For 45 seasons, Scarborough Renaissance Festival has stood as a Texas institution, welcoming generations of families, travelers and tradition-seekers to step back in time to the 16th century each spring. What began in 1981 as a modest gathering has grown into one of the largest and most respected Renaissance festivals in the United States, consistently recognized as a must-visit spring tradition. For many Texans, Scarborough is more than an annual outing — it is a rite of passage,  passed down through generations.

The Festival will run 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 through May 24, and close with a special Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 25. Each weekend at Scarborough Renaissance Festival is designed to offer a distinct experience, giving guests a reason to return throughout the season — whether to celebrate with family, explore artisan craftsmanship, embrace fantasy, enjoy immersive storytelling, or honor tradition.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is known for its depth and diversity of entertainment, featuring more than 20 stages and performances areas of continuous live programming daily. The 2026 lineup includes returning favorites such as social media favorites The Fortress Dwellers, Opal the Fairy, Tartanic, Kamikaze Fireflies, Adam Crack, Jacques Ze Whipper, Cirque du Sewer, Arthur Greenleaf Holmes, The Spice Boys, and dozens of musicians, comedians, acrobats and specialty performers.

2026 Weekly Themes:

Opening Weekend & Easter Celebration, April 4–5
The season opens with the ceremonial return of the Village with families enjoying Opening Day pageantry, an Easter Egg Stroll for children, and a Renaissance-style Easter service on Sunday. Children 12 and under are admitted free throughout Opening Weekend and Seniors (65+) receive a $10 discount at the gate, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.

Artisan’s Showcase Weekend, April 11–12
This weekend highlights the heart of Scarborough’s artisan community. Guests are encouraged to slow down, watch live demonstrations and explore more than 200 handcrafted shoppes, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship that define the Festival.

Barbarian Weekend, April 18–19
A high-energy weekend that leans into feats of strength, bold characters and spirited competition. Costumed revelers, themed contests and immersive performances make this a favorite for guests who enjoy spectacle and playful pageantry.

Celtic Weekend & Deaf Awareness Day, April 25–26
Celtic music, dance and storytelling take center stage, filling the Village with pipes, drums and folk harmonies. Saturday includes Deaf Awareness Day, with select performances interpreted in American Sign Language, reinforcing the Festival’s commitment to accessibility for all.

Spring Celebration & Chivalry Weekend, May 2–3
Scarborough welcomes spring with floral adornments, maypole dancing and village-wide celebrations of renewal. Guests are invited to take part in chivalry lessons and vow renewals, embracing traditions rooted in community and connection.

Flights of Fantasy Weekend & Mother’s Day, May 9–10
Fantasy takes flight as cosplay fans, fairy folklore enthusiasts and imaginative spirits fill the lanes. The weekend blends whimsical storytelling, costume contests and family-friendly activities. Children 12 and under are admitted free on Mother’s Day Sunday.

Legends of the Seas Weekend, May 16–17
Pirates, mermaids and nautical adventure take over the Village. Sea-themed games, scavenger hunts and costumed contests invite guests to embrace the lore and legend of the high seas.

The Last Huzzah! Memorial Day Weekend, May 23–25
The Festival closes its 45th season with a three-day celebration filled with music and merriment. Memorial Day Monday features a Veterans Parade and Fallen Heroes Tribute, honoring active and retired military members with a presentation of colors and commemorative ceremony.

2026 Seasonal Attractions (for an additional fee):

Mermaid Lagoon – guests can meet and interact with live mermaids in a tropical-inspired setting throughout the day.

Mythical Monster Museum of Raptus and Krane – a walk-through encounter with creatures ranging from tiny fairies to towering dragons, blending theatrical storytelling with imagined histories, artifacts and preserved “specimens.”

Royal Menagerie – a hands-on experience featuring sheep, goats, pigs and other animals that reflect the important role livestock played in daily Renaissance life.

Unicorn Experience – set within a fairy-built garden and complete with a keepsake photo souvenir.

Games of skill – including archery and longbow shooting, crossbow challenges, axe, knife and star throwing, climbing walls, strength tests, mazes and a variety of Renaissance- and pirate-themed games designed for friendly competition.

Guests can also ride back to the past on a collection of human-powered Renaissance rides, including barrel rides, swings, the pirate ship swing and the quintain jousting ride. Animal rides, including camel and pony rides, offer younger guests an unforgettable, old-world experience that has become a Festival tradition.

Tickets are available at www.SRFestival.com. Admission is $34 for Adults (ages 13+) and $15 for Kids (ages 5–12) plus taxes and fees. Children 4 and under are always admitted free. Friends of Faire memberships, Season Passes, and Weekend Passes are also available for guests who want to return again and again!

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We will be attending the 31st edition of the LA Art Show. The international art fair will be taking place at the LA Convention Center from January 7 – 11. The show will be home to over 90 galleries representing 23 countries and featuring 20,000 pieces of art.

This year’s fair features international highlights including Ireland’s first participant, Dublin’s Oliver Sears Gallery, Palm Beach’s Provident Fine Art with a solo presentation of Sylvester Stallone’s abstract works, and London’s Pontone Gallery showcasing popular artist and drummer Chris Rivers.

Participating galleries include Dublin’s Oliver Sears Gallery, Palm Beach’s Provident Fine Art with a solo presentation of Sylvester Stallone’s abstract works, and London’s Pontone Gallery showcasing popular artist and drummer Chris Rivers.

https://www.laartshow.com/

New to the fair this year will be the anticipated debut of the Latin American Pavillion. Curated by Marisa Caichiolo-who was recently selected to co-curate Chile’s pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale exhibition. Centered on themes of memory, migration and identity, the pavilion explores representation, provenance and the evolving trajectory of Latin American art.

Additionally, the fair will feature the first public showing in over four decades of Karl A. Meyer’s 1980s woodcut prints at Switzerland’s LICHT FELD Gallery, and cinematic figurative works by Israeli artist Yigal Ozeri presented by Corridor Contemporary.

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The Christmas season is in full swing, so we headed back to one of DFW’s most anticipated events of the season, ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord Texan. We have always enjoyed revisiting each year, but were slightly apprehensive this year after rumors of heavy crowds and extreme wait times. Fortunately, these were not issues for us at all and we were able to enjoy a full night of holiday festivities that brought smiles to every face in the family.

We were greeted by thousands of lights and ornaments as we walked into the hotel atrium. As we neared the area hosting ICE!, we were serenaded by several Christmas carolers in Victorian era attire. We were a bit early for our time slot to the exhibit, so we decided to try our hand at the snowball throwing area. A tub of snow was provided to create your own snowballs and throw them at designated pipes that would occasionally light up and make noises if you hit your target. Since we live in Texas and snow is a rare commodity, my girls loved having the opportunity to do this activity.

One we had run out of snow, we headed over to the snow tubing area. In the past, the wait line up the stairs has been an issue. However, this year, they replaced the stairs with a ramp and mainstreamed the loading process, making it much more enjoyable. Being a competitive family, we attempted to see who could go down the hill the fastest or slide the farthest. I lost count of how many times we went down the hill and could probably have done so for hours. However, we had to stop once our time arrived to visit ICE!

Like many others, we were exceptionally excited about the theme for 2025, Elf. We didn’t have to wait in the holding area after scanning our tickets and went straight to get our parkas. As always, the sculptures were amazing and there seemed to be quite a bit more interactive displays this year, ranging from an elf classroom to a revolving door with Buddy. Of course, there was also the themed slide carved entirely of ice that people of all ages could enjoy. We were one of the last groups admitted for the night, so we were a bit rushed by staff to move on from the slide. However, it was a nice tradeoff since this meant that we also had less of a crowd throughout the exhibit and were able to take our time enjoying the details. As always, the exhibit concludes with a large nativity scene, a great reminder as to what the holiday season is all about.

We concluded our night with a light show in the hotel atrium. This is a newer attraction that we had not seen before. The trees and hanging lights corresponded with the various tunes that played over the loud speakers. We were definitely not disappointed by all Christmas at Gaylord Texan had to offer. I wish we were able to stay longer to explore the rest of the hotel and activities in better detail, but there is always next year! Those still wishing to enjoy ICE! can do so through January 5, 2026. You can also save up to 50% off of ticket prices using our discount code “CANDY” at checkout.

ICE! Tips

1. Wear layers of clothing, including your own jacket, gloves, and hat. The parka is nice but it is -9 degrees inside and you will be glad you overdressed.
2. Book a day in November, early December, or after Christmas to avoid some of the holiday crowds. Also, an early or late time slot is ideal.
3. Be aware of others, but take your time enjoying the details and scenery.
4. Use your phone sparingly and have a warm pocket to keep it in when you are not taking photos. The frigid temperatures can cause it to lock up and prevent you from capturing all of the moments you want to relive.

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The Light Park has become a growing sensation in Texas and a family-favorite Christmas activity for many. This drive-through experience allows the entire family to enjoy thousands of Christmas lights and various displays right from the comfort of their own vehicle. It is perfect for those that want the holiday experience without having to be out in the weather!

While The Light Park has already established itself in Frisco and Arlington over the past few years, they have now expanded to the town of Little Elm as well! The new addition is located along the banks of Lake Lewisville, offering a bit more serenity to the experience. We decided to check out this new location to see what visitors can expect this season.

As a family of four, it was nice to see that the entry fee is per vehicle rather than based on occupancy. We visited on a weeknight, and the crowd was virtually nonexistent. This is sure to change on the weekends or closer to Christmas, so I’d suggest going as soon as possible to get the full experience. However, we were able to drive completely at our own pace, enjoying every song and detail.

Your drive starts by entering a concessions tent. We purchased the “Blitzen Bundle” which included a large bucket of popcorn, two lemonades in illuminated cups, lighted wands, and “magic glasses” which turn lights into Christmas themed shapes. My two younger daughters thoroughly enjoyed the extras.

Once in the park, vehicles drive through numerous unique scenes, accommodated by music. Some of our favorite parts were watching the light bulbs, snowmen, and other characters in displays singing along to the radio. There was a nice variety of Christmas music and all of the lights were synchronized. We danced and sang along throughout the drive.

The admission for the Little Elm location was only $39.99 if purchased online, making it perfect for large families that can’t afford individual tickets to other holiday attractions in DFW. Pets are also welcome. For more information or to purchase your own tickets, click here.

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After a two-year hiatus, we returned to the Miami Beach Art Basel in 2025. The annul event featured the returning large-scale art fairs (Scope, Red Dot, Untitled, CONTEXT), and included a number of themed pop-up exhibitions. Besides the major fairs, we attended BitBasel, EDEN Gallery, and the Faena Hotel event. We also stopped by the Lexus and Rivian brand activations on the beach.

The main fairs showcased a combination of sculptures, multimedia art, paintings, and interactive art installations.

Red Dot

CONTEXT

UNTITLED

Scope

BitBasel explored the tales of global culture with moon archives and creative renaissance. Celebrity speakers included entrepreneur Daymond John.

Eden Gallery hosted a special event with world-renowned artist Alec Monopoly.

As always, the Faena hotel produced an extravagant art exhibition on the beachside. Es Devlin created the magnificent LIBRARY OF US kinetic sculpture installation.

Art Basel is more than just an art fair. Many brands use the event to produce immersive activations to showcase their creativity and release new products.

Lexus built an ambiance lounge displaying new models with a DJ happy hour experience.

Rivian’s experiential space featured the unveiling of the Borealis color.

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Now that Thanksgiving has passed, many families are scrambling to find ways to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Fortunately, DFW offers a wide variety of events and experiences that are sure to put a smile on even The Grinch’s face, however, all of the options can be a bit overwhelming. To help with this, we decided to create a list of some of our favorite Christmas activities you can find in DFW this holiday season. Take a look below to to see some of what the metroplex has to offer!

1. ICE! & Christmas at Gaylord Texan

Grapevine – The ICE! exhibit has become a holiday tradition for families across America. Over 2 million pounds of ice are intricately carved by expert artists flown in from China. The theme for this year’s exhibit is the modern Christmas classic movie, Elf. Attendees will walk through some of their favorite movie scenes and even have the opportunity to slide down a themed slide made entirely of ice! If possible, go earlier in the day or holiday season to help avoid the crowds. The Gaylord also offers a variety of other Christmas experiences, ranging from indoor snow tubing to scavenger hunts. Those on a tight budget can also simply stroll through the hotel’s atrium and enjoy the thousands of Christmas lights and decorations that adorn the already impressive scenery. The Gaylord Texan

*You can use our exclusive code, CANDY, to get 50% off of ICE! tickets

2. Bethlehem Revisited

Waxahachie – The nativity story comes to life with this impressive experience featuring live animals, a mock village, and scenes that regularly unfold. Visitors will be transported back 2,000 years to Israel where they will personally encounter surly Roman soldiers, pompous tax collectors, and many other historic figures. Kids are able to pet sheep and chickens, as well as see camels up close. The patrons at the village shops show how soap, bread, pottery, and oil was produced in ancient times. You can tour at your own pace or follow the events of the story as they unfold. It is a nondenominational event put on by multiple churches in Waxahachie. One of the best things about Bethlehem Revisited is that it is FREE! They do take donations, but it is not required. Complimentary hot chocolate is also provided outside the venue. The event runs from 6pm-9pm on December 5-7 and 12-14, weather permitting. Bethlehem Revisited

3. The Light Park

Little Elm, Frisco, and Arlington – What would the holiday season be without Christmas lights? There is no shortage of them at The Light Park, with millions of lights adorning these drive through experiences. Open 7 days a week, these lights are synced with Christmas music to enhance the experience. Ticket prices are by car, not individuals, so make sure you all pile in! Concessions are available and pets are even welcome to join in this experience. The Light Park

4. Holiday At The Arboretum

Dallas – For those looking for a relaxing approach to the holiday, the Arboretum offers a touch of nature and holiday flair. There, visitors will find a Christmas themed garden complete with gazebos reflecting the 12 days of Christmas, an European-inspired Christmas village, and even a musical tree. The Arboretum is also debuting Night Glow this year, an after-dark experience featuring their illuminated garden. Dallas Arboretum 

5. Candlelight At City Park

Dallas – For over 50 years, Dallas Parks and Recreation has put on this annual Christmas tradition. Candlelight at City Park allows visitors to enjoy a Victorian-style Christmas celebration, complete with roaming carolers, candles, and live music. Various artisan vendors will be on site and activities for children will be available. The downside is that the event is only for one weekend, December 13-14 from 5pm to 9pm, so there is only a short window to catch the iconic event. Candlelight At City Park

6. The Trains At NorthPark

Dallas – Another long-running holiday tradition has returned to Dallas for its 38th anniversary, The Trains at NorthPark. Over 1,600 feet of track have been constructed for this exhibit, filled with miniature trains and models that will please visitors of all ages. Those that have attended before can attest that these are no typical toy train sets! The details and decorations put into this display are one of the reasons why it has become a regular holiday tradition for many families across DFW. One of the best parts is that your visit also helps give back to the community. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, supporting families of hospitalized children. To complete the holiday experience, you can also find the Scrooge Public Theatre show operating throughout the day for a fun and free experience in the lobby of NorthPark Mall. The Trains At NorthPark

7. Christmas Extravaganza

Frisco – The Dallas Cowboys are known for putting on a show when they take the field, but their annual Christmas event at The Star is equally as impressive. The world-famous Cowboy cheerleaders lead the show, with performances by the Cowboy’s Rookie Squad, Rowdy (the Cowboy’s mascot), and more! To top off the evening, a different Cowboy’s legend honorarily lights the tree each night. The event runs every Friday and Saturday night through December 20th, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch the show. Both, the event and the parking are free, so get there early! Christmas Extravaganza

8. Dallas Zoo Lights

Dallas – Each year, holiday lights and music transform the Dallas Zoo’s landscape. Over two million lights adorn the zoo, as well as lanterns, photo ops, and other decorations. The event allows visitors to celebrate the holidays while surrounded by some of nature’s greatest treasures. Another key feature of Dallas Zoo Lights are the live musical performances. For families with children who may get overstimulated in festive situations such as this, the zoo does offer a Sensory Friendly Night in early January. Dallas Zoo Lights

9. Holiday At The Park

Arlington – Those wishing to intermingle a bit of thrill with their holiday celebrations can find what they are looking for at Six Flags Over Texas. This time of year, the theme park transforms into a holiday haven. This year, Six Flags is debuting a new holiday show, “Tinker’s Toy Factory”. There are also plenty of opportunities to catch dance and song performances throughout the day. Take pictures with Santa, decorate Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Cookies, eat s’mores, or even write a letter to the North Pole to enhance the Christmas experience there. There are plenty of rides to keep your attention as well, but do note that a portion of the park is closed as Six Flags renovates the Spain area. Holiday at the Park

10. SNOWDAY

Dallas – This event, dubbed as “The Ultimate Immersive Holiday Adventure”, is a unique way for families and art lovers to bring a unique take on the holiday season. Visitors will make their way through a mirror maze and even assist one of Santa’s helpers in space. There are unlimited opportunities for photo ops while people walk through the elaborately themed rooms with interactive props. Think of it as a holiday version of Meow Wolf. When you are finished, head to Santaland or the ice skating rink in the Galleria for further Christmas fun! SNOWDAY

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The Gaylord Texan has once again transformed into one of North Texas’ most elaborate holiday destinations as they host their annual Christmas celebration. From November 14, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the resort will be filled with lights, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

This year, ICE! will feature the family favorite Christmas movie Elf. Visitors can walk through iconic moments from the movie composed of over 2 million pounds of ice. The exhibit will include carved depictions of your favorite Elf scenes and an ice slide for people of all ages! In addition, Gaylord Texan guests can enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, gingerbread making, a scavenger hunt, and other family events for additional fun.

Those planning to attend may use the code CANDY when checking out for an extra 50% off their ICE! tickets. For more information and ticketing click here.

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The time has arrived! The ALL-NEW Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival has opened for its inaugural season! Visitors will enjoy live entertainment, an artisan village, seasonal attractions, interactive activities for all ages, and a touch of spooky delight. Scarborough’s Hollow will take place at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival site in Waxahachie on Saturdays between October 11 – November 15. It will also be open on October 31, Halloween night!

Scarborough’s Hollow offers interactive fun for all ages including the Fairy Sisters’ Meet & Greet, Daily Character Parade, Hollow Pumpkin Patch, and The Tricksters Trail of Leaping Lights. Kids’ Activities include games for all, The Coloring Wall, Harvest Blessings, Hollow’s Hideaway Maze, the Kids’ Coloring Corner, and Pumpkin Painting.Visitors are also invited to immerse themselves into the fantasy of Scarborough’s Hollow by donning their favorite Fall, fantasy, or period costumes. Family friendly costumes are welcome but they ask that you refrain from wearing gory or frightening costumes.

The five stages and the lanes of Scarborough’s Hollow will showcase acts like Brandi Paige, Cirque du Sewer, The Duelist, Josh the Ventriloquist, Queen Annes’ Lace, The Singing Serpents, Smee the Singing Executioner, Thunder Thorsson, the Village cast from the Scarborough Academy of Performing Arts, and the three magical fairy sisters of Scarborough’s Hollow.

As is customary at the Scarborough events, the site will host various contests, vendors, and opportunities to pique your taste buds. More than 35 shoppes will be open in the artisan village, selling a variety of fantasy and time-period items. Visitors can also partake in beer tasting events, grab one of their famous turkey legs, or try some other seasonal treats.

Admission tickets at the gate are $30 for Adults and $18 for Kids 5-12. Kids 4 & under are always free. Parking is $12 per car and there are also activities that can be added for an additional fee. You can purchase tickets and find further discounts (such as pre-paid parking or other specific discount days) at www.SRFestival.com/Hollow.

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ILID was able to catch up with everyone’s favorite pixie, and you can do the same without having to travel to The Second Star on the Right. Margaret Kerry, the real-life inspiration behind one of Disney’s most iconic characters, Tinkerbell, is scheduled to make an appearance at this year’s Dallas Fan Festival. Luckily, we were able to speak with Mrs. Kerry ahead of time to give our readers a glimpse into the life of this Disney legend.

As an actress, Margaret Kerry grew up in Hollywood around some of show biz’s greatest legends. Today, she still displays that same outgoing personality and excitement that was so evident on film. Take a look below as we explored the life and career of the woman who helped define timeless characters for generations of fans to enjoy.

You are literally the image of Tinkerbell, who has been a Disney staple since before the parks opened. At what point did the magnitude of being Tinkerbell sink in?

Oh, that is a good question! At first, I thought little about it because I was working at ABC (we used to call it the Almost Broadcasting Company because it was the newest one). I’d fallen in love with television; that was for me. I was doing The Ruggles show and somebody told me that they were going to be portraying Tinkerbell in their Peter Pan play at school. They had some party going on as well and I said, “Oh, I’d love to come.” They told me they would pick me up, so I went over and you should have seen the expression on their faces! I did a lot of the mannerisms of Tinkerbell and they loved it. I thought, “Isn’t that interesting? What a reaction.” Then I gave a talk and got the same reaction. Then I did another talk and started to get phone calls from my friends in Hollywood (I grew up there and started with Our Gang). They began to ask if I could go talk or if they could see me. I was invited to do a show with the fan club, Disneyana, and the it started to build. More and more people came. I suddenly realized, “How great would it be if I could be somebody because of a character I played?” I don’t have to go around saying that my name is Margaret and explain that I play Tinkerbell. She was out there first. Instead, people say, “You know Tinkerbell? Well, did you know that Margaret Kerry was the one who her figure and movements were modeled after?” Then, they get curious and we go from there! I could have just been the woman who had her throat slashed in Psycho, but Disney did a wonderful thing for me. Then, Disney invited me to come to their studio for a party because they wanted me to see what they were coming up with for Tinkerbell. They said they had created a group of other fairy characters to be her friends and that they were going to make movies with them. In each movie, Tinkerbell and the audience learn a great lesson, like how to take care of friends. From that moment on, I was big stuff.

That’s awesome! My daughters love those Tinkerbell movies. Going back to people linking Tinkerbell to being based off of you, I read that your marriage began by a similar conversation.

Oh, yes! My darling husband, who is a veteran of World War II (who fought in both theaters of the war), just turned 100. He is just great. We’ve only been married six years. We had dated 70 years in the past. Being a veteran, he was invited to go and be honored at the 75th D-Day celebration and he was over in Amsterdam to take a ship to all the different ports. He decided, with his friends, to drive down the main street there. He looked across the street and there was a sign that said “Tinkerbell’s Toys”. He turned to his friends and said, “Did I ever tell you about the time I dated Tinkerbell?” They decided to get in touch with me and called me from France. Boy, was I impressed. I was about 90 years old and went years a widow. I had never thought about dating anybody again. So, he called me and we went back and forth. I said, “I am going to be over in Mount Airy, North Carolina, for the Andy Griffith Show‘s Mayberry Days. You are living in South Carolina, could you get there?” Three weeks later, he drove up for eight hours and found me. We talked and, later on, he decided to marry me. So, I booked the little brown church in Burbank, California, and that’s where we were married.

You must have really left an impression on him. That’s a great story.

I think he is so special, and he is. We were both actually honored at The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. He was honored there for being a veteran and I was honored beside him, having been in the USO. How many people these days can say that one of them fought in World War II while the other danced and celebrated with the USO?

I’m not sure I can think of any at all. I didn’t realize you were part of the USO; that is great. So, circling back, we are here still discussing Tinkerbell around 70 years after Peter Pan was released. That’s a pretty impressive statement in itself.

I just did a show at a theater in Wilmington. They filled the theater and showed the movie. Afterwards, the little ones who had dressed as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell came up and paraded around. What do you think that does for my heart?

I’ve done some research, but some of our readers may not be familiar with your stint modeling for Tinkerbell. Can you talk about that for a bit?

Marc Davis is the man who did it all, incredible artist. He was so sweet and so nice. He’s the one who cast me in the role. I walked into his office, looked up on the wall, and saw this out of balance pixie. Too much tummy and shorter legs… she was adorable. Well, I did the interview and he said, “Can you come back next Tuesday?” I tell you, I have never had anyone since that day ask me whether it would be convenient. I went back to see him and I wore a one-piece bathing suit. That was my costume because they wanted to see the outlines of my figure as I did all this work. So, I turned her into a little ballerina. She moves like a ballerina just enough so you know that she is different in what she does.

Was that idea your’s or Marc’s?

It was mine. I looked at her and thought, “She has got to be different.” So, I did my foot walk, as you would as a ballet dancer, because I have been dancing since I was four years old. My mind went straight to that. Then, there was all of the drama in her face. Here is a side bit for you. Did you know on the movie screen that you never saw Tinkerbell’s ears?It would have cost thousands of dollars more to draw them in each frame, so they covered them. They didn’t have today’s electronics, so a cameraman rode on a little stool attached to this barrel-type contraption while Marc sat at his desk. I said, “Mr. Davis, would you like her to be ditzy like Betty Boop or would you like her to be above it all, like the queen of the fairies?” He looked at me and said, “Miss Margaret, I would like her to be you.” I said, “Gosh, golly. I think I can do that!” So, I was to go out there and hit my marks and interact with the props that were there. Then, they would take the film and pull the main frames out to work from. It was incredibly laborious, but that is all they knew. From what I remember, I believe it took about six years for them to complete the artwork.

You were actually in another role in Peter Pan that most people may not know about as well. You were the redheaded mermaid?

I was, and oh, I was mean.

One of your characters tried to have Wendy killed by pirates while the other tried to drown her. Man, you must have really had it out for Wendy.

Oh, yes, yes. James M. Barrie (the author of the original Peter Pan) had a Scottish sense of humor. You always had to have a bad guy all over the story. He was telling the story to kids and guessed that they may want to know just a little bit about romance. Well, poor Peter didn’t know a thing about it and, so, he didn’t understand when those things happened.

What were your impressions of Walt Disney?

Mr. Disney came on set one day when we were shooting and stood at the sound stage door with Marc Davis and Buddy Ebsen. They would go to the other wall and Buddy would do a step and they would laugh. Mr. Disney did a step as well. I figured out later on that they were working on animatronics. So, he would come over time to time and see what was going on with Marc and with me. He was just charming. I was stunned though because I was brought up understanding that you never met the head of the studio. If you did, you were to fall down on your knees and bow, but here he was chatting with us. He said, “I understand that you went to school with my daughters.” I hadn’t really realized it until then and then I said, “Oh my goodness, Sharon and Diane!” He stepped away and then he came back and said, “I think they liked you.” I thought, “How sweet of him?” So, he came back about four or five more times. He had his hands and pulse on everything.

I have to ask, what was it like growing up in Hollywood’s Golden Age along stars like Buddy Ebsen, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, and so many others?

Oh, it was wonderful! God was absolutely wonderful to me. I started out when my mother died when I was three and a half. I was adopted by two older people who hadn’t a clue about a little kid, and my mother decided I was going to be somebody. I kept thinking, “But, I already am the somebody.” She put me in tap class, and I studied under one of the top tap teachers in Hollywood. The next thing I knew, I was in my first movie, Warner Brothers’ Midsummer Night’s Dream, where I played a fairy. I was having a wonderful time learning what life was all about, and I liked it. It would have been terrible if I didn’t like. Later, I got to work with Charlie Ruggles on The Ruggles, which was quite big although there weren’t a lot of other shows. I also worked with Eddie Cantor and Joan Davis, two wonderful people. I played their daughter in the movie If You Knew Susie. It was great. I did radio too and voiceovers for a lot of cartoons, including Captain Fathom and Clutch Cargo. Of course, I was also on The Andy Griffith Show and will be going to North Carolina in a few weeks for Mayberry Days. People dress up like characters in the show and I get to entertain and dance. It is great! You’re so right; it [growing up in Hollywood’s Golden Era] has been good to me.

You’ve definitely had an amazing career and worked with some of the best actors to grace television, as well as the big screen. I have to circle back to Tinkerbell one more time though. She is still an icon over 70 years after her debut. Why do you think she is so timeless?

I still get fan mail all the time and the preponderance is males that write to me. They often say, “I’m a grandfather and I am teaching my boys to get signatures.” Phooey! These are some of the same people that would walk up to me when I was doing earlier shows, their sleeves rolled up and Tinkerbell tattooed on their arm. She touched the boys almost as much as she did the little girls. I give all the credit for Tinkerbell to Marc Davis; he was brilliant. It is all about how he envisioned what I was doing and how he could put it in the picture.

What was it like when you first watched Peter Pan during its debut?

Oh! That was something! I went in and saw a lot of the production as it was moving along, all the way from the line drawings. They would ask me how I liked it and all that I could say was, “Right on!” I actually cried once because it was exactly what I had in mind. They were brilliant. I am still lighthearted looking back on it today. I never got to be the woman who has “done it all”. It is still great fun.

The post [INTERVIEW] Margaret Kerry Is Bringing Disney Magic To DFW appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Ernie Reyes Jr. will be heading to Dallas Fan Festival next month and we couldn’t wait to get a few words with him! Those that grew up in the 90s can’t help but be familiar with his work onscreen. He helped bring Donatello to life in the first live action Ninja Turtles movie, played the turtles’ pizza delivery sidekick in the sequel, and also starred in other cult classics like Surf Ninjas. Take a look below to get some insight into some of this classic work and don’t miss your chance to speak with him as well when he heads to Dallas Fan Festival on October 4th and 5th!

When you first stepped onto the set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, did you feel like it was just another movie job, or did you sense it was going to be something bigger?

One of the production companies, Golden Harvest, is a company from Hong Kong, and they were responsible for Bruce Lee, Jet Lee, and Jackie Chan. I had grown up watching all of those movies, and I remembered when their logo came up at the opening of those movies. So for me, as a lifetime martial artist, when I knew that Golden Harvest was the production company in charge, I was automatically, super excited. The first thing I did when I signed onto Team TMNT was fly out to London, to the Jim Henson Creature Shop, and I got a full body cast for the Donatello suit. When I walked through the doors at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, I knew right then and there that I was a part of something magical. To see all the stuff that he [Jim Henson] had done there and all the creatures from his previous productions… I knew that I was part of something special.

What detail about the TMNT set, costumes, or production still sticks with you today whenever you think about it?

The costumes. First of all, we were shooting in North Carolina in the middle of summer, so you’re talking about 100 degrees outside and 100% humidity. The costumes were probably anywhere between 35 and 45 pounds of foam latex rubber, so it was pretty strenuous. I was doing all of the martial arts and stunts. In a typical 14 hour day, you’re doing fight scenes all day and night in the suit. My body temperature got to about 102 degrees every single day. What I remember from the first movie that it was a lot of hard work, but worth it in the end.

You had done plenty of martial arts prior to filming TMNT. I’ve talked with Ken Scott in the past, and he mentioned how cumbersome the suits were. How much did you have to adjust what you’d previously known about martial arts to be able to perform in the costume?

Your body dimensions are completely different. It was like me being Arnold Schwarzenegger on my 5′ 3 frame. Your whole body mechanics is completely different. Like I said, Bruce Lee was my hero growing up, and I knew I had a chance to work with Golden Harvest and I was hoping that it would lead from one thing to the next, which it eventually did. I was game for whatever challenge was coming my way.

In the second movie, you got to transition out of the suit and into a live action role as Keno. Over the years, fans have kept Keno alive through watching the movie, cosplays, fan arts, and going to conventions like Dallas Fan Festival. What’s the most creative or surprising way that you’ve seen Kino celebrated?

It’s pretty interesting. The kids that grew up watching those movies [TMNT] now have their own kids, who are 9, 10, and 11 years old. So, to see a whole new generation of fans that weren’t even born when those movies came out, for them to be so excited to get a chance to meet me and know about the Keno character and have it be one of their favorites out of the whole TMNT franchises, to me, that’s pretty exciting. To see a 12 year old little boy in his pizza get up cosplaying me from a movie that came out 35 years ago is pretty incredible.

Thirty-five years ago seems like such a long time, but so much has changed with the TMNT franchise since then. For instance, the new turtles use CGI instead of practical suits. Do you think the physicality of the original suits gives the movies something extra that can’t be replicated today?

From my personal opinion, practical effects always give it a different sense of reality, because when you see CGI, you instantly know that it’s CGI. So, I think that part of the charm of those original Ninja Turtles movies was that all the effects were practical… The animatronics, the technology, the Henson group… There was no CGI. It took a team of three or four people to make each turtle work. You had the actor inside the suit, somebody outside that’s controlling all of the facial expressions, and then you have the voice actor. I think that, in comparison to having something computer generation generated, that it’s part of the fun and why it still holds up after all this all this time.

While we are on the topic of your opinion, I have a couple of personal questions for you. Which of the turtles do you feel like your personality best matches? I know you played Donatello, but does he represent your personality the most or is there another turtle that might be more fitting?

