment. Brunches are at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; reservations required. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 11 & 12: The Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd. Information; 327-8263.



MayFair. McKinney’s historic downtown square is the site of the annual day-long celebration featuring live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. May 18; McKinney’s Historic Square, take exit 40 from U.S. Hwy. 75 north and go east on Louisiana St., McKinney. Information; 562-2174.



Amerifest. Multicultural festival fuses international boundaries with live music featuring such styles as rock ’n’ roll, country and western, Tejano, Asian, and African; a variety of foods; arts and crafts; a full block of children’s activities; rides and exhibits: and family games and contests. 10:30 a.m.10:30 p.m.. May 18; noort-7 p.m., May 19; Main Street between Griffin and Ervay streets. Information; 699-5757.



Taste Addison. The suburb most known for its restaurants dishes up sample-sized servings along a mini-restaurant row, In addition to the food and beverages, there will be music by such bands as Trout Fishing in America and Joseph Vincelli, along with carnival rides, midway games, arts and crafts, children’s entertainers and a Model A car show on Saturday and an antique fire truck show on Sunday. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., May 18; noon-6 p.m., May 19; Addison Conference & Theatre Center, two blocks north of Belt Line Road on Quorum Drive, Addison. Information: 1-800-ADDI-SON.



Artfest. More than 300 artists from across the country trek to this three-day. family-oriented celebration of the arts and music. While adults enjoy the numerous works of art showcased and the live and silent auctions, children can retreat to an indoor, air-conditioned, interactive area to enjoy hands-on activities of their own. Everyone in the family can enjoy the foods, beverages, and musical entertainment. 6-10 p.m.. May 24; 10 a.m.-9 p.m.. May 25; 11 a.m.-6 p.m.. May 26; Fair Park. Information: 361-2011. Run for the Arts 10K, Kiddie Kilometer, 5K, and wheelchair races originate in Fair Park and wind through historic East Dallas. Participants get free admission to Artfest with their race bibs. May 25; 7:45 a.m.. Kiddie Kilometer: 8 a.m., 5K; 8:29 a.m., Wheelchairs’ 10-K; 8:30 a.m., 10K; Coliseum at Fair Park. Information: 713-7822.



Lone Star Rail Fair. During this 15th annual fair, step back into a time when politicians campaigned by way of whistle stops and the Iron Horse was the popular mode of travel. Exhibits include scaled-down versions of popular locomotives running on fully laid-out tracks complete with surrounding miniature towns and mountains, and memorabilia that was actually used on trains, including lanterns, locks and keys from track switching stations, and china and silverware from the dining cars. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.. May 26; Amon G. Carter Exhibits Hall, Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3301W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-732-2117.



Home & Garden

Dallas Sample Sale. The Dallas Market Center throws open its doors for a public sample sale featuring tabletop and home decorative accessories, fashions, toys, jewelry, and gifts available at wholesale prices or less. The three-day event benefits DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) and Gift for Life. Noon-6 p.m., May 3; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. May 4; noon-6 p.m.. May 5. Dallas Market Hall, 2200 Stemmons Fwy. Information: 655-6181.



Swiss Avenue Home & Garden Tour Tour four homes and four gardens in the Swiss Avenue Historic District, where the neighborhood has been restored to its early-1900s charm. Start at Triangle Park (Swiss. Parkmont, and Bryan) to purchase your tickets, and then return for refreshments provided by area restaurants. Discounted tickets are available in advance at the Lakewood Minyard Food Store and Dillard’s Box Office. 13343 Preston Rd. 6:30-9 p.m.. May 10; 11 a.m.-7 p.m., May 11; noon-6 p.m., May 12. Information: 926-6423.



Kidstuff

Busytown. Richard Scarry’s storybook town and characters come to life in an exhibit encouraging young visitors to express themselves. Through May 5; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.. daily; The Science Place, 1318 Second Ave., Fair Park. lnformation:428-5555.



Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime. How did the great Sherlock Holmes solve crimes? Elementary, Watson. In this returning hands-on exhibit, children learn the craft of solving crimes through exploration, data collection, hypothesis testing, and decision making. Through May 19; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday; 9 3.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 9 a. m. -9 p.m., Friday & Saturday; noon-8 p.m. .Sunday. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. Information: 817-654-1356.



Tuck Everlasting. The Dallas Children’s Theater brings to life the award-winning mystery about young Winnie Foster, who ventures beyond her front gate and uncovers the Tuck family secret. For ages 7 and older. Through May 19; 7:30 p.m.. Friday; 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.. Saturday & Sunday; Dallas Crescent Theater, 2215 Cedar Springs Rd. Tickets: 978-0110.

