Out on the Town

ATTRACTIONS

Cool Thursdays. Head to the Arboretum on Thursday nights this summer, because you never know what you may find. One night you may be listening to the sounds of the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, and the next you may be watching as an Elvis impersonator does his best rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel.” Grab that picnic blanket and enjoy a night under the stars, listening to good music and loving life in one of the most beautiful gardens in Dallas. June 1-Aug 31, 7:30-9 p.m. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd. 214-327-4901.



Cowboy Astronomer. Hate the way the city lights interfere with your view of the night sky? Mosey on over to The Science Place Planetarium where you can not only see the stars you’ve been missing, but you can also hear tales of how the cowboys of the Old West viewed the night sky and constellations. Narrated by Cowboy poet Baxter Black. Through Sept 24. Mon-Fri, 2:30 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 p.m. The Science Place Planetarium, 1318 2nd Ave. 214-428-5555.

ExptoraZone. The theme is physical science, and the new hands-on exhibits deal with everything from color and electricity to mir-rors and sound. While you “re there, check out Dolphins, T-Rex, and Everest in the Omni Theater, and the Science in Toy land exhibit. Opens June 26. Mon-Thu, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Fri & Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.: Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. Omni Theater times: Mon-Thu, 1:30-8:30 p.m.; Fri, 1:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat, 10:30a.m.-10:30p.m.;Sun,noon-8:30 p.m. Fort Worth Museum of Science and Natural History. 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. 888-255-9300.



Summer Fun Weekend. The Dallas Zoo kicks off the summer season with this weekend-long celebration. Singers Eddie Coker and Kelly Murry will provide the tunes while the juggling Kwnezels, an obstacle course bounce house, and projects by Mad Science provide the fun. June 10-11. Sat, II a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun, 1-5 p.m. Dallas Zoo, 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. 214-670-5656.



Weekend at Fair Park. Beat the heat this summer at the Dallas Aquarium, and there’s no better time to take the kids than during this weekend-long festival celebrating Fair Park and all it has to offer. You can relax in the air-conditioned buildings while the kids run amuck in the Pirate Ship fun house, check out the insect safari, listen to storytellers, and create their own handcrafted souvenirs. June 17. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park. 214-670-8443.

EVENTS

Obelisk Awards Gala featuring Lou Rawls. Sponsored by the Dallas Business Committee for the Arts, the annual Obelisk Awards honor local businesses and individuals who have made a difference in the Dallas cultural and arts world. The evening’s festivities begin with cocktails and end with the musical stylings of three-time Grammy-award winner Lou Rawls. June 3,8 p.m. The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. @ Pearl St. 972-991-8300.



Race Unity Day. The world’s problems cannot be erased overnight, but celebrations like this year’s Race Unity Day are a step in the right direction. Since 1957, communities across the world have observed this day dedicated to promoting racial harmony. In Dallas, this year’s celebration will include appearances by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Dallas Police Chief Terrell Bolton. June 11. 3-7 p.m. Thanksgiving Square, 1627 Pacific Ave. 972-248-8178.



Ralph Willard Antique Sale. Who knows what treasures you may find at this gathering of antiques and collectibles? Need a wedding gift for all those summer brides? Or that missing piece from your grandmother’s silver set? If you have the patience–and the eye-you may walk away with the perfect piece in hand. June 2-4. Fri & Sat, 10 a,m.-6 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Food and Fiber Pavilion. Fair Park. 214-337-7134.



Texas Scottish Festival. How do we even describe the hodgepodge of music, sports, food, dance, and fun that makes up the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games? Well, there’s world champion fiddler Alasdair Fraser; Celtic rock group Tempest; bag piping and drumming contests; a Scottish Highland Dance competition; sheep dog demonstrations; a fiddle workshop; and much, much more. More than 6,000 people are expected to attend, including representatives from 60 Scottish clans. June 2-4. Fri, 5-11:30 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sun, 9 a.m-7 p.m. Maverick Stadium, UT Arlington. 800-433-5374.

FILM

Grand Canyon: the Hidden Secrets. No need to take that family trip to the Grand Canyon this year when you can view all of its hidden treasures on screen. For 21 days, filmmaker Keith Merrill and crew disappeared into the wilds of the Grand Canyon to record the footage found in this award-winning IMAX film, including scenes capturing the breathtaking view from Mora Point and a recreation of Coronado’s 1540 expedition. Opens June 1. Mon-Sun. 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. The Science Place at Fair Park. 214-428-5555.



