05/16/2008

Main Street Days runs through Sunday

File

Try out the scuba-diving tank.

The entertainment ranges from a scuba-diving tank to staged gunfights to lumberjacks showing off their skills. It’s all part of the 24th annual Main Street Days Festival, celebrating the great outdoors on Grapevine’s historic Main Street. Highlights for the kids include a live white tiger exhibit from Zoo Dynamics, rides on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, rock climbing, BMX stunt riders and a fishing tank. Live music, arts and crafts, rides and food are among the other attractions.
Best of the weekend: Find more to do this weekend

05/17/2008

Time-crunched gamers want the epic battles, too
Nintendo is making a mint off casual gamers who delight in brief, ephemeral sports and puzzle minigames, while Sony and Microsoft have cornered the market on hard-core gamers who revel in epic action extravaganzas.

T-Pain leads BET nominations

Claire Lynch offers bluegrass music a chance to adapt, grow, influence
When music luminaries Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, among others, sing your praises, literally, that's a good time to re-evaluate your artistry.

George Lopez masters comedy on all ethnic fronts
GRAND PRAIRIE – The best ethnic comedians have learned to master a tricky and fascinating balancing act. It goes something like this: Find creative ways to mock the historical oppressor (the white man, in most cases) in a way that will make everyone laugh. Then zoom in your own cultural specifics with a touch of self-deprecation and a knack for riotous tragicomedy.

Not much new to watch in TV's fall lineup
The writers strike ended in February, but come fall, viewers will still be seeing its effects play out on their televisions.

Paul Lewis' Beethoven piano sonatas lovely, but a bit too British

05/16/2008

Sources close to Jessica Simpson, Tony Romo say breakup may be permanent

LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN

Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson

As the cement hardens on the Jessica Simpson/Tony Romo breakup, associates of the couple are loosening up and chatting. On the eve of sister, Ashlee Simpson’s, wedding to Pete Wentz, a number of sources close to the couple are giving the anatomy of a breakup. Apparently, Jessica and Tony have called it quits several times before and promptly gotten back together. But this time, don’t bet on it.

05/15/2008

'Prince Caspian' a somber return to Narnia

Walt Disney Pictures

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

You may have qualms going into The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, the sequel to 2005's runaway box office success The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Don't.
Survey: Grade The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Blog: The Screening Room
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Guide to hot summer concerts and music fests

AP

When it comes to concerts this summer, there's something for everybody.

This summer's packed with huge music and festivals, and our guide is your ticket to shows like the Warped Tour, the Police, Country Thunder USA, Steve Miller Band, Cyndi Lauper, Jonas Brothers, the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, Foreigner, Journey and Heart, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer, Ozzfest, Tom Petty, Huey Lewis, the very first Crüe Fest and tons more.

05/16/2008

'American Idol' concert tour will start July 1
LOS ANGELES - Whether it's David Archuleta or David Cook who wins American Idol next week, both singers will be part of the show's annual concert tour.

'Idol' alum Taylor Hicks to join Broadway's 'Grease'

Angela Shoemaker

Taylor Hicks

Taylor Hicks is going from Idol to Teen Angel from June 6 to Sept. 7 during the Broadway revival of the popular musical.

Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi plan to marry
Ellen DeGeneres is putting the California Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage into action - she and Portia de Rossi plan to wed, DeGeneres announced during a taping of her talk show.

Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson off; Shania Twain and 'Mutt,' too
People magazine is reporting that Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson have failed to rekindle their romantic relationship.

Dallas-area ventriloquist Terry Fator signs multimillion-dollar Vegas deal
Dallas-area ventriloquist Terry Fator, the winner of last summer's $1 million prize on the debut season of America's Got Talent on NBC, has signed a five-year deal for a reported $100 million to perform at the Mirage resort and casino in Las Vegas.

Thom Mayne embraces challenge at the Nasher Sculpture Center
In 2005, Thom Mayne won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the profession's highest honor. He's a Los Angeles-based architect whose work has been showered with more than 100 design awards over 30 years. It's no secret then that many are thrilled to have him design the new Museum of Nature & Science facility at Victory Park.

