Weekend Event Planner

Anthony Bourdain headlines best weekend events in Dallas-Fort Worth

There's a little bit of everything going on in Dallas-Fort Worth this weekend, making it a time to get out and about no matter what your personal preferences may be. Among your choices are another great musical, a visit from a big-time foodie, stand-up comedy from a legend and a special event with the host of This American Life.

Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, July 9

Do It for Durrett '80s Night
Now in its second year, Do It for Durrett was originally a fundraiser for the family of baseball sportswriter Richard Durrett, who died unexpectedly in 2014. The foundation dedicated to him now raises money for families in similar situations, and this event at Globe Life Park in Arlington features performances by current members of the Texas Rangers, country music star Casey Donahew and other surprises.

Dallas Summer Musicals presents Pippin
The 2014-2015 Dallas Summer Musicals season comes to a close with the national tour of the revival of Stephen Schwartz's Pippin. The musical, playing at Music Hall at Fair Park through July 19 before transferring to Bass Performance Hall July 21-26, tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence.

Friday, July 10

DMA Arts & Letters Live presents Anthony Bourdain: Close to the Bone
Chef and author Anthony Bourdain has been all over the world in search of great food, adventures that he shares in this event at Majestic Theatre. Bourdain presents a brutally honest monologue reflecting on diverse culture, street cuisine and his travels to lesser-known locations around the world. The event is sold out, but tickets can still be found on the secondary market.

Bob Newhart in concert
God bless Bob Newhart: At 85 years old, the comedian is still out on the road performing for the masses. Best known for his legendary comedy albums and his two successful sitcom runs in the '70s and '80s, Newhart has a wealth of experience from which to draw his act, which he puts on display at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie.

Saturday, July 11

Dallas Gallery Day
During this annual event, art galleries across the city throw open their doors as both a way to expose people to the tons of great art on display and an inviting way to beat the summer heat. The 30 participating galleries are located in Deep Ellum, the Dallas Design District and other locations.

Tedeschi Trucks Band in concert with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Doyle Bramhall II
The Tedeschi Trucks Band — led by married couple Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks — has had a stellar start to their career together, with their 2011 debut album winning the Grammy for Best Blues Album. This concert at Gexa Energy Pavilion will be heaven for blues/soul music fans, as it also features Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Doyle Bramhall II.

Keith Sweat, Bell Biv Devoe and SWV in concert
New Jack Swing is back in full effect at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie with this throwback concert. Keith Sweat, who's credited with being one of the genre's innovators, headlines, and he's joined by Bell Biv Devoe, best known for their song "Poison," and SWV, one of the most successful all-female groups of all time.

#thinkspeak: Ira Glass, Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass
Taking a break from his This American Life duties, NPR radio host Ira Glass presents this special event about a topic well-suited to the venue, Winspear Opera House. Titled “3 Acts, 2 Dancers, 1 Radio Host” performance, Glass is joined by dancers Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass in a show that combines two art forms for an entertaining evening of mixed talents.

Sunday, July 12

Festival of Independent Theatres
The Festival of Independent Theatres, taking place at Bath House Cultural Center through August 1, is a chance for smaller theater and arts companies to showcase their talents in a more high-profile manner. Among the troupes presenting works are WingSpan Theatre Company, Upstart Productions, Gorilla Theater and DGDG.

Tyler Oakley's Slumber Party
If you're not familiar with the work of Tyler Oakley, congratulations on being over the age of 25. For those weaned on YouTube, though, Oakley is one of the biggest stars on the Internet, winning scads of fans for his sense of humor and social activism. This event at Majestic Theatre features behind-the-scenes stories, interactive games and lots of surprises.

Anthony Bourdain tells stories from his travels around the world at Majestic Theatre on July 10.

Courtesy photo

Anthony Bourdain tells stories from his travels around the world at Majestic Theatre on July 10.

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Movie Review

Hugh Jackman channels Neil Diamond in biopic Song Sung Blue

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in Song Sung Blue.

Neil Diamond - a member of both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame with 10 No. 1 songs and over 56 million albums sold - is such a music legend that it would be easy to do a straight-up biopic of him. Instead, the new Song Sung Blue - named after Diamond’s 1972 hit song - serves as a shadow Diamond biopic, with his songs showcased through a real-life husband-and-wife tribute act known as Lightning & Thunder.

Based on the 2008 documentary of the same name, the film focuses on Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman), who comes up with the idea for a Diamond-centric act when he meets Claire (Kate Hudson). The duo soon grows in popularity locally in Milwaukee, headlining not just restaurants and bars but also some larger venues. As their legend spreads, they even start to get the attention of the media and bigger names outside of Wisconsin.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a good biopic without a little turbulence, and — without spoiling things — Mike and Claire learn that good times never seemed so good when they face more than their fair share of troubles. The couple endures their ups and downs with the help of their combined family, including children Rachel (Ella Anderson) Angelina (King Princess), and Dana (Hudson Henley), as well as a community of fellow tribute acts.

Written and directed by Craig Brewer (Dolemite is My Name), the film’s appeal lies mainly in the irrepressible enthusiasm of Mike, a man born to entertain if ever there was one. Neither his long-dormant alcoholism nor health problems nor location in the Upper Midwest can stop Mike from demonstrating his showmanship skills. Of course, it helps that he’s portrayed by Jackman, who - despite getting a little long in the tooth - gives every performance his all.

What the story can never quite answer, though, is why this particular couple is worth an entire feature film. Sure, they have a somewhat interesting arc, especially when it coincides with a certain early ‘90s grunge band, but otherwise there’s little that separates them from other tribute acts toiling around the country. Brewer struggles to define them outside of their singing lives, and when things get really bad for them, the emotional connection is at a minimum.

Then there’s the aspect of incorporating Diamond’s music, some of which has endured across the decades more than others. Naturally, “Sweet Caroline” gets a notable showcase, but whither “America” or “Heartlight?” The title song is featured the most often, as Mike uses it to celebrate his yearly “sober birthday,” but it’s not a barnburner. Mike also has an obsession with the relatively obscure "Soolaimón," an odd choice both for him and for the movie to include so much.

Jackman and Hudson have good chemistry together, and when the film puts them together in singing scenes, their bond becomes infectious. Each of them has naturally melodic voices as well, lending an extra boost to that part of the film. Supporting actors like Anderson, King Princess, Michael Imperioli, and Fisher Stevens complement them well, but Jim Belushi, playing their promoter, gives a hammy performance that seems to be in a completely different movie.

While it’s unclear who the audience for Song Sung Blue might be other than hardcore Diamond fans, it has just enough crowd-pleasing moments to make for a solid watch. The entertainment factor of the film comes and goes, but Jackman using every ounce of his abilities mostly makes up for any deficiencies.

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Song Sung Blue opens in theaters on December 25.

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