Siegfried and Roy: the Magic Box. Not even their long-running act at Caesar’s Palace could eclipse this spectacle-an IMAX 3D film highlighting the life and times of two of magic’s greatest illusionists, narrated by Anthony Hopkins and featuring the white lions and tigers that have made Siegfried and Roy a household name. Larger-than-life lions leaping out at you from a larger-than-life screen? Top that, Vegas. June 1-3. Call for times. Cinemark Theater. 11819 Webb Chapel Rd. @ LBJ Fwy. 972-247-1795.



Wolves. Discovery Channel, eat your heart out! Thanks to the Science Place, the world of the wolf comes alive-figuratively, on the IMAX screen and literally, outside in the lobby where live wolves will make an appearance. The SPCA will also be there offering canine education seminars and a chance to adopt a friend of your own. June 24-25, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The Science Place at Fair Park. 214-428-5555.

KID STUFF

Discover Theater ’00. Ever been told your kid has “what it takes?” Find out if she does by sending the budding thespian in your family to this free two-week theater camp sponsored by the Junior Players. Professional directors and acting coaches will introduce students to all aspects of theater-acting, directing, set design, and more. And at the end, the kids will have chance to showcase all they’ve learned in the Festival of Plays. Now in its 14th year, Discover Theater has moved beyond the Dallas city limits, so even if you and your 111’ Meryl Streep live in Piano, she can still take part. June 12-23. Call 214-526-4076 for camp locations.



I Believe in Make Believe. Sing and laugh along with these five Brothers Grimm tales, including favorites like the shoemaker and the elves, Simpleton, and the princess who wouldn’t laugh. Set to the music of J.A.C. Redford and with lyrics by Carol Lynn Pearson, the staging of these familiar tales should be fun for the whole family. June 23-24. Fri. 7:30 p.m.; Sat, 2:30 p.m. Irving Arts Center. 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. 972-252-7558.



KidsArts 2000. Already pulling out your hair at the thought of entertaining the kids for a whole summer? Well, help has arrived. Thanks to KidsArts 2000, this summer is loaded with fun and educational things for the kids to do from performances by Eddie Coker and the Dallas Puppet Theater to art workshops focusing on photography and papier maché. June 5-July 28. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. 972-252-7558.



The Surprising Story of the Three Little Pigs. M ix The Three Unie Pigs with The Three Billy Goals Gruff, add Goldilocks and her three bear friends, and you end up with mass confusion-or Dallas Children’s Theater’s production of Linda Daugherty’s play, three classic fairytales melded into one outrageous tale. June 16-July 23. Tue-Thu. 10 a.m.: Fri.7:30p.m.; Sal. 1:30p.m.: Sun. 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. El Centra College Theater. 801 Main St. 214-823-7644.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

A Question of Values: Monet, Monet..,Money, Money. Sotheby’s resident Impressionism and Modern An expert. Charles S. Moffet, offers his take on the life and art of one modern art’s early pioneers, Charles Monet. June 16, 7 p.m. Kimbell Art Museum. 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. 817-332-8451.



Austin@DaHas. The first weekend in June is your last chance to catch this group show-highlighting the work of University of Texas at Austin faculty members. Featured works include photographs by Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Mark Goodman, jewelry and sculpture by NEA fellowship winner Thelma Coles, and other pieces in several other mediums. The exhibit is curated by Mark Smith of Austin. June 1, 9a.m.-8:30 p.m.; June 2,9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dallas Visual Arts Center, 2917 Swiss Ave. 214-821 -2522.



Critic’s Choice Exhibition. The Dal las Visual Arts Center offers Texas artists a chance to shine during this statewide juried show. Jurors include Sara Kellner of Diverseworks, Chris Cowden of Women and Their Work, and Carla Stellweg of Blue Star Art Space. June 16-30. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 12-4 p.m. Dallas Visual Art Center. 2917 Swiss Ave. 214-821-2522.



Two-person Exhibition. Come peruse the works of two Dallas artists with an interest in nature. Mary Hood’s pieces explore the idea of silence in nature, while Scott Simons’ work studies the structure and form of nature. Do not miss this exhibition, which will surely give you a new perspective. Through July 8. Tue-Fri, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Craighead-Green Gallery. 2404 Cedar Springs Rd.. Ste. 700. 214-588-0779.

MUSIC

Chris LeDoux. Even in Nashville, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more authentic cowboy than country sensation Chris LeDoux. Before longtime pal Garth Brooks introduced LeDoux to the country music world in 1989, LeDoux spent years as a bareback rider on the national rodeo circuit. Lucky for country music fans. LeDoux hung up his saddle and began penning hits. Country music hasn”i been the same since. June 2, 8:30 p.m. Cowboys Red River, 10310 W. Technology Blvd. 888-597-STAR.



