The recent Rihanna postponement notwithstanding, Dallas-Fort Worth is packed full of great musical performances this weekend. Even better, the shows encompass a variety of genres, meaning you'll find something you like no matter your musical tastes.
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, April 18
2013 MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival
Dallas just showed off its artsy side with the Deep Ellum Arts Festival and Dallas Art Fair, and now Fort Worth gets its chance with the 28th annual event. Billed as the largest arts festival in the Southwest, it runs the length of Main Street in downtown Fort Worth, featuring more than 200 artists and 80 bands on three different stages Thursday through Sunday.
Val Kilmer in Citizen Twain
Val Kilmer is still an actor who commands a certain amount of respect even if his recent filmography has contained some less-than-stellar entries. His interest in Mark Twain stemmed from an upcoming film project of his, and Dallas is one of only four cities that gets to see him tackle the writing legend. The one-man play runs at Wyly Theatre through Sunday.
Friday, April 19
Zac Brown Band in concert with Levi Lowrey and Jerry Douglas
Believe it or not, it's Gexa Energy Pavilion season again. Actually, this is more of a one-off, as the next scheduled Gexa concert isn't until mid-May. But what a one-off it is, featuring the multiple Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, which is still riding high off its recent win for Best Country Album for 2012's Uncaged.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in concert
Big band and swing music never go out of style, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been proving that for the last 20 years or so. The band has an infectious energy and and style that's both retro and contemporary. The group plays the open air Annette Strauss Square, giving fans plenty of room to get up and dance.
The O's in concert with Telegraph Canyon and I Love Math
The O's have become such a force on the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene that it's easy to forget they've only been around for five years. But that's what happens when you consistently put out great music. The band does just that on Friday when it releases its second full-length album, Thunderdog, at this show at the Granada Theater.
Saturday, April 20
CD Source 2013 Record Store Day Celebration
There are plenty of area music stores celebrating the annual Record Store Day, but CD Source off of Greenville Avenue has put together an enviable lineup of bands playing throughout the day, including Becky Middleton, Home by Hovercraft and Venetian Sailors. The concerts start at 9 am and continue every hour until 10 pm.
2013 Untapped Music and Beer Festival
Most music festivals sell beer, but one that actually features beer is another beast altogether. Almost 70 different breweries serve a variety of samples for visitors to enjoy while listening to acts like Justin Townes Earle, Sarah Jaffe and Somebody's Darling. The festival at Panther Island Pavilion lasts from 2 pm to midnight.
Sunday, April 21
Earth Day Dallas 2013
Earth Day is officially Monday, April 22, but you can get green all weekend long at Fair Park by attending this festival, taking place on both Saturday and Sunday. Through exhibitors, entertainment and other activities, you can learn how to be more environmentally friendly in all aspects of your life.
Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank in concert
It takes a really confident man to show up at Majestic Theatre on Sunday night, as it hosts a trio of R&B/hip hop singers — Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank — who all tend to inspire swooning for their music and looks. Their recent joint song — "Sex Never Felt Better" — pretty much tells you all you need to know about this concert.
Val Kilmer as Mark Twain in Citizen Twain, playing at Wyly Theatre April 18-21.