No, I think that Donatello represents me. He is the smartest! [laughs]

It’s funny that Keno has withstood the test of time, because he’s really only in the second movie. He’s not in the cartoons, any of the follow up movies, or in the comics. With that being said, in your opinion, in your own head canon, what happened to Keno after the second movie?

Keno was a character created by Golden Harvest. The executive producer from Golden Harvest had brought in four stuntmen from Hong Kong for the first movie. It was the first time that Hong Kong stunt guys were brought to America for an American production. At that time, especially in terms of martial arts, with the likes of Jackie Chan and people like that, the Hong Kong guys were a step above what we were producing in America when it came to martial arts. The stunts were crazier, the fight scenes were a little bit more dynamic. However, one of the guys hurt his back in pre-production, and that’s how I got brought in. So, I was an American kid working with three guys from Hong Kong that spoke no English. When the executive producers met me and got a hold of my personality, they saw that I spoke English and was basically just a California kid. At the end of the first movie, the last day of filming, the executive producer pulled me aside and said, “Hey, you know what? We’re going to create a character for you in the second film so that we can actually see you.” Then, he asked me if I had any nicknames. And I said, “Well, you know, on my mom’s side of the family growing up, everybody called me Kono.” It was literally like, three months later when a script came across my desk asking me to consider the role of Keno. That character was not part of the original TMNT universe; it was something that Golden Harvest specifically created for me. In my mind, Keno is still alive and kicking a**. You know, doing his thing. So, maybe we’ll get to see him in the upcoming live action Last Ronin movie. At least, that’s what my hope is.

That would be awesome. I’ve got high hopes for that movie too. I have one more question for you since Dallas Fan Festival is coming up. You’ve been doing a lot of conventions recently. What do you look forward to most about them?

The thing is, you understand that movies make an impact, because you see the numbers and you see that it [TMNT] was like the number one independent grossing movie of all time when it came out. It’s a hit. But really, when you actually get to meet the people one by one and hear their stories of how these movies impacted them, that’s the most rewarding part about it. There’s a lot of powerful stories that I get to hear about what was going on in their lives at that time, how much it affected them, and how the movies were a bright spot in their childhood. I grew up in film and television, so even prior to the Ninja Turtles, I had been working for almost a decade. I had been in a lot of other things and cult classic movies like The Last Dragon and Red Sonja. So, to be able to meet people that have been following my career for 40 years, and see how much I inspired them, that’s the most rewarding part.

I remember you as Keno, but I actually remember you from Surf Ninjas when I was growing up as well. 

When they were making the third one [TMNT movie], there was a conflict of schedule because I was already filming Surf Ninjas at that time. But, it’s really interesting because people come up to me at these conventions all the time and, of course, they talk about Ninja Turtles, but there are so many that are like, “Dude, Surf Ninjas is my favorite movie of all time!” There’s a really, really, big cult following for Surf Ninjas, even though it wasn’t a big splash at the box office. Then it came out on home video, at Blockbuster, and all those things. New Line even put it out in a in a box set with the Ninja Turtles movie. Even when the Ninja Turtles came out on VHS, the Surf Ninjas trailer played before those movies. It’s pretty surprising to see how many people out there love it.

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Dallas Fan Festival is set to celebrate pop culture, past and present, with a nostalgic lineup of celebrity guests and activities designed to bring fans of all ages together.

Known for creating a welcoming community for fans of comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and more, this year’s festival places a special spotlight on nostalgia. Beloved stars from classic TV shows, blockbuster films, and fan-favorite franchises will join the guest roster, giving attendees the rare chance to relive their favorite moments and introduce a new generation to the icons who helped shape pop culture.

“Dallas FAN FESTIVAL is about celebrating the things we love across generations…This year, our guests will include actors and creators who defined entertainment for many of us growing up, alongside today’s stars. It’s the perfect event for families, friends, and fans of all ages to experience together.” – Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO HQ.

In addition to celebrity panels, autograph and photo opportunities, and Q&A sessions, the two-day festival will feature:

• Family-friendly programming includes kid-focused activities, cosplay contests, and hands-on workshops.
• Gaming zones and artist alleys where fans can explore indie creations and collectibles.
• Interactive exhibits celebrating both retro and modern pop culture.

With ticket packages designed to be budget-conscious, Dallas Fan Festival offers families and fans an immersive weekend of entertainment for less than the cost of a single concert or sporting event. Whether revisiting the heroes of yesterday or discovering today’s rising stars, Dallas Fan Festival 2025 promises to be a celebration of fandom that bridges generations.

Pricing:

Weekend Passes: $39 ADVANCE (Regular $49)
Adult Single Day Passes (13+): Saturday $25 ADVANCE and Sunday $20 ADVANCE
Child Passes (6-12): $10
Family Passes: Saturday $60 ADVANCE and Sunday $50 ADVANCE

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here

Dates/Times:

Saturday, October 4, from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Sunday, October 5, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Location:

Irving Convention Center is located at 500 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039

The post Dallas Fan Fest Is Bringing Nostalgia to DFW This October appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

A brand-new fall tradition is coming to North Texas. Grab your friends, round up the kids, and get ready to dress for the season — Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival is drawing near! The new Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival, created by the producers of Scarborough Renaissance Festival, will debut on October 11, 2025.

This immersive festival will transform the Crown Meadow area of the Scarborough Renaissance site into a world of magic, mischief, and autumn wonder. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, artisan shoppes, interactive activities for all ages, seasonal attractions, and a touch of spooky delight every Saturday from October 11 – November 15 (2:00 pm – 10:00 pm), plus a special Halloween Night celebration on October 31 (5:00 pm – Midnight).

Five stages and the lanes of Scarborough’s Hollow will be filled with live entertainment including some familiar Scarborough acts such as Cirque du Sewer and the Village cast from the Scarborough Academy of Performing Arts. Visitors will also be thrilled by some great new performers that are sure to become favorites: local musicians, sword fighting comedy, an interactive D&D style show, a Ventriloquist, and more. Additionally, there will be a bit of seasonal magic to experience with the Trickster’s Trail of Leaping Lights, Masquerade of Mischief Fun House, the Hollow’s Hayride, and Morwyn’s Manor Haunted House!

Don’t miss the kids’ activity area, Pumpkin Patch, The Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo, face painting, games of skill, daily contests and themed events too. Some activities and attractions will require an additional fee. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves into the fantasy of Scarborough’s Hollow by donning their favorite (family-friendly) Fall, fantasy, or period costumes and joining in the fun.

Foods and tempting seasonal treats abound! Visitors can take a break to savor delicious food throughout Scarborough’s Hollow such as giant roasted turkey legs, street tacos, chicken-on-a-stick, sausage-on-a-stick, mac n’ cheese, and brisket baked potatoes. Tasty treats will include cobbler, Lemon Chill, and Dip n’ Dots, along with sweet & savory treats from the 13^th Hour bakery.

For visitors 21 and over, there will be 7 pubs offering a great selection of craft beers, wine, Breaking Brew Mead, Nidhogger Mead, weekly specials, and seasonal favorites. If beer is your autumn indulgence, you can join Scarborough’s own Certified Cicerone for one of their daily Beer Tasting events, taking you through an educational journey of tasting fall beers and providing a complementary beer glass to keep. The cost is $35 per person in advance or $40 at the event. Seating is limited so book your tasting event today, before they sell out!

Early Bird deep discount tickets are available now at www.SRFestival.com/Hollow along with tickets to the haunted house, hayride, and fun house. All online tickets are date specific for the 2025 season. Early Bird Tickets are $20 for Adults and $10 for Kids 5-12. Kids 4 & under are always free. Masquerade of Mischief Fun House & Morwyn’s Manor Haunted House tickets are $10 each on-line and the Hollow’s Hayride is $5. Pre-paid parking can also be purchased at www.SRFestival.com/Hollow for $8 per car. The festival will take place at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival grounds in Waxahachie.

The post Scarborough’s Hollow Fall Fantasy Festival Debuts This October appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

This month, Fan Expo Dallas returned to the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center for the conventions 2025 run. The three-day event brought some huge names from the entertainment industry, along with some of the state’s best cosplay. To celebrate Back To The Future’s 40^th anniversary, Fan Expo brought the trilogy’s stars to DFW. Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and Tom Wilson were joined by a plethora of their costars for panels and autographs.

However, there were many other celebrities in attendance of equal caliber. Orlando Bloom, John Cena, Priscilla Presley, and John Rhys-Davies are just a few names that could be found at FXD 2025. The talent was definitely a huge draw for attendees, but there were plenty of other reasons to enjoy this year’s show as well. There were several rooms dedicated to fandoms where attendees could gather, play games, and discuss their shared passions. We even happened upon a silent disco room overlooking the convention lobby, a nice getaway for those that needed a break from the crowds.

Fan Expo has done a great job of continuing to adapt and cater to the needs of the convention’s fans. My family enjoyed searching for themed rubber ducks that Fan Expo had hidden throughout the site, making a unique souvenir for those lucky enough to stumble across one. The designated kids’ area had several crafting stations, a small stage, and even functioning droids from Star Wars roaming around. Multiple themed backdrops were even scattered along the walkways of the convention floors for photo opportunities.

Hundreds of unique vendors lined the main showroom floor. Earrings, comics, plush items, clothing, and almost any pop culture items imaginable could be found. The crowds on Saturday morning were honestly a bit overwhelming and made it a bit difficult to navigate around if there were several people in your party. Luckily, it thinned out as the day went on and allowed us to explore what each area had to offer. The longest line we encountered was actually the prop weapon check before entering, which took a little over twenty minutes. That said, Fan Expo did a good job of controlling the crowds in other areas. For instance, they divvied up the photo lines for the more popular celebrities, which helped regulate traffic and make the wait feel shorter.

As usual, one of the biggest highlights of the show is simply admiring the cosplayers in attendance. Graphic novels, video games, movies, television shows… all were represented by various fans in costume. Take a look below to see some of these amazing fans and get a small insight into Fan Expo Dallas 2025!

The post Looking Back At Fan Expo Dallas 2025 appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

It’s a new year and a new era of fandom at FAN EXPO Dallas 2025, where unforgettable adventures await fans of every generation. From legendary celebrity reunions to creative lounges and immersive experiences, this year’s show promises more excitement, more thrills, and more ways to connect than ever before. FXD will take place May 30 – June 1, 2025, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. In addition to the usual experiences at FXD (such as cosplay contests, celebrity meet and greets, guest panels, gaming experiences, a huge variety of vendors, and much more), this year’s convention will include some additional, epic events that fans won’t want to miss!

Headlining Events and Experiences:

• An Evening with the Cast of Back to the Future (Friday, May 30 at 7 PM):
  Celebrate the iconic film’s 40th Anniversary with Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson live on stage, with exclusive photo ops, autographs, and a night of unforgettable storytelling.
• John Cena Live (Saturday, May 31):
  Meet the WWE superstar and 16-time world champion in an exclusive appearance featuring autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and one-on-one moments.
• On Stage with Orlando Bloom (Saturday, May 31):
  Get closer than ever to the star of The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean with a live on-stage event, autographs, and photo ops.
• Smallville Nights with Tom Welling & Michael Rosenbaum (Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 PM):
  Relive the magic of Smallville with a fan-favorite duo reenacting classic scenes, directing audience members, and handing out exclusive prizes.
• Greg Capullo & Scott Snyder Comic Experience(Sunday, June 1 at 11 AM):
  Join comic legends Capullo and Snyder for a premium fan experience, including a panel, autographs, and limited-edition merchandise.

All-New Fan Spaces:

• Book Nook & Free Little Library:
  A cozy space to swap books, enjoy the Manga Library, and craft custom bookmarks — a dream for every reader.
• Friendiverse Lounge:
  Dive into crafts, fandom-inspired DIY projects, pin trading, friendship bracelet making, and even a Silent Disco. It’s the perfect place to meet your fandom family.
• Zen Den:
  Relax and recharge in a peaceful environment featuring meditation stations, journaling, and calming activities for a much-needed convention break.

Interactive Adventures:

• Quack to the Future Duck Hunt:
  Search for special Back to the Future-themed rubber ducks hidden across the event and claim your free souvenir.
• Comic Artists in the Kids’ Zone:
  Watch professional comic artists bring characters to life live and teach aspiring young creators their craft.

Official Afterparty:

• Enchantment Under the Sea Afterparty (Saturday, May 31 at 8 PM, Foundation Room, House of Blues Dallas):
  Step back into the ’80s for a Back to the Future-themed night of music, dancing, costume contests, and a Johnny B. Goode dance-off. Tickets are just $15.

This year especially, Fan Expo Dallas has made sure there is a bit of something for everyone. Click here for more information and tickets to the events!

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This week, DIFF announced the line-up for the 19th edition of the annual Dallas International Film Festival, April 25 – May 1, 2025. The Festival was named an Oscar Qualifying Festival by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in October, and will feature screenings of more than 120 films, Q&A sessions, and panels with filmmakers and actors, nightly DIFF Red Carpets, and special events.

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Victory Park, located steps away from American Airlines Center at 2365 Victory Park Lane, will serve as the host venue. Additional screenings and events will be held in the innovative AT&T Discovery District, the vibrant Harwood District, the historic Texas Theatre, and the artful Virgin Hotels Dallas – which returns for the third year as the Premier Sponsor of the Festival – among other world-class Dallas destinations to be announced. 

“For our first year as an Oscar® Qualifying Festival, we have curated a powerful collection of feature, documentary and short films. One particular highlight will be the world premiere of HAPPY AS LARRY – last year, the screenplay for that film was a semifinalist in our first-ever Screenwriting Competition, and it has now returned to DIFF as a completed film, a testament to the role film festivals like ours play in furthering the art of film… Another highlight will be a music and film panel with Abraham Alexander, who was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Original Song for SING SING, which played at DIFF in 2024. Movie lovers have come to us for nearly two decades to discover the gems of cinema, and this year will not disappoint.” – James Faust, DIFF Artistic Director

The Dallas International Film Festival will also feature live screenplay table reads, awards, and other events and activations where filmmakers, screenwriters, film industry leaders, celebrities, sponsors, and audiences come together to experience and discuss film. Films are curated from submissions received by filmmakers worldwide, across Texas, and the United States, and include narrative features, documentaries, and short films of all genres from studios and independent filmmakers.

Grand Jury Prizes for DIFF 2025 will be awarded for Best Texas Short Film, Best Texas Feature, Best Documentary Short Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best International Feature, Best International Short Film, Best Narrative Feature, Best Animated Short Film, and Best Student Film within the Shorts Competition. Additionally, Audience Awards will be given for Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Feature, and Best Short Film. There will also be a Dallas County Historical Commission Prize for Best Historical Film.

Passes for the Dallas International Film Festival are on sale now. You can purchase them and check out the full festival lineup by clicking this link!

The post DIFF Announces Line-up for Dallas International Film Festival 2025 appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Full Admission Tickets are absolutely FREE, while they last, by applying the Promo Code “MINUS5”. Tickets are required for entry, and are only available on-line. Once the promotion concludes, tickets will merely be a $5 donation to Habitat For Humanity. Catch some great live music while promoting a good cause!

Dates/Venues:
April 5 – Flower Mound River Walk (Grapevine)
May 3 – The Sound at Cypress Waters (Coppell)
May 10 – Grandscape (The Colony)

Different artists will headline at each location. For a complete list of musical talent or to reserve tickets, click here.

The post Dallas County Blues & Red Dirt Festival 2025 Is Ready To Rock North Texas appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

In a thrilling convergence of past, present, and future, FAN EXPO Dallas is proud to announce a special gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic film ‘Back to the Future.’ From May 29 to June 1, 2025, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, FAN EXPO Dallas will host a once-in-a-lifetime reunion featuring original cast members Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Tom Wilson.

Released in 1985, ‘Back to the Future’ quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and humor. The film’s enduring legacy is evident as fans continue to celebrate its impact on popular culture.

Best known for his role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox is an Emmy-winning actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate who has left an enduring impact on both Hollywood and medical research. His foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, is a leading organization in Parkinson’s research, raising over $1 billion to find a cure.

A legendary character actor, Christopher Lloyd is celebrated for his eccentric and memorable roles, including Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown in Back to the Future and Judge Doom in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. With a career spanning five decades, Lloyd has won multiple Emmy Awards and remains a beloved figure in sci-fi and comedy.

An actress and director, Lea Thompson is best known for playing Lorraine Baines McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy and starring in Caroline in the City. She has built a diverse career in film, television, and theater, earning acclaim for her work behind and in front of the camera.

As the unforgettable Biff Tannen in Back to the Future, Tom Wilson has become an iconic villain in film history, known for his comedic timing and menacing catchphrases. Beyond acting, he is also a talented stand-up comedian, musician, and voice actor, with a career that spans multiple entertainment platforms.

At FAN EXPO Dallas, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with these stars through interactive panels, autograph sessions, and exclusive photo opportunities. This event not only honors the film’s legacy but also provides fans with an immersive experience, bringing them closer to the characters and stories they cherish. Celebrate four decades of time-traveling adventures and the timeless appeal of ‘Back to the Future.’ Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the series, this event promises an unforgettable experience that bridges generations. To see the current guest list, planned events and to purchase tickets, go to www.fanexpodallas.com

The post Great Scott! Fan Expo Dallas 2025 Hosts A Back To The Future 40th Anniversary Reunion appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival opens its 44^th season on Saturday, April 5 with Kids Free Weekend! Up to three Kids 12 & under get in free with each paid adult (kids 4 & under are always free). Additionally, the first 1,000 kids will receive a free crown! Seniors can also receive a $10 discount the weekend of April 5th when they purchase their tickets at the gate with a valid ID. Also new for 2025, single day tickets are date specific. On Sundays the Festival will offer new special discounts at the gate for Waxahachie residents, College Students, and Community Heroes (police, firefighters, EMT, & educators). Qualifying visitors just need to show their applicable IDs to receive these discounts.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is interactive fun for everyone, 16^th Century style! This North Texas tradition invites you to step back in time for the time of your life and immerse yourself into their 25-acre re-creation of an English village  celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katherine Parr (number 6 for those who are counting), their royal court, and guests with a festival of entertainment, artisans, food, magic, and merriment!

Visitors will enjoy a new jousting troupe, birds of prey exhibitions, a Mermaid Lagoon, and 20+ stages of non-stop Renaissance entertainment. Discover treasures in the 200 shoppes of the Artisan’s Marketplace, dozens of artisan demonstrations, Knighting Ceremonies, Living Chess Matches, the Grande Parade, and so much more.

Here you’ll enjoy extraordinary one-of-a-kind entertainment, exceptional artisans, fun for kids, and a totally interactive experience…There are lots of new & exciting things in store for our 44^th season and we hope that everyone will come discover the most amazing Festival in North Texas and escape to another time!” – Helaine Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications 

TikTok phenomenon, Jacques Ze Whipper, will be returning for a two-week limited engagement April 5 – 13. Sadly, one of Scarborough’s most iconic performers, Don Juan, will be making this his farewell season after 41 years at the Festival, so make sure to catch Don Juan & Esmeralda’s final shows before they’re gone! Luckily, there will be a dozen other new shows and over thirty new artisans/shoppes, a Viking Artisan Village, an RPG Quest, a new pub, and great new food!

The Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays (as well as Memorial Day), April 5 through May 26. Each weekend has a different theme and a variety of special events. There are even themed beer and wine tasting events! You can get your tickets or find out more information on Scarborough’s official site by clicking here!

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The Texas Motor Speedway BBQ Showdown returns with $5,000 in cash prizes up for grabs during the May 2-4 Würth 400 NASCAR triple-header weekend.

Entrants will compete in three categories – one-half chicken, pork spare ribs and brisket – in this IBCA-sanctioned event that will award the top five places in each category.

Chef check-in will be Friday, May 2, with the judging taking place the following day. Turn-in times will be at Noon (chicken), 1:30 p.m. (ribs) and 3 p.m. (brisket). The judging location will be inside the white tent at the north entrance into the infield campground, directly across from the Turn 4 paddock on Allison Avenue near the North Tunnel.

The winners will be announced Sunday, May 4, on stage prior to the day’s main course – the Würth 400 presented by Liquid Moly NASCAR Cup Series race.

The entry fee is $500 and includes the following:

·      Two 20 x 40 infield spots (1 for RV and 1 for Smoker)

·      Two weekend infield wristbands (does not include grandstand seating)

There will also be a separate winner-take-all brisket taco jackpot competition. Buy-in is an additional $20 and the winner will claim the full pot.

Click HERE to register today. With the Texas Motor Speedway BBQ Showdown being an IBCA-sanctioned event, please click HERE for the competition rules.

Fans will get a full plate of NASCAR action with all three national series competing at Texas Motor Speedway. There will be a race every day, beginning with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250 on the evening of Friday, May 2 (7 p.m.). The Xfinity Series will be featured Saturday, May 3, with the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 beginning at 1 p.m. The weekend culminates with the Cup Series Würth 400 presented by Liqui Moly on Sunday, May 4 at 2:30 p.m.

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ALL-CON is scheduled to hold their annual convention this March at the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre. The convention will take place on March 13-16 and has been steadily growing in popularity over the years. Over the course of the event weekend, attendees will find a plethora of diverse communities and conventions represented. Explore exhibits, workshops, discussions, game shows, performances, and competitions every single day! Activities and offerings change hourly and vary from day to day from the start of the day until 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights and until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday! Arrive at any time on any day and join in the fun-in-progress! In addition, ALL-CON offers the core structure expected of most conventions. The vendor room and exhibit halls have 80 booths and tables of vendors and artists.

Annually, ALL-CON offers over 300 different choices at one event! Thursday is ALL-CON’s free day, open to the public at no cost! Enjoy family-friendly content all weekend long including the Photo Scavenger Hunt, The Craft Corner, Miniature Golf Course and even Laser Tag! Game Shows are a popular feature each year as well, offering a variety of programs and prizes for contestants. Saturday features the traditional Cosplay Competition as well as a more recent addition, the Labyrinth-inspired ball, A Court of Dreams and Goblins. The annual Comic Book Workshop is also held on Friday and Saturday and the Costume Catwalk on Sunday.

This year’s celebrity guests include multiple actors associated with the Star Wars franchise. There will also be several actors from the animated realm as well. Charlie Brown‘s Duncan Watson and Melanie Kohn are scheduled to appear, as well as Sonic and Animaniacs animator Greg Peters.

Click here for more information, tickets, and to explore ALL-CON’s weekend schedule.

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On Saturday, February 1st, the Dallas Zoo will be hosting a special film activation from 2:00-4:00pm to celebrate the highly anticipated release of Columbia Pictures’ PADDINGTON IN PERU.

The celebration will include several themed freebies that Paddington fans won’t want to miss. Stop by Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, conveniently located inside the zoo, where the first 100 guests will receive FREE honey hot chocolate. Just steps away, you’ll also find a PADDINGTON IN PERU activation, featuring fun photo opportunities, exclusive promo items, and a chance to win tickets to the February 8th advance screening of the film before its official release on Friday, February 14th.

The promotion should be an exciting addition to those waiting for the new film to be released in theaters on February 14. The movie stars Antonio Banderas, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Ben Whishaw, and many more. It will follow Paddington as he revisits the jungles of Peru in an attempt to locate his Aunt Lucy, who has suddenly gone missing.

The post The Dallas Zoo Welcomes Paddington Bear This Weekend appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival has announced the expansion of their scholarship program in Ellis County and the addition of new scholarships for students in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Johnson, and Tarrant Counties.

Each year since 2018, the Festival has awarded select high school students in Ellis County who have participated in the arts with a $1,000 scholarship towards their college endeavors. For the 2024-25 school year, ScarboroughRenaissance Festival has expanded this program by offering (2) $2,500 scholarships to Ellis County Texas students. The Festival is also adding five new $1,000 scholarships for students in the (Texas) counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Johnson, and Tarrant. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one eligible student from each of these counties for the 2024-25 school year.

“We are honored to give back to the communities we serve while also proudly supporting a new generation of artists, actors, musicians, and singers through our scholarship programs!” – Helaine Thompson, Scarborough’s Director of Marketing & Communications.

High school seniors who have participated in at least two years of art, band, choir, orchestra, or theater-drama during their high school careers are eligible to apply for these scholarships. All the details and applications can be found at https://www.srfestival.com/scholarship-application/ . The deadline for the 2024-25 scholarship applications is March 3, 2025.

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“We are very proud to have been recently voted as the #1 Favorite Renaissance Festival in the Country in the 18^th annual Renaissance Festival awards! It is a tremendous honor and we feel that it is a testament to the hundreds of performers, artisans, participants, vendors, and employees that have made Scarborough such an amazing place. We hope that everyone will join us for our 2023 season. Come see what you’ve been missing!” – Helaine Thompson, Director of Marketing and Communications

• Burbage & the Bard – PG 16 (4/8-4/30)
• Cari’s Creatures (4/8-4/30)
• Ermagerd the Bard (4/15-15 & 5/20-29)
• Langer’s Ball (4/8-4/30)
• Midwife Crisis – PG 16 (5/6-5/29)
• Good Morrow, Scarborough!
• Whose Jest Be It?
• Terra Prongwort

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Texas Frightmare Weekend 2023 will be held at the Irving Convention Center due to the show’s growth in recent years. The fan-favorite DFW horror convention will take place May 26-28 and feature a host of events that are “to die for”. All terror puns aside, TFW is bringing some of the genre’s biggest names and brining in a host of vendors that are sure to have something for every horror fan. Celebrity Q&A panels, photo ops, and autograph sessions will be held daily. Take a look below at some of the talent scheduled to appear this year!

While this may seem impressive, these are only about half of the names scheduled to appear! For a complete list of celebrity guests, up to date information, and tickets, be sure to check out Texas Frightmare Weekend’s website here.

The post Texas Frightmare Weekend Promises Scary Talent In 2023 appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

We had a chance to stop by the gallery in the Dallas Design District to catch the opening reception of sculptures by artist Gail Nash Arnold.

https://nuumuse.com/

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We attended the second weekend of South by Southwest in 2023. With so much going on in Austin during the annual festival, we tried to squeeze in a mix of events in music, arts, technology, and culture.

One of our first stops was at the Lustre Pearl venue on Rainey Street. Coca-Cola took over the venue and produced a pop-up concert featuring Grammy award-winning singer Rosalia. Raising Cane’s “One Love” food truck was also part of the event providing free samples of chicken fingers to attendees.

“Following a year of unexpected, limited-edition drops and experiences, Coca-Cola® Creations is back with the launch of its boldes and edgiest flavor yet: Coca-Cola® Move, and exciting collaboration with boundary-breaking, Grammy award-winning Rosalia. Join us as we bring the transformative power of music to life pairing unique experiences with custom cocktails.”

As we were moving between events, we were able to catch the Almost Real Things Art Bus in East Austin. Almost Real Things is an Austin-based magazine providing a medium to local emerging artists. The Art Bus featured a glimpse of some of Almost Real Things projects, and housed an open bar sponsored by Topo Chico and Dulce Vida Tequila.

https://almostrealthings.com/

One of our most memorable experiences at SXSW was attending the launch of EVEN – a platform where music artists invest in each other. The event included a panel discussion with EVEN founder Mag Rodriguez and songwriter and producer Ryan Leslie.

https://even.biz/

Perhaps the most creative event we stopped by during SXSW was the Sanpellegrino takeover of the French Legation State Historic Site.

“Sanpellegrino® Italian Sparkling Drinks welcomes visitors to take a detour from the busy Austin downtown and transport yourself to Italy at the Piazza Sanpellegrino. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant and beautiful culture of Italy in the Piazza featuring a Spritz bar, bocce ball, brick oven pizza, and host’s a mercatino brought to life through Sanpellegrino in the heart of Austin, Texas during the most anticipated festival of the year.”

The post Recapping the SXSW Experience appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show will make its Dallas stop on April 29th at the Deep Ellum Art Co. The pop-up event series is currently in its 10th year edition, with events scheduled in over 35 cities in Europe and North America. Pancakes & Booze Art Show’s mission is to provide a “welcoming vibe for up-and-coming artists and musicians to strut their stuff in a free verse, anything goes environment.”

Here is the link for tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dallas-pancakes-booze-art-show-tickets-479521821677?aff=erelexpmlt

On February 18th, we attended the Chicago event at Reggies Live. Over 100 emerging artists packed the live music venue to showcase their work.

The post Pancakes & Booze Art Show Coming to Dallas April 29th appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

FAN EXPO Dallas begun the rollout of their celebrity-filled roster of guests to much fanfare and anticipation, especially for Joseph Quinn, best known for his role as Eddie Munson in the fourth season of the Netflix series Stranger Things. The breakout star has become a juggernaut in the current pop culture fandom, with his genuine appreciation for his fans making headlines and warming hearts across the world. The actor has already set pre-sale records for the popular convention.

In addition Quinn’s anticipated appearance, there are a large number of additional stars that will potential match this level of excitement for many. Some of the other talent scheduled to appear are just as impressive. Some of the guests include: Henry Winkler (Happy Days), Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter), Christina Ricci (The Addams Family), Vincent D’onofrio (Daredevil), Vivien Lyra Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Peter Weller (Robocop), and Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy). Further guests are still to be announced as well!

“While we are known for bringing hundreds of unique experiences, contests, family-friendly activities, and on-site activations to our enormous three-day event every year, it’s clear that celebrity appearances play a big part in planning by the organizers and attendees alike.” FAN EXPO HQ Vice President, Andrew Moyes

Fan Expo Dallas will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center in Dallas on June 9-11. For tickets, presale items, updates, and further information visit Fan Expo Dallas’s website by clicking here.

The post Fan Expo Dallas 2023 Unleashes Major Guest Announcements appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

What better place for a part-time job than in the Renaissance! Scarborough Renaissance Festival is now hiring! Apply now by clicking here. Scarborough Renaissance Festival is looking for outgoing, energetic people 16 and older to fill the following part-time positions during the 2023 season:

Food & beverage sales, wait staff, restaurant hosts, restaurant/food service managers, alcoholic beverage sales, special event servers, souvenir sales, ticket sales, ticket takers/front entrance greeters, exit gate personnel, safety services, grounds crew, sanitizing crew, kitchen help, cooks, dishwashers, games personnel, and more.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival will run from Monday April 8 – May 29, 2023. Many, but not all, positions require costuming and applicants must be available to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day.

The post Scarborough Renaissance Festival Is Hiring For Its 42nd Season appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Following the exciting expansion announcement of its second location in Fort Worth, Texas this fall, Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest has just confirmed its first artist for the highly anticipated event. Legendary country music singer Cody Jinks will headline the four-day concert series with a special performance on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10pm. To be held at Texas Motor Speedway, the event is expected to quickly sell out and eventually grow to be the largest music festival in the Lone Star State.

A Fort Worth native himself, Jinks is widely recognized as the biggest independent country music artist in the world. Hwy 30 fans can look forward to hits from his records including I’m Not the Devil and After the Fire which both topped the Billboard Country Albums chart. Jinks will join a slew of other artists, both renowned and upcoming, for the music festival. Started in Filer, Idaho and celebrating its 10th anniversary, Hwy 30 attracts guests from all over the country including overseas to earn its nickname as the “People’s Festival.” The Texas event is expected to draw between 30,000 to 60,000 people per day.

“We are thrilled to be able to extend our roots into Texas and even more so to have a Fort Worth homegrown talent serve as our headlining act to bring it all full circle…Cody is a true class act that locals and fans from all over the world resonate with, and to say we are excited to have him on board for our first event here is an understatement.” – Founder Gordy Schroeder

Additional talent confirmed to play this year’s Hwy 30 Music Fest in Fort Worth will soon be announced. Four-day discounted admission tickets are now on sale with a limited number remaining. For more information, visit www.hwy30tx.com.

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One of my favorites foods is BBQ, but when you think of eating BBQ, you think of smoked meats slathered in sauces and heavy sides like mac ‘n cheese. Chef Michael Lane at OAK’D BBQ suggests that a cleaner way to eat and still enjoy those flavors would be to order smoked turkey or chicken and eat lighter side offerings such as coleslaw, a cucumber and tomato salad, braised greens, or roasted cauliflower.

OAK’D BBQ Salads topped with Smoked Meats

“When patrons come in, they should ask for lean cuts of meat. The meat carver should ask if they want ‘lean or moist’ cuts, to which they should reply ‘lean!’ Smoked chicken and smoked turkey are the leanest and healthiest meats, and a turkey burger is the healthier burger option on any menu. Another way to shave some calories is to lose the bun on your burger or BBQ sandwich and just eat the good stuff, ” says Lane.

Bread Winners Bakery & Café is another favorite destination of mine for their delicious Fried Chicken and Waffles or French Ham Benedict washed down with one of their many “Hangover Elixirs”. They too provide options that are less calorie intensive but equally delicious, such as the rotisserie chicken and grilled avocado salad, honey-glazed salmon salad, California rollup with chicken and avocado, chicken mojo & hummus bowl (my personal favorite) or a roasted veggie and quinoa bowl.

