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The Estate of Ernie Kovacs and Fantagraphics books announced a Dallas in-person event in support of a new career retrospective "Ernie in Kovacsland: Writings, Drawings and Photographs from Television’s Original Genius" at The Wild Detectives bookstore-bar-venue (314 W Eighth St. Dallas, 75208, Oak Cliff) on Monday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. Full details on this book event can be found here.

 
Hosted by noted Dallas publicist Kelly Kitchens, the Wild Detectives book event will be a conversation, discussion and Q&A live event for fans of both Kovacs and comedy. It is also an extension of additional live events spearheaded by the Dallas VideoFest who are presenting the Ernie Kovacs Award to Devo’s Gerald Casale in-person at the Texas Theatre the night prior on Sunday, Sept 29. On Saturday, Sept. 28, VideoFest will screen the 2024 Devo music documentary at 7:30 p.m. also at the Texas Theatre. Tickets available for both events can be found here and here.
 
“Ernie Kovacs brilliant “high” meets “low” hijacking of mid-century television programming ignited a spark in my teenage brain and the fire spread fast,” said Devo co-founder Gerald V. Casale. “Could Devo have ever existed without the Nairobi Trio? I think everyone knows the answer.”
 
Since the book’s release in 2023, a renewed interest in the work of Ernie Kovacs has taken hold with a rave review in NPR’s Fresh Air who called the book “…a combination art museum and treasure chest”, the Los Angeles Times, the Saturday Evening Post and more. A UCLA Film & Television Archive in-person event in Los Angeles on July 22 sold out the 285 capacity venue.

The 284-page Ernie in Kovacsland coffee table book celebrates the cockeyed genius and prolific career, life and creative output of never-before-seen material from the Ernie Kovacs archive. Kovacs fans, including entertainer Ann Magnuson and musician Ron Mael of Sparks both contributed new essays for the book. Additional essays from co-authors, Joshua Mills, Ben Model & Pat Thomas round out the book. To purchase the book, click here.

Best known for his wildly imaginative, gleefully absurdist television show in the 1950s, Ernie Kovacs (1919 – 1962) was also a notorious illustrator, novelist, essayist, newspaper columnist, and poet. In celebration of this off-kilter genius and his prolific creative output, Fantagraphics presents a career retrospective featuring never-before-seen photos from Kovacs' archive; excerpts of his magazine articles, columns and books, hand-notated TV scripts: a smattering of his "illustrated profuselies," the wacky improvisational sketches he drew on air; and more. Curated by Josh Mills (son of Edie Adams, Kovacs' wife and a performer on his show), Edie/Ernie archivist Ben Model, and counterculture historian Pat Thomas, the book offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a pioneering comedian.

Ernie Kovacs inspired countless comedians, musicians, humorists, and writers in the latter half of the 20th century and beyond. He is cited as a direct influence by the creators and stars of such innovative comedy series as Saturday Night Live, Monty Python, and Mystery Science Theater 3000. An award in his name has been granted to uproarious humorists like Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy) and Harry Shearer (This is Spinal Tap) at the Dallas VideoFest. A true visionary, Kovac’s iconoclastic approach has forever made its mark on the world of comedy.

Ernie Kovacs was an influential figure for late night entertainers such as Steve Allen, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O'Brien, whose work has been cited appreciatively by Martin Scorsese, Harold Prince, Matt Groening (The Simpsons), Robert Smigel (Saturday TV Funhouse, Triumph: The Insult Comic Dog), Joel Hodgson (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman), Andrea Martin (SCTV), Alec Guinness and author Jonathan Lethem, among others.

A pioneer in early television whose inventive use of the medium inspired countless performers, directors, and video artists, Ernie Kovacs created  indelible characters such as Percy Dovetonsils, Matzoh Hepplewhite, and Uncle Gruesome, Kovacs invented a distinctly modern form of comedy that playfully subverted the television medium. Edie Adams was his on-screen partner as well as his wife. After his death in 1962 Adams was instrumental in not only saving but also preserving Kovacs’ body of work during the 1960s when she bought all existing Kovacs materials - including the masters that the television networks were planning to destroy them due to cost and storage issues. It is through her efforts that this book exists.

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Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.—the leading producer of larger-than-life lantern festivals in North America and the trailblazers who introduced authentic Chinese lantern traditions to the U.S. and Europe—will make their North Texas debut this winter at the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre, located at 1001 Texas Trust Way, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

This enchanting event invites visitors to embark on a nighttime adventure following the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy, as he explores the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. The festival features vibrant displays of plants and animals, infused with elements of magic, inspired by Koda’s dreams and imagination. As guests wander through the dazzling light show, they can piece together Koda’s adventure, capture stunning photographs, uncover clues, and win prizes. The experience includes 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures crafted from metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans.

