Dallas,TX

If you want to sneak out of work or class early and go the State Fair, this would not be a bad day to do it. Then again, is it ever a bad day when you leave early? After the bird show, the car shows, and everything fried, Ray Wylie Hubbard is playing at 3 p.m. on the Toyota Truck Stage. Kacey Musgraves performs on the Chevrolet Main Stage at 4 p.m., 5:45, and 8 p.m. Shelley Laine also performs on the Bud Light True Music Stage every hour on the hour beginning at 2 p.m. with the last show at 8 p.m.

All three performing artists are homegrown Texas talent. Ray Wylie and Shelley Laine are from the Dallas area. How else to complete a day of Pig Races, Dog Shows, Livestock Shows, fried delights, and all things Texas? Just do not tell the boss.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

For a blast from the past tonight, go to the House of Blues and see the Average White Band. Or, on the country rock side, Reckless Kelly at the Granada. My choice though would be Radney Foster at Love and War in Texas in Plano. That is, if I am not at a food festival stuffing my face.

Average White Band, House of Blues Music Hall, Victory Park, 2200 North Lamar Street, 214-978-2583 Doors open at 7 p.m.

Reckless Kelly, Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., 214-824-9933 9 p.m.

Radney Foster, Love and War in Texas, Plano, 601 E. Plano Pkwy, 972-422-6201 8 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Charlie Robison is appearing at Love and War in Texas in Plano this afternoon at 4 p.m. Be part of the live broadcast on KHYI 95.3. Bobby Duncan is opening the show. Charlie Robison, as well as his brother Bruce, is a talented songwriter. Both have written songs from the hilariously absurd to gut-wrenching ballads. Charlie Robison puts on a great upbeat show which should include most of his most memorable tunes.

While you listen to the show, try some of the mouthwatering dishes served at Love and War in Texas. Food from all areas of the state, such as Roasted Wild Boar from the Hill Country or Caddo Lake Catfish from the East Texas Piney Woods. Or indulge in ribs with the Sunday all you can eat Big Beef Ribs. A relaxing Sunday afternoon on the patio listening to good music and munching on ribs. What could be better than that?

Love and War in Texas, 601 E. Plano Pkwy (just off Central) 972-422-6201 Charlie Robison with Bobby Duncan 4-6 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Terry Fator may have talent as an impersonating singer and ventriloquist, but he is not the first, or the best, ventriloquist to come out of the Dallas area. Jeff Dunham, one of the best ventriloquists I have ever seen perform, is from Richardson and appears tonight at the Addison Improv on Beltline. When my wife and I witnessed his show, the tears flowed freely from laughing continuously.

Dunham has a new DVD titled “Spark of Insanity” being released the middle of this month. My family has watched his last video “Arguing With Myself” so many times that we know it by heart. Yet we will still watch it and laugh just as hard as we did the first time we saw it. Peanut, Walter (the grumpy old man), and Jose Jalapeno “on a stick,” his reliable sidekicks, are in both videos. It is hard to call them puppets when they take on a personality of their own in contrast to Jeff’s personality.

The new characters, taking the place of Sweet Daddy Dee and Bubba J of “Arguing with Myself,” are Melvin the Superhero and Achmed the Dead Terrorist. You really should see Jeff Dunham perform life. It is an experience you will not soon forget. If you cannot make it to the show tonight, be sure to catch Jeff on Comedy Central on Sept. 23 for the premiere of the new video, Spark of Insanity. He is performing two shows this evening, so you have two chances to see him.

Jeff Dunham tonight at Addison Improv, 4980 Beltline Rd. #250 (upstairs), 972-404-8501. 1st show 7 p.m., 2nd show 9 p.m.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

For mainstream country music fans, the Alan Jackson - Brooks and Dunn tour is coming to Dallas Saturday night at the Smirnoff Music Centre in Fair Park. Brooks and Dunn are opening the show and Alan Jackson is headlining.

Brooks and Dunn are on tour in support of their two upcoming CDs. The Forever Brooks and Dunn CD will be released on September 18. The CD Cowboy Town will be on sale on October 2nd. The duo and their band have been a staple in country music for many years. Now they are opening tour dates rather than headlining. Beware of artists when they keep putting out greatest hits albums.

In years past, a greatest hits album was a sign that either a band’s popularity is slipping or they have run out of original material. With the majority of country hits not written by the artists that record them, a stash of original material is no longer necessary. Greatest hits albums are simply ways to make more money from a stagnant fan base.

Alan Jackson is still touring on the heels of his highly acclaimed Like Red On A Rose released last year. As well as his album of classic hymns from last year, Precious Memories. Not a very original title, but the songs are well done. Jackson released Live at Texas Stadium in April, a recording of a show with Jackson, George Strait, and Jimmy Buffet. Denise Jackson has also come out with a book about their trials, love, and faith entitled “It’s All About Him.” Alan wrote the foreword for his wife’s book, written with Ellen Vaughn.