Stone Crab Claws from Truluck’s

My go-to concept for a business lunch or dressy date night is usually Truluck’s. Seafood, in general, is pretty low-calorie. The Stone Crab Claws that Truluck’s is famous for are only around 71 calories apiece, and a King Crab Leg is only 130 calories. It’s the sauces one usually dunks these items in that layer on calories, so instead just give them a squeeze of fresh lemon! You don’t need to disguise their delicious taste anyways. Skip the fatty sides such as mashed potatoes or truffle fries and substitute for steamed spinach or pan-seared broccoli. Truluck’s also offers a roasted cauliflower steak entrée that is fantastic!

With minor tweaks to the way you order you can still visit your favorite restaurant concepts and not blow your dietary goals for the New Year. Intention and resolution go hand-in-hand. You got this!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Publicist, Freelance Lifestyle and Travel Writer, Dallas Influencer and Southern Belle. Cynthia Smoot passion is being a connector and whether it’s through her role as a Publicist for Gangway Advertising or through her personal blog, Oh So Cynthia. she loves to shine a spotlight on the people, places, events and services that give Dallas its flavor. One of Dallas’ OG influencers, she has been featured on Bravo TV, New York Times, Dallas Morning News, and pretty much every local media outlet in town. In addition to her personal musings, she is the Society Editor for the Katy Trail Weekly newspaper and Park Cities Lifestyle magazine, Dallas Editor for Society Texas magazine, and a Contributor for Dallas Hotel Magazine.  She has worked with many of Dallas’ top brands including Truluck’s, Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, the Dallas Zoo, Broadway Dallas, Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery, and many more. She spends her days at Gangway Advertising creating marketing strategies and handling media relations to keep her clients in the news and top of mind.

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We attended the Art After Hours Holiday soirée at the Markowicz Fine Art gallery on Thursday, December 8th. The gallery featured pieces from Richard Orlinski’s Wild Kong collection, which we also covered at CONTEXT Art Miami during Miami Art Week.

Markowicz Fine Art also hosted a special exhibition called “The World Needs More Cowboys” by Western lifestyle photographer Beau Simmons. Beau was actually in attendance at the event, and guests had the opportunity to take home a signed print.

Dallas House DJ Chris Houlihan set the mood with his beats. Along with the art, attendees got to experience a select wine tasting from Roots & Water wine room owner AJ McClellan.

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For the 2022 edition of the Miami Art Basel, we spent most of our time at the different satellite art fairs spread out throughout Miami Art Week. Each of the fairs had a unique cultural theme, with the artwork being carefully selected by the curators.

The first major fair we attended was the Red Dot/Spectrum exhibition in Wynwood. With two fairs being displayed under one roof, there were plenty of memorable pieces to highlight.

The next art fair we attended was CONTEXT Art Miami. The event drew plenty of celebrity appearances including Jon Bon Jovi, Ariana Rockefeller, Carl Icahn, Donna Karan, Daymond John, and even Floyd Mayweather.

In between the art fairs, we did manage to attend a private showing of the famous street artist Alec Monopoly’s work at the Eden Gallery in South Beach. The event featured pieces from Alec’s personal collection.

SCOPE Art Show was the first art fair we visited in Miami Beach. The contemporary fair hosted over 150 exhibitors, brand activations by Grey Goose, Origin Water, and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as artists panel discussions throughout the week.

Continuing down Ocean Drive on South Beach, we next made our way to the UNTITLED Art Fair. UNTITLED featured emerging contemporary artists mostly displaying nontraditional art forms.

We moved onto Aqua Art Miami, the sister fair to CONTEXT. Aqua displayed a variety of domestic and international galleries consisting of mostly mid-career artists.

Taking another break from the art fairs, we headed over to the Perez Art Museum to see the Porsche sponsored “Art of Dreams” installation by Scottish artist Chris Labrooy.

Our last stop at Art Basel was the Design Miami Fair back on Miami Beach. Design Miami differs from the other major art fairs in that the fair showcases artwork focused on interior design. This year the theme for Design Miami was “The Golden Age: Looking to the Future through the lens of design.” In addition to the artwork, the event featured the new Audi concept EV, the Audi RS e-tron GT.

The post 2022 Art Basel – Complete Review of the Art Fairs appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

The Gaylord Texan serves as a Christmas staple for many families who have made a tradition of visiting the famed hotel to brighten their holiday season. The Gaylord Texan offers a festive atmosphere that is hard to match and they have countless activities to ensure everyone is put in the Christmas spirit. Sadly, since the Covid pandemic, the hotel’s main attraction ICE! has been absent, leaving a void in the experience. It is no surprise that the announcement of the exhibit’s return this year has drawn huge crowds and attention. Take a look below to see what our experience was like this year as we toured Christmas at the Gaylord Texan.

To be honest, we were a bit leery of how enjoyable it would be due to the fact that most time slots for ICE! were at maximum capacity, including ours. The hotel traffic is clearly heavier than it has been in recent years, which is no surprise with the excitement about ICE!’s return. We joined the end of a long queue to enter ICE! but were impressed by how quickly it progressed. There was obviously some wait, but it seemed to go by faster than some of the less crowded exhibits in the past. Once inside, there was plenty of space to move around and enjoy the frozen marvels.

The theme this year is The Polar Express and the attention to detail that the ice carvers took is arguably better than any done before. In addition to the impressive artwork, the artists dedicated a spot in each section of the exhibit for visitors to take photos. There was no rush or being ushered through the exhibit and the only time it really felt crowded was around the ice slide section. However, this room also had some of the most impressive artwork with the derailed train lining the top portion of the walls, so it greatly overshadowed the amount of people there. The lighting and color of ICE! distinguished it from some of the past exhibits. If you have not made a visit this year, we would highly recommend it.

Following ICE!, we had to stop by and take a couple of rounds down the sledding hills in the Christmas Village. There are iceskating, sledding, shopping, and snowball throwing sections in this area. It can be a bit tricky trying to figure out where to go as there aren’t many clearly marked areas as where to purchase tickets, but definitely worth the while. They also added several food and restaurant stations this year, which is a major improvement to just having snack stations as in the past. They also offer a place to grab a bite to eat without having to be on a wait list like many of the other restaurants in the hotel.

We capped off the night with a stroll through Merry & Light, an outdoor walkthrough path that offers unique displays of Christmas lights and places to take the perfect holiday selfies. There were a couple of new additions to the attraction this year, but one of the biggest improvements was the inclusion of additional staff members. Workers were located throughout the displays and offered to take group pictures should you want one. This is great for families who rarely get the opportunity to have a photo of everyone without taking a closeup selfie and blocking out the lights in the background.

Christmas at the Gaylord Texan runs through January 1st, so there is still time to get there if you have not had a chance to visit. We do have an online coupon to help cut the exhibit cost in half on most dates. Simply enter the code “LIVE” when purchasing tickets from the Gaylord Texan online. You can buy tickets or find more information by clicking here!

The post Christmas At The Gaylord Texan 2022 Review appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

The music world has spoken, and Gordy Schroeder is listening as the founder behind the beloved Hwy 30 Music Fest announces the event’s expansion to Fort Worth, Texas. Beginning next year, the four-day concert series will be held in two locations, its original home of Filer Idaho, and now Texas Motor Speedway in the “Culture Capital of the Southwest” from October 19-23, 2023.

Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest is a four-day music event that takes place each June at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds in Filer, Idaho. Originally created by locals Gordy and Megan Schroeder as a school fundraiser in 2009, the family-friendly fest now attracts tens of thousands and showcases a collection of country, Americana, rock, and red dirt artists. For the very first time, the event will be held in a second location at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas in October 2023.

“As soon as we arrived in Fort Worth to scout for a second location, it immediately felt like home. Our attendees have been asking us for years to consider this expansion and we know that the Texas Motor Speedway will be able to provide that family-friendly, homegrown atmosphere that people come to us for while still attracting some of the biggest acts in the world.” – Schroeder

The lineup for the brand-new Hwy 30 Music Fest in Fort Worth will be announced in early 2023. Meanwhile, tickets are selling quickly for the June 21-24 festival to be held in Idaho at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds. Both events will host special dedication days, including honoring military and first responders. To learn more, visit www.hwy30tx.com.

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The Other Art Fair was on display at The Dallas Market Hall this weekend. The fair attempts to promote emerging artists with exhibitions in Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, and Sydney. The Other Art Fair labels itself as the “global gathering of creative thinkers, game changers and pleasure seekers sharing emerging talent and unforgettable experiences.” The artwork varies widely in price with some pieces selling under $100.

Each of the different fairs has a unique theme. The Dallas show featured a collection of over 100 international artists and select local talent. A mix of modern paintings, installations, and sculptures, as well as nontraditional art was on display. Here are some of our favorite pieces from the Dallas event.

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Cortina Jackson is the author of “On Earth, As It is In Hell” and “The Sounds of Silence Are The Loudest“. After our previous interview, ILiveInDallas.com caught up with Cortina to discuss her latest project of converting “On Earth…” into an audio book.

DISCLAIMER: The following reflects the personal opinions and experiences of Cortina Jackson. This interview does not in any way represent the official stance of ILiveInDallas.com , or any of its employees.

ILID: Why did you decide to do an audio version of your book “On Earth As It Is In Hell?”

CJ: I really felt the story would be enjoyed best by listening. As a child my favorite time in grade school was story time. When my teacher would read to us, I felt like I was right there in the thick of it, I could immerse myself in the plot.This particular story I hope will engage the audience in that manner as well.

ILID: Have you chosen a narrator for your book? And if so, what motivated you to choose that particular voice actor?

CJ: The audio book is narrated by Adam Breazeale. I had many fantastic people to audition for the book, but Adam had a nice voice; but even nicer personality, and this was important. He cared about the project and treated it as if it were his own. I appreciate him very much, and I am proud of the work that he did in telling a terrific story!

ILID: What are you hoping readers will get from listening to this audio book?

CJ: I hope that they will feel the emotions in each character, and become intrigued in the story line. The story is powerful, the reader is great, the listeners are appreciated.

ILID: Are you planning on having any of your other titles in audio format?

CJ: Yes, absolutely! I am planning on formatting my book, “The Sounds of Silence are the Loudest” for audio distribution. This book details the life of a serial killer. I feel that the audio version will be much more intriguing for those long or late night drives or even days when you are at home. I am very excited to get this going very soon.

ILID: Where can we find out more about you and your work?

CJ: You can find out more about me and my books at CortinaJackson.com

My [physical] books are also found on Amazon and the audio books are on Amazon, Audible, and Itunes

I would love it if you would join me on social media at:

Twitter@tinathewriter
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/onearthasitisinhell/
Instagram: misstina_thewriter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinathewriter

UPDATE: The Kindle version is now FREE for those with a Kindle Unlimited account. Everyone can access the different formats of this book at OnEarthAsItIsInHell.com .

The post Cortina Jackson – Author of “On Earth As It Is In Hell” Talks About The Newly Released Audio Version of Her Groundbreaking Book appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

The time has arrived! Screams Halloween Theme Park 2022 opens this Friday, September 30, 2022, for its 26th season and will run every Friday and Saturday night through the end of October. Screams Halloween Theme Park is 5 Haunted Houses and a Whole Lot more providing the ultimate Halloween experience in DFW.

Screams has a ton of new things in store and is bigger and better than ever with an expanded site layout!

Its newest Haunted House – the all-new Bootlegger’s Bayou – is being unveiled too! Get ready for a twisted trip through the bowels of awful, if you get lost in the bayou, the “Gutt Family” will find you… and the family that slays together stays together! It’s sure to be a terrifyingly fun time!

Screams is proud to introduce its brand-new walkthrough attraction, the Cool Ghoul Boolevard, the world’s longest Halloween light tunnel where only the coolest of ghouls reside! Exciting new live entertainment on the Screams main stage will feature the Hell Dolls’ wickedly amazing show where aerials and fire collide! The Hell Dolls will be performing multiple shows each night of the 2022 season. And there is so much more!

Each of Screams’ 5 haunted houses has a different theme: the all-new Bootlegger’s Bayou; the Klownz in 3-D where visitors wear 3-D glasses to enhance the disturbing clown world; The Time’s Up Maze where you struggle against time and the elements to find your way out; the Zombie Wasteland Apocalypse where it’s a fight to the finish – survivors think you’re zombies and the zombies think you are food; and the Medieval myths surrounding the Magdena sisters and their evil in the Cursed…Witches of TerraMythica Castle. The Strigoi (evil souls) roaming characters are sure to find you throughout the Screams park as well – so visitors be beware!

A few additional things to keep in mind for your visit to Screams:

• • • Screams is designed for ages 16+ and is not recommended for small children
    • No costumes, face paint, or decorative masks are allowed at Screams
    • The hours are 7:00 pm (a new start time) and is open late until 1:00 am

A big change for the 2022 season is the Screams ticketing. Tickets and Fast Passes are available exclusively on-line at www.ScreamsPark.com. No tickets or Fast Passes will be sold at the gate.

Tickets and Fast Passes are both date specific with prices starting at $42 for tickets and $30 for Fast Passes. Prices vary for Friday and Saturday nights and there are limited quantities available each night so visitors are encouraged to get their tickets and Fast Passes early to reserve their date! To cut the wait times into the haunted houses in half, there are a limited number of Fast Passes available each night of the 2022 season as well. Fast Passes are NOT admission tickets. Food, drink, games, and shop merchandise must be purchased separately.

The post Screams 2022 Opens This Friday, September 30th appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Dallas FAN FESTIVAL is just around the corner, bringing their three-day pop-culture convention to DFW. The fun will take place from Friday, October 14 through Sunday, October 16 at the Irving Convention Center. The convention recently revealed that Matt Smith will be one of the headlining celebrities this fall. Smith is best known for his roles as Daemon Targaryen in the HBO series House of the Dragon, the eleventh incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC series Doctor Who, and Prince Philip in the Netflix series The Crown.

Smith joins previously announced celebrity guests including Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow), and Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian).

Dallas FAN FESTIVAL features three BIG days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions, and world-renowned celebrities who are available for Photo Ops and Autographs. Activities include themed days, costume contests, community partners, workshops, the chance to meet legendary Comic Creators, and an unrivaled shopping experience.

Tickets are on sale now and more information is available at fanexpohq.com/dallasfanfestival.

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Texas Motor Speedway will play host to the 2022 NASCAR Playoffs on September 24th and 25th. The NASCAR Playoffs doubleheader will be highlighted by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 on Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 on Sunday.

The newly renovated Lil’ Texas Motor Speedway 1/5-mile dirt track will kick off the weekend of racing with the inaugural C. Bell’s MICRO MANIA. The four-day event beginning September 21 features practice on Wednesday, qualifying races Thursday and Friday, and mains and finals Saturday. Micro Sprints are smaller versions of full-sized sprint cars with side-mounted 600cc motorcycle engines that can generate 140 horsepower with similar chassis and body styles to the larger versions. NASCAR stars currently confirmed to participate include Christopher Bell, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and his son Brexton Busch, Sheldon Creed, Daniel Hemric, Brett Moffitt, and John Hunter Nemechek.

TICKETS:
For ticket information for this weekend’s NASCAR Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 playoff doubleheader, including individual day tickets for C. Bell’s MICRO MANIA, please visit www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

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Other sci-fi junkies will also recognize Sackhoff for her time as Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica. However, the actress has made a name for herself in many other genres as well with roles in shows like Longmire, The Flash, and many more. With such a large cinematic fingerprint, we wanted to talk the Sackhoff before she headed to Dallas. See what she has to say about what’s in store for her character on The Mandalorian and her reflections about her time in some of her more notable roles.

Sackhoff will be appearing Friday and Saturday at Fan Expo Dallas. Fans will have to opportunity to meet her during this time as she signs autographs and answers some of their questions during panels!

You grew up a huge Star Trek fan, yet you are now heavily embedded in the Star Wars franchise. There is generally a pretty big divide amongst the two fanbases. Are you still a Trekkie or has your time as Bo-Katan changed your tune?

Once a Trekkie always a Trekkie right? Honestly, I love both franchises and I don’t feel like choosing a side is necessary, although I understand how dedicated both fan bases are. I have such fond memories of watching both with my dad as a kid and to be a part of Star Wars is such a huge honor for me. Now I just need to actually be in a Trek movie and my dad would be forever happy!

Bo-Katan was able to rule a united Mandalore people by merely having the Darksaber, regardless of whether she removed her helmet or not. Similarly, Mando has not lived according to the ancient creed but has the weapon. However, he is ostracized by all for his actions. Why was Bo-Katan so accepted but Mando, who has even more right to rule since he won the Darksaber in battle, is outcast? If unable to answer, will we see more of this explained in the upcoming season?

In order to answer this question we need to go back to Clone Wars and Rebels. Bo-Katan has never lived in a Mandalore where the mainstream belief was to cover one’s face at all times. She says as much, calling Din Jarin’s Mandalorians “religious zealots”.

So your question is a complicated one from completely different ideological and belief systems. How much time do you have!?! There may or may not be some insight into this in season.

You’ve enjoyed Bo-Katan’s character arc, from “starting out on the wrong side of the fight” to “broadening her mind and being open to change”. You even said you see her as a “metaphor for life and forgiveness”. Although she has been transformed into something of a heroine figure thanks to Rebels and The Mandalorian, the final episode of The Mandalorian sets up a conflict between her and Mando for the right to rule, potentially regressing Bo-Katan’s storyline back to that of a villain. If so, doesn’t that plot have the potential to damage everything established by the character thus far?

Good and evil. Hero and villain. These are all very simple definitions, and Bo-Katan is far from simple! I don’t think Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau know how to create simple characters. You’ll just have to wait and see what happens in season 3 to decide whether Bo evolves or regresses.

If you had to choose 2 Star Wars characters (other than Bo-Katan) that you identify the most with, who would they be and why?

I’d have to say Padme has always been a favorite of mine. Strong, smart, fiercely loyal, and independent. I love her. And probably Hera purely out of love for the character. I adored her in Clone Wars and Rebels.

You’ve been a part of multiple franchises, spanning television, movies, and gaming. Which did you enjoy working on the most? Are there any roles you feel didn’t get quite as much attention as deserved?

I’ve had such a full career that far exceeds any expectations I truly ever had. Dreams and goals yes but not expectation. It’s overwhelming at times to think I’ve made a living as an actor for almost 25 years.

I have so many fond memories of all the characters and feel most of them had a beautiful run. However, there are couple I’d love to go back to so to speak. I love and miss Amunet Black from The Flash. The character is insane and I have had some of the funniest days in my career playing her. Also, Vic Moretti from Longmire. I still believe the potential for movies is strong and we are missing an opportunity here. The fan base wants it and I know the cast wants it. I really wish the powers that be could find a way to make it happen. I feel I’m not done with Vic Moretti and miss her terribly.

You’ve done voice work or played roles in The Flash, Spider-Man: Edge of Time, Batman: Year One, and The Bionic Woman. Were you a big comic book fan growing up? Who is your favorite superhero and why?

I’ve always loved comic books. I never really had any favorites but used to steal whatever my brother had lying around.

I’ve always wanted to see more Typhoid Mary! What a great character!

Battlestar Galactica was well received by critics and fans alike. However, the finale left many with mixed feelings. Did you agree with how everything concluded or is there something that you would have changed?

The only thing I would’ve changed is that we were canceled by Sci-fi Universal way too soon! I always thought that was a major mistake made for the wrong reasons but as far as story is concerned, I loved what Ron Moore and all the writers gave us.

What do these conventions mean to you? Is there anything you are looking forward to doing in Dallas?

Conventions have been a huge part of my life and career since the very beginning. The fans are so important and that interaction is incredibly fun for me. I owe my career to my fans and I’m always so grateful to the people who take the time to come and see me. I have almost no spare time to do anything in Dallas outside the convention, but I’m a steak and potatoes kinda gal so I am looking forwarded to treating myself to a delicious Texas dinner while I’m there.

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Andrew Moyes is the Vice President for Fan Expo HQ, the company behind Dallas’s largest comic convention, Fan Expo Dallas. The expo has been bringing large name talent and fandoms from across all genres and types of entertainment to Dallas for almost two decades. Listen below to see why Moyes believes this is one of DFW’s top events and what can be expected from this years show.

“I get my passion from seeing people celebrate and realize their once in a lifetime experiences…Everyone is a fan of something, whether it is sci-fi, comics, anime, gaming, or horror. We really look to create an experience where they can celebrate immerse themselves in that fandom under one roof.” – Andrew Moyes, Fan Expo VP

Interview With Fan Expo's Vice President Andrew Moyes

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Fan Expo Dallas 2022 is bringing some major talent to this year’s show, spanning almost every genre of cinematic entertainment. One particular celebrity guest scheduled to attend, Chris Sarandon, has been fortunate enough to have played major roles in most of theses. Fans may recognize Sarandon by his role as Jack Skellington in Tim Burton’s animated feature The Nightmare Before Christmas or as the conniving Prince Humperdinck from The Princess Bride, however, others may easily identify the actor from some of his other performances on television, Broadway, or numerous films.

We were lucky enough to be able to catch up with Sarandon prior to his Fan Expo appearance this weekend. Our quick chat allowed up to delve a bit into his career and some of his most memorable performances. Read below to see what Sarandon had to say in our exclusive interview, then see the legendary actor in person when he visits Dallas. Sarandon will be appearing all three days at Fan Expo, June 17 – 19, which will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas!

Getting To Know Chris Sarandon…

Your acting career has been extremely diverse. You have been heavily involved in the horror genre with Fright Night and Child’s Play, yet have played in multiple dramas, family films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Princess Bride, and even starred in a religious film as Jesus Christ. As an actor you have an innate attachment to the roles but which of them do you feel you are personally most similar to?

I think it’s more a matter of which roles I’d LIKE to be similar to: certainly there’s the universal sense of admiration and respect for the character of Jesus but the similarities are distant at best; a vampire is feared but cursed, so Jerry Dandridge is not a good candidate; I have tremendous admiration for the work front line police do, but fighting off a demented doll is not among their normal duties; I did have a feeling of kinship for Leon from “Dog Day Afternoon,” in that I have also felt alienated and emotionally cast adrift a number of times in my life. But what makes all the characters I’ve played interesting is how dissimilar they are from my personality.

Movies, television, voice work, and theatrical productions each have their own limitations and perks. You have obviously experienced these on many occasions. What format do you prefer and why?

I was raised by the theater early in my career, and only started TV and movies in my early 30’s, so theater is a very special place for me.

Inconceivable! The Princess Bride Debuted 35 Years Ago…

Revisiting The Princess Bride, were there any additional scenes from the book that were filmed but did not make it into the final cut?

I can’t remember any that were, but it’s been a way over 30 years since we shot the picture in England. Memory plays tricks. Wait! Maybe I’ll try to think up a missing scene in which I had a brilliant monologue, but it was left on the cutting room floor due to some nefarious, disgruntled editor! ;-) Not really.

In his book, Cary Elwes recalled some of Andre the Giant’s notorious partying while filming The Princess Bride. Elwes said he would frequently go out with cast members. Were you ever included in these moments? If so, what do you remember about them?

I wouldn’t call my experience with Andre’s “partying” notorious. Generally, due to lack of decent restaurants on location, we either ate in the hotel dining room or in Rob Reiner’s room, Rob cooking burgers off his hibachi grill. On the occasions when I ate in the hotel restaurant with Andre, his appetites were certainly beyond imagining, but then, so was his sheer size. And always, there at the table was the cheerful, accommodating Andre. He was a lovely fellow in all ways.

It seems like every other main character in the film got to have these extravagant action or sword fighting scenes, yet you merely got to dance around and recreate them. Did you ever feel like you wanted a bit more of the action?

Of course! And surprisingly, a lot of people come up to me and ask what was it like to do the sword fighting; I hesitate to disabuse them of Humperkinck, man of action, but do I dare to think that my recreation of the sword fight was memorable enough to seem real?

The movie flopped when it came out, largely due to confusion as to who it should be marketed to. How or why do you think it boomed in popularity years later and is now considered one of cinemas most notable works of the 80s?

Actually, the movie did moderate business at first but ultimately fizzled due, as you say, to marketing confusion. The advent of movies on TV and video stores started a word of mouth campaign by those who loved it and passed on their passion: this was a truly unique movie experience with romance, humor, and action all rolled into a timeless screenplay by William Goldman, brilliant direction by Rob Reiner, and a pitch perfect cast. The fact that it had multigenerational appeal helped to burnish its audience as well.

Burton’s Nightmare Was A Dream Come True…

One of the roles fans associate you with the most came about in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Even today, the movie has an extremely unique visual appeal. Going into the project, did you have any idea what the final product would actually look like?

Luckily, due to the fact that I went into a recording studio with Tim Burton after the initial filming was completed, I was able to see an early assemblage. I was dazzled, thrilled, and amazed at the animators’ artistry and Danny Elfman’s singing Jack and his music. It was pretty damned impressive.

Much of the animating for Jack Skellington was done following the recording of your voice in studio. Did his mannerisms match up to what you had envisioned?

You never know how the voice work you do in the studio is going to be rendered by animation. All I can say is, I was bowled over by how Jack turned out.

Fans were excited when it was announced that The Nightmare Before Christmas would be getting a sequel, although many did not expect it to be in the form of a novel. “Long Live The Pumpkin Queen” is scheduled to be released later this summer. Do you intend on reading it?

This is the first I’ve heard of it. Save me a copy!

Do you think audiences will be treated to a cinematic sequel in the future? Has anyone contacted you about the possibility of starring in one?

I haven’t been contacted about a sequel, nor do I expect one. I think Tim has moved on after he and Henry Selik finished this brilliant, classic animated feature. But there’s always hope?

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On Thursday, May 19, the bright golden haze on the meadow met the sophistication of the Dallas Arts District inside the stunningly sleek Bill Booziotis designed home of Broadway Dallas patrons Laree Hulshoff and Ben Fischer. Ticketed guests enjoyed an expansive view of Downtown Dallas from the twenty third floor of Museum Tower at a Spotlight Dinner benefiting Broadway Dallas in anticipation of the upcoming performance of OKLAHOMA! The premise of the series, generously sponsored by PNC Bank, is for patrons to experience exclusive dinners in beautiful Dallas homes or venues, each showcasing a specific Broadway Dallas production. This dinner, imagined and executed by Hamilton A. Sneed of HAS Events, marked the third event in this new fundraising series.

During the reception hour, attendees enjoyed an interactive experience with W Durable Goods who stitched personalized bandanas for each guest and could wander the spacious apartment admiring the owner’s personal art collection curated from their many years of travels. Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas President and CEO gave a toast to welcome guests and introduced performers Rachel Poole, Preston Page, and Joey Rodriguez who serenaded the room with songs from OKLAHOMA! including Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ and People Will Say We’re in Love.  A four-course dinner paired with HALL wines was served at curated tables placed throughout the home, creating an intimate experience for theater lovers to share conversation. The evening ended with another live performance of The Surry with the Fringe on the Top. In attendance were PNC’s Beth Hollowell with her husband Mark, Janey and Jack Lowe, Stacey Angel, Broadway Dallas Board Chair Tom Watson and Chair Elect Mark Cannon with their wives Leigh Ann and Elizabeth respectively; Lynn Fisher, Robert Emery, Broadway Dallas Board member Chris McRore and his wife Julietta, Broadway Dallas Board member Gail Plummer and more.

Tickets for Broadway Dallas’ Fall 2022 Spotlight Dinner Series, which are $450 a seat, go on sale this June and will be themed around the shows Ain’t Too Proud, My Fair Lady and SIX. Proceeds will benefit artistic and educational excellence at Broadway Dallas including programs in classrooms and throughout the community that serve more than 40,000 students and families each year.

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Pokemon fans will recognize Jay Goede as the voice behind one of the biggest characters in the franchise, Mewtwo. Goede gave voice to the legendary pokemon and its creator in Pokemon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes Back. Dallas Comic Show will be bringing the actor to Lewisville this weekend for its Spring Spectacular convention. Luckily, we were able to have a few words ahead of his appearance at Music City Mall this weekend! Read below as Goede answers five quick questions about his Pokemon experience, then catch the actor at Dallas Comic Show for one of his first convention appearances!

Before voicing Mewtwo in 1998, did you have any knowledge of Pokemon?

Prior to doing the voice for Mewtwo, I had no other awareness of Pokemon as a phenomenon, that was until it came to the states. Then, I understood the size of it and, later, the depths of it’s staying power for generations.

You’ve done quite a bit of Broadway and theatrical work but only a handful of films. Is it strange that an overwhelming majority of people still associate you with your role as Mewtwo almost 25 years later?

I’m so flattered and honored that might be true! We don’t know what’s going to stick when we become actors. We don’t know what’s going to move people or affect people or touch them. It’s all out there in the ether somewhere as we deliver a performance. Finally, time, history, open minds, and open hearts eventually tell us what becomes beloved for people. I’m extremely honored to be a part of Pokemon as a phenomenon and most particularly to be Mewtwo’s voice, because he speaks so profoundly to so many people over generations. That will outlive my life and I can’t be anything but flattered and humble to buy that.

If you could choose a companion Pokemon, who would it be and why?

Without question, I would ask for Mewtwo as a companion. First of all, he’s a loner, as am I. Second of all, he has such melancholy and darkness, as do I. Also, I think he has great, profound wisdom as he finally releases the layers of his pain and rage to uncover the truths of life’s many lessons.

Do you still keep up with the current versions of Pokemon, either the games or shows?

I have to be totally honest and let you know that I feel like I’m 9 years old, discovering it all for the first time. Like so many jobs that I’ve had as an actor, once they’re done you do your best and you put them behind you. You move on to the next job, and I have to say Pokemon was like every other job in that sense. It wasn’t until decades started to pass and people would tell me how much the character, the other films, the series, and the phenomenon of Pokemon meant to them, that I really started to understand how important it was. I was late in arriving to the wonder and magic of it, as children experience it. So, it’s been a kind of amazing gift to really appreciate it this late in my life.

There is a theory stating that there are multiple Mewtwos. Much of this theory is based on the voice differentiation between yours in Mewtwo Strikes Back and other appearances of the character in various shows and movies. What is your stance on the theory?

I believe there are three actors who have done the voice of Mewtwo. I was the first in the original Pokemon film, Mewtwo Strikes Back, and then there were at least two other actors who did the voice for the subsequent films and series. I think there’s a dark version of Mewtwo out there. In my opinion, there’s two versions, a shadow one and the regular Mewtwo. One of light and one of dark.

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In lieu of Donnie Dunagan’s upcoming appearance at the Dallas Comic Show this weekend and Bambi‘s 80th anniversary this year, we caught up with the former actor to get his take on the film and life since. For those unfamiliar with Dunagan’s background, the now 88 year old Texan starred as the voice of Disney’s Bambi and in live action movies such as Son of Frankenstein before making military history and becoming a war hero. Read below to see our full conversation with this legendary figure and catch up with him yourself April 23-24 at Dallas Comic Show’s Spring Spectacular located at the Music City Mall in Lewisville!

Hey Donnie, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with me today before your Dallas Comic Show appearance this weekend. 

I need to thank you for including us in this with you and this whole event of Dallas Comic Show. The contrast between that and the rest of things going on in the world is just like night and day. A very good friend of mine, a well-balanced man, good community guy, in the Lions Club with me, he talked to me this morning about how depressed he and his little family were about all the bad news and things. I said, “Well, you ought to go to Dallas this weekend for the Dallas Comic Show. He asked why and I said, “Listen, George, the contrast between that event and what we normally have too much of in our lives [negative news] is like night and day. It’s a happy engine, one happy engine to put a smile on your face. Its whole purpose is to put joy in you and have some fun. Maybe to get a change to tease me!

You’re not wrong! Speaking of the convention celebrating your time with Bambi and Son of Frankenstein, this year actually marks 80 years since Bambi came out. Of course, so much has changed, technology wise, with the introduction of computers. There have been drastic improvements in the audio and visual aspects, but here we are still talking about Bambi today. Why do you think that’s the case?

Oh, my God. I love your question. I’m not just saying nice things, you. I love your question. Let me share this with you. The evidence of Walt Disney’s Bambi on this whole world, particularly the English translation countries, is stark. I have journals I keep for mail. I get nine letters a week from all over the place, including Central Europe and lots of Canada. Nine a week concerning Bambi alone. There are some Son of Frankenstein and some others but mainly Bambi, Bambi, Bambi. Children draw Bambi in his imagery in their crayons and send them to me with poems; some ask questions about schoolwork. A little group of children up in Burlington, Vermont, two weeks ago, sent me a beautiful portrait that they drew up in class and included some questions about life. That’s amazing, just amazing!

