Weekender

Hey everyone... here's the weekender. Since baby Jesus' birthday is coming up soon, we've decided to take a few days off, but we'll be back on Thursday the 27th with some local focused year end stuff and a few surprises for you. Happy Holidays everyone, you're all very special to all of us at WSJR HQ*:



*Just kidding, we hate you

FRIDAY

The Party (Zubar): So last month I was all "Man, I've been to every Zubar party for the past year, so I'm gonna take a break from it tonight." And then after a few hours when I couldn't find anything else to do, I cruised by Zubar only to find that there was a huge line, the place was packed, and it looked really fun. But it was raining and I didn't feel like waiting in line so I said screw it. Guess I should've just gone in the first place.

Mom/Balmorhea/The Theater Fire (3114 Swiss Ave): Another edition of the always fun Swiss Ave parties, this one features Mom, who might have produced the most widely praised and commerically successful local release of the year (this side of St. Vincent), and Theater Fire, who received their fair share of praise last year along the same lines. These parties are always $5 and BYOB, although they typically have some free kegs inside if you get there early. I've heard that the door guy tends to Dude Bro out on people from time to time, but the atmosphere is always very friendly and a lot of fun once you get inside. Balmorhea is an Austin acoustic group that is like a more mellow, less electronic Mom. Quite subdued, but the DJ playing Italo disco in between sets should add some energy. The fliers say the party starts at 9, but these things almost always run well past two.

Laptop Deathmatch Christmas Party (Minc): Various deathmatchers will be performing tonight (including the acclaimed Convextion) before Wanz, Alex Ander and Robert Taylor spin a variety of dance tracks on Minc's above average sound system.

Pleasant Grove/Baboon/King Bucks/Greater Good (Doublewide): I would call this show one of those WTF Doublewide mismatched line ups, but its a 1310 The Ticket show, so it gets a couple bonus points for a something less than P1 ticket listener. I would head over there just for the chance to watch Danny be rude to some of the dorky p1s that will surely be in attendance.

The Crash that Took Me (FREE- Good Records): So The Crash that Took Me has been getting a little "buzz" around town lately, meaning that a couple of their little buddies at the Observer have decided to start writing about how "totally amazing" and "rockin" they are so that they can all feel cool together. But I really shouldn't dismiss the press they've received as some sort of aging hipster quid pro quo for guest list spots to half empty shows, because in all honesty, this band is an Observer critic's wet dream: imagine if U2 borrowed the Verve's equipment for a few days and started performing songs written by that dude from the Goo Goo Dolls, and you'd unfortunately be pretty close to how these guys sound. It's as if the mid 90's never went away with these people, you know? And no, little Nigel Godrich lazer sounds do NOT make your band either shoegaze OR experimental, ok my man? But they will be having free beer for some kind of video release party this evening at 8pm at Good Records, so I might go there and scoop up a couple cups and buy some magazines or something.

Strawberry Fields will be showing a surprise movie at 9pm tonight. BYOB if you're down.

SATURDAY

Hands Up with Blaqstarr/Rye Rye/Playboy/The Party (The Loft): Baltimore Mad Decent DJ, M.I.A. collaborator and mixtap superstar Blaqstarr comes through Dallas with his city sound in full force and his ultra hip connections on full display. The guy has been profiled in URB and the Fader as well, meaning that his club cred is well established at this point. However, I'm actually most excited about seeing Rye Rye's performance since she is one of the youngest, sassiest and most skilled female MCs I've heard in a long time-- great minimal production from Blaqstarr only helps to emphasize her strong flow as well, and I'm hoping she's learned how to rock a mic live. I'll probably be there early to see for myself. Props to Central Booking for putting a really exciting show together.

The Frenz (Space--6pm): Part of a large visual art show featuring free drinks, etc. Good way to start the evening. Space is at 2814 Main St. in Dallas.

King Harvest Winter Solstice Festival (Hailey's): A variety of local Denton bands will be swapping members and covering various songs by various musical heroes. Details here.


Stereo on Strike Holiday Party (Zubar): Solid line up of DJs including Sean Vargas, Robert Taylor, Wanz and others. No cover.

Sarah Jaffe/Sean Kirkpatrick/Twig and Owl/Emil Rapstine (Rubber Gloves)

SUNDAY

Wild in the Streets (Hailey's)