Brooks and Dunn/Alan Jackson, Sept. 8, Smirnoff Music Centre, 1818 First Ave., Fair Park. 214-421-1111 or Ticketmaster for tickets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30.

Have a good afternoon and Peace be with you.

For a relaxing change of pace, take your girlfriend/boyfriend, spouse, or family to the Oak Point Amphitheater in Plano. Coolers, picnics, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Sit back and eat your picnic supper as the sun goes down, listening to Billy Jonas and Trout Fishing in America. This is a wonderful pairing of musical acts and should make for a thoroughly enjoyable show, alternating between joyous humor and musical artistry.

Both are eclectic acts that enthrall children and entertain adults. Billy Jonas, in addition to traditional instruments, plays “industrial re-percussion” instruments made from found objects. His performance is energetic and the audience becomes part of the songs and their own entertainment. Among other awards, he has a received a Parent’s Choice Gold award.

The duo of Trout Fishing in America has been performing for three decades. Although they perform for children, they have songs that will drive straight to the heart and mind of adults as well. They play a mix of folk/pop and family music with laces of reggae, latin, blues, jazz and classical music running throughout the mix. They have garnered three Grammy nominations and numerous other awards including National Indie Awards (recording on their own label), Parent’s Choice Gold, and American Library Awards.

Drive on out and join in the fun and be part of the show and the audience at the same time. Oak Point Amphitheater in Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. 972-941-5600. www.planostages.com.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

If you’re looking for something to do during the week - and these days inside activities are preferable, go to Main Event for a bowling outing. With a location in Plano on Central Expwy. and another on Stemmons in Lewisville, one or the other location is convenient to many parts of the Dallas area. If you are not in the mood for bowling, laser tag, glow golf, and video games are options. Or just play pool and enjoy happy hour. Or just enjoy happy hour and some people watching.

Wednesday night is Family and Friends Night with special prices for groups which include bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soft drinks. Added options at special prices are available. If you want something other than soft drinks, you can order from the bar. Take your family or get a few friends to go after work to wind down. Main Event also has adult party packages for larger groups of ten to twenty or more. A good idea for employee parties or a get together with a bunch of friends. Main Event is also an ideal place for a fun date of bowling and pizza.

Main Event, Lewisville, 2070 Stemmons Frwy, 972-459-7770.
Plano, 3941 N. Central Expwy., 972-881-8181. Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. to midnight, Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Have a good afternoon and Peace be with you.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend and has barbeque plans for tomorrow. I fixed fajitas on the grill this afternoon. Really tasty, if I do say so myself. No telling what we will grill tomorrow. I know some of my fellow bloggers are taking the weekend off, but I can only allow myself leeway as to what time I post each day on weekends and holidays. A habit is, after all, a habit. With Sunday starting early with church activities - which increase beginning with this next Sunday - it is the one day of the week when I have little control over what happens when.

But this afternoon was more about getting ready to grill the fajitas and keeping the teenagers from hurting each other. Or breaking anything in the house. There was a brief respite while we were eating dinner - even then there were moments of derision. After dinner, all cooperation ceased. Then it was “every man for himself and tick our parents off.”

There will be more posts, particularly tomorrow, but if you are looking for something relaxing to do tomorrow night, have a cup of coffee, tea, a glass of wine, or other beverage at my favorite coffee house, Dunn Bros Coffee, in Addison. Jason Bennett plays acoustic jazz beginning at 7 p.m. 3725 Beltline Rd. (Northeast corner of Beltline Rd. at Marsh Ln.) 972-406-9711.

Have a good evening and Peace be with you.

Saturday morning on a long weekend is certainly not the day to wake up with a headache. One of those tricky little suckers that trick you into thinking the headache is slowly fading. Then, without warning, returns to pounding intensity within seconds. An angry son slamming drawers in the kitchen does nothing to help. The kind of headache that leaves you feeling drained when it finally subsides from just trying to fight the darned thing. It helped to go out to get gas in the car and find that the weather had cooled down a bit and was actually quite pleasant for a change. Thank God September is here.

If you listen to KHYI, 95.3 much, you have heard of Brian “Beerman” Houser. If you haven’t, check it out. And if you have not seen Brian Houser, check him out tonight as well. Houser is a singer/songwriter in the country vein for the common man. He is a common man himself, having grown in up in common surroundings. Houser is a carpenter by trade, residing in Denton.

While you are listening to the show, don’t forget to check out the much varied menu. Love and War in Texas is known for its food as much as for its entertainment. An evening of down home songs for the workingman, a laid back good time and some really good food.

Brian “Beerman” Houser @ 7:30 - Love and War in Texas, Plano, 601 E. Plano Pkwy (just off Central Expwy.), 972-422-6201.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

The Smothers Brothers are appearing tonight and Saturday night with the Dallas Symphony. If you have not yet enjoyed their performance, you need to make an effort to see them this time through - and support the Dallas Symphony at the same time. If you have never seen the sibling duo you will find their routine humorous and relevant. Which it should be. The duo has had almost fifty years to get it down to a science - so to speak. Yet it always seems new and fresh.

