Out on the Town

gallery the month

Andy Warhol’s 1965 work titled “Liz” inspired the Kristy Stubbs French Gallery ta offer “Drop Dead Red,” an exhibition of worts celebrating the use of red paint. Browse museum-quality paintings, prints, and sculpture by Robert Rauschenberg, Lee N. Smith III, and Dan Rizzie, among others. 2606 Fairmount St. 214-871-9311

hot spot of the month

Casbah brings a touch of sophistication to the stretch of Henderson Avenue draft joints. Early arrivals can snag a booth or modular sofa. Later, elbow your way to the dance floor when Goppa Casbah’s in effect. Casbah only does cocktails, but you won’t hear us complaining. And bartender Rob modestly calls his the best Cosmoploitan in the city. When you’re ready to escape the college crowd, Casbah’s the perfect refuge. -V.D.

5039 Willis Ave., Ste. A. 214-887-8648.

EDITORS’ PICKS

TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO IN SEPTEMBER



GRAPEFEST. September 8-10. Wine lovers have been descending on Grapevine for 14 years to celebrate the largest wine festival in town. Events include a Champagne Cork Shoot-off; The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, featuring Texas and international wines; and the black-tie Texas Wine Tribute Gala. Still not enough? There’s also the GrapeFest Tennis Classic, the vintage and classic car show, a live auction, carnival and midway, live music, arts and crafts, great food, and the GrapeStomp competition, where teams of two compete for the Purple Foot Award. Historic Main Street District, Grapevine. 1-800-410-3185.



PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Opens September 20. Whether you’re an Andrew Lloyd Webber aficionado or novice, you won’t want to miss the production of this world-famous musical. The story and the music have combined to create one of the most-loved productions of all time. The dark tale of the masked figure that lurks beneath the Paris Opera House will mesmerize you. See Phantom once, and you ’11 be a fan forever. Music Hall at Fair Park. 214-373-8000.



STATE FAIR OF TEXAS. Opens September 29. No matter how long you’ve lived here, you’re not a true Texan until you’ve been to the State Fair. This year you’ll find new attractions like Aquablast, a water show that incorporates comedy routines, acrobatic diving, and indoor fireworks. Another newcomer is the Robot Zoo, which features a 9-foot robotic grasshopper and a mechanical housefly with a 10-foot wingspan. The Fair’s music stages host some of the biggest names in the industry. So get there early, grab a Fletcher’s corny dog, cruise the midway, and stay late. Fair Park. 1200 S. Second Ave. 214-565-9931.

DOG SEVERINSEN & HIS BIG BAND. SeptemberH-10. Heeere’s Doc, Johnny Carson’s legendary musical sidekick from the former Tonight Show returns to Dallas strutting his big-band sound. Once the trumpet hits his lips, expect to hear some of the late-night hits that rocked a nation to sleep. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St 214-692-0203.

CABARET. Opens Sepember 26. The music, costumes, and unforgettable characters make this Broadway hit a must-see. Journey to Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub in the 1930s, where the seedy glamour of the infamous dance hall will reel you in. But don’t let the bawdy atmosphere fool you. Cabaret offers a sadly accurate picture of the world in the ’30s. Bass Performance Hall. 4th and Calhoun streets. Fort Worth. 214-373-8000.



ATTRACTIONS

Sacred Space: Man and the Divine in Mexico, Central America, and the Southwestern United States. This exhibition of 150 mural-sized color photographs of sacred landscapes and architecture makes the trip to Fair Park worth it. Presented by SMU’s Institute for the Study of Earth and Man, the showcase is intended to transport visitors across geographic and cultural boundaries. Audiotapes in English and Spanish for adults and children provide descriptions, interviews, sound, and music-truly a spectacle to be enjoyed by all. Opens Sept. 11. Tue-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, 1 -5 p.m. Hall of State at Fair Park. 3939 Grand Ave. 214-421-4500.