International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs. Love to listen as someone tickles the ivories? Settle into your seat and enjoy hour after hour of the best amateur talent from around the world. Or do you thrive on stress and competition? You will be enthralled by the goings-on, as 81 pianists compete for top honors. Perhaps you’d prefer to rub elbows with musicians or soak in the knowledge of musical masters. You. too, will be satisfied, as this six-day event will include symposia, seminars, social activities, and special educational opportunities for all. June 5-10. Mon-Wed, 1-5 p.m. & 7:30-10:30 p.m.: Fri, 2-5:30 p.m. & 7:30-11 p.m.; Sat, 3-8 p.m. Ed Landruth Auditorium. Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. 972-248-8178.



Koko Taylor & Her Blues Machine. Consider yourself a true blues fan? Well, honey, you ain’t heard, or felt, the blues until you’ve listened to Koko Taylor. The undisputed Queen of the Chicago Blues brings her show to The Black Academy of Art and Letters for this one-night-only engagement. June 17,8 p.m. Naomi Bruton Theatre, 650 S. Griffin Si. 214-743-2440.



N’Sync. Two years ago. we would have scoffed at the idea of Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club as the breeding ground for music’s future stars. But thanks to platinum-selling groups like N’Sync, which boasts two former Mousekeeters among ils ranks, the Mickey Mouse Club may actually take its place in music lore (right alongside the Apollo). Pop music is the current “Big Thing” in music, and few groups do it better than this five-boy band. June 2. 7:30 p.m. Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St. 214-373-8000.



Red Hot Chili Peppers. The personnel may have changed since the Chili Peppers first jammed together in the early ’80s. but the band’s recipe for success has not-a dash of funk here, a sprinkle of punk there, mix in a little rap and metal, and cap it all off with a dose of good ol’ fashioned rock ’n’ roll. June 6, 7:30 p.m. Coca-Cola Starplex, Fair Park. 214-373-8000.

Trisha Yearwood. Since Trisha Yearwood hit the airwaves with “She’s in Love with the Boy” in 1991, this Georgia peach has gone on to become one of contemporary country’s biggest stars. And. with the release of her latest single. “Real Live Woman.” the tradition should only continue. June 23, 8 p.m. Will Rogers Auditorium, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. 214-373-8000.

SPORTS

Casino Magic 500. Can’t make il to the 84th Indy 500? Not a problem. Head on over to the Texas Motor Speedway, and you ’II have a chance to catch this year’s winner in action. Local racing legend and past Indy Series winner Greg Ray is also scheduled to race. June 10. Texas Motor Speedway, 2421 Westport Pkwy., Fort Worth. 817-215-8500.



Hoop-tt-Up. Football may be king in Texas, but for one weekend a year, basketball reigns supreme as would-be hoopsters from the across the state converge on Dallas’ West End to battle it out on the asphalt courts. Whether you consider yourself the second coming of Larry Bird, or just a simple aficionado who loves the game. Hoop-It-Up is the place to showcase your skills. June 24-25. Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. West End. 972-392-5750.



NTRA All-Star Jockey Championship. Even thoroughbred racing has its all-stars-and we’re not talking about the horses. Right after the Triple Crown, 12 of the sport’s finest jockeys will race at Lone Star Park for the right to be called the best of the best. For once. the jockey-and not his mighty steed-will be in the spotlight. June 23. 7:05 p.m. Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Pkwy.. Grand Prairie. 972-263-RACE.

Run the Runway. If you’re like us, you dash through DFW all the time anyway (although it’s usually with three suitcases and a backpack to boot), so this 5K. 2-mile run/walk should be a piece of cake. But this time, instead of scurrying to catch your plane, you’ll be running to help raise money for the United Way. Dallas Cowboy defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban and KXAS-TV Channel 5 sportscaster Scott Murray will be there to cheer you on, and once you’re finished, you can enjoy the live music, displays, and refreshments. June 24,6 a.m. DFW Airport, 3200 E. Airfield Dr. 972-574-3154.



Scholarship Golf Tournament. You don’t have to play like the pros to participate in this Bank United/Jewish Community Center-sponsored event-everyone is welcome. The focus here is fun, which is why you can choose your own team, what lime you want to start your rounds. and sip refreshments along the course. After you park the golf cart, hang around for cocktails, dinner, and the award ceremony. June 21. 7:30 a.m. Columbian Country Club. 2525 Country Club Dr.. Carrollton. 214-739-2737.

THEATER

Dorian. No sets or costumes here, just pure musical theater as Oscar Wilde’s haunting talc of Dorian Gray and his enchanted portrait comes to life in a Casa Manana-staged reading of the popular musical. Mac Prickle directs Richard Cleaves’ work. June 12, 8 p.m. Casa Mariana Theatre, 3101 W. Lancaster Rd.. Fort Worth. 817-332-2272.