 “We are thrilled to debut in Dallas this holiday season,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager at Tianyu Arts & Culture. “The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with its rich cultural diversity, is the perfect setting for us to showcase our lantern festival in a new, technologically advanced, and visually stunning way.”

This family-friendly event features exquisite artistry and provides the most immersive lantern experience in the metroplex this holiday season. In addition to the spectacular lantern displays, nightly stage performances will feature acrobats and folk performers. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverages and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. The festival will run from November 8, 2024, to January 19, 2025, every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., covering all major winter holidays. Tickets for the Tianyu Lights Festival range from $16 to $35. From 09/03 to 10/01, enjoy $5 off General Admission tickets with code TIANYU at checkout. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit https://tianyuculture.us/dallas.

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For 19 years now, Kenny Bowers and his team have worked to serve North Texans with great food, fabulous drinks and unparalleled service. In celebration of the past 19 years, all five Kenny’s restaurants are giving a special gift to diners.

 

September 3-15, each table in the restaurant will be presented with a thank you gift which includes a personal note and dining certificates for each of the concepts worth $75. The certificates, which include $15 to Kenny’s East Coast Pizza, $15 to Kenny’s Burger Joint, $25 to Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill and $20 to Kenny’s Italian Kitchen, must be redeemed by January 31, 2025.

 

Founded by Kenny Bowers and partner Bob Stegall, Kenny’s Restaurant Group believes that “Every day is a holiday and every meal a feast.”  The group is dedicated to customer-centered service and the recognition that hospitality is extended in every moment of guest interaction.  The restaurants are regularly lauded for their exceptional service and dedication to excellence. 

 


Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill 

www.kennyswoodfiredgrill.com
5000 Beltline Rd. #775
Dallas, TX 75254
(972) 392-9663

 

Kenny’s Italian Kitchen

www.kennysitalian.com

5100 Beltline, Suite 764 (at Montfort)

Dallas, TX 75254

972-661-9380

 

Kenny’s East Coast Pizza

kennyseastcoastpizza.com

4701 W Park Blvd #101,

Plano, TX 75093

972-519-9669

 

Kenny’s Burger Joint

Kennysburgerjoint.com

 

1377 Legacy Dr.

Frisco, TX 75034

214-618-8001

 

5809 Preston Road

Suite 588

Plano, TX 75093

972-378-0999

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01 Photo by Tamytha Cameron resized for BubbleLife

JSB Steering Committee Tickets on Sale Now

Meet the 2025 Junior Symphony Ball Co-Chairs

 

Mark your calendars for a night of music and dancing on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as the Junior Symphony Ball takes over the iconic Gilley's Dallas for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Steering Committee tickets are on sale now and available  online at www.dallassymphonyleague.com.

Two price levels will be available:

  • Steering Committee 1 – $395.00 - One Steering Committee Membership with required parent/guardian DSOL 6/1/23-5/31/24 membership (includes 1 JSB ticket)
  • Steering Committee 1 & VIP – $495.00 - One VIP ticket & Steering Committee Ticket (dedicated entrance at JSB for VIP ticket holders)

General admission tickets will be available in January, 2025 for $175. 

The JSB is the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's longest running fundraiser now in its 67th year. It is a student-led event that unites high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors for a night filled with live music, dance, gaming tables, exciting raffle prizes, and refreshments. Funds raised benefit education and community engagement programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  

The lineup of the 2025 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Tanner Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Gracelyn Nix, Highland Park High School; Jack Steed, Highland Park High School; Clara Tolleson, Episcopal School of Dallas; Johnny Willingham, Episcopal School of Dallas; Emerson Mayes, Bishop Lynch High School; Teddy Fleiss, St. Mark's School of Texas; Avery Black, Ursuline Academy; Zack Shapiro, Parish Episcopal School; and Kate Davidson, The Hockaday School. 

Their supportive and proud moms are: Holly Krug, Jonika Nix, Maygen Steed, Rebecca Black, Jojo Fleiss, Tricia Davidson, Amie Mayes, Kacy Tolleson, April Willingham, and Jori Shapiro.

For further information: www.dallassymphnyleague/com.

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EMPOWER is pleased to announce Ariel Jones as the newest Director of Permanency Support. Jones will office at EMPOWER’s Dallas office at 1820 Regal Row.

EMPOWER, a non-profit child welfare collaborative, serves as theCommunity-Based Care (CBC) contractor in Metroplex East. This nine-county region includes Dallas and surrounding communities.EMPOWER oversees foster care, case management, kinship, and reunification services. 

Jones is a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She also holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College. Jones brings a wealth of professional experience, having worked as a Counseling/Behavior Specialist with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, and as a Supervisor at Our Community Our Kids.

Outside of her professional life, Jones enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She has been married for eight years and is a devoted mom to two children who bring joy and excitement to her life. 

“We are thrilled to have Ariel join the EMPOWER family and we are eager to see her succeed in this role as she continues her service to families and children,” said Brittany Pearson, Vice President of Permanency at EMPOWER.