Wayne Thiebaud: A Paintings Retrospective. This exhibition, which spans 30 years of the American figurative painter’s work, celebrates the artist’s 80th birthday. The retrospective includes Thiebaud’s work from the 1960s Pop Art movement, as well as his current paintings, including San Francisco cityscapes and Sierra landscapes. Opens Sept. 24. Tue-Fri, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, noon-5 p.m. Modem Art Museum of Fort Worth. 1309 Montgomery St Fort Worth. 817-738-9215.

DANCE

Dallas D.A.N.C.E Labor Day Weekend. Dallas’ premier dance organization offers three days of non-slop dance for the holiday weekend. The extravaganza includes 14 contests-from cabaret to swing-more than 120 raffle prizes, lessons, workshops, and awards for non-professional dancers. See America’s top dance competitors and have a great time while you’re al it. Times may vary. Sept. 1-3. Fairmount Hotel. 1717 N, Akard St. 214-526-8889.

EVENTS



The 6th Annual West End Cattle Drive. Now ’s your chance to experience a real cattle drive on the streets of downtown Dallas. See 40 head of gen-u-wine Texas longhorns parade down the middle of Market Street. But that’s not all. While you’re there, enjoy the gunfights. live music, General Store Craft Fair, 1800s campsite, and Hot Salsa Taste Off. Sept. 9. 11 a.m.-l1 p.m. Cattle Drive, 5-7 p.m. Dallas West End. 214-741-7185.

Annual Harvest & The Great McKinney Bed Races.

Historic downtown McKinney is the site of this family event. Festivities include two stages of entertainment, a petting zoo, train rides, and tons of fun activities for the munchkins. And, don’t forget the Great McKinney Bed Races, which run every hour. Admission is free. Sept. 23 & 24. Downtown McKinney. 972-562-6880.



Egypt Revealed. Egypt comes to Dallas during this fascinating event. Learn more about ancient Egyptian culture through informative talks given by the world’s foremost Egyptologists. Sept. 16 &17. Sat, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Hotel Intercontinental. 15201 Dallas Pkwy., Addison. 972-386-6000. For pre-registration. call 773-549-2852.

Labor Day BluesFest. Bedford is gearing up once again for its sixth annual Labor Day celebration. Held on the grounds of the Harris Methodist Hospital, the outdoor festival showcases the best national, regional, and local blues talent, such as Delbert McClinton and Joe Ely. Enjoy great music, food, and the works of local artists. Sept. 1-3.4-11 p.m. Harris Methodist Hospital. 1600 Hospital Pkwy., Bedford. 817-283-3406.

Oktoberfest. A four-day festival celebrating German culture in Texas kicks off this month in Addison. It features authentic German food and drink (translation: sausage and beer), as well as performances by German bands and dancers. For the kids, Oktoherfest has a petting zoo, carnival, camel rides, and arts and crafts. It all boils down to fun for the whole family. Sept. 14-17. Thu, 5-11 p.m.; Fri, 5 p.m.-midnight; Sat, 11 a.m.-mid-night; Sun, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Addison Conference & Theatre Center. 15650 Addison Rd., Addison. 1-800-ADDISON.

Southwestern Bell Piano Balloon Festival. This annual Piano event is always a family favorite, offering unique arts, crafts, a gift show, and entertainment on the KVIL Field Stage. Kids can enjoy their own special activities, such as interactive games and contests. And of course, the whole family can meet back up again to watch the hot air balloons launched at 6 and 7 p.m. each day. Sept. 15-17. Oak Point Park. 2801 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Piano. 972-422-0296.

FILM



Michael Jordan to the Max. This is the first large-format film to feature one individual exclusively, and there’s no better star than Michael Jordan, athlete of the century and superstar of the Chicago Bulls. The movie gives audiences a rare and personal look at Air Jordan and how he became the hero of millions. Through Jan. 8. Daily, 4:40, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. OmniTheatre. 1501 Montgomery St., Fort Worth. 817-255-9300.