Let me share this with you. Disney discovered I was still alive about 20 years and six months ago, they thought I had died in the war. They invited us out there and sent me to London and all kinds of other places. Word got out in the media aggressively. Not by me since I don’t self-promote for peanut butter, but it got out very aggressively. Since then, I’ve been able to liaison with children, always with their parents keenly aware since they’re the motivators, and help children using Bambi. I’ve helped little groups using Bambi. I’ve taught attitudes using Bambi. All of the other achievements in my life, all the combat time and all the medals, nothing touches the positive influence that this soldier has been able to have with wonderful people because of Bambi!

The luck of my being in it is really sharp. The agent I had at the time, since I had already been in several movies, was like a New York or New Jersey gangster. He was very rude to my mother several times. I’m five years old and I don’t like him already. When Walt Disney personally called my mom, I was in the kitchen when it happened. To be honest, we didn’t know peanut butter about Disney. My mom knew enough to say, “Yes, hello,” and this nice man by the name of Walt Disney invited us to come to the studio to talk about being the facial model for the deer. Later, they would ask me to do the voice. Anyway, my mom said okay since we did anything else schedule. She called my agent and he came out in his big, fancy car with this three-piece suit and he just went crazy. He told my mom, “No, He can’t be in a comedy! We’ve got him planned for a western and blah, blah, blah. He can’t do this!” He was really rude to my mother and my mom could hardly say anything. So, I fired him. I’m five years old and I fired this guy. He said, “You can’t fire me!” My mom smiled and told me I was okay. He got in the car and laid rubber in our driveway. Less than two weeks later when we got to Disney’s brand-new studio buildings in Burbank, California, Mr. Disney found out that I had fired this guy. Apparently, he knew about this guy and that endeared me to him right away. I got more ice cream and everything else because I fired that jerk!

You hadn’t even seen an animated film up to that point. Did you have any clue what to expect whenever you walked through those studio doors?

That’s really a good question. When we finally got there, I realized that Disney was the guy that made all these huge cartoons and I was just young enough to think that maybe there were some of those cartoon characters running around there. We got to the parking lot and some very nice escort people put us in the right place in the parking lot. Mr. Disney came out to meet us! What a gentleman he was forever and ever on everything, a great guy. He took us inside and I was all excited because I thought I was going to see all this stuff. Then, when we started the production for the facial model stuff, I just sit there while they draw. I didn’t have a clue with it what the storyline was!

Nobody ever said this, but I think I probably made a piss of myself frantically asking, “What’s this about? What is the storyline?” I’d already been in seven movies and I wasn’t jaded, but I was five and a half going on nineteen. I had listened to a lot of adults and I had seen a ton of stuff that kids don’t normally see that age. Finally, Mr. Disney had a wonderful lady in the office get a copy of the book and read it. I had not met the other children, so she read the storyline over a few days to me and another girl who played Faline. During that time, they found out that I had never seen a deer! When Disney heard, he got one of the limousines and my mom, and had a couple of real neat gentleman drive us not far away to some Zoo near Burbank.

The zoo had these beautiful manicured lawns and they drove us to this pit where we had to pay a little fee or something. There was a deer down in this beautiful pit just standing there. He had to be a bit of a young one with small antlers. A nice man from Disney kept saying, “That’s a deer.” I yelled at him and [the deer] didn’t move. The nice man went to a little machine there with a coin and got some corn out of it. I guess that was a proper thing to do, so he gave me some corn. I went as close as I could get to the fence and I got right in front of the deer on the ground. He just moved his head about five inches in slow motion. Nothing. This is in Disney’s record; I said to my mom, “I don’t want to be that guy. He’s boring.” They got back and ratted me out. No more than three days later, I’m going down the hallway in the new building and here comes Mr. Disney and, I think, his brother. I never really met his brother but he was around a lot. He was a very dignified man, always well dressed. Mr. Disney is in a white shirt with his sleeves up. He was a worker, always coaching everybody all the time. A great guy. Here he comes as I’m going the other way, and he stops me. This is the verbiage for you.

The zoo had these beautiful manicured lawns and they drove us to this pit where we had to pay a little fee or something. There was a deer down in this beautiful pit just standing there. He had to be a bit of a young one with small antlers. A nice man from Disney kept saying, “That’s a deer.” I yelled at him and [the deer] didn’t move. The nice man went to a little machine there with a coin and got some corn out of it. I guess that was a proper thing to do, so he gave me some corn. I went as close as I could get to the fence and I got right in front of the deer on the ground. He just moved his head about five inches in slow motion. Nothing. This is in Disney’s record; I said to my mom, “I don’t want to be that guy. He’s boring.” They got back and ratted me out. No more than three days later, I’m going down the hallway in the new building and here comes Mr. Disney and, I think, his brother. I never really met his brother but he was around a lot. He was a very dignified man, always well dressed. Mr. Disney is in a white shirt with his sleeves up. He was a worker, always coaching everybody all the time. A great guy. Here he comes as I’m going the other way, and he stops me. This is the verbiage for you:

He says, “Donnie?”
I said, “Yes, sir?”
He says, “Donnie?”
I said, “Yes, sir?”
“Did you go to the zoo?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you like it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you saw that deer?”
“Yes, sir.”
He patted me on the shoulder and he says, “Donnie, we promise you our movie will not be boring.”
I thought, “If my mom hears about this, I’m fired. I’ll eat peanut butter for a month!”

Man, the irony that statement, considering we’re still talking about it 80 years later. At what point did you realize it was a major hit?

I want to be straight, not until probably the age 30 or 35. I was all over the world. I was in the Marine Corps. for 25 years. I never talked about the films. Nobody knew nothing about nothing until right before I retired. One colonel almost ate my lunch when he found out, true story. I did not go to very many movies and, I guess, it makes me kind of a hypocrite. I mean, I was at the opening and I loved it. I loved it, and I’m very proud of being a part of it. Then Pearl harbor came along and ruptured everything. It delayed Disney putting it out by several months and changed this country like young generations have no idea. Out of the Depression and into World War II. Bang! Incredible. My family ruptured a little at a time too and I was living by myself out of an orphanage. At age 14, I supported myself from out of a boarding house. I was very disciplined to steer life, not a movie/party guy. In my early 30s, progressively, I began to realize the significance of Bambi on people young and old. They would find out I had been a part of it, even though I tried hard to hide it, and would be shocked.

There’s message in Bambi I still hear about today. Let me give an example. Remember when Thumper’s mother scolded him for being a little smartass? “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” I hear that today from children; I see it in their letters. It’s just amazing. It’s the only story that starts with themes of life and values from birth all the way to maturity. It goes from Bambi’s birth all the way up to when he is up on the plateau overlooking the forest, replacing his father as Prince. It’s the only film that goes from there to there with all the little stories of life in between.

Remember in the film when Bambi does something stupid and he is laying in the thicket on his stomach feeling sorry for himself? Faline sticks her head through the thicket and gives him a little deer kiss. Oh my gosh, I had no idea at that point what the storyline was. One of the artists on that morning of a drawing said, “Donnie, we want you to look like something very bad has happened to you.”

We were having the time of our lives! These films pulled my family and relatives out of the Depression. Try to act like something bad has happened? No good. Try again. Okay, that’s right. All of the artists were standing in a big circle with their pencils and one guy says, “Donnie, has something really bad happened to lately? Did your mom scold you or something?” I said, “No…Well, a week ago my mother gave me something called Castro Oil. It was terrible!” And the guy says, “Donnie, your mom just gave you two doses of that stuff!” I had to hold that “Castro Oil” face for 20 minutes. So, when the kids in the orphanages and in the hospital wards see that part of the movie, it is a fun thing.

That’s hilarious. So, you had tons of interaction with Walt Disney while filming. Of course, Disney passed away before Disney World was actually completed and back then the company was only a tiny fraction of what it is today. What do you think his thoughts would be regarding the company today?

Gosh, I recently thought about that for different reasons. It is so large today that it’d be very hard to be in charge of everything. It is so large and it’s so diverse but it does some good things. A few years ago, when I needed some contributions to help Navy relief for our homeless veterans, they did without saying anything. It is so messy today that I don’t think they have the sensitivity that Mr. Disney had in his productions. I’ll give you a good example. To your excellent question, World War II in Europe is going on. The black and white news about the war is being shown in the movie houses everywhere. It was showing children walking in the mud with their parents, fleeing from the violence. That was the environment when Mr. Disney was getting ready to show Bambi. I was there when he first saw the take of Bambi’s mother being shot. He called a pause and he looked at the production people and said to take it out because it had an image of her being shot with a bullet hole and her face grimacing as she was getting ready to die. He said, “Take that out. Just suggest that the mother was shot.” Just a few minutes later in the storyline Bambi is shot. Again, he said, “Gentlemen, take that out. Just suggested it.” So, when you watch Bambi, it’s just a suggestion that they’re both shot, both the mother and the later me.

We went to the premiere up in the valley north of Los Angeles. Even then, when the mother was shot, although it was just a suggestion, I saw mothers put their hand over the children’s eyes. Then, when Bambi is shot, the same thing happened. Think of that in contrast to today, with the movies where there’s somebody blown away every 15 seconds. What a contrast! Mr. Disney was very sensitive about those things, and he left a great impression on many, many people. Look at the number of people that retired working for Disney. They retired after 25 and 30 years; it’s a record number versus any of the other studios in the world. Those people stayed with him because he was a class act guy.

You’ve mentioned the hunting scene. I’ve got to ask because I know you were in the military and saw military combat. Have you ever been hunting?

With a camera. Only with a camera. Great question. I was well known as a captain and a Sergeant and a major. I went through all the ranks, probably well more than I deserved to be. I got invited by generals and even their family to go hunting in season, back in the States. They were well-planned trips with flights and I went on them with a camera. Now, mind you, nobody knew yet about the movies. I had never talked for 25 years about any of it. I did get some questions from one general in particular who wanted to know why. I was a national record match shooter in those days in handguns and rifles. They asked, “Why don’t you, hunt, with us?” I told him, “It’s a chance, General, for me to take photographs.” I took photographs everywhere and had a great time, never hunted with a gun.

So, you hid your acting past while you were in the military. I also read somewhere you actually hid it from your wife as well?

It’s not a matter of hiding it. I just didn’t boast about those things.

When did you actually divulge it to her? After how long?

Maybe a year and a half? I got ready to move some stuff around in a storage building we have and I moved some boxes that had hardly ever been moved. She went on and got in them, found some of the stuff, and came back in the house. She said, “What’s this?” I said, “Well, I was in some movies.” Then, she wanted to know what movies. She is an absolute princess and probably a whole lot smarter than me but she went through the roof when she found out.

And of course, I can’t glance over your time in the military and just talk about Bambi. You were the youngest drill instructor ever at that point in time and only at the age of 18. You were also awarded multiple Purple Hearts, correct?

Right.

You are also credited for saving two lives, is that correct?

Yes, thank you. That’s more important to me than all the killing we did in Vietnam, which I am ashamed of, quite frankly. We’ve discovered so many things about it [Vietnam] but I’m more proud of those [saves] than anything on this Earth. Thank you.

What were the situations that led to your actions there? I saw that you were credited for the two lives, but they didn’t actually specify what went on behind the scenes.

Oh, there’s more than two. There were two civilians, both of which were swimming/drowning cases. Then, there were three in the Marine Corps, lifesaving, bleeding to death situations, and also getting a couple of kids out of the way and taking a shot in an ambush.

I’d like to thank you for your service and definitely commemorate you on those things. Of course, with all your life leading up to this point, all the adventures, Bambi, Son of Frankenstein, and your military career, what message at conventions and in life do you want to leave?

Wear out, don’t rush out. From age one to my 88, do things that have a chance of being remembered by even a single person in life that’s positive. Don’t just float through life, taking in the air, exhaling it, going on for another day. Even a miner in a coal mine, even unemployed in a line somewhere, can do something every day, a little something or a big something once in a while, that has a chance of being remembered with a positive sign in one’s heart by somebody else (or five or 50). Don’t just float through life assuming it, make some contribution back that matters. Those on their deathbed that have contributed, look back on it in their final moments and say, “I’m glad I’ve done that.” This is opposed to seeing your last days at age 30 or age 70 or 80 and not feeling good about yourself because you didn’t do anything that might have been good to others. That’s my advice.

I appreciate that. That’s a great way to circle back around because the first thing we talked about when you hopped on the phone was talking about the joys that the conventions bring and the breaks that they bring from everyday life. Donnie, I appreciate you talking with me and I look forward to meeting you this weekend. That’s right. That’s. But thank you so much again for talking.

I can’t wait to get there! Thank you.

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Scarborough Renaissance Festival’s 41st season begins this Saturday, April 9, 2022, with a new themed weekend, new shows, new food & drink, and over a dozen new artisans to compliment long-time Festival favorites.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is a full day of interactive fun for everyone, 16th Century Style that will run Saturdays & Sundays and Memorial Day Monday, April 9 through May 30, 2022. Visitors will enjoy full combat armored jousting, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon, Knighting ceremonies, a 75+ member performing company, and 20+ stages of interactive and unique entertainment. They can discover exquisite one-of-a-kind treasures at the hundreds of Scarborough shoppes and be amazed by authentic artisan demonstrations. There are also Renaissance rides, games of skill, and so much more.

The 2022 season kicks off with the Travel Back in Time & Kids Free Weekend on April 9th & 10th. Kids are free all weekend with up to three children (ages 5-12) admitted free with each paid adult. Children 4 and under are always free. Seniors 65+ also get a special discount this weekend as well with half priced tickets at the gate. Everyone can participate in the all-new Scarborough Quest discovering characters and challenges along the way as they become a part of the “Scarborough Village”! Details for participation in the Quest can be found at the Village Armoury between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

The guest performers opening weekend are The Accidental Acrobats, Zilch the Tory Steller, and Emrys Fleet – the Big Rat Show. Guest Artisans are Bird Marie’s Pottery, Bad Badger Horns, The Quirky Cork, and Spirit Song Ocarinas.

The themes for the daily Beer and Wine Tasting events for April 9th & 10th will be wines of Spain and beers of Texas. Visitors can purchase their tasting event advanced discount tickets at SRFestival.com

“All of us at Scarborough Renaissance Festival are tremendously excited to begin our 5th decade of providing one of the most unique entertainment experiences in North Texas! In addition to the exceptional entertainment, one-of-a-kind crafts, artisan demonstrations and other attractions; we have made significant improvements to the Festival site that we can’t wait for everyone to see. So come join us at the 41st Annual Scarborough Renaissance Festival!” – Helaine Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications

Incredible new shows for the Festival’s 41st season will feature a sword swallower, comedians, a Renaissance style gameshow, a verbal joust, a hammered dulcimer musician, and the Big Rat Show! Scarborough’s performing company (Scarborough Academy of Performing Arts) is back to pre-pandemic levels with over 75 members and has been hard at work creating merry new characters and refining long-time favorites, (including the 2022 reigning monarch, Margaret Queen of Scotland and the Isles), who will bring the re-created 16th Century Village of Scarborough to life!

Scarborough’s new 2022 artisans/shoppes showcase artistry such as cast concrete art, sculpted horns, Macrame jewelry, hand crafted chocolates, Henna body art, sculpted wearable puppets, bone sculptures & jewelry, leather accessories, handmade ocarinas, tapestry handbags, pottery, stick horses, woodworking, hand-dyed silk clothing, and clay sculptures.

New beers and wines will also be available, and a new mead is being introduced. Texas Mead Works Mead is a semi-sweet mead with a balanced floral bouquet and light sweet honey finish that visitors are sure to enjoy. Plus, for the first time ever, most of the food, drink, and pub locations will be accepting credit/debit cards!

Visitors 21 and over can partake in Texas Mead Works Mead, a wide selection of craft, domestic and imported beer; wine, and other adult beverages at one of the 12 pubs and taverns. For those with more discerning palates there are daily wine and beer tasting events with each weekend having a different theme. Tastings require a separate ticket that can be purchased in advance for a discount. Seating is limited and the tasting events regularly sell out, so it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival is family friendly with many activities for kids such as the Children’s Knighting Ceremonies, the Mermaid Lagoon, the EwePets Petting Zoo, Keet’s Landing (bird aviary), the Unicorn Experience, Renaissance Rides, games of skill and much more! Kids’ favorite shows include Accidental Acrobats, Cirque du Sewer, The Don Juan & Miguel Show, Emrys Fleet’s Big Rat Show, The Nature of Mercy, Shakespeare Approves, Harmless Danger Juggling Show, Syndicate School of Sword & Skill, and many others.

There are some shows that are geared toward a more mature audience (16+). They include Arthur Greenleaf Holmes the Wildly Inappropriate Poet, Bettina Bawdeville, Menage a Moi, and the King’s Pub – Pub Sing. Take a look below as some of the new shows for 2022.

New Entertainment

• Bettina Bawdeville (PG-16) – Risqué original pub songs, mixing the bawdy with hints of vaudeville. Not for the delicate sensibilities. (May 7 – May 30 Only)
• Cy the Sword Swallower – A man of skill, of danger, and some would say… a complete lunatic! Witness him swallow a whole armory of swords of different shapes and sizes!
• Emrys Fleet, the Big Rat Show – A hilarious comedy show featuring Pesky the Wonderous one-eyed rate and Wilbur the Dancing weasel! (April 9 – May 1 Only)
• Menage a Moi (PG-16) – Top-shelf comedy stylings that are humorously indecent and always discreet.
• Name that Sonnet – A Renaissance style gameshow that that most certainly leads to a lot of fun, laughter, and perhaps a little education.
• Robin Hood Charity Show – Join this “secret meeting” to create ideas for causing mischief in the Village
• The Verbal Joust – A humorous improvisational language lesson on the value of creative insults!
• Vince Conaway – Hammered Dulcimer – Bringing history to life by weaving storytelling with an enchanting array of Celtic, Renaissance, and Baroque music! (May 7 – May 22 Only)

Scarborough Renaissance Festival 2022 is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday, April 9 – May 30, 2022, from 10 AM to 7 PM rain or shine. Located in Waxahachie, Texas, Scarborough Renaissance Festival is just 30 minutes south of the downtowns of Dallas and Fort Worth on FM 66 off of I-35E and an hour north of Waco.

Admission is $37 for adults and $17 for children, ages 5-12. Children ages 4 and under are always admitted free. Discount tickets are available at www.SRFestival.com or at North Texas Tom Thumb & Albertsons stores. There are also discounts at the gate for Seniors 65+ and active Military.

For more information visit www.SRFestival.com or follow us on Facebook & Twitter (SRFestival) or on Instagram (theSRFestival).

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Brendan McGuire of PNC Bank (Source: Thomas Garza)

Wednesday’s kickoff saw Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas President and CEO, host the first Spotlight Dinner on the stage of Music Hall at Fair Park in celebration of the Broadway Dallas renaming and the 2022-2023 Season Announcement. While the organization’s name is changing, its commitment to bringing the best Broadway productions to Dallas is not.  As the premier presenter of touring Broadway in the region, Broadway Dallas will continue to deliver the hottest, most award-winning, edge-of-your seat exciting shows to its diverse, multi-generational audiences on a year-round basis (not just in the summer). The name change and a series of new sub-brands also reflect the core of Broadway Dallas’ mission to grow its already expansive education programs and community partnerships which allow the organization to share the “Spirit of Broadway” with members of the community who might not otherwise have access to these world-class productions.

“We changed our name from Dallas Summer Musicals to Broadway Dallas to accurately capture who we are and what we do. It encompasses not only the magnificent work that we put on our stage, but also our other exciting events and community engagement and education programs through which we share ‘the spirit of Broadway’ with as many members of our community as possible,” said Ken Novice, President and CEO of Broadway Dallas.

The next Spotlight Dinner Series will be held on April 27 at a private estate centered around Broadway Dallas’ upcoming performance of Mean Girls. A revival of the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! will be the third themed dinner in the series, held on the 23d floor of Museum Tower on May 19. These intimate gatherings of 50 are already sold out. Tickets for Broadway Dallas’ Fall 2022 Spotlight Dinner Series, which are $450 a seat, will go on sale in late Spring 2022 and will be themed around the shows Ain’t Too Proud, My Fair Lady and SIX. Proceeds will benefit artistic and educational excellence at Broadway Dallas including programs in classrooms and throughout the community that serve more than 40,000 students and families each year. Tickets on sale now at BroadwayDallas.org.

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Everything is bigger in Texas and 2022 is proving to be no different as FAN EXPO Dallas announced their growing celebrity lineup for the three-day event that celebrates all things pop culture. From Hollywood heavyweights to iconic throwback stars of the small screen, this enormous event will please everyone in the family and not only with celebrity sightings. From iconic comic creators to the best of comics, cosplay, vendors of all things pop culture, celebrity panels, and family-friendly attractions, the event at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center from June 17th through 19th, 2022, is a must-do event year after year.

“We always strive to bring new levels of fandom to our guests at FAN EXPO Dallas. People are more engaged than ever in all things pop culture. New shows like Cobra Kai, iconic films like The Lord of the Rings, the hilarious antics of The Trailer Park Boys, the anime explosion of My Hero Academia, and runaway hits like the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian have paved the way for a genre-bending and interactive experience at FAN EXPO Dallas.” – Andrew Moyes (FAN EXPO HQ Vice President)

This year’s celebrity guests include:

• Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan: the four hobbits from The Lord of The Rings
• Cobra Kai’s, William Zabka, Martin Kove and Peyton List
• Katee Sackhoff, Giancarlo Esposito, Gina Carano, and Ming-Na Wen, known from The Mandalorian
• Michael Rooker from Guardians of the Galaxy and The Walking Dead
• Trailer Park Boys Mike Smith, John Paul Tremblay and Robb Wells
• A CLERKS Super-reunion of Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Brian Halloran, Trevor Fehrman and Jeff Anderson
• Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch from the fan-favorite Superman & Lois
• Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton, stars of Star Trek: The Next Generation
• The Princess Bride’s Chris Sarandon
• Caity Lotz and Jes Macallan from Legends of Tomorrow
• Ashley Eckstein, Her Universe founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars 
• Brendan Fraser from The Mummy

Anime and Voice Actors at FAN EXPO Dallas 2022

• FAN EXPO Dallas is also the only place to host an epic gathering of My Hero Academia voice actor stars: Christopher Sabat, Justin Briner, Luci Christian, Clifford Chapin, David Matranga, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Monica Rial, Josh Grelle, Ian Sinclair, Brina Palencia, Chris Wehkamp, Jason Liebrecht, Justin Cook and Kristen McGuire.
• Christy Carlson Romano and Will Friedle of Kim Possible will be on hand as well as Troy Baker (The Last of Us) and Bret Iwan (Mickey Mouse).

Comic Creators Join in on the Fun

FAN EXPO Dallas always delivers a medley of up-and-coming creators from Dallas. With special experience packages, art commissions, signing sessions and workshops there is more than enough creator and art-based activities to satisfy the needs of even the most hardcore comic fan.

“We have the most passionate and dedicated fans in the convention world, and we will continue to bring the best of pop culture to them in 2022. Our brand universe includes the very best of comic creators, legendary artists, cosplayer, tattoo artists and gaming innovators, and more.” – Andrew Moyes (FAN EXPO HQ Vice President)

To see the full guest list, schedule, and order tickets go to Fanexpodallas.com

FAN EXPO Dallas runs Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19, 2022
Friday, June 17 from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P. M.
Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Sunday, June 19 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center located at 650 S. Griffin St. Dallas, TX 75202

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The popular weekly PNC Patio Sessions concert series is returning to Sammons Park this spring at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Every Thursday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m., guests can come enjoy the best happy hour has to offer, live music, beautiful scenery, fun games, putt-putt golf, and of course beverages. The free concerts featuring local artists are held on the patio outside the Center Cafe.

“Dallas is home to a pool of emerging talent, especially young songwriters and performers. It’s important to both the Center and PNC Bank that we offer an accessible platform to share their talents with our guests, LIVE outside with PNC Patio Sessions. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with your colleagues and friends, downtown in the Dallas Arts District.” – Debbie Storey, president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. 

PNC Patio Sessions kick off the season Thursday, March 24 and will continue weekly through the fall. Happy hour offerings include wine and beer, barista drinks and light fare. Guest can enjoy the concerts with their drinks at cafe tables and chairs, or go play cornhole, ping pong, or test their putting skills on the Reliant Putting Green.

“PNC Patio Sessions is a dynamic addition to our longstanding collaboration with the AT&T Performing Arts Center, one of the great cultural resources in North Texas,” said Brendan McGuire, PNC regional president for North Texas. “When we launched the PNC Members Lounge at AT&T PAC in 2017, we knew there were more achievements ahead as we understand the economic, social, and civic impact a thriving arts and culture community brings to a city. Supporting PNC Patio Sessions and its format of bringing free shows from emerging artists to Dallas is another way we are living those values through our Main Street Bank approach.â”

The Center Cafe in Sammons Park is ideally situated for downtown professionals and residents, and anyone just looking to get outside and enjoy live music at happy hour. PNC Patio Session concerts returns Thursday, March 24 and will recur weekly through the Fall.

Thursdays beginning March 24 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Center Cafe
Sammons Park
2403 Flora Street Dallas, TX 75201

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The Oddities and Curiosities Expo, featuring over 150 local and national vendors, will visit Centennial Hall at Fair Park in Dallas on Saturday, March 26, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.

The “one part horror convention, one part dark arts” expo show will feature vendors and small businesses showcasing taxidermy, preserved animal specimens, original horror and Halloween-inspired artwork, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, skulls, bones, and funeral collectibles.

“The Oddities and Curiosities Expo was created purely out of the excitement of bringing communities we care about together through events,” said Michelle Cozzaglio, who owns the expo with her husband, Tony.

“Honestly, we had no idea it would turn into what it has today! Our goal has always been to uplift those around us while giving everyone, including ourselves, the opportunity to truly do what they love.”

The Cozzaglios have been taking the Oddities and Curiosities Expo on the road from coast to coast for the past five years after observing there was a market for this type of large-scale event. Long-time collectors of oddities and obscure memorabilia themselves, the pair also own a record store and screen printing business and operate punk festivals across the country.

In addition to visiting the showroom floor, guests of the Oddities and Curiosities Expo are able to purchase tickets to a day-long taxidermy class where they can learn to make their own two-headed duckling mount. Participants will work with frozen animals to learn the basics of taxidermy.

The expo also hosts Rainy Day Revival and their Museum of Marvelous Mutations, a 1600 square foot carnival sideshow reminiscent of big top attractions of the early 1900s. For an additional $7 ($5 advance), guests can experience “The Worldâ€s Largest Traveling Freak Show” and meet Simon the Cyclops Lamb and Beefcake the Bulldog Calf.

Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased at www.odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com/tickets.

The event is for all ages; however, parents are advised to use their best judgment about if their children should attend.

For additional information, follow the Oddities and Curiosities Expo on Facebook and Instagram.

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The North Texas Irish Festival makes its triumphant return to Dallasâ€s Fair Park March 4-6, bringing with it all the music, dance, culture and excitement that this well-loved, family-friendly event creates to celebrate the rich tradition of Irish and Celtic culture.

In celebration of this 40^th festival, the eventâ€s theme, “40 Shades of Green,” recognizes the rich culture of Irish music and the organic growth of this Irish tradition in North Texas, made possible by 40 years of volunteers dedicated to keeping traditions alive to share with all.

Tens of thousands of people will come from across Texas and other parts of the country to visit the North Texas Irish Festival, one of the largest Irish festivals in the U.S. This family-friendly event features live music, dancing, storytelling, chef demonstrations and more on multiple stages, both indoors and outdoors, throughout Fair Park.

There will also be music, dancing, whiskey tastings, fencing demonstrations, horse displays, Celtic storytelling, animal rescue groups, Shepherdâ€s pie, Irish stew, dozens of activities for kids and child-friendly entertainment, and chef demonstrations are all found at this family-friendly festival.

Attendees will also enjoy horse shows, fencing demonstrations, sheepherding demonstrations, beer tastings, genealogy research opportunities, shopping, animal rescue groups, child-friendly entertainment, and free arts and crafts for the kids. Details are below.

When: March 4th – 6th

Where: Fair Park

Address: 3809 Grand Avenue

Dallas, TX 75210

Tickets: $10 – $35

More Info: NTIF.org

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The USA Film Festival will present the 38th Annual KidFilm Family Festival on Jan. 22-23, 2022. The program will feature an entertaining, educational and diverse line-up of new films for audiences of all ages as well as free books.

Highlights of this year’s program include the new animated feature film MAYA THE BEE 3: THE GOLDEN ORB; new live-action feature films including: THE WOLF AND THE LION, THE TIME GUARDIANS, KUNG FU GIRL, DWARF LONG NOSE, JIM BUTTON AND THE WILD 13, and BIRTA.

There will also be educational & fun short films including: THE SUN IS KIND OF A BIG DEAL, LET LIBERTY RISE!: HOW AMERICA’S SCHOOLCHILDREN HELPED SAVE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY, SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM, WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS, EARTH’S EKKO and MAMA CANADA: OUTER SPACE. Last, there will be 25 additional live-action and animated short films from around the world

When: January 22nd – 23rd

Where: Angelika Film Center

Address: 5321 E. Mockingbird Ln. #230

Dallas, TX 75206

Tickets: Free Admission and movies

More Info: USAFilmFestival.com

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Art Basel returned with a vengeance in 2021 as artists, musicians, art collectors, and the ultra rich flocked to Miami for the 2021 edition. Along with all the contemporary art fairs, high-end parties, and fashion shows, this year the NFT world made a big splash on Miami shores. There is never enough time during Miami Art Week to visit all the shows, but we did our best to cover the different events that make Art Basel a one-of-a-kind phenomenon. 

Art Fairs

Spectrum/Red Dot

Spectrum and Red Dot are both curated art fairs set-up for Miami Art Week under one massive structure. While Spectrum is a collection of 150+ independent career artists, studios, and younger galleries, Red Dot Miami showcases 75 of the top galleries from around the world.

Scope

Celebrating its 20th year at Miami Art Week, the critically-acclaimed art fair returned to Miami Beach showcasing over 140 renowned exhibitions.

INK Miami

INK is a unique fair during Miami Art Week because of its focus on modern and contemporary works on paper by internationally renowned artists.

Jada Art Fair

Not only an art fair, Jada Art can be considered an art movement. The organization encourages local artists to produce original work by not following conventional patterns purely out of financial motives. Jada Art embraces their artists as cultural agents and strongly supports the NFT Movement.

Wynwood Walls

Wynwood Walls, the iconic outdoor graffiti museum in Miami, debuted 13 installations for Art Basel with the theme “Agents of Change.”

Private Art Events

Dash Bar

Miami Art Week is a collection of public art fairs and private showings. This year we attended a private event by boutique art representative Alexys Serrins. Dash Bar, a high-end salon in the heart of Brickell, was transformed into an art gallery featuring  live art performance and fashion show.

Brands at Art Basel

Corporate brands made their mark on Art Basel with product launches and branded sponsorships of artists and installations.

BMW unveiled the all-new high-powered, hybrid-electric Concept XM vehicle.

Chanel turned the Miami sky into a drone light show featuring an image of its iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume bottle

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Christmas at the Gaylord Texan is an annual tradition for many, including my own family. The lights, music, activities, and overall atmosphere easily usher in the Christmas spirit. The pandemic has caused things to change a bit over the past few years, unfortunately canceling the beloved ICE! exhibit due to the ice sculptors’ travel restrictions from China.

Last year, the Gaylord Texan replaced the event with the I Love Christmas Movies walkthrough. Attendees walked through some of their favorite scenes from Christmas movies. Overall, it was an interesting experience but generally failed to live up to the normal standards set by Christmas at the Gaylord. Some of the largest complaints were the long lines, rapidly being ushered through the scenes, and an overall lack of interaction to make prices worth it. Luckily, the Gaylord has addressed these issues this year and created an amazing experience that families are sure to love!

Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf easily eclipses last year’s event and restores magic to Christmas at the Gaylord Texan. Cue lines were extremely well managed and the exhibit is self-paced! There are countless selfie opportunities for those that enjoy Elf and a huge array of interactive activities.

As you enter, a cast member explains that The Kringle 3000 isn’t functioning and needs Christmas spirit to help Santa. The journey starts in the North Pole where visitors will get to assemble toys and take out their frustration by playing some whack-a-jack with Buddy’s favorite toy. Several touchscreen games allow visitors to create new toys and to remove toys that aren’t up to the elves’ standards.

In the next room of Santa’s workshop, you will get to create some cookies to help spread cheer (because let’s face it, cookies make everything better). The smell of cookies fills the room as ingredients flash across touchscreen tables. Placing the correct ingredients in a bowl unlocks a screen where they have to be mixed and then cut into shapes. Once a topping is chosen, your cookie is transferred to the “oven” at the front of the room where it is displayed for all to see.

