NYE at F.I.G.

Party like a rock star this New Year's Eve at downtown Dallas' chicest location

Get your tickets now for the NYE bash at F.I.G.

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Got your New Year's Eve plans locked down yet? If not, there's still time to purchase tickets to one of the fanciest black-tie parties in Dallas: NYE Soiree at Fashion Industry Gallery.

F.I.G. is a favorite venue of high-end fashion shows, society weddings, and see-and-be-seen charity galas. It's downtown, across the street from the Fairmont Hotel, and a chic setting for what's sure to be a memorable night of music, dancing, and, of course, champagne.

It all starts at 9 pm with the red carpet, where you and your date can pose for a photo at the step-and-repeat before heading inside. If instead of $100 general admission ($80 early bird) you opt for a VIP ticket —$125 for early bird buyers, $150 after that — you get inside early to mingle with the band, InVersion, which happens to be anchored by Beyonce's drummer (and he used to play for Prince).

Once the band gets going, expect Top 40 hits with plenty of energizing horns, rhythmic percussion, soulful guitars, and powerful vocals. DJ Marshall keeps things rocking between sets with dazzling light and sound.

And if you claim you can't dance, there's something at this party that's sure to help: the open bar. Expect the drinks to flow all night long, topped off with a champagne toast at midnight. Light hors d'oeuvre help balance out the revelry.

Got a large group of friends? There are parlor party rooms available for 20-40 people, which are adjacent to the dance floor and come with their own security to ensure you always have a seat. You also get to enjoy all the other VIP perks, such as early entry and premium liquor at your open bar. For pricing and availability, check the website.

This is when it pays to be organized, as early bird tickets are only available while inventory lasts. Once the $80 tickets are gone, expect to pay $100 for general admission until night of, when it's $150 for last-minute entry. This is one party you won't want to miss.

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RIP Mark

Colorful Dallas musician and DJ Mark Ridlen passes away at 65

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Mark Ridlen RIP

A bright and colorful light in Dallas' music scene went out: Mark Ridlen, DJ and musician, passed away on November 17, following a bout with cancer; he was 65.

From his appearance in Ron Howard’s 1978 directorial debut, Cotton Candy, to his groups Quad Pi, Lithium X-mas, and a plethora of side projects with scores of DFW musicians, to his full-time job as a professional DJ under the moniker "DJ Mr. Rid," Ridlen had been a steady staple on the local creative scene.

He surfed pretty much every musical wave: from Dallas' epochal dance music scene in the early 80s, to punk rock to his role as one of Dallas' top DJs — the guy you called when you wanted your event to be cool and fun.

Ridlen had been quietly battling kidney and lung cancer for the past three years. Over the summer, he had his second kidney removed, which meant he was on dialysis treatment a couple times a week.

He remained upbeat, but according to friends of the family, two more tumors were recently found in his brain. His family and friends decided to forego further treatment and were by his side when he died.

He remained in demand until his passing. In May, he DJed a party at the Kessler Theater, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Starck Club, the legendary '80s dance music club designed by Philippe Starck, which had a huge influence on Dallas, and which Ridlen was part of.

He was invited to DJ at the Starck Club when it opened in 1984 and remained in that role until the club closed in 1989.

Reid mark ridlen Mark Ridlen (right) with close friend Reid RobiinsonFacebook

From there, he migrated to Expo Park, the underground neighborhood across from Fair Park where art and music ruled. His stints at XPO Lounge, Double Wide, and other neighborhood venues made him a staple in the community.

At the same time, he was a member of Lithium Xmas, a psychedelic art-rock band which he formed with acclaimed musicians Chris Merlick and Greg Synodis.

He was also a pop culture savant with a comprehensive knowledge of music, who balanced a low-key charm with a vibrant sense of style, whether it was a vivid pop-art tunic or a flashy sequinned jacket, he did it all with originality and panache.

In late August, a large circle of musicians and friends rallied to participate in a benefit for Ridlen, to help pay for his medical costs — a sweet indication of the high regard in which he was held.

“I do want people to know that I am not being slowed down by cancer,” Ridlen said at the time. “I'm ready to continue working. I have more-or-less a clean bill of health for the moment, and hopefully that doesn't change.”

Survivors include his mother Nancy and his brother David. A memorial service is in the works with details still to be announced.

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