Laverne and Shirley, the Nashers, Katie Lee Joel
Denizens of Maple Avenue have no idea how close they came to hearing a historic rendition of "Schlemiel, schlimazel, hasenpfeffer incorporated."

'Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection' arrives on DVD

Paramount Pictures

Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection, a new DVD box set released Tuesday, exists for one primary reason: To promote the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

'The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian': Making a big movie out of a small book
Would you rather slice-and-dice an 870-page book beloved by millions or pump up a slim fantasy novel that's part of a series revered for its Christian allegories?

Fox announces fall premieres, 2 new shows
NEW YORK – Fox will bring only two new series to the air in the fall, traditionally its slow season, but it plans flashy two-hour season premieres of four programs during the same August week as the Democratic National Convention.

DSO coaxes hair-raising climaxes, amazing hushes from Bruckner's Seventh
Vast and spaciously laid out, the symphonies of Anton Bruckner ill fit our age of instant messaging, sound bites and short attention spans. The Seventh Symphony's slow movement alone lasts longer than many a classical-period symphony.

On TV tonight
GHOST WHISPERER In the season finale, Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) finally learns the truth about her father, which her mother (Anne Archer) has kept from her for years. She also finds out why Mom kept mum, but this information could come at a high price: her own life. Martin Donovan returns as Melinda's father, Tom Gordon, in "Pater Familias." (N/CC/HDTV/TVPG) (1 hr.) (7 p.m. Ch. 11)

New this week in DVD
THE GREAT DEBATERS: Inspirational film about Wiley College debate coach Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington) and his all-black team that rolled over opponents in the Jim Crow era. Strong performances all around, and more than enough substance to make up for any schmaltz. Also starring Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker and Denzel Whitaker. Directed by Mr. Washington.

05/14/2008

'American Idol:' David Cook and David Archuleta will go mano a mano

Associated Press

David Archuleta and David Cook

It's official: David will win American Idol next week. Of course, it remains to be seen which David, Cook or Archuleta. As expected, Syesha Mercado was sent away on Wednesday, leaving us with the David who says things like "Gosh, I didn't mean to cry or anything! Gosh!" (Archuleta) and the ex-bartending one who leans more toward statements such as "This is a trip. I can't process it." So who will take the crown?

05/15/2008

Who should Tony Romo date after Jessica Simpson?
The best way for Tony Romo to rebound from his breakup is to get back on the field. With that in mind, some suggestions on where Tony should train his sights.

'Sports Illustrated' swimsuit model Marisa Miller tops 'Maxim' Hot List
Marisa Miller, renowned for her many appearances in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues and Victoria's Secret catalogs, is "the hottest woman in the world," according to Maxim magazine's 2008 Hot List.

'Dog the Bounty Hunter' to return to A&E
Bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman's TV show will return to the air this summer, months after it was pulled when the reality star used a racial slur in a profanity-laced tirade.

CBS to add 2 comedies, 3 dramas to fall lineup
NEW YORK – CBS will bring two comedies to its schedule on Wednesday nights in the fall, spreading jokes to a second night after confining its sitcoms to Mondays the past few years.

FW Opera tackles '80s epic on gay life, 'Angels in America'
"It was a very dark time in this country, and a very dark time in the lesbian and gay community." So says playwright Tony Kushner of the period two decades ago memorialized in his two-part epic Angels in America.

'Angels in America' opens Fort Worth Opera Festival

Ellen Appel

Ava Pine in Angels

Featuring an operatic version of the controversial musical is a daring gesture in a churchgoing city that still proudly calls itself Cowtown.

Theater review: 'If You Give a Pig a Party' is squeals of fun
Warning: If You Give a Pig a Party at Dallas Children's Theater may give you a case of the giggles.

Alicia Keys dazzles with singing, spectacle at Nokia Theatre
GRAND PRAIRIE – Despite writing songs almost exclusively about passionate relationships and their consequences, Alicia Keys comes across on her records as one cool customer.She shed that image Wednesday at Nokia Theatre, stepping out from behind the security of her piano to tart it up in a series of choreographed dance numbers. By the time the concert was over two hours later, Ms. Keys had spanked her backside almost as often as she had slapped the ivory.

