It's funny how trends work with Dallas-Fort Worth events. Some weeks, it's concert city. During others, DFW turns into a theater town. As it happens, the next 10 days are filled to the brim with comedic talent at big-name venues, not just the standard comedy clubs.
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, May 30
House of Blues presents Anthony Jeselnik
Comedy Central has started several new shows in 2013, including Anthony Jeselnik's The Jeselnik Offensive. True to the show's title, Jeselnik pulls no punches, tackling a variety of "off-limits" topics throughout the half-hour program. Expect more of the same when he takes the stage at House of Blues Dallas.
AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Cesar Millan
The original dog whisperer, Cesar Millan, has been training dogs virtually his entire life. Even though Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan was canceled in 2012, Millan remains a highly sought-after expert on canine behavior. He, along with his dog Junior, put on multiple demonstrations at Winspear Opera House to show how to rein in even the most unruly pup.
Friday, May 31
Aziz Ansari: Buried Alive!
The cast of NBC's Parks & Recreationis one of the funniest on television, yet Aziz Ansari still manages to stand out. Despite his busy TV and movie career, he continues to do standup, and his appearance at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie marks his final stateside appearance for his current Buried Alive! tour.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Wicked Divas
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has finished its regular season but continues to present the occasional concert throughout the summer, including this tribute to Broadway shows. While focused mainly on Wicked, you can expect selections from Gypsy, Ragtime and Titanic. The show plays at Meyerson Symphony Center through Sunday.
Saturday, June 1
KXT's Summer Cut: The Happy Funtime Fest
The title of this concert doesn't nearly do it justice for how much it has to offer. Gexa Energy Pavilion hosts several national indie bands like the Avett Brothers, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Matt & Kim, along with locals like RTB2, Oil Boom and The Orbans. Sponsored by KXT 91.7, the festival also has a ton of food trucks to feed the masses.
Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass
If you missed your NPR fix when Wait Wait Don't Tell Me came to Winspear Opera House a few months ago, Ira Glass is here to scratch that itch. Glass takes the stage to talk about This American Life and to mix in live stories with some of the show's most famous segments. A night guaranteed to be funny, heart-warming and — typical of NPR — erudite.
Cheech & Chong in concert with WAR and Tower of Power
One day after Aziz Ansari appears at Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, the venue presents a completely different kind of comedy show. Cheech & Chong became famous for their stoner comedy, and they're still at it more than 40 years later. This performance is a mixture of comedy and music, with support from WAR and Tower of Power.
Sunday, June 2
Tracy Morgan: Excuse My French
Many comedians live on the edge when it comes to their material, but few have been as high-profile as Tracy Morgan. He's repeatedly caused controversies for over-the-line jokes, leading the 30 Rock star to issue multiple apologies. Since the title of his tour stopping at House of Blues Dallas is called "Excuse My French," it's probably safe to say that he'll walk up to that edge yet again.
2013 Sunset Screenings: Back to the Future
You could go all the way to Fort Worth to see a movie outside, but Annette Strauss Square has you covered with this free screening of the '80s classic. Bring a blanket and some wine or beer, and sit back and relax as Marty goes back in time to hit on his mother make sure he's born. And if you enjoy the music, you'll get to hear it live in couple of weeks.
Cesar Millan dispenses dog advice at Winspear Opera House on May 30.