The next stop is New York City at Gimbels department store. Decorated according to the movie, fans are able to sit upon Santa’s throne and gaze upon Buddy’s paper art. Then, press as many elevator buttons as you’d like to find yourself in the mailroom of the Empire State Building. Buddy has already worked up the crowd, so now its your turn to dance to the music. Cameras transfer your beautiful dance moves into video images of your adoring coworkers.

Finally, visitors will venture into Central Park where they will partake in a snowball fight with the elves. You can use cannons or a bucket of snowballs (ping pong balls) to throw at your adversaries on the screen where they are virtually transferred into real snowball projectiles. There is also a section where touchscreens are present to play classic Christmas songs in hopes of finally raising the Clausometer to the necessary levels for flight!

The Christmas Village outside of the exhibit offers its usual beloved attractions. Eight lanes of snow covered hills offer a fun snow tubing experience to those that need a little bit of a white Christmas experience. Snow (bubbles) are also emitted in intervals to allow the feeling of snow falling in the village. Other favorites include the Christmas carousel, indoor ice skating, and building a snowman out of real snow!

Outdoors, Merry & Light awaits visitors that can’t get enough of Christmas lights. Beautiful lights offer plenty of wonder and opportunities for those with an artistic eye to take some amazing photos/selfies. To top it all off, Mrs. Claus awaits at the end to visit and take photos.

Of course, the Gaylord Texan is breathtaking on its own, especially with the added Christmas decorations. Throw in a holiday escape room, character breakfast with the iconic members of the Peanuts cartoons, decorating gingerbread cookies, a holiday scavenger hunt, and a Christmas themed painting session, your family is sure to make timeless Christmas memories that they will be talking about for years! Luckily, ILID has an exclusive 50% off coupon for those wanting to attend Christmas at the Gaylord Texan. Simply use the code “LIVE” when checking out to receive this discount on selected dates and see why we are so excited about this year’s events!

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From Sunday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, December 19, 2021 twenty model homes will be available for touring inside the Trinity Falls development and ten select homes will feature stunning holiday trees to provide holiday inspiration for guests.

Antoinette Boston with A.B.â€s Holiday Décor is the mastermind of this yearâ€s Tour of Trees in collaboration with Premier Christmas. Her holiday wizardry has graced the homes of Grammy award winner Kirk Franklin, former Dallas Maverick and NBA champion Jason Terry, NFL champion Aqib Talib, and celebrity stylist J. Bolin.

Attendees to this yearâ€s tour can expect to see a variety of themes including rustic glam, woodland creatures, Santa, the Grinch, Dallas Cowboys, polar bears, nutcrackers, snowmen, elves and more. Attendees will be provided with a map highlighting the homes and where Christmas trees are located and can enjoy the tour at your own pace. Maps are available inside all model homes.

Attendance is free but registration is requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trinity-falls-tour-of-trees-2021-tickets-205798206977. Hours of operation are 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays, 12/noon to 6pm on Sundays.

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– Every year, thousands of pounds of trash makes its ways into our oceans –

This trash ends up affecting our marine life and water supply, and the problems gets worse and worse every year. Fortunately, someone decided to do something about it. Two well-known Youtubers, MrBeast and Mark Rober, decided to come together on a project called #TEAMSEAS where they plan to clean 30 million pounds of trash out of the oceans by 2022.  

OCEAN CONSERVANCY, INC is helping to coordinate the logistics of this fund-raiser, and all transaction fees for the donations for this effort are being covered by Youtube per Youtube’s website.  

An Unexpected Turn of Events

When I saw the MrBeast and Mark Rober videos concerning this worthwhile effort, I almost immediately thought about my friend Patrick Stephens.  

  Patrick is an amazing motorcycle stunt rider from the D/FW area. For years he had been putting on stunt shows, and some of stunt shows helped to raise money for local food banks.

After 9-11, the economy was adversely affected and requests for stunts shows soon dried up. Patrick then decided to focus more on his comedy career, and recently decided to create his own stunt school to teach people how to do wheelies on their motorcycles.

I thought this would be perfect for Patrick because he could do some really cool stunts while promoting the Teamseas fundraiser. After this fundraiser had ended, I had hoped that Patrick would then be able to continue to do various stunts to promote other things for MrBeast and any other companies that might be interested in utilizing his talents.  

Well, that was the plan…

After the pandemic, most of the posts on Facebook tended to be rather depressing, and so I had modified my Facebook check ins from several times a day to once every few weeks.

For the idea I had for Patrick, I wrote up some ideas I had for him to promote #teamseas. To make it easier on him, I decided to modify one of his old stunt pictures to serve as a meme that he could easily use to promote the fundraiser.

When I did a Google search on his Patrick’s, I noticed a cartoon like picture of a tombstone with the words “RIP Patrick Stephens rider”. I didn’t think too much about it, at first, since when I search my own name for graphics, SEVERAL obituary entries tend to pop up.

But then I kept looking until I came across a graphic that had his picture and his birthday linked up to a recent date for this year. That is when I got worried. I clicked on the picture, and sure enough, it was a GoFundMe set up to raise money for his funeral expenses.

Patrick Stephens had been killed in a motorcycle accident

The sad irony was, with all of the crazy stunts that I have seen him do on a motorcycle, like do a front flip on his bike, or set himself on fire while riding, the accident that took his life was simply another vehicle making a left turn right in front of Patrick, while he was riding his motorcycle down a street.

It took several days for me to deal with all of this. Finally, I made the decision to move forward. I went ahead and made a donation to #teamseas in his honor and posted a tweet up on one of my Twitter accounts.

– Keeping the legend alive for years to come –

If anyone wishes to make a donation on the teamseas.org website, in the space for ‘Teams’, please list your donation under Patrick Stephens Freestyle.

This really is a worthy cause, and hopefully a fundraiser that will continue past the end of this year, because clean water affects everything and everyone on this amazing planet. EG

The post TeamSeas – Saving The Oceans, Honoring A Friend appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Few films live up to the test of time like Caddyshack. Actress Cindy Morgan was lucky enough to be cast in the movie for her first major role. Playing Lacey Underall, the teenage bombshell split the spotlight with names like Billy Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Chevy Chase.

Cindy Morgan will be appearing today at Retro Expo in Plano. The convention offers a huge variety of collectibles and also allows fans to meet with some of their favorite actors. For more information and tickets, click here. Also, in lieu of the event, we wanted to throw things back a bit with the actress. See what she had to say about her time filming Caddyshack and Tron. 

Obviously, your biggest breakout role was on Caddy Shack. And really, your first role, too. Everybody on set is essentially a comic genius. How were you able to keep it together?

I’ve got a picture that literally just turned up that I will send you. On set, you’re actually working. Even when you’re doing a job that you really enjoy, you’ve got to be aware and you’ve got to be alert. You can have fun. We definitely had more than our share, obviously. That’s sort of legendary. The photo gives you a good idea of what it was like all day, every day.

I just got it.

What do you think?

I think itâ€s epic.

That’s on a calm day. That’s me sitting next to Chevy. We weren’t holding hands. I think he was telling me to pull his finger. And then there’s Rodney on the other side, just hanging out. Rodney was pretty nervous because nobody was laughing when he was doing his jokes. You can’t laugh because then that goes on soundtrack, so that’s just part of doing it. I came from a broadcast background. I did five years in radio and television, and then I started getting paid, which was lucky, to write news when I was in college.

Having a paying job straight out of school, that’s a good place to start. I did graveyard shifts and did the weather really, really badly in Rockford, Illinois. When I say badly, I switched the oceans! I pointed to the Atlantic and said it was the Pacific. I figured, just keep talking. That’s all that really matters. There are a lot of things I ended up doing, like morning drive in Chicago. In that case, there are a lot of things that need to be done specifically on time, federal regulations and stuff like that.

So, when I got to the set, I thought, “Oh, great. This is going to be the most organized job, by the book and no questions. I will just go in there and plug into a great system.” Well, it wasn’t a great system, but I don’t know how to explain it. It was Animal House on a golf course! Everybody was doing whatever and it got to the point where the script really didn’t matter; it was more of a guideline. In the morning, you would just come home from whatever party you had been at or wake up and just roll through hair, makeup, and wardrobe and go outside because you never knew if you were in the shot or not.

It was amazing, what was happening. Bill Murray didn’t even have any lines originally. That gopher was not in any of the principal photography when we were shooting. Did you know that?

No, actually I didn’t. I just knew that they shot those scenes later in California.

Everybody was having a really good time, if you know what I mean. Because of that, a lot of times things didn’t follow through. There were a lot of holes. There were brilliant little seeds with a lot of improvising but the storyline was missing. There was no connecting thought. So, after the fact, they shot the gopher sequence and it became about Phil chasing the gopher. That’s what happened.

Like you said, so much of it was adlib, too. Which actor do you think came up with the most random line?

Bill Murray. With everything coming out of his mouth, I was left asking, “What was he saying?”

I was walking by the clubhouse, the one in that picture. And Harold Ramis said, “Hey, hang out over here. You’re going to want to see this.” So, I said, “Okay.” I’m looking at the clubhouse, which is about 20 yards away, a little too far to hear what Bill was saying. I’m looking at him and he’s got a golf club out, hacking at some flowers. I’m asking myself, “How is he going to ever match that shot? What’s going on here?” Then, you see what you saw in the film. It would just pop into his head to do something and there it was.

Rodney, on the other hand, was doing his nightclub act, which kind of aggravated Ted Knight to no end because he had lines and he had no intention to playing straight man Rodney. That wasn’t going to happen. Their chemistry is palpable. They really did have what you thought going on. And Chevy, well, here’s an example of the adlibbing. In the scene with the tequila where he’s playing on the piano and singing “I was born to love you”, take a really good look at my eyes. When you do, you can see exactly where I figure out we were filming a scene. This wasn’t discussed, wasn’t rehearsed, and it wasn’t in the script. Harold said, “Just sit down over there and tell Chevy to sing you a love song.” I said, “Why?” He said, “Just do it. Just do it.” I had no idea. You can see where I figure they’re doing it. I thought, “Aha! There’s a camera. There’s the lights on. I’ll be all right. You guys want to play? Let’s play.” So, yeah, you had better have been ready. Yes, it was fun. Yes, we were having the best time possible. However, you had to pay attention or you had to go home.

In your love scene with Chevy Chase, you’ve mentioned that you were actually in the middle of an argument with him. Do you remember what the argument was about?

We locked horns; that was it. He said a couple of things. I said a couple of things. He came back. I came back. He said, “Make her apologize.” I said, “No, you heard what he said!” Harold Ramis was in the position of playing camp counselor between the two of us. Chevy came back and said, “It was a fair fight. I appreciate that.” It wasn’t one of those sneaky backstabbing things. The chemistry that was good because love and hate are closer than you think. At least some was going on over there. He came back and said, “Fine, I’ll shoot two masters.”

Well, that meant I had better have it right every single time, because you don’t know what he’s going to do. Some of the lines were in the script, some weren’t. I was just following along. Some of what he said, he was just kind of trying to knock me off camera. And I’m like, “I’m not going anywhere, pal. I’m going to stay right here.” Afterwards, it was a lot of fun. It’s so cool to be part of something like this.

Rodney Dangerfield was actually a mentor of yours. What do you think drew him to you?

Probably just that I was there doing my job. For me, it was a job. Yeah, there was a lot of fun. There was a lot going on. But when they said, camera and lights, I was right where I belonged. Five years in broadcasting, doing things live, really gets you in shape for doing things when you’ve got all the time in the world. You’re ready and aware. Gosh. Whoever’s handling Rodney’s account just followed my page and I just saw that he mentored Robin Williams.

I actually took an improv class taught by a guy named Harvey Lembeck. Michael Lembeck, his son, is still a director. Anyway, Harvey did my first acting class ever. I did radio and television, but I wasn’t an actor. I had to get rid of some habits like my disc jockey voice. Also, I always went for the joke. Can you tell that I do all the talking? When you’re on air by yourself for 4 hours, you do all the talking. Harvey would yell at me and say, “Morgan, stop it right there!” You’re the straight, stop going for the joke.” What that meant was that I was supposed to be helping to set up the joke, not going for the key punchline or trying to steer the scene away. Thank God he did that because just try steering a scene away from Chevy, it’s not a good idea. In the improvisation class, there were three classes of 24. I was in the lowest class, but lucky to be there. In the master’s class were Penny Marshall, John Ritter, and Robin Williams. He was mentoring Robin. He just liked to see things work. He just liked to see things happen.

Did he give you any advice that’s stuck with you to this day?

I think it was more of his energy. It’s just like, “Get in there and start slugging away.” It’s not so much advice as an exchange of information. He would ask questions like, “Hey, am I doing okay? This is my first movie.” And I said, “Yeah, Rodney, you’re stealing it.” We sat and talked sometimes, as you can see in that picture.

Some people can’t stand watching their own work. You’ve obviously seen Caddyshack. Do you have any regrets about your first time filming in that movie?

They threw me into the deep end. Literally. I can’t dive. I could barely swim and I’m legally blind without my contact lenses. That film was shot in 1979 when contact lenses were hard lenses, so I couldn’t wear them going up that ladder and off that board or a doctor would be taking them out. So, I had to do that blind, literally. That was the first shot. Do it again? I don’t know how I did it then. I don’t know how the hell that happened, but it did and I’m really glad to be part of it.

Was it strange for you doing a movie like Caddyshack as your first major role and then have Disney’s calling you for all of the sudden?

It wasn’t until 10 or 15 years ago that people went, “Is that you in both movies?” Yeah, just a whole different thing. Tronwas Disney’s first attempt at digital animation. It was the first CGI mainstream film, so nobody knew what they were doing. Everybody thinks it was just green screen. I’d worked with green screen when I was doing the weather. This is different. Everything was shot in black and white, and where the animation was put in was done after the fact. It’s really hard to describe it. Imagine a Costco size warehouse, completely black, with nothing in it.

You’d have to run from this point to this point, and you can’t look at your mark. You’d have to hit it dead on. You’d have to say your line and then keep going. I didn’t know what I was saying most of the time. I did work as a tech, but this was brand new information. The most important thing was to believe the reality of it. I really get along great with Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner, so that’s where the fun came from. We got along well, we were in it together, and we figured it out.

I remember one time we were basically on a little riser in the middle. It was like a Costco painted black with a black riser in the middle of it and a banquet table painted black on top of that. The director goes, “Okay, today we’re flying the Solar sailer across the Game Sea. Cindy, you’re flying it. Go.” Finally, that’s when I said, “All right, that’s it. I just got to ask you, what the heck are you talking about? There’s no Solar Sailer. There’s no Game Sea. There’s nothing here. There’s nothing to do!” He said, “Just do anything and the animators will put it in later.” So, in my mind, I saw soundboard that was flying the ship.

Did the final product match what you imagined while you were taking those scenes?

No, it was like a seizure induced acid trip or something. It was surprising but now I love it. I’m very fond of both actually.

You mentioned the second film Tron: Legacy, which, unfortunately, you didn’t play a part in. Did you feel snubbed at the time?

I wasn’t in the meetings when whatever was decided by whomever. But the thing is, once somebody makes a decision they have to stick to it. Otherwise, they look like they made a mistake. What was really nice was the fan backing when that came up. I was getting a lot of questions about why I wasn’t in the film? I said, “Well, I wasn’t invited.” All of a sudden, there’s little articles that started showing up and then the press picked it up. I was actually done a big favor because nobody was controlling my promotion. I was doing it myself. It was pretty cool and still is to this day. Legacywas different kind of film. I was in the first one, and I had trouble putting it together with the second one.

You actually did some costume promo for the second movie. Was it weird not being a part of the movie but being a costume face for it?

I think that they were making up their minds as they were going along. That happens a lot of times. So, things just keep happening. For example, the conventions that I now get to be a part of, like Retro Expo.

Thatâ€s right. You will be appearing at the Retro Expo this weekend at the Plano Convention Center.

They never made a Yori action figure. But because of the attention, one of the toy makers made the action figure that matches the ones in the set and it’s going to be there for the first time at Retro Expo.

I didn’t know that! It’s kind of weird that they didn’t have your action figure, considering you’re one of the main characters in the original movie.

That’s one of the things that bugged me. I guess they thought, “She’s a girl. She can’t throw a disc.”

Of course, you’re referring to the online fan base that created the “Yori Lives” movement. At one point, there was talk about possibly doing a third movie.

They’re still talking about it. Disney owns the property, so they’ve got that there in the vaults to bring out whenever they choose.

So, you’d be ready for that if it were to come about?

Oh, yeah. I still have my Union membership. I’m ready.

Disney World actually has a Tron ride that they’re building. Are you planning on making a trip once it’s done?

Well, let’s see. I live in Florida. That’s in Florida. There’s a train that runs between those two places. So, yeah, I’m just waiting for them to pick up the phone and give me a call.

In lieu of Retro Expo this weekend, I have to ask you a convention question. You’ve done lots of conventions and you get to meet all kinds of fans. What is your strangest fan encounter?

Jeez. I want you to be able to sleep at night, so let’s put it this way. One of the coolest things that ever happens is that Caddyshack appeals a lot to first responders and folks in the military. I put up a thank you post for Veteran’s Day just a couple of days ago and a couple of guys posted and said, “Thank you for thanking us and we’re also thanking you for Caddy Shack because in a lot of cases, that would be a go to film to watch to reduce the stress, refocus up, and get a good night’s sleep.” Laughter is an amazing gift.

That is awesome.

Yeah, it really is a lovely thing. So, that’s one of the nicest things that ever happened. And of course, I supported the military doing an event in 2005. This is when things started getting a little crazy. The Illinois National Guard was called up. I’m from Chicago and I was doing an event in Chicago. Somebody from their organization or affiliate approached me and said, “Would you do a fundraiser for the Illinois families of the Illinois military?” The body armor had to be purchased by the families.

I said, “Yeah, of course I’ll do it.” It wasn’t a big money maker because a few people didn’t deliver on a few things but I stuck with it. I didn’t let it go. It got the word out on television and radio that this wasn’t about politics. This wasn’t about war or being against it. This was about taking care of our own people. That’s the bottom line. Then I would follow that up by saying, “This is Chicago. You want to have a fight? We’ve got a lot of nice bars you can go to for that. In the meantime, let’s support these men and women. Let’s support our military.” For that reason, it was a success

Well, thank you so much for taking your time to talk with me today. I really appreciate it. And I look forward to seeing you this weekend at Retro Expo.

Of course!

The post [INTERVIEW] Revisiting The 70s & 80s With Caddyshack’s Cindy Morgan For Retro Expo appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

For those that grew up in the 90s, there are few things that define childhood better than Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The successful marketing of comic books and action figures led to the creation of a series of live action movies. The movies brought the cartoon turtles to life and elevated the national craze surrounding the turtles.

Francois Chau portrayed Shredder in the second movie, Secret of the Ooze. Chau went on to star in the hit series Lost and has played supporting roles across various genres. Now, he is coming to DFW and fans will be able to personally meet The Shredder this weekend and Retro Expo. Chau will be greeting fans and discussing his work. We met up with him earlier today to get some answers of our own! Read below to see what he had to say.

We’ll start with the beginning of your career. You were initially born in Cambodia, but you moved around a ton growing up, spanning multiple continents. Why did you move so often?

I lived in Cambodia when I was very young, I think must have been like four or five. We left Cambodia and we moved to Vietnam. Then, because of the war, we left Vietnam. My mother went ahead without me first, to kind of get things set up and settled. So, I lived with a family in France for about a year, maybe a year and a half, before I moved to United States. I lived in the Washington, DC area, and then, because of work, we moved to the Congo in Africa and lived there for about two years. Then, we moved back to the States and that was it for traveling around for a while.

With all of that traveling and all that moving, how did you wind up in acting?

I got interested when I was in high school. I got pretty bored and I decided to try something new. So, I auditioned to be in a play. Once I started doing that, I found something that I really thought, “Oh, wow. This is great! This is something I can get into.” That’s how it started. I went to the university later on and got a BFA in theater and acting. After that I thought, “Hey, I’m just going to give it a shot and go and try to do this.”

I grew up in the 90s, so my first experience with your acting was as Shredder in Secret of the OOze. Did James Saito give you any advice prior to taking over the villain in the second movie?

No. I know James and I had worked with him a couple of times in theater before that, but no. I’m not sure why they changed the cast. I thought the first movie was great. James was great, but I heard that there were some people that thought it was a little too violent for little kids, so they decide to change it. As you know, the Secret of the Ooze is a bit different. They kind of made it more like a Disney or Nickelodeon type of movie, less violence, a little more cartoony, and not as dark as the first movie. So, maybe that was why James and also Judith, who played April, didn’t do the second movie. That might have been it.

What was the most difficult thing about filming the movie?

Nothing that I can remember; it was a lot of fun. I do remember watching the first movie and there was a lot of action. When I got the role for the second movie, I thought, “Oh, great. I’ve been doing martial arts for all my life; this is going to be fun getting to do all that stuff.” Then I find out Shredder basically just kind of stands around and orders people to do stuff for him. It wasn’t as much fun as I thought it would be.

Was that suit and the helmet as cumbersome as they look?

The suit was fine especially compared to the suit the Turtles had to wear. Now we see all these superhero movies where the suits are all they look great but back then it was just a cloth suit. The only thing that was a little difficult at first was the helmet, which they made out of real metal for some reason. It was a little heavy but do you get used to it.

It was never really explained how Shredder returned for the second movie. The last time we saw him he was being crushed to death in the first movie, and then all of a sudden, boom, he’s there in the second movie. Were you ever told how he survived? 

First of all, I can’t believe it’s almost like 30 years ago, right? My memory is a little vague. I don’t really remember how the writers brought him back. I’m sure they must have had some good reason to bring him back.

And did you ever watch the new live action Ninja Turtles movies?

I did and I enjoyed them both, but things change with new technology and stuff. I kind of really missed the guys in the suits. It felt a little more genuine. Maybe it was just my bias because I’m from that period. The CGI stuff in the new movies changes a lot. They look good, but I don’t know. The turtles seem a little different. When I was watching the first one I thought, “Wow, these turtles are huge!” In the first scene, you see them throwing these metal containers around and you think, “Wow, they’re not like the little turtles that hide in the sewers.” So, with the technology changes and the different style of movie, I didn’t think it was as charming as the original ones were.

You’ve done lots of work from voicework on GI Joe to Ninja Turtles, Lost, and a number of other things. What would you consider your most challenging role?

Well, GI Joe was really my first ever professional acting job. I had just moved to La in ’84 and I was lucky enough to suddenly get this voiceover role. I had never done voiceover before and I felt like I was being thrown into the deep end of the pool. The first day I showed up for work, I went in and did a read through of the script with all the other actors. Then we got up one by one to start recording. So, I had to sit around the table with all these credible voice actors. I was like, “Holy cow, what am I doing here?” It was very intimidating and it was a great learning experience to watch those guys do their things. I had to go up there and do the same thing every day, and every time I went in, I was hoping I didn’t get fired.

In interviews, you’ve mentioned that you only learned about your character on Lost one filming session at a time. What were your thoughts when you finally figured out what was going on with your character?

Well, first of all, Iâ€m not sure Iâ€ve figured out what was going on with my character. I am sure some people have figured it out and Iâ€d love to talk to them. It was fun. It was somewhat secretive; they kept everything close to their vest. I would never get the whole script to begin with, just my stuff. In the beginning, Iâ€d get the script the night before and deliver my lines the next day. Each time, it was a little different and a little weird. Most of the time, as an actor, you just get the script and do it without any questions asked. I just went along with it and figured that they must have known what they were doing, even if I didnâ€t know what I was doing. As the seasons went along and I learned more about my character and thought, “I wish I would have known that back then because it would have turned out a lot different.” But, I guess it all turned out okay.

Retro Expo offers a huge selection of collectible from notable vendors. The expo also offers big guest names, reasonable pricing, and free parking! Retro Expo is located at the Plano Convention Center and will be there November 12th and 13th. For tickets and more information click here!

The post [INTERVIEW] Francois Chau Talks Turtles, GI Joe, and Lost appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Veronica Cartwright began her acting career during Hollywood’s Golden Age and has a career that has lived up to those expectations since. Cartwright appeared in some of cinema’s most memorable films with roles in The Birds, Alien, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Her career has allowed her to worked for and alongside an extremely long list of Hollywood legends.

She is currently slated to appear in Fox’s television series The Resident later this month. Those acquainted with popular films have most likely already seen Cartwright in action, but now those around DFW will be able to see her in person when she makes an appearance at the Retro Expo in Plano. Fans will be able to meet her this Friday and Saturday at the Plano Event Center.

We were too excited about her arrival to wait, so we got in touch with her ahead of time to discuss her acting career. We talked about her time filming some of her most notable movies and also got a unique insight into the mind of Alfred Hitchcock. Read below to see what she had to say during our chat and ask her some questions of your own at Retro Con!

One of your largest roles early in your career was in The Birds. Did Alfred Hitchcock ever give you any career or personal advice that has stuck with you?

Well, he told me how to cook a steak and he told me a bunch of really great wines to purchase. I was born in Bristol, England, and his favorite wine cellar was in Bristol. When I first met him, I had to go to his bungalow. I had done a movie called The Children’s Hour, which he had seen and he wanted to meet me. He proceeded to tell me these great wines. I was twelve, but I wish Iâ€d have had a pencil and written them down.

Then, he told me how to Cook a steak so that it was a perfect rare because I would need to know that when I got married. I said, “Oh, okay…” And believe me, I have tried that and it works. It’s bizarre, but it works. He was incredibly gracious to me while I was on the set. I would ask him questions and he was always available to answer them. He was never intimidating. I wanted to know about the birds on the jungle gym. Wouldn’t they [the audience] know the real birds from the fake? He told me, if your eye sees movement, it assumes that everything is alive. To this day, I watch that jungle gym scene and when I think I find a fake bird it moves!

It’s really amazing, his tricks of the trade. For instance, when we’re walking out at the end when I have the lovebirds and we’re leaving, there was no door. I asked him about whether or not people will notice there’s no door. He goes, “if there was a door, I wouldn’t be able to see you, dear. Let’s show her, Rod, how it’s done.” So, Rod Taylor reaches down and mimes opening a door. Just the light shadow that crosses my face makes it looked like there was a door there and that’s what’s in the

I would have tea with him every afternoon; at 4:00 he would take his break. It was terrific. He was always wonderful to me. That’s where I realized that when you had to do these big emotional scenes that, if you just watch the actor you were working with and listen to them, the emotionality would come. Like when the birds were all coming down the chimney, I just watched Jessie [Jessica Tandy] and all the emotions were there. It was better than thinking of a dead cat or a dead bird or something like that, which would eventually cause you run out of juice, if that’s what you were doing. As long as you stay accessible to the other person, it all works out great. That’s something that I learned for future takes.

I always wondered how good actors are able to portray their character’s emotions so well. Of course, you had actual birds in the movie, running scenes on treadmills, and heavy action sequences. Did you personally have to deal with any injuries on set?

Well, no, but you did learn to run really fast because if you didn’t on that treadmill, you were like a bowling ball that was coming down. They just kept speeding it up and if you didn’t stay to the front of the crowd, if one kid fell, you all fell and you all landed in a big pile on a mattress on the other end.

My only personal injury, which is so totally weird, was because I had just worked on Route 66. George Maharis had come down with hepatitis and anybody who had worked with him in a certain span of time had to get these penicillin shots. So, they took me over to the nurse on the lot. In those days, the needles looked like they were twelve inches long and they would measure it out according to body weight, then stick it in each cheek. When I came back onto the set, there was a prop guy running around with a down pillow the entire day. When I’d go to sit down, there was this man who would just put this down pillow under my ass. That was the only injury I had but it was due to the shots and not Alfred Hitchcock.

Alien is also a movie that has a reputation for have been a tough movie to film. Between the heat, exhaustion, and flying animal guts, would you go back and do that one again knowing what you do now?

Yeah, but I think I’d ask for more money. It was a tough shoot because everything on set, like the whole ship, was connected. You’d walk into the engine room and then you walked into another room, so it got very claustrophobic after a while. And of course, wearing the gear that we had, which was about 50 lbs. of shoulder pads and helmets, then walking across the desert of imported sand carrying John Heard’s body. We couldn’t use a dummy; we had to use John. We were passing out like flies because they’d forgotten to put any air holes in there, so we were just breathing our own breath.

On top of that, there was a CO2 canister in the back. At one point I asked, “Does anybody see white swirling smoke?” Well, it turned out the CO2 was leaking into our helmets, and there was no place for it to go. John was the first person to pass out. I was the second and then Tom Stewart passed out. We were only considered actors complaining until they did the super distant shot. Tom Skerritt’s son was one of the kids and Ridley’s kids were the other two. When they passed out, they realized that there was obviously a problem.

Of course, we went on to finish all our work. I think I lost 15 lbs. that week; it was mind boggling. You had these nylon lined, big spacesuits, and there was a heat wave in England. When you’d take those things off at the end of the day, it’d be like a pool of sweat inside. It was disgusting. It was not a pleasant experience at all. But there you have it; that’s movie

It’s was said that you didn’t like your character’s emotional fragility to begin with, but you still accepted the role. Why did you go forward with it?

The thing is, I thought I was supposed to be Ripley. That’s who my agent thought I was and who I thought I was. It wasn’t until I got over to England that they said I was coming in to try costumes for Lambert. I thought, “Well, she’s incredibly whiny.” I said I hadn’t even looked at the character from that point of view. But now, if you think about it, she was the only one with the brains to say to get off of the ship, draw straws, and get out of there. Nobody bothered to listen to her but they said that I was the audience’s emotion. I was what the audience was feeling. I did think she was a little emotional, but at least they put back in the scene in the director’s cut where I slapped Sigourney across the face because she wouldn’t let us into the ship. It gave her some sort of defiance, so I thought that was good. I think it all worked out, although we never did shoot my desk scene, which was sort of a shame. But what can you do? That’s how the business works.

Now, retacking on your career, you were on Leave it to Beaver. You gave The Beave his first kiss. Considering you’re only nine years old, was there a moment of awkwardness between you and Jerry Mathers a short time following it?

*Laughs* I don’t really remember. I had to kiss him on the cheek. Richard Deacon played the father and he kept saying, “Come on, come on. You can do this!” It was just silliness. They actually revived my character and interspersed it when they did Still The Beaver. They put in footage of me giving them a kiss on the cheek and stuff like that, which was hysterical. Then, I turned into this Dominatrix real estate person. It was really fun to do. So, I can’t remember. It was just part of the job, I guess. I don’t really recall whether I felt squeamish or not. He and I were both about the same age, I 

I have seen your portfolio and you’ve probably worked on more TV shows than I can count. Is there a particular television show that you really enjoyed filming?

Well, it was really fun doing ER because I got to meet George Clooney. That was very exciting. He came over, introduced himself, and said he was so excited that I was doing the show. He had no idea how excited I was. I also really enjoyed doing X Files. It was very trippy and she was a wonderful character, so I thoroughly enjoyed doing that. I got to do four of those episodes. I do have a show coming out on November 23, The Resident, which will be on Fox on Tuesday nights. I had fun doing that. I’m excited because, as I’m getting older, the parts have become very interesting. There isn’t one show I like better than the other.

You’ve talked about some of the roles that you’ve got coming up, is there a particular character role that you would still like to be cast in?

Oh, no, I can’t think of any. If it catches my eye, I’m willing to do pretty much anything, but I don’t want to do crummy stuff. It’s an entirely different world now. We don’t even go to interviews where you can meet people; you go on tape to do your auditions. It’s a very bizarre kind of world that we’re in right now due to the pandemic. When interviewing in person, you can talk to them and ask if they would you like you to try something else. Now, it’s an entirely different ballgame. You have to take several shots at different angles, say how tall you are, and say where you’re located. It’s just weird. It’s very weird. It’s like you’re double duty. I’m hoping that ends soon.

Me too. Just one final question. You’re generally associated with darker roles for the most part of your career. Horror movies seem to have drastically changed throughout the years since Alfred Hitchcock, more so focusing on gore and less on the plot. Since you spent so much time with Alfred Hitchcock, what do you believe he would think of the genre today?

Well, Alfred Hitchcock always thought less is more; you don’t always show everything. When we did Alien, there wasn’t really any CGI. I think James Cameron was very influenced by Alfred Hitchcock. I mean, you saw parts of the alien but you weren’t quite sure what it was. Your mind did the thinking. One of the scariest scenes in Alien, for me, is when Ripley is in that shuttle and, all of a sudden, the alien is right behind her while she’s undressing and we didn’t even know. He just sort of steps out. He’s part of the window dressing, so to speak, and that is very scary. Hitchcock always felt that less is more, and I think there’s so much CGI now that it gets a bit distracting.

Alfred Hitchcock used 15,000 birds in the chimney scene. We were all in a big bubble and they kept pulling shafts of birds. The birds would come down, and then they go up, and when they can’t go anywhere, they just drop. It was very disconcerting to be doing something like that, but that’s what made it look real. Even in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, you didn’t see everything that was happening with that plant. People just sort of changed; their personalities changed. I’m just a big fan of not showing as much.