The Princess and the Pea. The Dallas Puppet Theater strings together an all-new version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, with a snooty Queen, a trusty Shipper, and a host of would-be princesses, all in marionette style. Reservations recommended. May 3-June 30:10:30 a.m.. Wednesday-Friday: 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Saturday: 2 p.m., Sunday: Dallas Puppet Theater, upper level next to the Disney Store. 2040 Valley View Center. Information: 939-0004. Tickets: 716-0230.



Arts & Letters Live for Young Writers. Poet Naomi Shihab Nye shares her insights, writing, and inspirational tips for budding writers. 11 a.m.-l p.m., May 4; J. Erik Jonsson Library. 1515 Young St. at Ervay. Reservations: 922-1220 or 670-7800.



Buffalo Day. To celebrate the time when the buffalo was king of the prairie, the Dallas Museum of Natural History will bring a live buffalo to graze on its grounds, and the staff will dress in period costumes to tell tales about pioneer life. Children wearing boots, cowboy hats, or pioneer clothing get in free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., May 4; The Dallas Museum of Natural History, 3535 Grand Ave., Fair Park. Information: 421-DINO.



Pet Adoptathon ’96. The SPCA of Texas has always had an open door policy when it comes to their four-legged guests, but for 36 continuous hours the doors will remain open at both SPCA Animal Care Centers during the Adoptathon. In addition to supplying cuddly cats and cute dogs, the SPCA will host local celebrities and provide various kids activities such as face painting, coloring contests, animal and children’s related movie screenings, and hourly raffle prizes. 8 a.m., May 4 to 9 p.m., May 5: SPCA of Texas headquarters, 362 S. Industrial Blvd. and the north branch animal care center at 506 Interchange Way, McKinney. Information: 651-9611.



Mother’s Day Special. All moms get in free on Mother’s Day at the Dallas Zoo and the Dallas Aquarium when accompanied by a paying child. May 12; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. The Dallas Zoo, 621 E. Clarendon Dr. Information: 670-5656; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park. First Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Information: 670-8443.



Storytelling for Families. Professional storyteller Toni Simmons will tell tales inspired by the current exhibit of landscapes by African-American painter Robert S. Duncanson, The program is free. but tickets must be picked up an hour before showtime. 1 & 3 p.m.. May 12; Amon Carter Museum Theater, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. Information: 817-738-1933. ext. 235.



Cowboys and Canines. At this event benefiting the SPCA of Texas, the whole family, including four-legged members, can enjoy live entertainment from such performers as The Dixie Chicks, children’s singer Eddie Coker. and magicians; also there will be hay rides, free tours of the Southfork Mansion, a petting zoo, a Kiddie Corral, a Lifestyle Pavilion, games and contests for the four-paws, and a special auction of one-of-a-kind dog houses decorated by national and international celebrities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., May 18; Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Rd., Parker. Information: 651-9611.



Family Fun Day. The Dallas Zoo will offer clowns, local celebrities, live entertainment, zookeeper talks, touchable animals, and family activities. lla.m.-3p.m..Mayl8;The Dallas Zoo. 621 E. Clarendon Dr. Information: 670-5656.



National Tap Dance Day. Fred Kelly, brother of the late great dancer Gene Kelly, stars in this salute to the art of tap dancing, commemorating the birthday of late tap-dance great. Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Non-stop free tapping entertainment will feature tap dance groups and soloists performing at the West End’s outdoor stage. For the finale, audience members are invited to wear their tap shoes for a “Tap Jam.” 11:30 a.m.-l:30 p.m., May 25: West End Marketplace Outdoor Plaza, 603 Munger Ave. at Market Street. Information: 748-4801.



Sleeping Beauty. Casa Manana brings to life the story of the princess who falls under an evil spell and sleeps for 100 years, only awakening with the help of a handsome prince. 7:30 p.m.. May 3 & 10; 2 p.m., May 4 & 11; Casa Mariana Children’s Playhouse, 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-332-2272.



Literary & Lectures

Artists Talk. Texas artists skilled in various mediums conduct weekly talks at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary. 7 p.m., May 1, Katherine Owens, actor/director with Undermain Theater; May 8, Rosemary Meza, visual artist/painter and performance artist; May 15, Mary Wiliiford-Shade. dancer/choreographer from Denton; May 22, Nic Nicosia, visual artist/photographer; May 29, Patrick Kelly, visual artist in mixed media from Fort Worth: The McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 McKinney Ave. Information: 953-1212.