05/14/2008

Video: Old 97's play new single "Dance With Me"

Lisa Johnson

It's been four years since the band's last album.

Watch Dallas rock quartet the Old 97's perform "Dance With Me" from its new CD, Blame It on Gravity, at the Marquita Courts, an apartment building in East Dallas where the guys lived in the band's early years.
Story: Old 97's back stronger
Review: Blame It on Gravity

Only two 'Idol' finalists left after Wednesday's elimination

FOX

Finalists David Archuleta, Syesha Mercado and David Cook

Tonight the American Idol competition gets whittled down to just two finalists. Will David A. make it through after his awkward-but-entertaining performance last night? What about David C. after a pitchy-but-decent "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," or Syesha after her middle-of-the-road turn on the stage? Blog with Darla Atlas starting at 7 p.m. on FOX.
Story: David Archuleta tries out R&B

Alan Peppard: For Tony and Jessica, it ain't over until it's over

LOUIS DeLUCA/DMN

Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson

If Jessica Simpson were to call former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith, he'd sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over." With conflicting reports in the blogosphere, it's been hard getting at the truth of the Tony Romo-Jessica Simpson break-up rumors. And until we hear it from the Tony and Jessica, anything can happen. But after taking several oaths not to divulge my sources, two people close to Tony and Jess have told me that the glam couple is over.

Jack Black breaks news: Angelina Jolie expecting twins
Angelina Jolie is indeed expecting twins, and it was Jack Black who let the news slip with a "Brady Bunch" crack.

Texan, mixed media pioneer Robert Rauschenberg dies

Courtesy PaceWildenstein

Rebus, 1955

The modern art titan is considered the "greatest Texas-born artist of the 20th century."

05/13/2008

On 'American Idol,' David Archuleta tries out R&B

Fox

American Idol finalist David Archuleta

Some of us gained new respect for American Idol's David Archuleta on Tuesday night. The top three contestants were allowed to chose songs of their liking this week, so David decided to leap out of his comfort zone and attempt R&B star Chris Brown's "With You." The song starts with the line "I need you, Boo," so right away we were off and running to Awkwardville.

05/14/2008

Model Ali Michael speaks out on thinness
Colleyville native Ali Michael, who won the 2005 Fashion!Dallas/Kim Dawson Model Search, was interviewed Wednesday on NBC's Today show about the pressure on young models to be unnaturally thin.

Marissa Jaret Winokur voted off on 'Dancing With the Stars'
On Tuesday night's Dancing With the Stars, the weirdest thing happened – nothing weird happened (unless you count the Michael Jackson Thriller tribute coinciding with the children's dance finals).

Wednesday's TV highlights
DEAL OR NO DEAL Host Howie Mandel and two contestants visit South Africa, which has its own version of the hit game show. As they try their luck at winning the $1 million top prize, viewers at home may vote for a new model for the upcoming season and win $10,000. (N/CC/ TVPG) (2 hrs.) (7 p.m. Ch. 5)

'In the Heights' tops Tony nominees list

AP

Broadway

It received 13 nods, but August: Osage County could be crowned the first Great American Drama of the 21st century.

'Ring of Fire' evokes Johnny Cash at Fair Park Music Hall
A Johnny Cash show without the Man in Black is a contradiction in terms, but it's not quite impossible.

ABC fall lineup: Writers' strike blamed for just 2 new shows
NEW YORK – ABC will introduce only two new series in the fall, one of them scripted, in a schedule the network admits was severely affected by the 100-day TV writers strike.