There are some movies that I think are really scary. I loved Get Out. I thought that was really scary, but you didn’t know what the hell was going on. It was like your mind was doing tricks on you, and that’s what made it scary. However, I think things have changed dramatically. Sometimes, I think these movies just get a little too bloody, and it’s not really necessary.

Retro Expo will be held November 12th and 13th. Doors open at 4pm tomorrow but VIP members will be able to enter an hour early each day. In addition to celebrity guests, Retro Expo has a huge selection of vintage collectibles and memorabilia. Click here for more information and tickets to the event!

The post [INTERVIEW] The Birds and Alien Star Veronica Cartwright Heads To Retro Expo appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Deborah Foreman, a graduate of Richardson High School, found herself as one of the top rising stars in the 1980s. Her largest role came when she was cast alongside Nicholas Cage in the teen drama Valley Girl. Foreman landed another large role in April Fool’s Day and was featured in a number of low budget horror films following. However, she decided to pursue other business ventures, being much more selective in her roles.

The actress is returning to DFW tonight for a screening of Valley Girl at Alamo Draft House in Las Colinas. The film starts at 7pm and Foreman will conclude the night with a Q&A session. She will also be a featured guest at the Dallas Comic Show this weekend in Lewisville. We were able to catch up with Deborah Foreman a little early to get an inside look at her acting career. Read below for our chat with the 80s pop icon.

You have played notable roles in your career. In April Fool’s Day, you essentially played two separate characters in the movie. Was it strange change playing two completely different personalities on the same set?

No. Fred Walton told me that I needed to make these two characters distinctly different or the film wouldn’t work.

How were you able to reset your mind between takes?

Interesting. I just did. I didn’t think about it. I did my homework, we did rehearsals, and I was up for the challenge. When someone challenges me like that and says, “This film is going to be a flop unless you do your work,” I rise to the occasion. I didn’t think about it. Like I said, I did my homework and I did the rehearsals, and when you put on a costume, it adds to the flavor of the roll. As I recall, I kind of felt like I was doing one character in one day and another character in another day. I don’t remember having to flip flop. I don’t know if it was designed that way but I don’t think so. I think it just happenstance. Good question.

Valley Girl is probably your biggest movie. It’s still among some of the top teen movies that are discussed today, and it was made in the 80s. Why is it still relevant?

Well, movies are about love, power, or death and that it has to go into one of those three categories. When it honors one of those three categories in which, of course, Valley Girl was about love, it is everlasting. That’s why Valley Girl has lasted to this day, because it still pulls on the heartstrings of young people and still pulls on the heartstrings of our age group and older. Also, I think our chemistry adds to the love equation that happened in that film. You really, really want chemistry like that, especially a love film. I think that’s why it lasted, because it really honored love. The 80s was the decade of the heart, which is the decade of love. It was all perfect timing, perfect timing.

So, you mentioned the 80s. What 80s trend would you revive if you could?

I think it’s already reviving. Everybody says “for sure”, “awesome”, and
“totally”. They’re just saying it differently than we said it back in the 80s, like we elongated the word a little bit. Now the kids have shortened it a bit, but everybody still says them often. They’re still saying, oh, my god. Omg. They’re still using this terminology.

How did your experience in the Valley Girl reboot compare to the original? I know you weren’t in a main role, but did it still kind of evoke the same feelings to you?

It was not the same at all. I was just hired to go in and play The Shop Girl and basically to be the Easter egg in the film to pay a homage to the original. When I walked onto the original set, we didn’t have video villages. We didn’t have a separate sound system and a separate focus pulling station or a soundtrack area for the music that they were actually going to be using in the film. We never had any of that. It’s been commercialized quite a bit. You can do playback now. It’s changed a whole lot. There’s more freedom, I feel, as an actor or an actress because you’re not so relegated to having to stay in a certain spot. The focus puller can basically follow you around from his station and still pull focus on you and without even being near the camera. There’s a lot more freedom as an actor.

That film signaled your return to acting, at least in a small role, after about a decade hiatus. You’ve got tons of different projects going on between yoga and jewelry and everything else under the sun. Can we expect to see you again in any upcoming films?

I never say never. I have passion for acting, but I would need to feel passion for the story. It’s based around what comes my way in terms of scripts and the story that they’re wanting to share and tell. I’m not in charge of that. That’s not in my hands. It will happen. In fact, I know that it’s going to happen. I just can’t tell you when and with whom.

So, if you had a preference, is there a specific genre or type of character that you’d like to play in the future?

I think I can play character roles because of my age and experience. I would relish those. When you’re an ingenue in Hollywood, they only see you as that and you’re plugged into that for a long time until you physically begin to change. Then, they’re more open to you doing other things. I would definitely do a social worker, lawyer, entrepreneur, or a business woman in some strong role. Those would be something that I would gravitate towards, women with strength that are trying to overcome something. I had an acting teacher that used to tell me me that in the future, I was going to be playing “giving woman” roles. I recently watched a series of this woman who is a cop. In the series, it’s not a Christian series, but in the series, she played a Christian cop with a family. That’s a “giving woman” role.

You have a Q&A coming up tonight at the Alamo Drafthouse. You graduated from Richardson High School. What does it mean to you to be able to come back to DFW to promote your work?

I think it is wonderful. This is where I was discovered. Bruce Cooper came through Kim Dawson when I was a senior in high school. I remember going to the office and being told that I was going to be too short for a role but that I should go ahead and meet him. So, I did. Within six months I was working in Los Angelas. This is where my launchpad happened. So, yes! It gives me tingles and it’s lovely. It takes me full circle. Wow, I am actually having a full circle moment right now!

Be sure to head out to Alamo Drafthouse to catch Foreman’s Valley Girl screening tonight. Also, don’t miss Dallas Comic Show this weekend at Music City Mall in Lewisville!

The post [INTERVIEW] Valley Girl’s Deborah Foreman Returns To DFW appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Hollywood legend Burton Gilliam is a DFW native with quite the impressive resume. Some may know him locally for his car dealership ads in the early 90s but most will recognize him for his roles in Blazing Saddles, Back to the Future III, and Paper Moon. His Texan grin and charm landed him roles in some of the most notable films in history. However, he is far from the typical Hollywood actor.

Gilliam began his career as a Dallas Fire Fighter and boxer. After deciding it would be neat to audition for a role as an extra in a movie, he immediately landed his big break and was thrust into acting. After his first movie was a success, he was soon cast as Lyle in Blazing Saddles. Now 83, Gilliam still holds the role close to heart and remembers it vividly.

Gilliam will be appearing at the Dallas Comic Show this weekend, November 6th and 7th. Fans will have the opportunity to meet the legendary actor in person for autographs and pictures. Due to the fact that Gilliam is a DFW resident and film icon, we could not wait until Dallas Comic Show to have a few words with him. Fortunately, he was kind enough to grant us an interview in advance to talk about his life and career. Read below to see our exclusive interview with Burton Gilliam!

People usually associate you with the western genre. What is your favorite western movie?

Blazing Saddles, without a doubt. Itâ€s the biggest thing that ever happened to me in my motion picture life. I started in a picture four months before called Paper Moon, which really put me on the map although I didnâ€t know that it was going to. I was a fireman in Dallas for 14 years. Just through luck, I got in this picture called Paper Moon and, boy, it started something that I was not prepared for.

You went from a fireman to Hollywood star with Paper Moon. Your interview as an extra turned into a full-blown career. Why do you think the director was so impressed with you?

Well, one reason was Civil Shepherd. She was going with [the director] Peter Bogdanovich and she loved me. As soon as we met, she was saying, “Honey, heâ€s just so cute. Give him the part; give him the part!” So, that’s what he did. I guess it did take about five days for it to sink in but Paramount casting calling and said, “Peter wants you to do this.” I said, “Well, okay, let’s do it. I’ll take my vacation from the Dallas Fire Department in the weeks coming up and we’ll do this because that’s what they wanted.” They brought me up to Kansas City, and then drove me on into St. Joseph. That’s where it all started, right there.

Social standards today would obviously never allow Blazing Saddles to go into production if it was filmed in 2021.

[Laughs] No. Blazing Saddles can never be reached. No way. Mel knows that. I talk to him all the time and he’s so thankful that we had about a two-year period in there to do it. Before that two-year period, we couldn’t do it and after that two-year period we certainly couldn’t do it again. It has always been one of the top comedian pictures ever done and will continue to be high on that list. We just couldn’t do it again.

If it couldnâ€t be made today, why do you think there are generations still so obsessed with the movie. How is that even possible?

I have no idea and Mel Brooks has no idea either. It’s just phenomenal, the way it has lasted and will continue to last.

You were at the helm of cinemaâ€s first “fart joke.”

Oh, boy!

That is quite an accomplishment. Has Guinness or anyone else given you an award or official recognition for it?

They should! We were out in desert about 125 miles northeast of Los Angeles and Mel knocked on my trailer door at about 7:30 in the morning. He said, “Well, I’m going to make you famous today.” I said, “What?” He answered, “Yeah, you know what we’re doing? You’re going to be the first one and it has never been done in motion picture history.” And I didn’t know that. Wow, don’t you know that my mom and dad would be so proud of me?

Who wouldnâ€t be? You are also known for your scene singing Camptown Races. How did you come up with your dance?

I just made up my own little dance, and the other guys followed me. The first take we did, we went all the way through it. Mel said, “Cut. Man, that is great. I want you to continue doing that, but we can’t use that one.” I didn’t know anything about going out of the camera or their loop. I was all over the place. I went down probably 15ft that way and 15ft that way doing my little dance. He said, “You’ve got to stay within the camera range.” He got out of stick and drew an area about 10ft by 10ft. He said, “You can’t go out of that right there. Youâ€ve got to stay within that.” He did end up using pieces of it though. It took over a day to shoot that because we had so many people in the scene and they did close ups on everybody. Like to said, I didn’t know what I was doing but I knew that I was doing it right because everybody was laughing at it. Mel Brooks was laughing at is, so I knew I was doing it right whether I was going out of camera range or not. I was still doing it right.

You mentioned laughing. I know you’ve talked in other interviews about how the cast would constantly crack up while filming scenes. Were you and the rest of the cast professional when you were together off camera or did the shenanigans just continue?

I was as close with the extras as I was with the cast, which I didn’t know is really unusual. The stars of the picture, any picture, for some reason, don’t really associate with most of the extras on the picture. It’s just not the way they do things, but I’ve always been really close to the extras because they make the scene happen. If it weren’t for the extras, gosh, you’d just be out there trying to make a scene happen. It’s the people behind you that are really doing it for you.

Of course, Gene Wilder was your costar in the film. Willy Wonka was such a huge success just 3 years before Blazing Saddles was released and fans tend perceive actors as their characters. Were you initially able to separate Wilder from his eccentric candy-making counterpart?

It was as easy as falling off a log because Gene was never anywhere being close to the character that he plays and I donâ€t mean just on Blazing Saddles or Willy Wonka. Gene Wilder was not funny. He did not get funny until the words came out of his mouth and then he went back to being Gene Wilder. Gene was a guy who was very serious all of the time. He wasnâ€t so serious that people didnâ€t like him, but he always had his nose in a book or script and was not talking about the scene that was about to take place. He just wasnâ€t a funny guy until the words came off the page, into his mouth, and out of his mouth.

The current film industry is saturated with sequels and overdone plots. Can you please talk Mel Brooks into doing one final masterpiece?

He has done a lot of great pictures. To me, nothing will ever replace Blazing Saddles because I wasnâ€t in the other pictures.

You had just finished Paper Moon before joining Blazing Saddles. Did Mel Brooks or Gene Wilder give you any advice?

Mel Brooks never said anything but Gene did. When you are filming, a scene could take an entire day. He would always say, “Just think about what this character might really be thinking in the back of his head while you are doing this. Where is he coming from and what is he thinking about?” Gosh, I would do that and it would just solidify what I was already doing. I would tell him that I would do that and would think about it. Every time I would think, “Iâ€m holding back here. I need to really go for it and get it done rather than being timid or playing underneath the character.” I would open up and play over the top with the character just like Gene Wilder did. Look at those things he did, crazy things, like Willy Wonka. My gosh. Through him, even though he was really laid back while off the camera, I learned to really go for it like he always did.

You are a DFW native. How has being from Dallas played a role in your career?

It made me more secure. I had to quit my job from the Dallas Fire Department but I had a life long before I became an actor. A lot of actors donâ€t. They have set their sights on becoming an actor and became one or they set their sights on it and it didnâ€t work. That is true for the most part. Iâ€ve always been a Dallas/Fort Worth guy. I went to Woodrow Wilson High School and I am in their hall of fame because of what I did with Blazing Saddles and winning more golden gloves that anyone in the history of the sport over a ten-year period. There are only about 49 of us. I wasnâ€t popular in high school at all but, boy, my part in Blazing Saddles and my track record winning golden gloves put me into their hall of fame.

Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Burton Gilliam this weekend at the Dallas Comic Show to have some of your own questions answered. Dallas Comic Show will be held at Music City Mall in Lewisville, just off highway 35. The convention offers free parking, inexpensive tickets, a larger selection of vendors, and a number of notable guests. For more information or tickets check out their site by clicking here!

The post [INTERVIEW] DFW Native Burton Gilliam Discusses Blazing Saddles And His Career appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Sherilyn Fenn has graced Hollywood since the 1980s, making a name for herself on and off screen. Starring in more than 123 shows and films, Fenn has left a lasting impact on the cinema industry. Some of her most memorable roles came in hits like Twin Peaks, Of Mice and Men, and Gilmore Girls. Off screen she was considered one the most beautiful women of the 90s, even having her ex fiancé Johnny Depp pay homage to her in one of his movies by inscribing Fenn’s name on his helmet in Platoon. 

In addition to her notable performances in the past, fans can see Fenn in the upcoming series Shining Vale featuring Courtney Cox and Greg Kinnear. While fans may have to wait until the series debuts on television, admirers in DFW will be able to see Fenn a little earlier. She is set to appear at the Dallas Comic Show later this week where she will be signing autographs and discussing her work. However, we were a bit impatient, so we got in touch ahead of time to get to know Fenn a little better. Take a look at our Q&A below and then head to Dallas Comic Show this weekend to see her there!

Twin Peaks was only on air for two seasons in the 90s yet still has such a huge following that it returned again for an additional season in 2017. Why do you think there is such a draw to this show?

I think mainly the genius of David Lynch. It came at a time when television was starved for something more original….

There is a theory that in the final season, the Audrey the audience sees is not the same from the original series. Is this, in fact, the same Audrey?

Well, it is the same Audrey. And yet, with so many years passing…. are we the same? So many years later? There are so many different theories. DKL says that â€˜understanding†is overrated. For everyone to have their own unique experiences what all art inspires.

Who was Billy supposed to be and was he ever shown on the series?

You would need to ask DKL.

The series is supposedly complete. Are you satisfied with the ending or would you like to see the story continued? How would you end the show if it were up to you?

The show ends as DKL sees fit. No use going on about it. It was a magically ride and has stood the test of time. That is a huge gift.

The role of Audrey in Twin Peaks was written specifically for you but is there another character that youâ€ve portrayed who you feel truly represents you?

All the roles I have played, for the most part have deep parts of my heart and soul in them. The work begins there.

Flipping the script to Gilmore Girls, you did not return for that series reboot which heavily divided the showâ€s fandom. Did you watch Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life? If so, what were your thoughts?

No, I did not. But I loved my time on the show. 

Many fans are still realizing that you played two characters on the series. Was it challenging playing two completely different characters on the same show? How were you able to pull it off so well?

It was a few years apart so it was not too difficult. Also, the writing of Amy Sherman Palladino is so great…. she would not ask me to play but very different characters. And that my hair was short and platinum blonde helped.

Your array of roles have allowed you to work with a ton of notable costars. Who is someone you still dream of starring alongside?

Denzel Washington. 

Youâ€ve had parts in these iconic shows, as well as Friends, The 4400, Cheers, and so many others. Which role was the most difficult for you to film?

The most difficult role was Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story. Playing the title role from age 15-64…. we shot 6-day weeks and my first child had been born less than a year before. It was such a challenge. 

Fenn went on to contrast the last question by elaborating on some of her favorite work. She explained, “Of Mice and Men was something that I adored doing. Shameless also had a wonderful character [Queenie] and SWAT did too”. 

Fans will have the opportunity to meet this pop culture icon and also ask her some of their own questions at the Dallas Comic Show. The convention will be held and Music City Mall in Lewisville on November 6th and 7th. You can see the full schedule or purchase tickets through the Dallas Comic Show website. 

The post [INTERVIEW] 10 Quick Questions With Sherilyn Fenn appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Voice actress Melanie Kohn, a Texas resident, has played a role that has influenced generations children and adults alike. Kohn is best known for voicing Lucy Van Pelt in many of the Charlie Brown animated shows and movies, including It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! Kohn’s sister voiced the character before she assumed the role from 1974-1977, giving Melanie Kohn the distinction of having one of the longest running stints voicing a Peanuts character.

 Kohn will be a guest at the Dallas Comic Show later this week. However, we had the privilege of speaking with her prior to her appearance to get an insight into what it was like to voice one of Charles Schulz’s most memorable characters. Take a look below to see what Kohn had to say about her time as Lucy!

So, first and foremost, your sister voiced Lucy prior to you taking over in 1974. How did you end up assuming the role?

The Peanuts characters have all been done by kids and kids retire. Since girls’ voices  change at about twelve years old, my sister’s voice got too low for the role. I don’t know how it works now, but they didn’t let us know when we retired back then. They just stopped calling us. So, one day the phone rang and they wanted me to come in, not my sister. They wanted me to audition for Sally and Lucy. When I did, they said, “Well, your voice is too low for Sally and too high for Lucy but we’re going to let you assume the role of Lucy because your voice quality is similar to your sisters.” That’s how I got started. I had one of the longest runs, if not the longest run for the girls since I was in four shows in a movie.

Did you feel any pressure performing since your sister had already successfully played the part?

No, I didn’t because I think that we did sound similar, even though she was two years older than I was. Our voices were similar, and I could hear it even at that age.

Did you ever have the opportunity to meet Charles Schultz?

I didn’t personally. My sister did, but I worked with Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, the director and producer.

What do you remember about your time in the studio?

We did it separately, so we never recorded with the other kids. Bill Melendez would speak the part of whoever we were supposed to be talking to. Back then, they did the animation afterwards, so everything was drawn according to the voices since the speaking part came first. Being a kid between nine and twelve years old, it was just fun. I didn’t think anything beyond it being fun. It was cool hearing it when it came finally came out on TV.

I was just about to ask what was it like actually seeing the final product for the first time since you only saw a one side conversation.

I would definitely critique myself like the way I pronounced certain words, even back then. I think it was as much fun to see my name in the credits at the end as hearing my voice. 

Who is your favorite Peanuts character? 

Oh, that’s a tough one. I have to say that I’m biased; Lucy is my favorite. I’ve definitely been called crabby and I raised three kids who would constantly do the “wah wah wah wah” voice to me.

I could see how raising kids who’ve grown up watching Peanuts would be interesting in your household. So, which is your favorite Charlie Brown movie?

My favorite was It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown! Not just because I voiced it, but because I love the music. And I loved the one Snoopy went into the sugar egg and danced with all the bunnies. It was just fun. It was cute and fun.

Why did you decide to leave acting after voicing Lucy?

I don’t really think that it was a decision as much as I just wasn’t guided in that direction. I didn’t have stage parents. I started stage acting when I was very young and it was something that I was into but my parents weren’t pushing for it. So, as a child, I didn’t really know which way to turn to pursue acting. 

I understand but I can also see why since it is a tough industry for the children and parents involved.

Incidentally, all my kids work in visual effects in Vancouver, BC. My youngest son actually works for Brainchild Studios, which do the Peanuts shows. It was just coincidence that he ended up working for that studio, so it is kind of cool.

Since we are on the topic of family, Charlie Brown was released in 1950 as a comic strip but it’s still so popular today that it got revived on the big screen in 2015. Why do you think Peanuts is still such a large part of pop culture?

I think that when people grow up, they have a sentimental feeling about it and watch it with their kids. Then, the kids are left with a sentimental feeling, having the memory of watching it with their parents. It just goes from generation to generation. That’s typically the response I’ve gotten when I meet Peanuts fans in public; that’s what I hear the most. I hear kids in their 20s and 30s saying, “My parents raised me on this. We watched the specials every year!”

Speaking of which, there is a scene in the Easter special where Snoopy licks Lucy on the face and she lets out her iconic yell. How difficult was it for you to come up with the sound?

[Laughs] Not difficult at all. I can still do it!

And finally, since you are essentially Lucy and she is a world renown psychologist, what expert advice would you give our audience?

If it is coming from Lucy: “I can’t help thinking that this would be a better world if everyone would listen to me.” However, if it’s coming from me: “Be gracious to everyone. You never know what they might be going through and it’s not your job to judge.”

Luckily, those in DFW will be able to meet Melanie Kohn later this week at the Dallas Comic Show in Lewisville. It will be held at the Music City Mall on November 6th and 7th. For tickets or more information head on over to Dallas Comic Show’s website.

The post [INTERVIEW] Charlie Brown’s Melanie Kohn Reflects On Her Time As Lucy appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Retro Expo will be bringing collectors across DFW together this November. It will be held at the Plano Convention Center on November 12-13. The convention is touted as an event that is “by collectors, for collectors” and looks to be living up to its name. 

Retro Expo will house over 35,000 sq. feet of collectibles including comic books, trading cards, vintage toys, and many other revered vintage items. In addition to the numerous vendors, they will also be hosting an array of guests. See below for some of the celebrity and artist talent that will be heading to the venue in just a few weeks!

If you are looking for a great convention to cap off the year and are on a budget, check out Retro Expo. The venue has free parking for the event and tickets are at a very reasonable price (even more so if bought prior to the November 12). It is a family friendly event and children under the age of 12 are free! 

For more information or tickets head over to their site by clicking here.

The post The Past Visits Plano When Retro Expo Hits DFW This November appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

The Gaylord Texan is well known for their extravagant Christmas decorations and events. This year, they will be continuing the tradition with Christmas at the Gaylord. The event will feature tons of new and interactive events that are sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit.

Due to Covid restrictions, the carvers for ICE! were unable to return to the US so the beloved exhibit was postponed. However, the Gaylord Texan has replaced the exhibit with “Mission: Save Christmas Featuring Elf.” Attendees will help Buddy the Elf attempt to gain enough Christmas spirit to fuel the Kringle 3000 and save Christmas. Audience members will have ample opportunities for selfies while going through immersive movie scenes, shoot snowballs, play interactive games, and enjoy a multisensory experience!

Last year the Gaylord filled the ICE! void with “I Love Christmas Movies.” The movie scenes and special effects were great but some visitors felt like they were a bit rushed and that it lacked components to draw in the audience. Luckily, the Gaylord took the critiques and came up with a solution that is sure to please guests. Instead of merely strolling through scenes, visitors will play a pivotal role in them!

Of course, the Gaylord Texan is bringing back other fan favorite events like the snow tubing, gingerbread decorating, themed brunch, and more. Christmas at the Gaylord will run from November 12 – January 2. Fortunately, our readers are able to enjoy the event for a discounted rate with our exclusive code: LIVE. Enter the code when purchasing tickets to receive 50% off the Merry & Light and Mission: Save Christmas exhibits! 

The post Don’t Miss Christmas At The Gaylord Texan appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Park Cities was the overall area leader in total dollar sales with $189.3 million in home sales, a 33% increase over last year. Following in second place was the Frisco area with $170.5 million in home sales, a 6% increase. In third place was the South Denton County area including Flowermound, Highland Village, and Lewisville homes selling $153.9 million, which is a 21% increase.

The greatest number of homes sold was in the South Denton County area of Flowermound, Highland Village, and Lewisville, with 662 homes selling. That is a 26% increase in homes sold compared to last year. Frisco was in second place, selling 584 homes, which is a 6% increase. In third place was North Denton County, including Denton and Little Elm, selling 578 homes, increasing real estate sales 29% from last year.

Park Cities homes lead in the highest average price at $1,051,933, a 2% increase over last year. Following in second place were Preston Hollow homes, selling at an average of $675,643, a 15% decrease. In third place was Addison homes selling at an average of $316,961 a 6% increase in real estate sales prices.

As a real estate agent, I know how overwhelmed home-buyers can feel. One thing to remember is that it’s important to have your financing and per-qualification work in process to ensure a smooth transaction. The Texas home market in the DFW Metroplex has improved over last year in the first quarter of this year. With prices and interest rates at historic lows, this is a great time for first-time home buyers and current home owners looking for a larger house. As the spring begins and school ends, more homes like those at Reali will be put on the market and more prospective buyers will be looking. Also, keep in mind that traditionally, the second and third quarters are the busiest in the real estate industry.

Register online to have monthly Dallas Real Estate updates for your city and your neighborhood automatically emailed to you.

North Texas Real Estate Information System (NTREIS) provides this information monthly based on local real estate sales. Information is believed reliable but is only as accurate as reported by the system in the month of March 2012. Park Cities Homes is NTREIS area 25 which includes Highland Park and University Park Homes. Frisco Homes is NTREIS area 55. Denton County South is NTREIS area 41 with includes Lewisville, Flowermound, Corinth, and Highland Village Homes. Coppell Homes is NTREIS area 20. White Rock area homes is NTREIS area 12 and includes Lakewood, Lower Greenville, and “M Streets”. McKinney Homes is NTREIS area 25. Denton County North is NTREIS area 31 which includes Denton, Little Elm, and Aubrey Homes. Preston Hollow Homes is NTREIS Area 11. Addison Homes is NTREIS area 10 and Allen Homes is NTREIS area 51.

The post Top 10 Real Estate Sales Areas in Dallas – Q1 2012 appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Dallas Comic Show will hold its final show of the year in November. After having to postpone their events last year due to the pandemic, the convention has made sure to make up for lost time. This year, Dallas Comic Show has hosted two events and will conclude with a holiday special next month. 

The Dallas Observer has deemed Dallas Comic Show the “Best Convention in DFW” and the organizers are doing their best to maintain their status. The convention offers a heavy focus on comic books that many local comic cons overlook. It is a smaller convention but it continues to grow each year. Dallas Comic Show offers free parking and a setting that doesn’t make you feel like you are merely being funneled through tight aisles or long lines.

There is a strong lineup of unique guests that have already committed to attend in November. Actors like Burt Gilliam (Blazing Saddles), Melanie Kohn (Charlie Brown), and Sherilyn Fenn (Gilmore Girls) are among some of the names that are scheduled. Of course there are plenty of notable comic book artists as well such as Ben Dunn (Marvel Magnaverse), Howard Chaykin (Star Wars), and John Lucas (Deadpool).

This year’s Dallas Comic Show will be held at Music City Mall in Lewisville. It will be held November 6-7. Click here to purchase tickets or to find out more!

The post Dallas Comic Show Will Host A Holiday Special Next Month appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

After a year sabbatical due to Covid, Fan Expo Dallas returned to DFW and it did not disappoint. Texas’s pandemic numbers climbed in the weeks leading up to the convention creating some doubt that it would actually take place this year. Several high profile guests dropped out at the last minute, increasing these fears. Luckily, the pandemic numbers leveled out a bit and Fan Expo Dallas was able to secure several big guests in an extremely short time period. Surprisingly, the result was one of the best cons Fan Expo has thrown in recent years.

There was a large number of attendees but not too many to feel overbearing, a great showing and reasonable number considering the circumstances. Fan Expo did a phenomenal job organizing and regulating the event. Safety precautions were also in place to meet Dallas County’s restrictions. Audiences partook in panels with celebrities from The Office, Doctor Who, Star Trek, Myth Busters, and many other shows. The artist sketch duel has become one of Fan Expo’s biggest attractions. The audience suggests random items or settings to be included in drawings while artists improvise them into their drawings of famous characters. 

The younger visitors also had plenty to do. Kids could be sorted into a Hogwarts house from Harry Potter or learn to wield a lightsaber in a training academy where students could choose whether they wanted to join the Jedi or Sith. As always, there was a children’s fan area that hosted a plethora of events. 

There were easily enough vendors to match past events and the focus this year was heavily on the fans. The show floor had at least five stations for photo ops with popular scenes/props from some of cinema’s greatest hits. Of course this was in addition to the countless opportunities to take pictures with cosplayers representing almost every aspect of fandom. Take a look below to see some of our favorite attendees from this year’s Fan Expo Dallas!

The post Review: Fan Expo Dallas 2021 Delivers appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

 Rising country music newcomer and American Idol winner Chayce Beckham will perform as part of the Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show presented by The Dallas Morning News prior to the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs race Oct. 17 at Texas Motor Speedway.

 Beckham and his band will perform live beginning at 11 a.m. CT on the pre-race stage located at the start/finish line of The Great American Speedway. 

Race fans can watch the concert from the comfort of their grandstand seat or get up close with the purchase a Track Pass. The Track Pass credential includes access to stand on the track for the concert as well as driver introductions. The cost is $59 and must be accompanied by a race ticket. Texas Motor Speedway season ticket holders will receive a free Track Pass. Pit access is not included. 

The life and career of the Season 19 winner of American Idol has gone full vertical since he was crowned on May 23, 2021. Beckhamâ€s debut song, the semi-autobiographical “23,” debuted that month and quickly earned the top spot on both the iTunes Country and all genre charts. The Southern California native and former heavy machine operator has since moved to Nashville where he is recording his debut album for 19 Recordings in partnership with BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records. 

The 24-year-old cites artists including Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and Kolton Moore & The Clever few as influences for his songwriting. American Idol host and superstar Katy Perry said his signature gravelly voice sounds like “the heart of America.” 

The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 weekend begins Saturday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. CT with the 200-lap Andyâ€s Frozen Custard 335, the fourth race of the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series playoffs. The green flag to start the 334-lap Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500, the seventh race of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, is scheduled to wave Sunday, Oct. 17, shortly after 1 p.m. CT. 

TICKETS:Tickets for the Oct. 16-17 NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 weekend, are on sale now 

MORE INFO: Keep track of all of Texas Motor Speedwayâ€s events by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the latest news and information on the speedway website and TMS mobile app.

The post CHAYCE BECKHAM CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS LOUD & PROUD PRE-RACE SHOW FOR NASCAR PLAYOFFS WEEKEND appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Programming schedule released for three-day pop culture event

FAN EXPO Dallas 2021 is fast approaching and the organizers behind the mega-hit weekend have released the programming schedule that brings hundreds of unique experiences, contests, family-friendly activities and on-site activations to the largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Texas.

“Whether itâ€s arriving in your favorite costume to show off to the crowds, getting the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows or learning more about the voices behind your favorite VTubers and anime, this event celebrates all things fandom. Our guests can watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our ‘How To†workshops, take photos with their favorite costumed characters or buy a unique gift at FAN EXPO Dallas†huge show floor for shopping!” – Andrew Moyes, FAN EXPO HQ Vice President

The full programming schedule has been released here and general information about the event is available at www.fanexpodallas.com. Health and safety information is available here. The FAN EXPO Dallas app is available for Android and Apple devices.  Fans can download it in advance for the latest updates and to start planning their visit.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Cosplay! Cosplay! Cosplay!

Known for a feast on the eyes, the FAN EXPO cosplay experience is evident all weekend long when like-minded fans meet up and families cosplay together! From the Cosplay Red Carpet where guests can get their photo taken by the official Cosplay Red Carpet to the FAN EXPO Dallas Cosplay Craftsmanship Cup, where guests gear up and show off their craftsmanship skills, cosplay glory is all around at FAN EXPO Dallas.

Nothingâ€s the same at Artist Alley

Indie meets pro in this special area where you will find all your favorite pencillers, inkers and writers. This is a “must experience area” for anyone interested in meeting the rising stars and the people who work the front lines of the industry. Here youâ€ll find it all – comics, graphic novels, limited edition prints and best of all, original art and sketches.

FAN EXPO Dallas x Hololive VTuber Tour, NEW for 2021!

FAN EXPO and Hololive have joined forces to bring some of the biggest English-speaking VTubers in the world to FAN EXPO Dallas! There will be a special pair of virtual panels across the weekend as they stream directly into the show with fun-filled and interactive anime performances. Exclusive 2021 VTuber Tour merchandise including lanyards, t-shirts and buttons will be available on-site featuring all the Hololive EN VTubers.

Iconic Guests

From science fiction fantasy to Gen X icons, from superheroes to comedy geniuses, FAN EXPO Dallas has gathered the widest variety of guests from all genres of pop culture. From legendary voices and celebrities to the largest gathering of My Hero Academia voice actor stars to date, to comic creators including artists illustrators and writers, even the most hardcore fan is bound to find an abundance of activity and interaction to satisfy their pop-culture fixation.

