The last weekend in the short month of February brings a little of everything in and around the Dallas area. The event choices include a classic piece of classical music, an appearance by a legendary band, a harbinger of spring, a celebration of the best of movies, and a party with a top local singer.
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, February 23
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Also Sprach Zarathustra
Jakub Hrůša conducts the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as part of its Texas Instruments Classical Series. Featuring violinist Vilde Frang, selections for the concert at Meyerson Symphony Center include the DSO premiere of Martinu's The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca, Britten's Violin Concerto, and Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra. There are four performances through Sunday.
Bon Jovi in concert
There are very few bands that can maintain a certain level of popularity for more than 10 years, much less 30, but Bon Jovi is in that rare group. Since their breakout album in 1986, Slippery When Wet, each of their albums has reached the top 10, including their latest, 2016's This House is Not for Sale, which debuted at No. 1. They play at American Airlines Center.
Dan Savage: Savage Love Live
Dan Savage is media pundit, gay and equal rights activist, author, writer, podcaster, and syndicated columnist of Savage Love. He brings his unique perspective to The Kessler for a live advice show, answering questions about love, sex, and more. The event is presented by WordSpace, a nonprofit literary events organization that produces over 50 interdisciplinary programs a year citywide.
Friday, February 24
Snap Judgment Live!
Snap Judgment, which has appeared on NPR stations for the past five years, delivers a raw, intimate, musical brand of narrative, daring audiences to see the world through the eyes of another. Snap Judgment Live!, taking place at the Majestic Theatre, features some of the world’s finest storytellers on stage, backed by Snap Judgment band.
Eisemann Center presents A Carlin Home Companion: Growing Up with George
In her solo show, A Carlin Home Companion: Growing Up with George, Kelly Carlin reveals what it takes to go from living in the shadow of her father, iconoclastic comedian George Carlin, to standing in the light. During the show, Carlin weaves together amusing and poignant family stories with classic video footage of her father’s career and family memorabilia. Performances take place both Friday and Saturday at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson.
Saturday, February 25
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents "Dallas Blooms: Flower Power"
You know that spring is around the corner when Dallas Arboretum brings out its annual Dallas Blooms exhibit. This year's is dubbed Flower Power and features more than 500,000 spring blooming bulbs, florally decorated topiary VW vehicles, and much more. The exhibit is on display through April 9.
Arts & Letters Live: Jessi Klein
Jessi Klein is the Emmy and Peabody award-winning head writer and executive producer of the critically acclaimed Inside Amy Schumer. In her new book, You’ll Grow Out of It, Klein compiles a perceptive collection of confessional essays that offer readers a relatable glimpse into exactly what it means to be a woman in today’s world. Klein will talk about the book at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Sunday, February 26
Oak Cliff Film Festival presents Oscars Party
Any film fan worth his or her salt will be tuning into the Oscars on Sunday night, and you can join a large group of them at this annual Oak Cliff Film Festival event at Texas Theatre. The free watch party features an Oscars pool with prizes, including VIP badges to the 2017 Oak Cliff Film Festival, a special live-sketch performance by House Party Theatre, themed drinks, and a photo booth.
Erykah Badu presents Sauceizm, Another Badu Birthday Bounce
When it comes to celebrating birthdays, few people do it better than Dallas' own Erykah Badu. The unique singer-songwriter-activist celebrates another voyage around the sun with a special birthday concert featuring her band, The Cannabinoids, at the Bomb Factory. Expect the unexpected, along with some great music.
Bon Jovi plays at American Airlines Center on February 23.
Braniff Airlines flight attendants decked out in stylish uniforms.Courtesy photo