05/13/2008

Last three 'American Idol' finalists begin battle this week

Fox

American Idol finalists Syesha Mercado, David Archuleta and David Cook

After Rockwall resident Jason Castro's departure from American Idol last week, it's down to three hopefuls — Syesha, David A. and David C. Blog along with Darla Atlas during tonight's show at 7 p.m. on FOX as the competition begins coming down to the wire.
Story: 'American Idol' comes down to these three finalists

05/12/2008

Terrell Owens says his appearance on 'Under One Roof' is no passing fancy

Associated Press

Terrell Owens

Dallas Cowboys star Terrell Owens will take center stage off the field on Wednesday night with a guest spot on Under One Roof, a sitcom starring Flavor Flav on MyNetworkTV. But this isn't simply a celebrity cameo. Mr. Owens is serious about launching an acting career after his football days are done.
Video: Watch clips from the show

05/13/2008

Barack Obama leads in unsolicited campaign songs

Erich Schlegel / DMN

The candidate in Austin last year at his first campaign rally in Texas

John McCain and Hillary Clinton have plenty of musical support in the first presidential election of the YouTube era, but Barack Obama clinched the race for the best campaign soundtrack long ago. He's the leader in what observers are calling a new form of political campaigning.
Songs: Obama | Clinton | McCain

05/12/2008

Old 97's back stronger than ever with 'Blame It on Gravity'

The latest release by the Old 97's, Blame It on Gravity

When the Old 97's joined Elektra Records in 1996, they celebrated by writing "The One," a snarky ditty comparing signing a major record label contract to robbing a bank. "Take the money and run," the unreleased song went. "We're gonna spend it all on ourselves." Today, the money's all gone and the contract's history, but the Old 97's are still alive and grinning more than 15 years after they formed. It's a classic lesson in how to survive the major-label shark tank.The Dallas quartet has just released Blame It on Gravity, their seventh studio CD. The album's final track is none other than "The One."

05/13/2008

'American Idol' comes down to these three finalists
The seventh season of American Idol has been ballyhooed as having the most talented singers ever. That's debatable. But what is clear is that the top three – David Cook, Syesha Mercado and David Archuleta – offer something for everyone. Pick your poison: the rocker, the belter or the puppy dog. So who stands the best chance of ultimate victory?

Endless love for Mariah?
Two weeks into wedded bliss, Mariah Carey reports that new hubby Nick Cannon can't get enough. Of the actual ceremony, that is.

Hard time for Ma
Remy Ma has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the shooting of a woman last summer outside a Manhattan nightclub.

Disc debuts: CDs, DVDs and games being released this week

Arts Digest: After 10 years, how does 'Seinfeld' hold up?
Newsweek this week has critics do battle on the vital topic: Does Seinfeld still hold up 10 years after it left the airwaves?

Apocalyptica thaws Finns' frigid reputation
The line between classical and metal music is drawn in Finland.

05/12/2008

Applause all around at Cappies
Miss Saigon , the Madame Butterfly -inspired musical updated to the Vietnam War, proved a big winner for J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, while The Boys Next Door , a poignant story about mentally disabled men, won the best-play award for Lake Highlands High School at the 2008 Cappies held at J.J. Pearce High School on Monday night.

CD reviews: Old 97's, Death Cab for Cutie, Duffy, We Are Scientists, Nortec Collective
The Old 97's don't try as hard to reinvent themselves as their alt-country peers Ryan Adams and Wilco do. But their seventh disc, Gravity, is so effortless-sounding it holds up far better than recent CDs by Mr. Adams and Wilco.

An 'awfully special' wedding day for Bushes 

The White House

Jenna Bush posed for photos prior to her marriage to Henry Hager.

The young woman we once called Jenna and Tonic is now Mrs. Henry Hager. A few details from the weekend wedding festivities of Jenna Bush and Henry Hager have leaked out. The word is that the groom's former boss, Karl Rove, was among the guests who were present to see the couple exchange vows as the sun set over the lake at the president's Prairie Chapel Ranch. "This Mother's Day weekend was awfully special for Laura and me," the president said in a statement on Sunday.

NBC anoints Jimmy Fallon as Conan O'Brien successor
Jimmy Fallon's kindergarten yearbook at St. Mary of the Snow in Saugerties, N.Y., listed him as "most likely to take over for David Letterman." Letterman's going nowhere, but close enough.