FINDERS KEEPERS: The Community Zone

From Whovians to Jedis, a cosplayer or crafter, the Community Zone is where people find their people…the ones who share and discover fandom together! Fans can out about local clubs, get up close to movie props, test their trivia, and snap photos galore with other fans who are just as excited to #fanexpodallas.

FAN EXPO Puts Fans First

“We have the most dedicated and passionate fans in the convention world, and we will continue to bring the best of pop culture to them. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is a wonderful partner and host venue and weâ€re collaborating to ensure a safe experience for all attendees. This means our exhibitors, guests, sponsors and fans can safely enjoy the full FAN EXPO Dallas experience with confidence.” – Andrew Moyes

The post FAN EXPO Dallas To Bring the Best of Fandom to North Texas NEXT WEEK! appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Horror fanatics’ fears came true last year when Texas Frightmare Weekend was canceled due to Covid. Fortunately, the convention returns in September and will be bringing screams of delight (and maybe some of sheer terror as well). Texas Frightmare Weekend boasts that it is â€œThe Southwestâ€s Premier Horror Convention” and the lineup this year goes to show why.

Cinema’s horror genre has thrilled audiences for decades. Names like Candyman, Leatherface, and Jason are embedded in pop culture today. TFW21 includes names from these timeless films and more. Some of the top talent that will be present this year are actors like Danny Trejo, Freddy Prinze Jr, Traci Lords, and even Slipknot’s lead singer Corey Taylor. Take a look at the full lineup here.

Texas Frightmare Weekend will take place at The Hyatt Regency Hotel located at the DFW airport. It will run Friday through Sunday, September 10-12. Lodging is available and tickets can be purchased here. 

The post The Nightmare Is Over, TFW Returns In September appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Fan Expo Dallas is back! The pandemic has done some major damage to the entertainment sector over the past couple of years, leaving convention fanatics with a gaping void. Although fans have been understanding of current health issues, each postponement and cancelation announcement was accompanied with heavy disappointment. Luckily, due to vaccination efforts and safety protocols, convention season has finally returned and Fan Expo Dallas is making sure it was worth the wait.

Fan Expo Dallas has made some major announcements over the past couple of months ranging from some of the most notable artists to timeless actors. FXD21 will be bringing talent from the depths of the universe, Shire, and even Scranton, Pennsylvania. Take a look below to see the full list of celebrity guests that will be appearing at this year’s show!

The official schedule for Fan Expo Dallas has not been released yet, but should be here within the next few weeks. It can be expected that it will include some of the events that make this convention so memorable such as cosplay contests, opportunities to visit panels, and a chance to play a round of games with other fans. Attendees will definitely want to look over the itinerary when it is published to get the most out of their trip. Fan Expo Dallas will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center in downtown Dallas. It is scheduled to run from September 17-19 and hotel rooms are available nearby. Click here to purchase tickets and be a part of the return of Dallas’s largest comic con!

The post Fan Expo Dallas Is Officially Back This September With Some Major Talent appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Bar Method® Owner/Master Instructor Melissa Moore is bringing the premier barre-based workout, known for its targeted and effective body sculpting exercises, to the Preston Hollow/North Dallas community. Located at 11661 Preston Road (at Forest), Suite 128, Dallas, TX 75230, the new 1806 square foot studio is the 154th Bar Method studio nationwide. Interested participants are invited to visit The Bar Method Preston Hollowâ€s website to sign up for a complimentary class ($25 value) in June to experience The Bar Method, and the studio is currently offering a Grand Opening Special – Pay $99 in June and then $169/month for the first year.

The Bar Method is the pioneer in the growing barre-based exercise programs with safe, fun, hour-long workouts that use isometric exercises to strengthen and tone all major muscle groups, followed by periods of stretching to elongate, lengthen and align the body.  By incorporating elements of Pilates, yoga, and other strength training workouts, this barre workout will sculpt your entire body, improve your flexibility, and boost your endurance in a way that only barre can. The Bar Method Preston Hollow is the first studio owned and operated by Moore.

Throughout the month of June, Moore is hosting a series of pop-up partnerships to highlight other female owned businesses based in Dallas:

FRIDAY, JUNE 11TH: Morgan Sapp, National Coach for The Bar Method. Sapp was an integral part of the Teachers Certification process for The Bar Method and will teach classes in studio on Friday June 11^th. Participate in a Method class at 9:30am and Bar Basics at 10:45am. This is a perfect time to try class if you’ve never experienced one or learn how to perfect your form.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH: Lauren Rowold, Founder and Owner of LNR Bar will be in studio sampling and selling her Dallas-based whey protein bars (also available at Whole Foods). They’re not only delicious, but they contain healthy ingredients you want for your body.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH:  Susan Posnick, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Owner of Susan Posnick Cosmetics, will be doing summer color consults and touch-ups at our beautiful vanity bar. You can leave Bar feeling and looking great. She’s also offering a complimentary makeup bag with $50 purchase from her Dallas-based line which she can have delivered to your homes the following week.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20: DON’T FORGET DAD! Dads are invited to attend to a free class on Sunday, June 20th at 12pm. Call the studio to reserve a spot for the special man in your life, then bring in your Dad, Husband, Boyfriend, Brother, etc in to enjoy a class together. . .

SATURDAY, JUNE 26: Jenn Hill, Creator and Owner of Dallas-based Zenn Jenn, will be in studio 10am-12pm showcasing her line of candles, oils, and beauty products. Not only does Jenn have family in our Preston Hollow Community, she also used to be a ballerina. Jenn now promotes her self-care brand defined by ritual, health, and wellness.

The Bar Method in Preston Hollow is located at 11661 Preston Road, Suite 128, Dallas, TX 75230, 214-792-9111, https://barmethod.com/locations/dallas-preston-hollow/.

The post Belly Up To The Bar appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

“With the need for different types of testing ever on the rise, I chose to move forward in my partnership with testhere.com because of the integrity of the team, the solidity of the company, and the desire to help keep our communities safe and well.”

Kathy Fielder, Test Here, Partner

Even if you have the slightest runny nose or allergy-like symptoms, you should get tested. After being exposed to someone with the virus it can take up to 14 days to render a positive test result. Therefore, being tested more than once can give you confidence of your current condition. If you feel youâ€ve been exposed at work, at school or from a friend, Test Here offers convenient, quick and reliable drive- through COVID-19 testing to put your mind at ease. Another valuable resource offered by Test Here is antibody testing. If you have had your vaccine and simply want to know if it has been effective, an antibody test gives you the peace of mind to know you are covered. Additionally, if you are getting your vaccine, a rapid and / or PCR test is advisable. With a positive test, medical professionals advise to wait before getting your vaccine as it can possibly cause you to become quite ill. Book your test date & time now to secure your spot. Bring the whole family for peace of mind.

CURRENT LOCATIONS:
– Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX. 75034 (located I the parking lot between Perry’s Steakhouse and Havertyâ€s furniture store)
– Forestwood Antique Mall, 5333 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75244 (located in the Mallâ€s parking lot)

TESTING HOURS
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (M-SA) and 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (SU)

The post Same-Day PCR Testing Now Available In Dallas appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® presented is coming back better than ever and ready to celebrate its 40^th season starting April 10, 2021! The season will run eight consecutive weekends April 10 – May 31, 2021 with a variety of exciting new shows and extraordinary new artisans, along with long-time Festival favorites.

 The health and safety of their employees, participants and visitors is Scarborough Renaissance Festivalâ€s number one priority. They have worked closely with local authorities and analyzed CDC guidelines, developing comprehensive guidelines and protocols that will be in place for the 2021 season. These precautions include temperature checks, a mask requirement, social distancing and more. Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® is a full day of interactive fun for everyone, 16^th Century Style that will run every Saturday & Sunday plus Memorial Day Monday, April 10 through May 31, 2021. Visitors will enjoy full combat armored jousting, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon, Knighting ceremonies, and a variety of unique entertainment. This year’s lineup contains fantastic, new shows featuring everything from a dancing weasel to a sword swallower! New Artisans/Shoppes and an all new Parakeet Aviary are also included in this year’s faire! You will also discover exquisite one-of-a-kind treasures at the hundreds of Scarborough shoppes, encounter Renaissance rides, play games of skill, and so much more. 

“This has been a hard year for everyone, and we are very excited to be able to move forward with presenting the 40^th season of Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® after the years†respite…What better way to allow people to get outdoors, be entertained, and have some fun; all in a safe environment. We invite everyone to join in the 40^th Anniversary celebrations and Step Back in Time for the Time of their Lives at Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® starting on April 10^th!”

-Doug Keller, General Manager

The 2021 season begins with Travel Back in Time Weekend April 10^th & 11^th. It will be the “Kids Free Weekend” with up to three children (ages 5-12) being admitted free with each paid adult. Children 4 and under are always free. Seniors 65+ also get a special discount this weekend as well with half price tickets at the gate. Everyone can compete in the all-new facemask contest this weekend too! 

If you are into the food scene, visitors can feast on giant roasted turkey legs, Scottish Eggs, the largest food-on-a-stick selection in Texas or try some of the daily special creations at Pasta Palace and Scarborough Bakery. Those over 21 can partake in Enchanted Manor Mead, a wide selection of craft, domestic and imported beer; wine, and other adult beverages at one of the 12 pubs and taverns. 

For those with more discerning palates there are daily wine and beer tasting events with each weekend having a different theme. Tastings require a separate ticket that can be purchased in advance at SRFestival.com or at the Festival. Seating is limited and the tasting events regularly sell out, so it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.  Participants must be 21+ to attend.  

New Entertainment

• Accidental Acrobats – This duo will flip, tumble & crash their way into your hearts with a spectacle of super-human stunts & pun-derful antics! (April 10 – May 16 only)
• Celtic Legacy – World-class bagpipes, earthshaking drums, rockin†guitars and a mile-a-minute banter only barely scratches the surface of this comedic group of Celtic Lads! (April 24 – May 31 only)
• Cirque La Vie – A non-stop exciting family friendly circus show full danger, comedy lovable characters and a Viking! (May 8 – 31 only)
• Emrys Fleetâ€s Rat Extravaganza – A hilarious comedy show featuring Pesky the Wonderous one-eyed rat and Wilbur the Dancing weasel! (May 8 â€“ May 31 only)
• The Inheritance – In the spirit of the Romany, enjoy this band of multi-instrumentalists including accordion, clarinet, taboura & percussion! (April 17 – 25 only)
• Gypsy Rox – Crossing tonal boundaries with violin, guitar & vocals on their backs with a mix of Celtic, Gypsy, Medieval music! (April 10 – May 2 only)
• Here be Pirates! – Captain James and first mate Rose regale with tales of their boldness, their bravery, and their stupidity on the high seas. Come as you ARR, because Here Be Pirates. (April 10 – May 2 only)
• Lady Genevieve – In the long folk tradition of bards, Lady Genevieve performs her unique brand of guitar & vocal faire favorites
• The Lynx Show – A one-of-a-kind comedy, sword swallowing, magic show. (April 10 – May 2 only)
• The Pinwheel Side Show – Pippsy the clown brings the amazing world of sideshow to the stage!
• Rat Puck – Rat Puck is a game for Kings and Commoners alike similar the the Scottish “golf” but played with rats and sticks! Rat Puck! Puck we Must! (May 8 â€“ May 31 only)
• Rose & Thorny – Rose (Iris and Rose) and Thorny (The Flaming Idiots) a new show involving two longtime veterans of the stage. Presenting funny and bawdy songs both original and classic, intertwined with jokes, limericks and toasts. PG-16
• Scotland Rising – A festival pipe band with 2 world class pipers and a world class percussionist and insult to the music world front guy! (April 10 – April 18 only)
• Shakespeare Approves – Join your friendly, neighborhood Shakespeare as he takes you on an audience-interactive, improvisational adventure that is shaped to be fun for everyone! (May 22 – 31 only)
• Statue Comedius de Marbelous – There are many living statues, but Comedius de Marbelous is the only one ancient Lively Statue! (April 24 – May 31 only)

New & Guest Artisans

• Aisling Designs – Cast Concrete Art
• Artemis Designs – Silver Cast Jewelry 
• Carnelian Star -Pearl Jewelry
• CBD Dragon Sweets – Chocolates & CBD Chocolates
• A Chained Reaction – Chainmaille
• Fairies of the Swamp & Salt Cellar – Sculpted Fairies, Teas, Sales & Boot Shine
• Georgia Jones – Godwin – Clay Scuplture
• Gypsie Isle Trading Company – Clothing
• Gypsy Eyes – Face Painting
• Jewelry Designs by E. Paule – Jewelry
• Johnâ€s Woods – 3-D Wood Art
• Jubo Flutes – Ocarinas
• Kingâ€s Flyrods – Hand Made Bamboo Fly Rods
• Masquerade Life Casting – Body Castings & Original Sculptures (May 8 – 16 only)
• Medieval Mapmaker – Maps & Scrolls
• The Quriky Cork – Succulents, Shells & Gourds
• Sabersmith – Swords & Blades
• Sculpted – Connie Colten Jewelry – (May 8 – 16 only)
• Silverleaf Costumes – Costumes – (April 11 – May 13 only)
• Sinclair Wood Carving – Wood Carved Art
• Tarot by Kolisha – Tarot & Palm Readings
• Two Tarts Toppers – Decorated Hats (April 10 – May 2 only)
• Wood, Willow & Whatknots – Incense, Wood Burning & Beaded Jewelry

2021 Daily Wine & Beer Tasting Themes

• April 10 & 11 Wines of Spain / Beers of Texas
• April 17 & 18 Wines of Italy / Beers of Belgium
• April 24 & 25 Will it Blend? (wine) / Blind Date (beer)
• May 1 & 2 Wines of Germany / Beers of Germany
• May 8 & 9 Wines of the New World / Beers of the New World – Traditional
• May 15 & 16 Wines of France / Beers of the Celtic Isles
• May 22 & 23 Wines from Down Under / Beers of the New World – Creative
• May 29, 30 & 31 Flynn’s Favorites (wine) / Seamus Suggests (beer)

A Few Other Things to Note

• Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® is family friendly with many performances and activities for kids such as two different Childrenâ€s Knighting Ceremonies, the Mermaid Lagoon, Accidental Acrobats, Emrys Fleetâ€s Rat Extravaganza, Cirque du Sewer, Shakespeare Approves!, Nature of Mercy, Sir Real the Puppet Man, a Parakeet Aviary, Renaissance Rides, games of skill and much more!
• There are some performances that are geared toward a more mature audience (16+). They include Arthur Greenleaf Holmes the Wildly Inappropriate Poet, Christophe the Insultor, Rose & Thorny – Wild and Thorny, and the Kingâ€s Pub – Pub Sing.

 Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day Monday, April 10 – May 31, 2021 from 10 AM to 7 PM rain or shine. Located in Waxahachie, Texas, Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® is just 30 minutes south of the downtowns of Dallas and Fort Worth on FM 66 off of I-35E.  

Admission is $37 for adults and $17 for children, ages 5-12. Children age 4 and under are always admitted free. Tickets are available on-line and discount tickets can be purchased at North Texas Tom Thumb & Albertsons stores starting April 3^rd and a special discount offer can be found at participating T-Mobile stores starting April 3^rdas well. 

For more information visit www.SRFestival.com. Facebook & Twitter (SRFestival) or on Instagram (theSRFestival).

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West Chelsea Contemporary is the new leading museum-style fine art gallery located right in Downtown Austin. The 8,000 square foot gallery directed by Lisa Russell is a rebrand of the Russell Collection Fine Art. The former gallery has operated in Austin since 2002, with Lisa Russell establishing herself as Austin’s premier art dealer for contemporary fine art.

The vision behind the gallery’s rebrand is to feature work from Austin’s sprawling local art scene as well as internationally recognized artists including Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Takashi Murakami.

We attended the THIS IS NOW collectors exhibition on February 6th. This was an immersive exhibition introducing Austin to the West Chelsea Contemporary mission of producing museum-worthy shows with collections for both the casual and the passionate art collectors.

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Along with the endless choices of amazing food, live music venues, and eclectic street art, New Orleans is home to many renowned museums. Whether it be art, history, nature, and of course Mardi Gras, you can find a museum for just about any of your interests in New Orleans. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is one museum you want to make time for on your next trip to the Big Easy.

The museum sits in the vibrant Warehouse Arts District of downtown New Orleans. It holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art and is recognized for its original exhibitions, public events and educational programs which examine the development of visual art alongside Southern traditions of music, literature and culinary heritage to provide a comprehensive story of the South. The Museum is based upon the founding donation of more than 600 works from New Orleans entrepreneur and philanthropist Roger H. Ogdenâ€s private collection.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is also a part of Unframed presented by The Helis Foundation, a project by the Arts Council New Orleans. For this project, five local and international artists†murals transformed downtown New Orleans, with one of the five murals to be on the side of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art by artist MOMO.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.

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December not only marks the end of 2020, but also brings in one of the most wonderful times of the year, CHRISTMAS! Lights and trees have gone up around the metroplex a little earlier than usual this year to bring in some much needed holiday relief. Don’t worry, we won’t judge. We all deserve a little something extra in our stockings this time around and, although it won’t fit conveniently above your fireplace, the Gaylord Texan brings us the gift of a much needed winter wonderland!

Earlier this year we learned that Covid restrictions had claimed yet another holiday favorite activity, the Gaylord Texan’s ICE! exhibit. This news came as a blow to many families that have made a tradition of visiting the hotel annually. Luckily, a few months later we received news that the Gaylord would still be holding events and activities as part of their “Christmas at the Gaylord”. This was definitely an exciting announcement, but what does this look like without the coveted ICE! exhibit and what did they use in its place? We decided to see for ourselves.

For those who have never been to the Gaylord Texan around Christmas, the interior and exterior of the hotel are literally adorned with over a million lights. Seeing the hotel illuminated at night is almost breathtaking. Each section of the hotel lobby has a unique color theme and accompanying decorations. Even if you don’t have the finances to stay overnight, I would strongly suggest taking a stroll through the hotel anyway (something I wish we would have done the first few years that we attended).

Shortly after getting situated, my girls insisted that we go take a look at the Christmas Village events. A giant Christmas themed carousel, drink bar, Build-A-Bear station, snow tubing hills, and shops were strewn across the main entrance. My children made a beeline straight for the snow tubes. This led to us taking about six trips down the hills, alternating between single and double tubes. I will say that those stairs seem quite a bit taller lugging up those double tubes after about the third time through. That said, I would have done it a hundred more times just to watch the girls squeal in delight each time the tube plunged down the hill.

From there we wandered over to take a couple of turns on the Christmas carousel. Each horse had its own Christmas theme painted on it. I think we ended up deciding on a horse with a snowman and another with snow covered trees. The carousel was not very crowded so we got to enjoy a bit longer on the ride than we probably would have otherwise.

After we finished, we walked over to where we saw some families building snowmen. We watched as some small kids shoveled actual snow and formed it into snowmen that stood about three feet tall. They had scarves, hats, and other accessories to aid in their creations. We didn’t get to linger there long though as my kids had become smitten with the skating rink nearby.

The Gaylord Texan has had this attraction before, but for some reason we never ventured onto the ice since it was outside. The rink was fairly crowded, so I was a little concerned since neither of my young girls had been ice skating before. It only took a lap or two before they had taken to the ice enough to try on their own. For younger or inexperienced kids, there were also chairs available that you could push across the ice for stability. We are definitely skating amateurs, so we took a few pretty good spills. However, a staff member was skating around the rink and was quick to help out anyone who had fallen or needed any attention. My youngest daughter later informed me that her occupational ambition in life is to now be one of these skating assistants.

After a short while of skating, it was finally time for us to see the “I Love Christmas Movies” exhibit that was chosen to replace ICE! this year. People who venture into the exhibit are able to walk through scenes from some of their favorite Christmas movies like Elf, The Polar Express, A Year Without Santa Clause, A Christmas Story, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. A guide tells you about the movies, offers some related trivia, and escorts you through the scenes. There are plenty of chances for photo ops along the way. Several of the scenes stood out more than others. The Polar Express had a snowy landscape passing by outside the windows as the smell of hot chocolate poured in with the corresponding song. My personal favorites were the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation scenes. We were able to plug in the Griswold’s lights, see the squirrel cause the Christmas tree debacle, and watch as the overcooked turkey popped open to fill the room with smoke.

I would have liked it to be a bit more hands-on; however, I also understand that Covid protocols limit this option. Due to restricting the numbers of attendees for social distancing purposes, it can also seem a bit rushed. I would suggest getting an earlier booking in the day so that you can take a little more time enjoying the scenes instead of worrying about holding up the next group. The “I Love Christmas Movies” event showed promising potential for the years ahead if ICE! is unable to return and they can fine tune some of the typical inaugural concerns.

We caught a glimpse of the “Yuletide Bright” event, but did not get a chance to go through the exhibit. This event entails a short outdoor walk among large 3D Christmas figures illuminated by lights. The colorful lanterns and characters are sure to catch the attention of young and old folks alike. This was just one of the many events that we did not have the time to explore. Christmas at the Gaylord also offers a chance to throw real snowballs at moving targets, an Elf on the Shelf character breakfast, Christmas scavenger hunt, holiday themed escape rooms, gingerbread decorating, Christmas canvas painting, photos with Santa, and story time with Mrs. Claus.

While we hope to see the return of ICE! next year, we still had a blast rolling in the Christmas season a bit early at the Gaylord Texan. You can click here if you would like to learn more or are interested in purchasing tickets of your own. Also, if you use “LIVE”, our exclusive coupon code, you are able to save up to 50% off the I Love Christmas exhibit and $5 off Yuletide Bright!

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Located in the historic district of Exposition Park, the Wright Art Twins Gallery brings together up and coming Dallas artists to showcase their work and network with the local artist community. Being lifelong artists themselves, founders Princeton and Preston Wright understand the difficulties aspiring artists face in the Dallas art scene. Thus, their gallery provides a unique opportunity for underground artists to get noticed and evolve their career.

https://wrightarttwins.com/

Even during the COVID pandemic, the Wright Art Twins Gallery has consistently hosted art shows to feature collective exhibitions from the various artists they represent. We attended the Latin Art Show on Saturday, November 21st.

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On Thursday, October 8th, we attended the first high-profile art event since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March. Old Town Scottsdale came alive for the 46th annual Gold Palette ArtWalk hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association. Established in 1975, this exhibition is the nation’s oldest ArtWalk.

Galleries on Main Street opened their doors and served chocolate samples made by local chocolatier Cerreta Candy Company. The event also brought outdoor live music, and several of the galleries hosted live artist demonstrations.

The galleries featured a diverse collection of local and national paintings, sculptures, and installations. Here are our favorite pieces from the event.

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On September 24, we attended the launch of tri•chot•o•my at the rooftop of the CANVAS hotel featuring work by local DFW artists Ken Womack, Lauren Lewchuk and Jame. The event brought a full-house of Dallas socialites with lounge music by DJ McKnight. Be sure to visit the beautiful skyline lounge by October 31st to view the art.

Click on the links below to see the artist portfolios.

Ken Womack

Lauren Lewchuk

Jame

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We could all use some cash – business owners and members of the community that support local business.

The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce is promoting local businesses and landmarks with a scavenger hunt called “Passport to Grand Prairie.”

They have missions you can complete by visiting businesses and websites all around Grand Prairie to earn points.

Players can play at their own pace and see otherâ€s points on the leaderboard. It’s a race to finish all the missions for a chance at $1,000

Register with the Chamber for $10, then download the free GooseChase app, and get ready to play starting September 10th.

You don’t have to live in Grand Prairie. The game is open to the public, Grand Prairie and beyond.

Learn more at Passport2GP.com or call 972-264-1558.

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Truluck’s is providing the ultimate poolside or inside setup by including butcher paper, crab zippers, festive bibs, serving utensils, and a disposable wire chafer rack with wick fuel to keep it all warm. This curbside special serves 4-6 guests for $225, available August 21-23 and August 28-30 at both the Uptown and Southlake locations and requires 24 hours†notice to order.

Pair these seafood varieties with one of Truluckâ€s Red, White and Rosé Selections for $20 such as Redemption, Dry Creek, Zinfandel, 2014, Abadia de San Campio, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain, 2018, and Miraval, Cotes de Provence, Rosé, France, 2019.

Truluck’s has two Dallas locations:
Uptown: 2401 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, 214-220-2401
Southlake: 1420 Plaza Place, Southlake, TX 76092, 817-912-0500
www.trulucks.com

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This week, fans across Texas received the devastating news that Dallas Fan Festival is now the latest entertainment victim claimed by Covid. After Fan Expo was postponed (and later canceled), many people held onto the hope that they would have a chance to see some of the scheduled talent appear at Fan Festival in October. Unfortunately, 2020 had different plans…again. One of the actors from this year’s Fan Expo guest list was Aladdin and Full(er) House star Scott Weinger. While the magic carpet will no longer be carrying Aladdin to Dallas, we do have some good news. We were able to speak with Scott about his career and Disney memories before the Fan Expo cancellation. Obviously, our exclusive interview can’t take the place of getting to meet him in person, but hopefully it will bring a bit of the anticipated Con to your living room. In the meantime, we will be searching for a lamp and wishing to see the return of Scott and Fan Expo Dallas again next spring!

Many fans know you as Steve, others know you as Aladdin. Which of the two do you see yourself more as?

Oh, thatâ€s really funny; itâ€s hard to say. Iâ€ve been playing both of those characters since I was a teenager and now, Iâ€m an old man. I feel like I identify very much with both of them. Itâ€s hard to imagine that all these years later that they both come up. Theyâ€re both a big part of my life, you know? Itâ€s hard to say. Up until two months ago I was literally still playing Steve. Every day I would go into the studio and get a script for the role of Steve. I still go into the studio and record projects for Aladdin, too. But, as far as which character I identify with most? Itâ€s hard to say. I will say that the character of Aladdin has a lot of universal qualities that people can relate to, that I can relate to. He is an underdog aiming high. I feel like anybody who comes to Hollywood to try to make it in showbusiness, whether as a writer or an actor, theyâ€re an underdog. It takes a lot of luck to succeed there, sometimes in the form of a genie and sometimes in other ways like a lucky meeting with somebody or an audition that goes well. When it comes to Aladdin, by the way, I auditioned by mainlining in a tape. I recorded a tape with my mom playing the genie, we mailed it into California, and I got the part! So, thatâ€s a little bit of luck right there.

Definitely! Speaking of genies, if you had three wishes what would they be?

Well, I think Iâ€d have to spend the first one on this whole Coronavirus thing and put it in the book. Itâ€s making life a little bit less fun for a lot of people. Now that Iâ€m a dad and husband, I think most of my wishes would be very boring wishes, like for the health of my family and everything. But I wouldnâ€t mind a flying car to get around that L.A. traffic!

I get that; Dallas traffic isnâ€t much better. Looking at your wifeâ€s twitter, it would seem that she has accepted the fact that she is the “wife of Aladdin”. On the other hand, your son is growing older now. Has he started to realize the pros and cons of being the “son of Aladdin”?

I think that he like it and that he thinks itâ€s pretty cool. Weâ€ve had a lot of really great experiences at Disneyland because of it. Heâ€s much older now, but when he was five or six years old there was an amazing event that took place on the Disney lot when the executives were getting ready to promote Aladdin coming out of the vault and onto Blu ray. We were talking about it and they said, “Is your son excited to see it like that?” I said, “Well, heâ€s never really seen it before.” Their jaws dropped. They couldnâ€t believe that my son hadnâ€t! He was just getting to the right age where he could really enjoy and appreciate it, so they had this amazing idea. They threw a huge party on the Walt Disney Studios lot where they had a huge Arabian Nights themed carnival. All of his friends came and they had a private screening. It was incredible! It was a really cool experience and I think it was a great way to introduce him, letting him know that Dadâ€s kind of a big deal.

Kudos to Disney on giving your son a mini-premier for him and a great way to add some brownie points to Dad as well. As far as acting goes, youâ€ve managed to shy away from the spotlight a bit over the past decade or so. Now, with the resurgence of Aladdin and Fuller House, you have been thrown right back in the mix. How has that transition gone for you and your family?

Itâ€s funny you should ask. When my wife and I got together all those years ago, I had left acting behind with the exception of a recording session every once in a while. I was a writer, fully immersed in my new career as a television writer. When this thing came along, it was a big adjustment. From getting stopped on the street by fans to watching me smooch DJ, there were a lot of things to adjust to. Then, my son and his friends all became big fans of the show, so it was on at our house all of the time. It quickly became a big part of our lives. You mentioned my wifeâ€s twitter account. Her favorite thing she always said is, “I married a writer. I didnâ€t marry an actor.” She learned to love the change. Youâ€ve got to enjoy it and I think she knew how much joy being back in front of the camera and acting again brought me. It was a surprise and she fully got behind it. I do think sheâ€s glad Iâ€m back to writing and that life is getting back to normal, at least a little bit anyway.

Itâ€s awesome that she was so supportive and good with all of the changes. You have done a ton of voicework for Aladdin in various video games like the Kingdom of Hearts series and Disney Infinity. Do you ever play any of those games?

Itâ€s funny; I havenâ€t been a big videogame person in my life. When I was a kid, I played Nintendo and everything, but I wasnâ€t a big gamer. Now, my kid is super into it. I really havenâ€t played any of the Aladdinbased videogames. I know people are obsessed with these games though. When I run into fans, whether itâ€s out on the street or at one of these conventions, they come up to me and recognize me as Aladdin from Kingdom of Hearts. You can tell that theyâ€re freaking out, but itâ€s funny because I havenâ€t had the experience [playing the games].

In regards to experiences, you mentioned a bit of your role behind the camera. You worked as a producer on the television show Galavant. My wife and I loved that show. Please bring it back!

I wish I could! I would love to; thanks for saying that.

If itâ€s not coming back, could you at least give some insight into how it was supposed to end or what we could have expected?

Did you get a chance to see both seasons? We were lucky enough to do eight [episodes] one year and then we got to do ten the next.

Yes! We were pumped to watch season three and checked nightly for about a month until we learned that it hadnâ€t been picked up again.

We didnâ€t really expect it to get a season 2, but when it did, I thought, “Well, now theyâ€ve got to get us a season 3”. I was sad it went away because I loved that experience. I donâ€t know if theyâ€ll ever bring it back for TV even though it has a very strong and very vocal fan base. Someday I hope they will make it into a Broadway show or something like that. It was such an incredible experience for me to be working on a musical with some of the top talent in our nation. The creator of the show whoâ€s a brilliant guy and one of the nicest guys around, Dan Fogelman, went on to create other shows like This Is Us. Itâ€s funny because they are pretty different. Heâ€s such a versatile and hardworking guy, and heâ€s always got a whole new project coming up.

Did you have a direction you wanted to send the show? The first one seemed to have a definitive ending. Then, it came back with the second season and left things wide open for the plot of the third season.

Yeah, itâ€s true. Itâ€s funny because now that weâ€re talking about this, I donâ€t remember. I donâ€t think we settled on anything specific. I think, in a superstitious way, we were afraid to get too excited about any particular direction because we didnâ€t want to jinx it. It would have been such an amazing thing to do a third season. I think we would have spent a lot of time focusing on the character of King Richard, who emerged into such an interesting character. Then, thereâ€s obviously Isabella. She was great and her singing voice was incredible.

I loved Luke Youngblood on it as well. I actually got to do an interview with him a while back for another Con.

Isnâ€t he fantastic? The funny thing is, I hadnâ€t watched all of the Harry Potter movies yet, so I didnâ€t know how excited I should be about that guy. Now, Iâ€ve seen all of the Harry Potter movies a hundred times and itâ€s pretty cool that he was in there.

One of my favorite parts about Galavant was how each character developed throughout the seasons.

One of my favorite things about working on the show was when Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the lyricists, would come into the writerâ€s room and we would talk about ideas together. One day they called me because I had written a scene that they liked and thought would be great if it was turned into a musical theme. They said, “Do you mind if we take some of your dialogue and turn it into a song?” It was one of the coolest moments of my career. They ended up cutting the scene because it was a little too racy for network television. I said, “How could it have been too racy?” Then, they played the demo… it was racy. Maybe if we were streaming on cable we could have gotten away with it.

Going back to your early career, youâ€re obviously super invested in Disney. I mean, you spent a majority of your childhood there. What is your favorite Disney movie other than Aladdin?