Celebration of Latino Literature. This Arts & Letters Live event features readings by Rudolfo Anaya and Denise Chavez, followed by a screening of The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez. 7 p.m.. May 3, Horchow Auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art. 1717 N. Harwood St. Tickets: 922-1219 or 922-1220.



Denise Chavez. The author of Face of an Angel and Last of the Menu Girls presents a free performance-writing workshop. 2-4 p.m., May 4; The Bath House Cultural Center, between Garland Road and Northwest Highway off Buckner. Information: 670-8749.



Literary Cafe. An evening of readings by Sheryl St. Germain, Catherine Bowman, Robert Nelson. Bruce DuBose, and Matt Clark; part of Arts & Letters Live. 8:30 p.m., May 15, Club DaDa, 2720 Elm St. Tickets: 922-1219 or 922-1220.



Words and Music. An Arts & Letters Live performance by Lorenzo Thomas, Jas. Mardis, Ramona Austin, Liz Mikel. and Big AI Dupree evokes the heyday of the Harlem Renaissance. 7 p.m.. May 16: Horchow Auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Har wood St. Tickets: 922-1219 or 922-1220.



Alan Peppard/Skip Hollandsworth. Julia Sweeney’s Tuesday Talk Series hosts The Dallas Morning News and Texas Monthly writers discussing Dallas society and Texas affairs. May 21; 11:45 a.m.. registration; noon, talk; lunch will follow; Dallas Country Club, 4100 Beverly Dr. Reservations: 520-0206.



Celebrating Isaac Bashevis Singer. Arts & Letters Live tribute features professor Robert King of the University of Texas at Austin, along with actors Leonard Nimoy and Marian Seldes and director Isaiah Sheffer reading from Singer’s work and discussing his career. 7:30 p.m.. May 29; Dallas Museum of Art. Horchow Auditorium, 1717 N. Har wood St.: Leonard Nimoy and Marian Seldes perform a staged reading of Isaiah Sheffer’s new theater piece, woven from Singer’s own words, fiction, memoirs, and letters. 7:30 p.m., May 30: Temple Emanu-EI, The Sanctuary, 8500 Hillcrest Ave. Tickets: 922-1219 or 922-1220.



Music

Sounds of Brazil. The Sammons Jazz concert series features Brazilian music by the James Gabriano Trio preceding headlining vocalist Nina Katrina and her Brazilian jazz ensemble. May 1; 7 p.m.. doors open: 7:30 p.m.. performance; Sammons Center for the Arts. Meadows Hall, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd. Tickets: 871-ARTS.



Dallas Symphony Classical Series. Andrew Litton conducts guest violinist Anne Akiko Meyers performing with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in a repertoire featuring the works of Bernstein and Mahler. 8:15 p.m., May 2-4. The Dallas Symphony Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw performs works by Stravinsky and Beethoven. 8:15 p.m.. May 9-11: 2:30 p.m., May 12. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets: 692-0203.



Dallas Bach Society. The season finale features one of Bach’s greatest masterpieces, the “St. John Passion.” performed by New York’s bass-baritone Kevin Deas in the role of Jesus, accompanied by the Dallas Bach Chorus, guest vocal soloists, and the Dallas Bach Orchestra playing period instruments. 1:30 p.m., May 5: Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets: 871-ARTS.



Classical Guitarist. The Dallas Classical Guitar Society presents local guitarist, Robert Harding. 3 p.m.. May 11; Dallas Museum of Art, Horchow Auditorium, 1717 N. Har wood St. Information: 922-1229.



Quartetto Gelato. TITAS presents the Ice Cream Quartet, which combines a variety of flavorful styles from operatic arias to zesty tangos to traditional melodies accompanied by the violin, mandolin, oboe, and accordion. 8 p.m.. May 11; McFarlin Auditorium, Hillcrest Avenue and McFarlin Boulevard on the SMU campus. Tickets: 528-5576.



Van Cliburn Series Concert. Award-winning husband and wife piano duo Alexei Kuznetsoff and Valentina Lisitsa perform. 8 p.m.. May 14; Ed Landreth Auditorium, TCU campus, University Drive at Cantey, Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-335-9000.



Victor Borge. The well-known actor, comic composer, and pianist brings his humor to the JCPenney SuperPops Series. 8:15 p.m.. May 14; Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. Tickets; 692-0203.



America, America. The Texas Wind Symphony joins talents with the 100-voice men’s choir. The Vocal Majority, for a concert featuring patriotic and inspirational music. 8 p.m., May 18; Texas Hall, University of Texas at Arlington, Cooper Street at Nedderman Drive, Arlington. Tickets: 817-640-5610.