42nd Street This Tony-award winning musical follows the adventures of pretty, young Peggy Sawyer as she tries to make it in the cutthroat world of show business on “naughty, bawdy, gaudy, sporty” 42nd Street. With classics like “We’re in the Money” included in the score, it is no wonder that 42nd has remained a hit. June 1-4. Thu-Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 & 7:30 p.m. Bass Performance Hall, 555 Commerce St., Fort Worth. 817-332-2272.



George M. In American theater, few are more revered than George Michael Cohan, the man behind such Broadway hits as “Give My Regards to Broadway.” “Over There,” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy.1’ This musical is his story, the story of one man’s rise from vaudeville performer to theater great. June 2-July 2.2 & 8 p.m. Granbury Opera House, 133 E. Pearl St.. Fort Worth. 817-573-9191.



Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Imagine it’s 1959 and on the stage before you in a low-rent Philadelphia jazz joint stands Billie Holliday. belting out her signature tunes and relating bits of her whirlwind life in between sets. Imagine that evening, and you have Lady Day m Emerson’s Bar and Grill-a bit cabaret and a bit historical theater. June 1-17. Thu-Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 3 & 8 p.m. Water Tower Theatre. 15650 Addison Rd., Addison. 972-450-6220.



Parade. Dallas Summer Musicals presents the Southwest premiere of Broadway composer Jason Robert Brown’s musical. Brown’s Tony Award-winning Parade chronicles the tale of shy Leo Frank, a young Northerner accused of murdering a 13-year-old girl in the Deep South during the early 1900s. June 27-July 9, 8 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee on Thu). Fair Park Music Hall. 214-373-8000.



Shakespeare Festival of Dallas. Canadian exports Michael J. Fox and Jim Carey proved long ago that our neighbors to the North know a thing or two about acting. This summer the Shakespeare Festival of Dallas offers further proof as it presents two performances by Repercussion Theatre out of Montreal. First up is the bard’s Comedy of Errors (June 20-25) followed by Romeo and Juliet (June 27-July 2). All performances are free. 7:30 p.m. Samuell-Grand Park Amphitheater. 3501 Samuell Blvd. 214-559-2778.

JUNE top 5 things to do

1 DIANA ROSS AND THE SUPREMES

June 29. Keeping up with the antics of pop music’s original diva (that’s with a capital “D,” mind you) is better than watching your favorite soap. But the world loves a star, and for almost 40 years, Miss Diana has been one of the brightest. Then again, with a string of classic Motown hits like “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love” in her repertoire, how could she be anything else? 8 p.m. Reunion Arena, 777 Sports St. 214-373-8000.

2 THE SOUND OF MUSIC

June 13-25.The heartwarming story of love’s triumph over all coupled with some of the best Broadway tunes ever written makes The Sound of Music a favorite among fans. What other show will teach you your scales, “how to solve a problem,” and the true meaning of love and family? Tue-Wed, 8 p.m. The Music Hail at Fair Park. 214-373-8000.



3 GEORGE STRAIT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

June 10. George Strait may have left South Texas long ago, but tie remains true to his honky-tonk roots. That’s why we all love him so, and why his Country Music Festival remains one of the highlights of the summer tour circuit. Tim McGraw, the original “Indian Outlaw,” Mr. “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” Mark Chestnut, and the love doctor himself, Jerry Kilgore, join Strait and others in this all-star contemporary country music weekend. 1 p.m. Texas Stadium, 2401 E. Airport Fwy., Irving. 214-373-8000.



4PORGY AND BESS June 1-3. In honor of the Gershwin Centennial, Dallas Black Dance Theater brings its critically acclaimed Porgy and Bess, the tale one man’s love fora “fallen woman,” back to Dallas. Since it premiered at the Kennedy Center in 1998, Dallas Black’s production has earned raves throughout the dance world, in large part due to the choreography of Hope Clarke of Jelly’s Last Jam fame and a score composed by jazz great Miles Davis. 7:30p.m. Majestic Theater, 1925 Elm St. 214-373-8000.

5 NIKE U.S. CUP DOUBLEHEADER June 7. For years, the Burn has tried to convince Dallas that the Cowboys are not the only football team in town. But we’re slow here in “exas, and white the rest of the international world considers soccer the premiere sport, we tend to think of it as novelty. However, that attitude may change after Dallas plays host to the Nike U.S. Cup, a four-team tournament played across the United States. The Mexican National team will take on South Africa at the Cotton Bowl following the Burn vs. Columbus Crew game. 5:30 p.m. (Dallas vs. Columbus); 8 p.m.

(Mexico vs. South Africa). The Cotton Bowl at Fair Park. 214-979-0303.