UPDATE: Reunion Lawn Party has been canceled, so it has been removed from this lineup.
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The last weekend in May in Dallas-Fort Worth is once again music-heavy, with visits from two legends, modern rockers, headbangers and a group of crooners who turns modern pop songs into jazzy tunes. Ths weekend also brings the start of two events that will continue through the summer.
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 28
Neil Diamond in concert
Normally a visit from a singer like Neil Diamond, who's been churning out music since the 1960s, would be a trip down memory lane. But for his first visit to the area since 2008, Diamond is supporting a new album, 2014's Melody Road. But don't worry: You're sure to also hear plenty of classic hits at this concert at American Airlines Center.
Off Broadway on Flora Series: Stop Hitting Yourself
The Austin-based theater collective Rude Mechs brings a unique-sounding show to the Wyly Theatre as part of AT&T Performing Arts Center's Off Broadway on Flora Series. Borrowing from 1930s movies, the play is part Pygmalion, part Busby Berkley and part self-help lexicon. It runs through Sunday.
Friday, May 29
2015 Fan Expo Dallas presented by Dallas Comic Con
It will once again be fanboy heaven in downtown Dallas as stars from film, television and comic books descend upon at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for Dallas Comic Con's annual Fan Expo Dallas. Among the celebrities who will be on hand at one point or another are Stan Lee, Nathan Fillion, Carrie Fisher, Morena Baccarin, Adam West, Burt Ward, Dean Cain, Barbara Eden and others.
Train in concert with The Fray and Matt Nathanson
You have to hand it to Train, who have managed to release a hit song just often enough to maintain their popularity. The group responsible for songs like "Drops of Jupiter," "Hey, Soul Sister" and "Drive By" plays at Gexa Energy Pavilion in support of tge 2014 album, Bulletproof Picasso. They are joined by opening acts The Fray and Matt Nathanson.
Saturday, May 30
Nasher Sculpture Center presents Phyllida Barlow: Tryst
It's obvious that Nasher Sculpture Center thinks highly of sculptor Phyllida Barlow, as not only is it hosting this exhibition through August 30, it's also made her one of the judges for the inaugural Nasher Prize, which will be awarded this fall. If you'd like to hear more from Barlow, she speaks as part of Nasher's 360 Series on Saturday as well.
Jimmy Buffett in concert with Huey Lewis and the News
Jimmy Buffett has managed to maintain an almost god-like level of popularity for more than 40 years, almost purely for sticking to his escapist roots. He, the Coral Reefer Band and Huey Lewis and the News play at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, but everybody knows the real party takes place in the parking lot before, during and after the concert.
Sunday, May 31
2015 BFD featuring Rob Zombie
It'll be metal mayhem on Sunday at Gexa Energy Pavilion as KEGL 97.1 FM's annual BFD festival takes place. Headlining the day-long fest is Rob Zombie, who's set to release his sixth studio album later this year. He's joined by Breaking Benjamin, In This Moment, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, We Are Harlot and All That Remains.
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox in concert
If you ever wondered how Radiohead's "Creep" would sound as a jazz song, you're in luck. Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox is a jazz/pop ensemble with rotating members, including former American Idol contestants Haley Reinhart and Casey Abrams, that takes modern-day music and gives it a vintage feel. They play at South Side Music Hall at Gilley's Dallas.
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox plays at South Side Music Hall in the Gilley's complex on May 31.