Texas Baroque Ensemble. Dedicated to preserving 17th-and 18th-century music using original period instruments, the ensemble performs Henry Purcell’s “Theatre Music” along with William Byrd’s “Mass for Five Voices” In its season finale. 8:15 p.m., May 20; Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 14115 Hillcrest Ave. Tickets: 520-ARTS.

Sunset Concert. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra treats Arboretum-goers to a free outdoor performance. 8 p.m.. May 23: Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd. Information: 327-8263.



D’Drum. The Fine Arts Chamber Players’ “Fourth Saturdays’ hosts five professional percussionists in a free program showcasing drumming styles from around the world. 3 p.m., May 25; Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Har wood St. Information; 922-1229.



Dallas Vocal Artists. An eight-voice men’s a cappella ensemble harmonizes choral music from the Renaissance to the 20th century; presented by the Fine Arts Chamber Players. 3 p.m.. May 25; Horchow Auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Har wood St. Information: 520-2219.



Glenn Miller Orchestra. The JCPenney SuperPops Series hosts the big band that carries on the Glenn Miller tradition, recreating such hits as “Sentimental Journey” and “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” 8:15 p.m.. May 17 & 18; 2:30 p.m., May 19; Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets: 692-0203.



Roberta Flack. The pop and rhythm & blues vocalist Mill be the final guest of the JCPenney SuperPops Series. 8:15 p.m., May 24 & 25; Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. Tickets: 692-0203.



Sports

Legends of the Game Baseball Museum. Exhibit of photographs and artifacts I through August) celebrating the centennial of the birth of legendary Texas player Rogers Hornsby highlights his 48-year career, from signing with the Dallas Steers in 1914 to coaching the Mets in 1962; also on display: more than 100 items from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Last tickets are sold one hour before closing. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday. The Ballpark in Arlington. 1000 Ballpark Way. Arlington. Information: 817-273-5600.



Mesquite Rodeo. The 39th season of bronco riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing from the 5,500-seat Mesquite Arena; family activities include pony rides, a petting zoo. and an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet dinner. Through Oct. 5; gates open at 6:30 p.m., rodeo begins 8 p.m.; Mesquite Arena. 1818 Rodeo Dr.. Mesquite. Information: 285-BULL.



Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. The Post Time Pavilion at the 315-acre, $96-million horse-racing park will open officially on May 3. Sports fans will be able to watch and wager on races from top tracks across the country in the specially designed 36,000-square-foot pavilion. For race times and information: 263-RACE.



Big D Charity Horse Show. Benefiting the Dallas Exchange Club’s Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the 26th annual fund-raising event features competition and showcases of more than 300 Tennessee walking, racing, sad-dlebred, and country saddle horses to compete and showcase. 7 p.m.. May 2; 1 & 7 p.m., May 3; 9. 1 & 7 p.m., May 4; 9 a.m. & 1 p.m., May 5; Las Colinas Equestrian Center, 600 Royal Ln., Irving. Information: 612-8007.

Great Strides Walk-A-Thon. Trie seventh annual family 10K walk to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation begins at the West End Marketplace and the winds through the Arts District, down the trolley line on McKinney Avenue and through Turtle Creek. Returning to the West End, participants can enjoy snacks, entertainment, prices, and more. 9a.m.-noon.May4; West End Marketplace Outdoor Plaza. 603 Munger Ave, at Market Street. Information: 871-2222.



Lakewood Love Run. Kicking off national “Be Kind to Animals Week,” the SPCA hosts their 8th annual 5K and 1 Mile Pet and Their Parents Fun Run/Walk for those at either end of trie leash. All participants receive specially designed t-shirts with trophies awarded in five categories. In addition to the races, entertainment will be provided by the con testants of the Precocious Pet Tricks. May 4; 8 a.m.. 5K run; 9 a.m., 1-mile. First Interstate Bank. 6301 Gaston Ave. Information: 651-9611.



Stockyards Championship Rodeo. The only full professional rodeo in the Fort Worth Stockyards features bull dogging, team roping, bronco riding, barrel racing, and a calf scramble for the kids. 8 p.m., May 4.11,18 & 25; Cowtown Coliseum. 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth. Information: 817-625-1025,



GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic. Sporting a purse of $270,000. the annual eight-day golf classic that benefits the Salesmanship Club of Dallas draws the nation’s best golfers to Las Colinas. May 5-12; Four Seasons Resort and Club, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd.. Irving. Information: 742-3896.