KID STUFF



Adventures in Science. Entertain and educate the kids with one exhibit. New features to the showcase include the Giant Electroscope that allows kids to discharge electricity through an insulated ball. BabySpace gives infants through 2-year-olds and their parents their place to play as well, with soft climbing toys, building blocks, books, and more. Mon-Thu, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun, noon-5:30 p.m. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. 1501 Montgomery St.. Fort Worth. 888-255-9300.



The Boxcar Children. Take the kids to see this beloved children’s book brought to life by the Dallas Children’s Theatre. The story of Henry, Violet, Jessie, and Bennie-four orphans who make a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar-will he an instant family favorite. Opens Sept. 15- Fri, 7:30 p.m.; Sat, 1:30 p.m.; Sun, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. El Centro College Theatre. 801 Main St. 214-978-0110.



Their Rainforest is Gone, Now What? Learn about the Agta, a tribe of people who still live like early inhabitants of the world. The display takes you on a tour of the environmental changes beyond their control that the Agta must face and the social and cultural variations they have to make to survive. Tue-Fri, 10a.m.-4:30p.m.;Sat&Sun,l:30-4:30p.m. International Museum of Cultures. 7500 W, Camp Wisdom Rd. 972-709-2406.



MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES



Aesthetic Hybridity in Japanese Art. Examine the hybrid nature of Japanese works of art from the mid-17th century to the 20th century with this exhibit of 40 objects. Elements of Chinese, Indian, and European design can be seen in the display that includes gold and silver lacquer, paintings, and bamboo baskets. Tue & Wed, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thu, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat & Sun, II a.m.-9 p.m. Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art. 2010 Flora St. 214-979-6430.

Chema Madoz. Give your brain and your powers of perspective a workout with this thought-provoking showcase. Madoz’s work will be sure to test your visual awareness with photographs showing the thorns of a rose replaced by fishhooks, the flame of a candle replaced by a feather, or a needle stringing beads of water onto thread. Be prepared to look twice at everything in this exhibit. Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery. 3115 Routh St. 214-969-1852.

Recent Work. Six local artists-Alan and Sue Cobb, Suzanne Kelley Clark, Charlise Mitcham, Susan Sanders, and Joan Wright-come together in an exhibition of their most recent work. The works on display range from a series of close-ups of automobiles in woodcut to decorative tabletops. This is truly a must-see for art lovers. Sat & Sun, noon-5 p.m. 500X Gallery. 500 Exposition Dr. 214-3448-8761.

MUSIC



Black Watch. Spend the evening celebrating the legendary music of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland with this performance by Scotland’s Black Watch. The 70-person showcase features bagpipes, drums, traditional military marches, Celtic dancing, and well-known songs such as ’’Londonderry Air” and “Land of Hope and Glory.” The Band and Choir of the Prince of Wales’ division will join Black Watch. Sept. 24. 8 p.m. Bass Performance Hall. 4th and Calhoun streets, Fort Worth. 888-597-7827.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Join the DSO and its impressive lists of guests this month for memorable and masterful performances of classical music. Conductor Andrew Litton will lead the DSO as it accompanies violinist Pamela Frank, soprano Sylvia McNair, and clarinetist Gregory Raden. Be there to experience the music and the talent that is the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Pamela Frank. Sept. 21-24; Sylvia McNair and Gregory Raden, Sept. 28-Oct.1. Thu-Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun, 2:30 p.m. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. 214-692-0203.

Dave Matthews Band. Adults and kids alike can find a reason to go see the blockbuster five-man rock-pop ensemble when it rolls through Dallas this month. With a sound that fuses rock guitar and drumbeats with saxophones, flutes, and violins, the Dave Matthews Band is definitely an original. Sept. 15 & 16.7 p.m. Smirnoff Music Centre (formerly Starplex Amphitheatre). 1818 1st Ave. 214-373-8000.

