UPDATE: Due to the continuing rainy weather, Dallas Symphony's Salute to the Armed Forces will move from Klyde Warren Park to Meyerson Symphony Center.
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If you're not heading out of town this Memorial Day weekend, there are more than a few things to occupy your time, including three new local theater productions, a trio of big-name concerts and the end of an ambitious performing arts festival.
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 21
Second Thought Theatre presents Belleville
The second show in Second Thought Theatre's 2015 season is this play about a young American couple who seem to have it all living in the hip Belleville neighborhood of Paris. But underneath their ideal exteriors lies the insecurity, dishonesty and weakness of secrets. The production plays in Bryant Hall at Kalita Humphreys Theater through June 13.
African American Repertory Theater presents Radio Golf
The final entry in AT&T Performing Arts Center's inaugural Elevator Project is the regional premiere of August Wilson's final work, presented by African American Repertory Theater. The play follows a lawyer looking to become Pittsburgh's first black mayor, only to have his candidacy hindered by a real estate deal. It runs at Wyly Theatre through June 7.
Friday, May 22
Ciara in concert
The Austin-born and Georgia-raised Ciara made a splash with her 2004 debut album, Goodies, which featured three top 20 singles. The R&B/hip hop singer hasn't been able to replicate that success in intervening years, but she's looking to get back to the top of the mountain with her latest album, Jackie. She plays at the House of Blues Dallas.
Kitchen Dog Theater presents The Firestorm
The third local theater debut this week is the rolling world premiere of The Firestorm from Kitchen Dog Theater as part of its New Works Festival. This play blends race and politics as a prank from a gubernatorial candidate's past comes back to haunt him and his African-American wife, threatening both his campaign and their marriage. It runs through June 27 at McKinney Avenue Contemporary.
Saturday, May 23
Travis Pastrana's Nitro Circus Live
The X Games and other extreme sports competitions have been very good for motocross star Travis Pastrana, who has won multiple championships since 1999. This event is a showcase for motocross, BMX and skate athletes, as they'll use contraptions such as tricycles, snow skis, bath tubs and even a Barbie car to perform wild stunts all around Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
Keb' Mo' in concert
Blues musician Keb' Mo' has made a habit of being on top of his genre, getting nominated or winning Grammy Awards for almost every album since his debut in 1994. He comes back to Dallas in support of his 2014 album, BLUESAmericana, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Americana Album. He'll play at The Kessler.
Sunday, May 24
2015 Dallas Memorial March
The annual Dallas Memorial March is part of the nationwide Carry The Load, which honors the military, law enforcement, firefighters and other rescue personnel in order to reinforce the true meaning of Memorial Day. The family-friendly event at Reverchon Park will have people carrying the flag for over 20 hours, concluding on Memorial Day.
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators in concert
Axl Rose may have never been able to move on from Guns N' Roses, but guitarist Slash has had no such issues. He formed a side project even before the breakup of that iconic band, and has been working steadily since, including with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators on his latest album, World on Fire. He performs at the House of Blues with Fozzy as opening act.
Soluna Festival: Salute to the Armed Forces
The last event of the nearly three-week-long Soluna Festival, which put a spotlight on the visual and performing arts, is this Memorial Day weekend tribute to the military at Klyde Warren Park. Dallas Symphony Orchestra music director Jaap van Zweden leads the symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites at a concert that also features a DSO commission from video artist Monte Laster.
Kitchen Dog Theater presents The Firestorm at McKinney Avenue Contemporary through June 27.