CAREfest 5K Run, “A Woman’s Run for Life” is the theme for the first annual CAREfest (Cardiovascular Awareness Requires Education) run to benefit the Baylor Foundation CAREfest fund. Women s 5K run/walk, and 1-mile fun walk for men and children, 8 a.m., May 11; The Studios at Las Colinas, North O’Connor Road at Royal Lane, Irving. Information: 1-8CO-4BAYL0R.



Colonial Golf Tournament. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the granddaddy of tournaments has a purse weighing in at $1.5 million. Spectators can view the action for free on Monday and Tuesday, and a junior clinic is planned. 1 p.m., pro-am on May 13; 3 p.m. shootout & 4:30 p.m. junior clinic, May 14; May 15-19 is filled with pro-am action; Colonial Country Club, 3735 Country Club Circle, Fort Worth. Tickets: 817-927-4277.

Little Night Run. Annual nighttime 5K face through downtown’s historic Sundance Square benefits the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth. Race packets can be picked up at the Tandy Center on the night of the race. 9 p.m., May 18; race begins at the Worthington Hotel, 200 Main St.. Fort Worth. Information: 817-923-3121.



Olympic Torch Relay Celebration. The torch that signals the beginning of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta passes through Dallas on its 84-day, 15,000-mile trek across the United States. The torch arrives at the West End amid an afternoon celebration featuring dance troupes and high school bands and choirs. Mayor Ron Kirk will be on hand to open the festivities with a special proclamation from the City of Dallas. May 20; 11 a.m.-l:30 p.m., celebration; 1 p.m., Olympic flame arrives; 1-1:30 p.m.. official ceremony; West End Marketplace Outdoor Plaza. West End Historic District, 603 Munger Ave. at Market Street. Information; 978-0061.



Theater

The Foreigner. In this comedy set in a rural Georgia fishing lodge, a young man witnesses developing conspiracies and overhears dark secrets only because no one thinks he understands English, Through May 11; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; Richardson Theatre Centre, 718 Canyon Creek Sq., Richardson. Reservations: 699-1130.



Fat Men In Skirts. The Open Stage Theater presents Nicky Silver’s adult comedy about a woman and her son who, after being stranded on a desert island for five years, return to society unable to shed their barbarous lifestyle. Through May 12; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m., Sunday; Margo Jones Theatre, Fair Park’s Magnolia Lounge, Grand Avenue. Tickets: 871-ARTS.



Ruthless. Stage-struck. 8-year-old Tina wants the lead in the school show and nobody is going to stand in her way in this Theatre Arlington musical comedy. Through May 19. 8:15 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 2:15 p.m., May 5 & 19; Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main St.. Arlington. Tickets: 817-261-9628.



Kiss of the Spider Woman. The winner of seven Tony awards, this musical weaves the tale of friendship between two Latin American prison cellmates, their uncertain future, and vivid fantasies that are inhabited by an omnipresent woman who exudes menace along with sensuality. 8 p.m., May7-10:2&8p.m..Mayll;2&7 p.m., May 12; Music Hall at Fair Park. First and Parry avenues. Tickets: 373-8000.



Pterodactyls. New Theatre Company stages this dark comedy about an “ideal” family whose members each suffer from their own seIf-absorption and cannot feel compassion towards the youngest son when he comes home afflicted with AIDS. May 16-June 8; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; Swiss Avenue Theater Center. 2700 Swiss Ave. in the Wilson Historical District. Tickets: 871-ARTS.



Sleuth. Cass Manana Theatre presents the entrancing tale of a slyly ingenious writer of detective stories, his wife, and her lover. May 14-26, 8 p.m.. Tuesday-Friday; 2 & 8 p.m., Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday; Casa Manana Theatre, 3101W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Information: 817-332-2272.



Oleanna. Kitchen Dog Theater’s final production of the season traces the cat-and-mouse relationship between Carol, a college student, and John, her professor. May 16-June 9; 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m.. Sunday; The McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 McKinney Ave. Tickets: 871-ARTS.



Big River. The Tony-winning. Roger Miller-scored, musical version of the classic Twain tale of Huckleberry Finn is staged by the Garland Civic Theater. 8 p.m.. May 16-18, 24, 25, 30, 31 and June 1 & 2; 2 p.m.. May 25. June 1 and 2: Garland Performing Arts Center. 300 N. Fifth St.. Garland. Information: 349-1331.



A Raisin in the Sun. Piano Repertory Theatre stages this classic that depicts one family’s struggle to maintain integrity amid the adversity and prejudice of the 1950s southside Chicago ghetto. May 3i-June 23: 8:15 p.m., Friday & Saturday; 2:15 p.m.. Sunday; ArtCentre Theatre. 1028 15th Place. Plano. Information: 422-7460.