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Celebrate the Orchestra’s 75th anniversary this season with its Symphonic Series. With Sergiu Comissiona conducting, the FWSO brings to life such favorites as Tchaikovsky and Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American composer’s birth. Sure to be an enjoyable evening for all. Sept. 15-17. Fri & Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Bass Performance Hall. 4th and Calhoun streets. Fort Worth. 817-665-6000.



Gary Morris. The Texas-born performer brings his unique sound back home for a special performance as part of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s Superstar Pops Series. Although his roots are in country music, Morris has proven his versatility as an entertainer time and again. Music lovers are in for a treat. Sept. 21-24. Thu-Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Bass Performance Hall. 4th and Calhoun streets, Fort Worth. 817-665-6000.



Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Straight from the heart and soul of the New Orleans French Quarter, this eight-piece jazz band brings its unique sound to Dallas. Experience the band’s legendary joyful and spontaneous jazz through favorites such as “Goin’ to the Mardi Gras,” “When You’re Smiling,” arid, of course, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Sept. 12, 8 p.m. Bass Performance Hall. 4th and Calhoun streets, Fort Worth. 888-597-7827.

SPORTS



Dallas Cowboys Football. Cheer on The Boys as they face off against their league rivals at the beginning of the regular season, meeting the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins (a.k.a. Deion). Even if you’re not a big Cowboys fan, these match-ups should get your blood pumpin”. Philadelphia Eagles: Sept. 9, 3:05 p.m.; Washington Redskins: Sept. 18, 8 p.m. Texas Stadium. 2401 E. Airport Fwy., Irving. 214-953-1500.

THEATER



Big River: The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn. This play is perfect for any child who dragged his feet through a summer reading list that included the Mark Twain novel. Huck and Jim’s thrilling adventures come to life in this performance-and it just might make your child want to re-read the book. Sept. 8-17. Tue, Wed & Fri, 8 p.m.; Thu & Sat, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Casa Manana Theatre. 3101 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth. 214-373-8000.

How the Other Half Lives. Alan Ayckbourn’s sensational British farce mixes three couples whose men all work for the same firm with a dash a trouble: Hanky-panky with the boss’ wife complicates life and leads to numerous tangled webs of deception. The work of England’s most admired comic playwright is sure to keep you laughing. Through Sept. 24. Tue, Wed & Thu, 7:30 p.m.; Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 2:30 & 8 p.m.; Sun, 2:30 p.m. Theatre Three. 2800 Routh St. 214-871-3300.

Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Garland Civic Theater presents the modem, hip re-telling of the Biblical story about Jacob, his favorite son, Joseph, and the famous multicolored coat, from the authors of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Even if you already know the story, take the whole family out to see this one. The production comes complete with all the lessons of the original Biblical version, as well as a little something extra to keep the kids’ attention. Sept. 8 & 9,14-16. 108 N. 6th St., Garland. 972-205-2790.

The Marriage of Figaro. This Mozart opera, which will be performed in Italian with English subtitles, is a saucy study in romantic chaos. Its timeless tale of lust, buffoonery, jealousy, and romance runs the gamut of marital complications. Full of heautiful scenery, memorable arias, and hearty laughs, it’s a perfect place to start for opera first-timers. Sept. 7-10. Thu, Fri & Sat, 8 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Bass Performance Hall. 4th and Calhoun streets. Fort Worth. 817-731-0833.

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Since first appearing on the Broadway scene 20 years ago, Andrew Lloyd Webber has been captivating audiences of all ages. This all-new revue features music from such stage blockbusters as Cats, Evita, and Sunset Boulevard, as well as other Webber favorites. Sept. 5-10. Tue-Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 2 & 8 p.m. Music Hall at Fair Park. 214-373-8000.

Wizard of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road to a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of the Wizard of Oz benefiting the local literacy efforts of GTE Reads and the United Way. Sept. 21-24. Daily, 2:30 & 8 p.m. Carpenter Performance Hall. 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.. Irving. 972-252-2787.