In the Smothers Brothers show, the audience will hear no foul language. They will simply be treated with delightful music and down to earth humor. Tommy’s Yo-Yo Man routine is unforgettable. And yes, he really is good with a Yo-Yo. All that and the symphony to boot. A nice relaxing evening listening to marvelous music while being treated to some true family humor from the two brothers.

Smothers Brothers w/Dallas Symphony, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora, Dallas. 214-692-0203

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

Celebrating 50 years of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, those that bring in the ad from the Dallas Morning News or drive a Dodge to the rodeo on Friday and Saturday will receive free parking and free reserved grandstand admission. Talk about a cheap date or outing with the family! And if you go Saturday, be sure to register for the contest. If the cowboy successfully rides the bull in the Dodge Fan Bull Ride Challenge, a lucky winner could receive $10,000. If he gets bucked off Southwest Airlines will still give away tickets.

That does not even include the rodeo itself. There are over ten events in the rodeo. Among those events are Cowboy Poker, Cowgirl Barrel Racing, and of course, Bull Riding. In Cowboy Poker, four cowboys sit and play poker at a table in the middle of the arena while they let a bull into the arena. The last cowboy sitting in his chair wins. It can be humorous even while being quite dangerous. The precision of the barrel racing and the dangerous athletic challenge of bull riding can keep you on the edge of your seat. Our family and other friends have not been disappointed. There are even events in which the younger children can participate, including the Calf Scramble and Mutton Bustin’. Ask at the rodeo for how to register your children.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Resistol Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive, Mesquite (I-635 @ Military Pkwy - Exit #4). 972-285-8777. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., rodeo from 8-10 p.m. both Fri. and Sat. nights.

Have a good afternoon and Peace be with you.

Wednesday

Country - Kenny Rogers with the Dallas Symphony
Meyerson Center at 7:30 p.m., 214-692-0203.

Country - Ed Burleson
Love and War in Texas, Plano 601 E. Plano Parkway (just off Central)
7:30 p.m. 972-422-6201

Rock - Peter Frampton
House of Blues Music Hall Doors open at 7 p.m.
Tickets from Ticketmaster.

Thursday

Alternative Metal - Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Bleeding Through
Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie, 6:30 p.m. Tickets from Ticketmaster.

Country - Big & Rich
Gilley’s Dallas. Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
Free; required tickets available at www.samsungsummerkrush.com.

Country - Reckless Kelly
Rockin’ Rodeo, Denton Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets from Front Gate Tickets.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.

Good morning everyone! Don’t forget as you head out this morning to watch for children and school zones which are back in force and are being enforced. With the boys in school this is my first day of peace and solitude since early June for the most part. But I do not understand the different times at which the various schools begin their day. Conner’s high school begins at 7:30. Cameron and J.D., in middle school begin at 8:50. That is quite a disparity. Making it hard to know the times for the different school zones. When I was in school most schools started classes at the same time. Older students may have gone early for band practice or what not, but the first bell rang at the same time as other schools.

For a walk on the interesting side this evening, Bowling for Soup is playing at the House of Blues in the Music Hall along with Melee and Quietdrive. Bowling for Soup has polished their act considerably since their garage band days here in Dallas when they were managed by a friend of mine. Edgy rock with a heavy dose of punk attitude. Definitely a change of pace from the regular routine on a Monday.

House of Blues Music Hall, 2200 N. Lamar St., Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster or at the door if you want to take a chance.

Have a good morning and Peace be with you.

Take the family to Six Flags this evening for some good Christian rock music with Kutless, Skillet, and Grits. Kutless and Skillet are two of the most popular bands at Christian music showcases such as Celebration Freedom promoted by 94.9 KLTY at Southfork each year. They also appear at Christian music showcases throughout the country. The shows tonight and tomorrow night are part of Six Flags’ One Voice Christian Concert series.

Tomorrow night, Leeland and Chris Tomlin perform. Chris Tomlin is an excellent entertainer as well as faith ambassador. It will be a very entertaining show. Both shows will be spiritually uplifting, from which you will leave in a spirit of peace and harmony or just plain feel good. Tickets for the shows are just $8 over the park admission price. They are available at the front gate or from Ticketmaster.

Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 Road to Six Flags (off Hwy 360 just south of I-30), 817-640-8900. Park hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days.

Have a good weekend and Peace be with you.

Speaking of blues, B.B. King’s Blues Tour is coming to the Nokia Theater this Sunday. The veteran blues guitarist/singer brings with him this year Al Green and Etta James. Just thinking about these three incredible performers on the same stage at the very least gives one pause. It makes me drool. I have seen B.B. King many times over the years, but I have never seen his guests at this year’s festival. I have wanted to hear Etta James live for, let’s just say a couple of decades. It will be a jaw-dropping, eye dabbing, night of the blues.

B.B. King Blues Festival - Sunday - Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie - adjacent to Lone Star Park. Tickets at Ticketmaster.

Have a good day and Peace be with you.