Yes, we know this is Black Tie Dinner weekend, but if you don’t have tickets by now, you’ve got other stuff to keep you busy — some of it quite great.
First, you can get a taste of Black Tie for the B4 Preview Party Friday night at the Sheraton, a little sneak peak of the auction items. Then on Saturday you have two chances to see Jaston Williams (of Greater Tuna fame) performing his one-man show about growing up in the Panhandle, Cooking with Gasoline, pictured, at Casa Manana. You also only have a few more changes to see Lyric Stage‘s production of 1776. It’s not a perfect musical by any means, but the cast is strong and nothing will get you excited about voting more than a patriotic musical. You have a little longer to see The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity from Dallas Theater Center. Hot guys in Speedos and a smart dissection of consumer culture? I was sold.
Also on Saturday, you can go to the 500 Inc.’s 10th annual WineFest in Addison. (We’re even giving away free tickets!)
If you prefer staying in on a Friday night, Lily Tomlin returns to sitcomdom with Malibu Country tonight on ABC.
On Election Eve, Mama’s Party returns for a fundraiser in Grand Prairie with Amy Stevenson hosting as always and local vocal luminaries performing. Expect a lot of tributes to the late Buddy Shanahan — the local pianist died Sunday; a memorial service will be held for his friends at the Cathedral of Hope on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. For a different kind of music on Monday, you can instead see Liz Mikel play Blue (Room) at South Side on Lamar with her show about sex and women. Oh, lord!
Many of us will be glued to the TV watching election returns on Tuesday, but if you need some other distraction, consider seeing Oral Fixation, the storytelling series, at The MAC.
And finally, although Stephan Pyles’ newest restaurant Stampede 66 hasn’t officially opened yet, it’s due and day now, and until then, you can check out pictures of the interior here.