Tour bus wreck kills gospel singer-songwriter Dottie Rambo
Joyce "Dottie" Rambo, an influential gospel singer and songwriter, died early Sunday when her tour bus ran off the highway and struck an embankment. She was 74.

Timberlake and Biel most toned twosome, says 'In Touch'
"SexyBack" couple Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel beat out Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady as the most toned twosome in the celebrity world, according to In Touch magazine's latest poll.

Holly Madison's marriage meltdown
Since she first laid eyes on the Playboy mogul in 2001, Hugh Hefner's "lead" girlfriend, Holly Madison, has made it no secret that she wants to get hitched to the geezer. But it seems she's starting to give up on her dream.

'Speed' can't overtake golden lead of 'Iron Man'
LOS ANGELES – Speed Racer was lapped in its opening weekend at the box office as Iron Man continued to lead with $50.5 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Up All Night: Mansion bar's cocktails shaking things up
The Rosewood Mansion at Turtle Creek is generally not thought of as cool, but right now they're doing adventurous things behind the bar.

Ryan Cabrera grittily tops off his pop-tart image
You don't have to pity Ryan Cabrera, exactly, but you can feel a bit sympathetic for the guy: His bid for the big time got him jumbled up with creepy stage daddy Joe Simpson and romantically involved with the (and this is an awesome distinction) less-talented of his progeny, the hapless Ashlee.

A few words with Grace Potter
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have earned their stripes primarily on the road, hitting the stages of festivals and clubs. But in 2007 they released a debut album, This Is Somewhere , and this summer they'll play select dates opening for the Dave Matthews Band.

Dolly Parton's 'Backwoods Barbie' concert filled with class

Sonya N. Herbert / DMN

Dolly Parton performed to a packed house at Nokia Theatre.

How does one not enjoy a Dolly Parton concert? That's not a rhetorical question. At Nokia Theatre Sunday night during a stop on her Backwoods Barbie trek the Tennessee native, backed by her 11-piece band, sounded splendid, looked fabulous and seemed incredibly personable as she offered songs seasoned and fresh. In other words, Miss Dolly was on – again.

Monday TV highlights
AMERICAN GLADIATORS The popular competition show from the mid-1990s is reincarnated in this new version, which returns with a two-hour second-season premiere. Ordinary people are pitted against the show's "gladiators" (action stars and stunt artists) in a variety of strength and endurance contests that fans will remember from the original show, only with a 21st-century twist. (N/CC/TVPG) (2 hrs.) (7 p.m. Ch. 5)

'Cry-Baby' a superb entry in 'nice girl, dangerous boy' genre
NEW YORK – A nice girl falls for a dangerous boy who sings like Elvis: It's the fastest-growing genre of musical comedy.

Re-energized Crowes achieve liftoff in Addison
ADDISON – Few people wept – or even noticed – in 2002 when the Black Crowes announced they were going on hiatus. By then, bluesy jam bands had become as common as muck.

Jimmy Fallon to take Conan's late-night spot
Jimmy Fallon to take Conan's late-night spot

05/11/2008

It's not too late to plan a special outing for Mother's Day

Tim Sharp

Celebrity Cafe and Bakery's afternoon tea

There are the planners, and then there are those who, despite their best intentions, often wing it for a special day. This Mother's Day weekend, don't beat yourself up over missing another opportunity to show Mom you care. Whether your mother relishes afternoon teas or likes letting her hair down at a Mamapalooza concert, we're here with some ideas to help you make it special for her.
Mother's Day dining guide

Loudon Wainwright remains warm, witty - and twisted
Loudon Wainwright III had hip replacement surgery last year, so naturally he wrote a song about it.

Highlights from this week in entertainment history
1959: Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher are married in Las Vegas. They divorce after four years.

In the Changer: Tab Benoit, Cherish and Shibboleth

Are cellphones ruining the concert experience?
What if you gave a concert and the crowd refused to watch?

'A Catered Affair' not very engaging
NEW YORK – A Catered Affair is a little musical that modestly shrinks almost to invisibility.