Oh, man, thatâ€s really tough. Let me think here… Wow, thatâ€s a great question because I have so many that I love. If we are including Pixar, that makes it even more difficult. When I was younger, I loved Tangled, which was also written by Dan Fogelman. That was actually how he got his relationship started with Alan Menken and got Galavant created. The one that I have the greatest memories of, besides Aladdin, was The Little Mermaid. When I was about thirteen years old that movie came out and my best friend, who was obsessed with animation, said to me, “We have to go see this new movie.” I was like, “Dude, that is a girl movie. I donâ€t want to go see a girl movie.” He said, “Trust me.” We went and it blew my mind; it was just amazing. Iâ€ll never forget how much I enjoyed the movie and also how much my perspective completely changed. I was embarrassed and afraid that we were going to run into friends from school. I felt ashamed for having felt that because it was such a revelation. I was so lucky that I ended up getting to work with a lot of those people. The director of The Little Mermaid also directed Aladdin and, of course, Alan Menken wrote the music for both of those movies.

I completely understand. With two young girls running around me house, The Little Mermaid plays on loop fairly often.

You could name any of those [Disney] movies and theyâ€re all so good. I thought Beauty and the Beast was so great and I love the older classics too. I love Wreck-It-Ralph! It is one of my favorites. There are so many good ones. You know, as a dad, that you have to see all of these movies a hundred times each. The fact that youâ€re not throwing yourself out of a window speaks out.

You basically grew up on the Disney lot and in the Disney parks. Now that you are older, do you look back and think that you enjoyed it as much as you should have or did it kind of become a bit mundane for you?

You know what? I enjoyed the heck out of it. I was very lucky that I was seventeen years old when Aladdin came out, so I was young enough to enjoy it through the eyes of a kid and old enough to understand how lucky I was. It was the perfect age to experience all of those things. If you added up all the time that I spent down in Florida at Disney World that year, it was over two months that I spent there. It was literally a dream come true. I was at the age where I could enjoy it and also know that I was the luckiest kid ever. It wasnâ€t lost on me. I never took it for granted, not once.

We will close with this final question about Aladdin. I interviewed Linda Larkin, who played Jasmine in the original movie with you, and asked her about her favorite fan theory regarding the movie. Do you have a favorite?

I was with a bunch of Aladdin people last week and we got into a big metaphysical discussion about the genie. They were talking about how Robin Williams would improvise and make a bunch of contemporary references to pop culture. How is that possible if he is all the way back in Agrabah hundreds of years ago? Someone suggested that he was a time traveler. Another said, “Itâ€s not time travel. He doesnâ€t exist in time. He exists outside of the rules of time.” I thought that was super cool and very deep. I had just read an Einstein biography and I thought that he would approve of that theory. Even though sometimes peopleâ€s theories may be a little crazy or completely off base, theyâ€re not wrong for trying to find a deeper meaning in the movies. The people who make these movies are thoughtful artists and there is definitely a world where people are thinking these things. Because they are so thoughtful, there are things like deeper meanings or stuff that you donâ€t spot initially baked into these movies. However, Iâ€m sure you have heard the theory that Aladdin had some kind of pornographic message whispered in a scene. To this day, I still have to go around telling people that it didnâ€t happen. I promise you that it is totally made up. I would have been terrified to say anything like that in a room full of grownups!

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“We understand the impact of a helping hand, but more importantly recognize the gift of a hand up. The 24 Hour Club gives refuge to those who are wanting to help themselves out of addiction and into recovery. No family is untouched from the strain addiction so we could not think of a better place to give to! We hope the best for everyone that enters the club and comes out better for it.” Marc, Robert, & Ryan Schlachter, Shoebacca.

Dallas 24 Hour Club was founded in 1969 by Lee Tillman to have a place open 24 hours per day for individuals suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction who were seeking help. Over the next 50 years, Dallas 24 Hour Club grew to offer housing, the first with 6 beds for homeless men only, to their current facility, which has 75 beds, services for both men and women, and hosts (37) 12-Step Recovery Meetings each week. They are available for the suffering alcoholic or drug addict 24 hours each day, 365 days each year, thus the name Dallas 24 Hour Club.

“With this extremely generous donation from Shoebacca, we have been able to hand each resident a brand new pair of shoes, socks and tops. Having a new clothing set is so meaningful and rewarding. We are so grateful to Shoebacca for making our residents feel so special.” said Colleen Quinn, Assistant Program Manager for the Dallas 24 Hour Club.

Dallas 24 Hour Club is located at 4636 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, 214-823-3200, www.dallas24hourclub.org

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What if we told you that there was a place just down the road where you could actually relax, enjoy summer, and forget about the craziness this pandemic has brought into your daily life? That sounds great, right? The fact of the matter is that for most, if not all of us, the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on our daily plans and slowly invade what little sanity we have been able to maintain since it began. This past week we were able to rediscover a local, temporary remedy for the Covid-19 blues, the Gaylord Texan Resort.

You are probably thinking, why would someone go to a hotel during a global pandemic? A valid question, but hear us out. My family and I were considering the same question as we mulled over what we could do with the remnants of summer that the virus had left us. Communities around the metroplex have barred many community pools, annual activities, and even libraries. We scoured the internet for ideas to no avail until my wife and I remembered a past discussion about wanting to see what the Gaylord Texan was like during the summer. We were obviously a bit leery given the current virus situation since we have two small children and I am also considered to be at “high risk”. However, after doing a bit of research we decided to venture out and give it a try.

In todayâ€s America we generally have to sacrifice fun for safety as we have seen time and time again. The biggest surprise we discovered at the Gaylord Texan was that this doesnâ€t necessarily have to be the case. We never had a single concern about the sanitary standards during our two-day stay. It was evident from the moment I stood in the socially distanced line to check in and watched as the staff worked behind a glass divider at the counter, wiping down the open portion after each guest exited the area. The staff wore masks the entire time and the maids seemed to spend quite a bit longer than usual cleaning each room. Not only that, but the main restaurant literally spread out the tables over six feet apart instead of just sectioning off the back portion of the building like many others are doing. There were even complimentary hand sanitizer and wipes waiting in our room for us!

Even with the enhanced safety procedures, there were still plenty of family activities to keep us entertained throughout our stay. As soon as we got to the room, my girls insisted that we begin by visiting Paradise Springs Aquatic Park. A trolley shuttled us to the location where a huge childrenâ€s play area, lazy river, cabanas, pool, and water slides awaited. A live DJ took requests and was playing a ton of 90s hit songs in addition to (any parentâ€s personal favorite) “Baby Shark”. I really donâ€t know which portion of the water park we stayed in the most. Toward the end of our time there my oldest daughter and I managed to become adventuresome enough to try out the best zipline tours. No, the display was not graceful or acrobatic by any standards. Yes, it was awesome! The bar was disinfected after each use as were the tubes in the river. When we finally got our fill of floating around and being doused by a giant bucket in the kidâ€s area, we grabbed a snow cone and went back to the hotel for a bit of painting.

The canvases were easily large enough for a small family to share, but we decided to each attempt our own. Participants can choose from one of the predesigned canvases with a butterfly or Summerfest outline. For those a bit more artistically inclined, there is the option of a blank one as well. We went with the predesigned canvases and headed to an isolated table fitted with easels and everything needed to create our amateur masterpieces. My young children wholly devoted themselves to their artwork and spent upwards of an hour perfecting it. I was a little worried that one of the kids would finish early and get antsy, but when they did finish, they joyfully occupied themselves watching the fish swim by in the river next to us. It was one of the most needed and relaxing times during our visit.

A Texas themed trivia played downstairs while we ate at Texan Station. We were only able to catch the tail end of the game, so we stuck around to play Bingo instead. We played three variations of the game (four corners, classic, and blackout). My wife managed to win a tote bag as I lost each game by one number. Bingo was followed by a family movie night in one of the banquet rooms where they showed Disneyâ€s Onward. It was a bit late, so we decided to settle in for the night and read books out on our room balcony instead. The waterfall and scenery in the atrium made it the perfect place to unwind.

My girls insisted on doing the summer scavenger hunt before we checked out the next morning. The front desk gave a list of clues and information about the hunt. The instructions laid out the mission, to help Hank track down and catch a cattle thief. The clues reveal letters that are scattered throughout the hotel which can be deciphered to give the outlaw’s location. It took my girls a good forty minutes of running around the atrium and hallways to finally corner the thief. They enjoyed competing with each other to see who could find the clues first, sometimes a little too much.

We did not get an opportunity to try out the morning yoga or some of the other activities the hotel has to offer like the escape room, duck races, or animal encounters. Due to the Covid situation, several of the shops and events are only available between Friday and Monday. But, as you can see from our visit, there is still plenty to look forward to any day of the week. Traveling numbers have been down across the country this summer, so now is the perfect opportunity for locals (or anyone) to enjoy the Gaylord Texan with some good deals and less foot traffic. Click here to book today!

The post Plan a Vacay or Covid Getaway at a Local Summer Paradise appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

During this pandemic, most retailers have learned many lessons on how to survive. They have learned to communicate with their customers in new ways and have optimized the e-commerce channel to serve them. But nothing replaces the need for human interaction and retail therapy, so Kathy Fielder Boutique is reopening slowly with private shopping parties of 10 by appointment. You bring the friends to shop the store’s array of curated, affordable clothing and lifestyle goods, and they will provide champagne for a social distance appropriate shopping soiree. Kathy Fielder Boutique is located at 1915 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206. Interested parties can email info@kathyfielderboutique.com to schedule a party. For those who wish to continue to shop from the comfort of your couch, visit https://kathyfielderboutique.com/.

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It has gotten hard to keep up with the countless changes that the virus has brought to Dallas. Between continuous new legislation being created, economic issues, and cabin fever from weeks stuck at home, many of our plans have slipped through the cracks. The wavering schedules have also wreaked havoc on many companies in the entertainment realm. These event organizers have frantically tried to adapt to the current situations by whatever means possible, some showing more promise than others. Take a look to see the fate of some of DFWâ€s most anticipated events.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival – For almost four decades the beloved throwback event has been held annually in Waxahachie. Live shows, animals, amusement rides, vendors, and food courts have made this one of the most anticipated local events each year. While the virus is no Black Plague, the Covid-19 threat sadly amplified just before their scheduled opening 2020 date. In turn, Scarborough Renaissance Festival attempted to postpone the event until April 10. Unfortunately, this short delay was not able to outlast the Covid-19 restrictions. For the first time since 1981, the historic festival was forced to accept the inevitable and forgo their plans to open. We bid thee farewell until we meet again.

Fan Expo Dallas – Dallasâ€s largest comic con was scheduled to be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center March 27-29. Guests at this yearâ€s event were to include members from The Lord of the Rings, Saved by the Bell, Harry Potter, The Office, Scream, and more. The guest list had many fans chomping at the bit to attend to meet some of their favorite on screen celebrities and show off their newest cosplay. The people over at Fan Expo HQ have also decided to postpone the event until June 19-21. Of course, due to the rescheduling we are not quite sure how many celebrities will revoke their appearances. As of right now Fan Expo has managed to secure about half of the initial pool with many still pending. Luckily the convention has done a great job in the past adapting to situation changes that are out of their control. That said, the rescheduled date is somewhat concerning as the Covid-19 restrictions are being downgraded at a pace that does give some cause to worry. We are still going to hold out hope that we will get to celebrate the end of the restrictions wearing our awesome apocalyptic garbs and cosplay rather than the week-old pajamas weâ€re currently in.

Texas Frightmare Weekend – Halloween comes twice a year for those familiar with this epic horror convention. This annual event brings screams of delight along with some of the genreâ€s biggest names. Texas Frightmare Weekend was scheduled for the first weekend in May. However, unlike many of the other events, Texas Frightmare Weekend made the decision to postpone the convention until the fall. While this is disheartening for fans that look forward to the event each spring, it is also one of the safest moves to guarantee that it will actually take place. Not only that, but Texas Frightmare also managed to maintain almost every one of their initial guests. In true horror fashion, we will now have to wait in suspense until the weekend of September 11-13.

Oâ€Reilly Auto Parts 500 – This octane infused weekend of speed is one of DFWâ€s largest sporting events. Fans have been known to camp at Texas Motor Speedway weeks in advance of race weekend. Like almost all professional sports, NASCAR has been put on hold due to restrictions. The March 29 date has been postponed indefinitely. Now, race fans are forced to settle for iRacing on the television. While the simulated racing is somewhat entertaining, it fails in comparison to watching the real stockcars battle it out on the asphalt. In an announcement early this week, Eddie Gossage announced that he is in talks with Governor Abbot about resuming the NASCAR season. Sadly, the announcement also alludes to the high possibility that stock car racing will soon begin without an audience in the grandstands. While the sport will be a welcome distraction to the virus, it is disappointing for those that were hoping to catch the thrills in person.

Big Texas Beer Fest – Quarantine has us all needing a drink. They were supposed to be flowing freely on March 27 at Fair Park. Big Texas Beer Fest was to have over 500 beers, 100 brewers, food trucks, and live music. The good news is that the event has been scheduled for July 17 and should bring relief from the Texas heat and quarantine at just the right time. Cheers!

Texas Pinball Festival – Pinball enthusiasts flip their flippers over the annual event held in Frisco. Hundreds of free-to-play pinball machines, tournaments, merchandise, and even celebrities can be found here. Doctor Who actor Sylvester McCoy was scheduled to be this yearâ€s spotlight guest. Nature had different plans as the coronavirus put the event in a full tilt. Unable to postpone the event, the loved convention had to accept the loss and cancel for 2020. It looks like we will all have to wait impatiently until next year to show off our improved skills.

A-Kon – Anime fans canâ€t get enough of this convention celebrating Japanâ€s animated phenomena. Cosplay and voice actors fill the show floor each year in appreciation of the genre. With tons of popular hit titles, A-Kon brings in a wide array of talent and fandom. A-Kon was supposed to be held at the end of May, but made the decision to forgo this yearâ€s event. It looks like regular goers will have to trash their 2020 calendar and look forward to June 24-27, 2021.

Kamehacon – Earth has managed to survive countless encounters from intergalactic invaders thanks to the help of Goku and Vegeta, but can Kamehacon endure the Covid pandemic? The convention centered around the Dragon Ball saga was scheduled for the beginning of May. Attendees took a Spirit Bomb to the gut when they heard that it would be postponed. As of now, Kamehacon has announced that it would be postponed but has not said when. I guess DBZ fans will need to keep seeking those Dragon Balls and see if we can get our wish!

Since the restrictions and virus status are constantly changing, make sure you are keeping an eye out for continued updates on the events listed and those to come. Please take a moment of silence for those events that we have lost so far in 2020. Here is to hope that we will still be able to enjoy some of our favorite happenings this year and that we somehow find the patience to wait for those that we can’t!

The post The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Dallas Event Changes Amid Covid-19 appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

Snooze an A.M. Eatery, the popular breakfast spot is known for its innovative pancakes, vibrant and energetic atmosphere, and creative morning cocktails, is turning their annual National Pancake Day this year into a week-long celebration of pancake deliciousness. All locations will launch a special menu featuring a new pancake for each day from February 19–25, leading up to National Pancake Day beginning on Wednesday, February 19 – Tuesday, February 25, from 6:30 AM–2:30 PM.

In celebration of National Pancake Day, The Dallas 24 Hour Club is hosting a Pancake Party on Tuesday, February 25 from 7 AM to 7 PM. A $5 donation will get you one colossal Hubcap Pancake and a cup of coffee to enjoy and provide one for a resident of The 24. Should you wish to order something else off of the menu, you are welcome to do so. A suggested donation of $5 (in addition to your meal) is appreciated to help feed residents. If you can’t make it down in person, you can still support their mission by donating $5 or more. Funds raised will go to provide meals for residents.

Since 1969, The 24 has provided safe, sober transitional living for homeless men and women seeking a brand new life away from drugs and alcohol.  On average, Dallas 24 Hour Club helps over 600 people annually get off the streets, find employment, and learn to live a sober life. The Hubcap Cafe is located inside the 24 Hour Club at 4636 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75204, 214-823-3200, www.dallas24hourclub.org.

IHOP® National Pancake Day is back on Tuesday, February 25, at participating restaurants nationwide and this year IHOP is taking the event to the next level. Every guest who visits IHOP from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (or until 10 p.m. at select locations) can enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes and try their luck at winning one of more than 250,000 instant win prizes plus the grand prize of “Pancakes for Life”. Click HERE for a location near you.

Visit Jasperâ€s Uptown on Tuesday, February 25 in honor of National Pancake Day and receive a gift card for complimentary pancakes during your next brunch visit. Hurry, supplies are limited. Jasperâ€s Uptown is located at 4511 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-559-3111.

This article is republished, in part, from a blog post originally published on Oh So Cynthia. from Contributor Cynthia Smoot.

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The stream of guest announcements began in November for this yearâ€s mega-hit weekend at FAN EXPO DALLAS, March 27-29, 2020 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

From science fiction fantasy to Gen X icons, from superheroes to comedy geniuses, FAN EXPO DALLAS has gathered the widest variety of celebrity guests in recent memory. Combined with the hundreds of unique experiences, contests, family-friendly activities and on-site activations, the largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Texas has pulled out all the stops for this canâ€t miss three-day weekend.

FAN EXPO HQ Vice President, Andrew Moyes says, “We always strive to bring new levels on fandom to Texas, and this year has exploded into a genre-bending experience for everyone! From Boomers to Tubers, we are expecting a crowd ready to have a great interactive experience!”

2020 CELEBRITY GUESTS INCLUDE:

• Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps and Bonnie Wright
• Cluelessâ€s Alicia Silverstone alongside Blast from the Past co-star Brendan Fraser (The Mummy, George of the Jungle, Encino Man)
• Full House and Fuller House guys John Stamos, Bob Saget and Dave Coulier
• Marvel stars Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) and Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy)
• The Lord of the Rings hobbits Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd
• Scream stars Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, Jamie Kennedy and Rose McGowan
• Co-workers from The Office: Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Oscar Nuñez and Catherine Tate
• Monty Python Legend John Cleese
• Star Trek fan-favorite George Takei
• Cristina Ricci, Wednesday in The Addamâ€s Family

• Breaking Badguy Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian)
• Star Trek: Next Generation star LeVar Burton
• Chandler Riggs from The Walking Dead
• Pennyworthâ€s Jack Bannon
• Arrow â€s Stephen Amell, Ben Lewis and Katherine McNamara
• Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain from Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
• Saved by the Bellâ€s Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley
• Legends of Tomorrowâ€s Brandon Routh and Caity Lotz
• Aladdin himself Mena Massoud
• John Wickâ€s John Leguizamo
• And Iconic Comedian Weird Al Yankovic  

Anime Explosion for 2020

FAN EXPO Dallas is also the only place to host the largest gathering of My Hero Academia voice actor stars: Christopher Sabat, Justin Briner, Luci Christian, Clifford Chapin, J. Michael Tatum, David Matranga, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Monica Rial, Josh Grelle, Joel McDonald, Ian Sinclair, Brina Palencia, Brandon McInnis, Kyle Phillips and Caitlin Glass.

Comic Creators Galore

Comic legends Marc Silvestri, Sean Gordon Murphy, Arthur Adams and Greg Capullo headline a list of more than 65 artists, illustrators and writers at the show, including a medley of up and coming creators from Dallas. With special experience packages, art commissions, signing sessions and workshops there is more than enough creator and art- based activities to satisfy the needs of even the most hardcore comic fan.

FAN EXPO is partnering with the Kubert School, known worldwide for providing an exceptional education in cartooning and graphic art, to bring workshops and original programming to the Fan Expo Creator Academy. Taught by seasoned professionals, the school will offer two different workshops as well as original programming for FAN EXPO Dallas.

FAN EXPO Puts Fans First

“We have the most dedicated and passionate fans in the convention world, and we will continue to bring the best of pop culture to them. Our universe includes comic creators, legendary artists, cosplayer, tattoo artists and gaming innovators,” continues Moyes. “Upcoming announcements will include a full programming schedule and other great experiences available at FAN EXPO Dallas 2020.”

FAN EXPO Dallas has also introduced a ‘fan-focused†ticket policy for the 2020 shows including early bird pricing as well as a new policy allowing ‘no questions asked†admission ticket refunds up to 14 days prior to the show. For hours and information visit, www.fanexpodallas.com.

FAN EXPO HQ is one of the largest entertainment convention group in in the world. Collectively, it hosts more than 500,000 fans annually at FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Canada, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Vancouver, MEGACON Orlando, Toronto Comicon, Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and Dallas Fan Days.

The post FAN EXPO Dallas to Flash North Texas With Enormous Star Power from March 27-29, 2020 appeared first on I Live In Dallas.

The 19th Annual Mardi Gras Texas Style music festival returns to the Automobile Building, Fair Park. This event features 20 of Texas countryâ€s hottest emerging and established acts on five different stages. Confirmed artists include Josh Abbott Band, Aaron Watson, Flatland Cavalry, Shane Smith and The Saints and more.

Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to enjoy Mardi Gras style eats, beer and beads.

When: February 22nd

Where: Automobile Building at Fair Park

Address: 1010 1st Ave.

 Dallas, TX 75210

Tickets: $35.50 – $325.00

More Info: http://mardigrasdfw.com. 

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Join hundreds of people stripping down to their skivvies for charity in Cupidâ€s Undie Run, the nationâ€s largest pantless party and fun run.

The event raises awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, and fundraises for research. Join a team, or run solo, and have a blast for a cause. Donâ€t worry, if youâ€re not down with going pantless, costumes are also welcome!

When: February 15th

Where: Trees

Address: 2709 Elm St.

 Dallas, TX 75226

Tickets: $40

More Info: https://my.cupids.org/cur/city/dallas

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The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art in Dallas opened in 2003 when Bill and Dorothy Masterson, lifelong supporters of the arts, were introduced to the innovative MADI art movement. It is the first museum with a concentration on MADI art, an art movement founded in Buenos Aires focusing on non-representational geometric abstraction and encompassing all branches of art.

The Mastersons immersed themselves in the MADI movement, traveling around the world to collect MADI artwork and even staying with Carmelo Arden Quin, the movementâ€s founder. When Mr. Mastersonâ€s law firm, Kilgore & Kilgore, moved to the building on 3109 Carlisle, the Mastersons converted the majority of the first floor of the building into the first permanent MADI museum. The construction of the building itself was designed in the MADI style; one that emphasizes innovative designs containing various geometric forms.

The artists represented in the permanent collection span from Europe, Russia, Japan, South America and the United States. Starting with the MADI movementâ€s birth and continuing through modern artists working in the geometric style, the artists of the permanent collection exhibit one similar trait: a love for geometric forms, color play, and art that stretches the boundaries.

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Sci-fi fans who have seen The Rise of Skywalker might have noticed something familiar about Beaumont Kin, Rose’s new ally in battle against Palpatine’s star destroyer fleet. Dominic Monaghan took the role for the final installment after he won a soccer bet against director JJ Abrams. While the wager makes for a fun anecdote, Dominic is no stranger to blockbuster hits or playing characters that face immeasurable odds. After all, he did stare down the monstrous armies of Sauron as Merry the hobbit in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movies.

Like many others over the past three decades, Dominic grew up being infatuated with George Lucas’s brilliant world and dreamt of what it would be like to be a part of it. Disney has always claimed to make dreams come true and this is exactly what they did for Dominic. Although he only had a minor role in the Star Wars universe, it was more than enough to leave a huge impact on the actor.

“It was important for me to do my job whilst also having an out of body experience at times. It was always a thrill to go on set and see what JJ had in store for us. I think my first costume fitting and script reading was when it really soaked into my system. The premiere was emotional. Having a private moment with R2 was emotional. Hugging Chewie (Joonas Suotamo) was emotional. I felt like I’d come full circle. The 8-year-old me was in rapture.”

The Star Wars universe is, indeed, full of timeless characters. The heroes, droids, villains, and dialogue have spawned decades of pop references. Even with all of the iconic names that span the cartoons, books, and eleven films, fans somehow seem to gravitate to one or two favorites that they hold dear.

“As I’ve aged its become more and more about Yoda, his life and teachings. As a young boy it was always Han. He’s a brilliant character, but Yoda is like Buddha and a jester all rolled into one. He has influenced my life the most.” 

The sudden and mysterious arrival of Dominic’s character left many fans intrigued about his backstory. How did Beaumont Kin become such a pivotal player in the Resistance? What skills does he have? How did he know Chewbacca? Its easy to see that the movie alludes to a much deeper understanding of Beaumont, but the amount of screen time left fans with more questions about him than answers. So, who is he?

“He’s a code breaker from a broken home. He’s smart, ambitious, and motivated. He appears in three Star Wars comics and gets a double page spread in the new Star Wars encyclopedia!”

The Rise of Skywalker was met with a division of overwhelming praise and criticism. The main complaints voiced by critics seem to revolve around underdeveloped plots and story gaps. Since the movie hit theaters, rumors have swirled that JJ Abrams’s vision was cut short to meet Disney’s run time goal. Furthermore, other rumors suggest that there is an extended Director’s Cut of the movie being held captive by the corporation that could potentially be released in the future. Much of this speculation has been fueled by some of Dominic’s recent interviews in which he discusses witnessing tons of pivotal scenes that didn’t make it to the final product. That aside, Dominic has not actually verified that an Abram’s cut exists.

“All I can say is, like ALL films, many scenes were left on the cutting room floor that I’m sure everyone will want to see.” 

The chance to permanently be a part of the Star Wars universe is obviously treasured by Dominic, but that doesn’t mean that he has left Middle Earth behind. The Lord of the Rings series propelled his career and the years on set forged a bond between the cast that may rival that of the rings. In fact, the main actors from the series all got matching commemorative tattoos (with the exception of John Rhys-Davies).

“The Lord of the Rings was 5/6 years of on set work and premieres and press. The whole world changed for me. It was a much more immersive experience. I was happy just to be a guest on Star Wars. It was a huge pleasure, but my experience was only 3 months or so.” 

Like George Lucas, J. R. R. Tolkien masterfully created magical worlds that have captivated thousands for generations. There are very few actors that have gotten to immerse themselves in both of these universes. So, which would Dominic prefer to live in if he had the opportunity?

“Simply because of more chances to explore magical worlds and abilities and experiences, I’d say Star Wars just pushes it. But, given a choice of a city, I’d choose Lothlorian first.” 

It sounds like it might be a good thing he doesn’t have to choose. In a sense, he will forever live in each of them. The good news for fans in Dallas is that he will also be taking a step into our world soon. Dominic Monaghan is slated to be a guest at this year’s Fan Expo Dallas. He will join his fellow hobbits in one of the year’s most anticipated reunions. Dominic seemed almost as eager as the fans about the experience.

“I like meeting young people who love the things I’ve been involved with and watching them light up and be inspired, like I am to meet them. Also, I think the hobbits are all going to get dinner one night. It’ll be nice just to be with my brothers. The four of us haven’t been together for years.”

If you would like to be a part of this epic event, Fan Expo Dallas runs from March 27-29 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Dominic is scheduled to be appearing on Saturday and Sunday only. To find out more information or get tickets go to fanexpodallas.com.

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If brunch is a sporting event in Dallas, it is, then this is the Olympics. Join other brunch lovers at Dallas Observers 4th annual Morning After Brunch Event. Tickets get you bottomless brunch bites from some of Dallas†hottest eateries, accompanied by drink samples, and topped off with music. You wonâ€t want to sleep through this one.

Before you go sending out that group text to your big group of friends inviting them to your brunch of the century, you need to figure out a few logistical items first. The most important challenge is deciding how many people you can sit comfortably and how many you can cram in family style. Youâ€d hate to invite 10 people and only have room in your apartment for six, so think of your seating arrangement.

If you have more friends than spots, it can be a challenge of figuring out who makes the cut. Next important question to ask yourself is how much you want to spend on food hosting brunch. Setting a rough budget ahead of time can give you a realistic goal for your menu as well.

Letâ€em Sleep
Whether you hang out with a late-night, rowdy crowd or a more relaxed crew, you should let them sleep in. Donâ€t plan your brunch at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. because youâ€ll either have people sleep through or show up in a less-than-happy mood.

The best time for brunch is to shoot for noon; this gives you the opportunity to do some prep stuff in the morning without having to wake up before the rooster crows and also, you can throw in some lunch items to truly make it a menu of breakfast and lunch.

Plan your Menu
Once you know your guest list and rough budget, you can start the fun part of planning what to serve for brunch. As you probably know, itâ€s important to balance your menu with sweet AND savory items to satisfy the taste buds of all in attendance. There is a plethora of recipes and ideas to find online and there are a couple of different approaches you can take to building your menu and adding special decorations or products like branded bottled water with the theme or logo of the event.

The first option is choosing to do a bunch of small dishes, similar to tapas. This allows you to try out all those Instagram and Pinterest recipes that youâ€ve been saving over the years.

The other option is making just one main dish with some side dishes, similar to a traditional meal. This is less labor-intensive and can save you some money on buying a bunch of different ingredients.

However, if you are looking to blow any brunch out of the water, youâ€ll want to choose foods that showcase your kitchen skills as well as leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Lay out your brunch table the night before
This may seem like a silly thing to do, but it does help. It helps you visualize the space better, saves you time in the morning and it can be a good opportunity to add a few brunch decorations to add a little atmosphere to the delicious spread of food and company.

Picking up some flowers and putting them in little mason jars are a fun, festive way to add some color and charm to your table settings or the find a cheap, cute accent idea to try out for yourself. While no one will complain that your table isnâ€t set and decorated for a Great Gatsby party, but doing so will definitely be noticed.

Utilize Baking
Baking is often underutilized and when it comes to hosting a brunch party, it can truly make your life easier. The baking recipes for breakfast and brunch items are endless and the best part is that they can be made ahead of time; the day or night before.

Almost all baked recipes can be reheated very easily, and no one will know that you didnâ€t pull it fresh out of the oven that morning. Youâ€d be amazed at the number of brunch foods that can be made in the oven including everything from cinnamon roll variations to hash brown casseroles and wonderful egg dishes.

Try to shoot for a menu that most can be prepped the day or night before and save one dish that is best done fresh either on the stove or in the oven because trying to be a multi-tasking master chef on a time crunch the morning of is almost always a recipe for disaster.

When: February 8th

Where: Dallas Farmers Market

Address: 920 S Harwood St.

 Dallas, TX 75201

Tickets: $45 – $135

More Info: https://www.dobrunchthemorningafter.com/

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Common Desk was started in Deep Ellum with a vision to create connective, accommodating, and inspiring work spaces that people actually want to come work in day-in and day-out. What makes Common Desk different form ordinary co-working space is the staff culture that essentially combines co-working with hospitality.
Since its inception in 2012, Common Desk opened multiple locations in DFW, Austin, Houston, and recently expanded to Raleigh, North Carolina.

On January 30, we attended the grand opening event for the launch of the newest location in Downtown Dallas. Located inside the Trammell Crow high rise in the Arts District, this Common Desk offers two full floors of co-working spaces ranging from shared desks to a 45-person hospitality suite. The space offers nonparallel amenities including a member-only cocktail lounge.

The grand opening event packed the two floors with people of all ages and backgrounds. Guests were entertained with live music, art installations, complimentary Balcones Whiskey, food, beer & wine, and photo booth activities.

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Ring in the Year of the Rat at NorthPark Center, Saturday. The Chinese New Year celebration, presented by the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas, kicks off at 11 a.m. with a full day of activities including dragon and lion dances, martial-art demos, art-making, wellness activities, cultural performances and retail specials and giveaways throughout the Center. 

When: TBD (Originally Feb. 1st)

Where: NorthPark Center

Address: 8687 North Central Expressway

 Dallas, TX 75225

Tickets: Free 

More Info: http://northparkcenter.com/

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What better place for a part time job than in the Renaissance! The Job Faire for Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® 2020 takes place on Saturday February 22, 2020 at the Festivalâ€s main offices located at 2511 FM 66 Waxahachie, TX 75167.

The Job Faire and interviews will take place between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm for part-time/seasonal positions during the eight weekends of the 2020 Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® which runs Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day Monday, April 4 – May 22, 2020. 

Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® is looking for outgoing, energetic people 14 and older to fill the following positions:

Food & beverage sales, wait staff, restaurant host/hostess, restaurant/food service managers, alcoholic beverage sales, special event servers, souvenir sales, ticket sales, ticket takers/front entrance greeters, exit gate personnel, safety services, grounds crew, restroom attendants, kitchen help, cooks, dishwashers, exit surveyors, games personnel, and more.  Many, but not all, positions require costuming.

Details and applications can be found at SRFestival.com. Applications should be completed prior to attending the Job Faire. Applicants are also asked to bring two forms of identification including a valid Driverâ€s License, ID, Social Security Card or Passport to the Job Faire. Specific work hours will be discussed at orientation.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival^® will honor its 40^th year as the most unique festival in North Texas with continuous celebrations of the past and present with long time Festival favorites and exciting new entertainment and artisans throughout the season!

The Festival will run eight consecutive weeks: Saturdays and Sundays April 4^th â€“ May 24^th and close out the season on Memorial Day Monday, May 25^th. Student Days 2020, Scarboroughâ€s interactive Student Field trip experience, is Tuesday, April 28, 2020. 

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