Many local children in foster care need a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how you can help these children in need, please visit https://3empower.org/fosterfutures/.

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After an extensive search, the Turtle Creek Chorale (TCC) Board of Directors are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dawson B. Taylor (he/him/his) as the Executive Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Dr. Taylor will assume his role on November 1, 2024. 

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are so excited to welcome Dr. Taylor back to Dallas to lead the Turtle Creek Chorale as Executive Director,” said Kevin Housing, Chair. “His professional experience, exceptional leadership and genuine passion for the TCC make him the ideal fit for this role.”

Dr. Taylor joins TCC with extensive leadership experience, previously serving as Designated Minister of Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ in Bethesda, MD and sings as baritone in the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. 

Prior to his role at Westmoreland, Dr. Taylor served as the sixth Senior Minister (2016-2022) and Associate Minister (2013-2015) of Naples United Church of Christ in Naples, FL. Prior to moving to Florida, he served as Executive Minister of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas. During this time, Dr. Taylor was also a part of the TCC as a singing member. He began singing with TCC in fall of 2006, the last season directed by Dr. Tim Seelig. He also served on the TCC Board in 2007 and became chairperson in 2009.

Dr. Taylor is proud to serve as a Trustee of Chicago Theological Seminary where he chairs the Board Affairs Committee and serves on the Executive Committee and Strategic Options Task Force. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards of directors including Planned Parenthood of Central and Southwest Florida and GLSEN-Collier County. 

Dr. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Centenary College of Louisiana, a Master of Theological Studies from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and his Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary.

“I am thrilled to be rejoining Turtle Creek Chorale as Executive Director” Dr. Taylor stated. “I am especially excited to partner with my friend Sean Mikel Baugh, the fantastic singing membership, the committed Board of Directors, the talented staff, and generous donors to broaden the mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire.”

 

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                                    COPPELL LIONS CLUB VISION SCREENING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

 

 

Coppell Lions Club were at the Back to School Fair at Irving Bible Church conducting Spot Vision Screening with the club’s  Vision Screening Team led by Lions Tim Decker, Alice Decker, Ron Harrison, Kim Taylor, Kris Pollard, Margaret Meek, Scott Murdock and Debbie Goodwin. Great service project for the Lions. Students received uniforms, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, Vision Screening, medical assessments and snacks.

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Nearly three decades ago, Half Shells first opened in University Park’s Snider Plaza. Now, as the historic shopping destination is undergoing an upgrade, the team at Half Shells is rewarding loyal diners with a series of amazing specials and promotions.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 2, Half Shells Snider Plaza will offer the following weekday specials.

On Mondays, Half Shells will extend its popular happy hour all day (regularly 3-6 p.m.). Happy hour offers include:

 

Food Specials

  • $2.25 Gulf Oysters
  • $2.50 select East Coast Oysters
  • $2.50 Chargrilled Oysters
  • $8 Shrimp Nachos
  • $6 Fried Pickles
  • $8 Shrimp & Crab Queso
  • $10 Cheeseburger

Drink Specials

  • $6 Glasses of House Wine
  • $2 off all other Glasses of Wine
  • $5 14 oz. Craft on Draft Beer
  • $6 Gold Margarita
  • $6 Wells
  • $2 off Listed Cocktails

 

 

Each Tuesday, guests can enjoy Half Shells’ Gold Margarita for only $5 all day.

 

Oyster lovers will enjoy Wednesdays at Half Shells, when the restaurant’s popular Oyster Nachos are offered for only $9.99. Additionally, all bottles of wine will be available half-price.

 

On Thursdays, Gulf Oysters will be offered for $12.99 for a half dozen from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

 

Half Shells realizes that construction has changed the locations of parking for the restaurant and is acknowledging that by compensating customers who are parking in the center’s paid parking garage with a complimentary cup of soup with their in-restaurant entrée purchase.

Plus, the restaurant is hoping for loyal guests to get the chance to know new Executive Chef Molly Winkler even better. During the Snider Plaza construction process, guests at Half Shells Snider Plaza can register to win a dinner for 6-8 people prepared by Chef Molly in their home.

The specials are good only at the Half Shells Snider Plaza location.  For more information, visit fishcitygrill.com


ABOUT FISH CITY GRILL AND HALF SHELLS

Fish City Grills and Half Shells are neighborhood seafood joints serving great seafood and cocktails in a comfortable, casual setting. Our tagline says it all; “Friendly folks. Serious Seafood.” We are equally proud of our company culture and the personal relationships we have with our Team Members, our Customers and our neighborhoods.

Fish City Grill and Half Shells have 23 locations throughout Texas, Arkansas, Florida and Oklahoma with more to come!

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Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and Galleria Dallas is celebrating in three big ways.

 

First, for its next Artist Collective exhibit, Galleria Dallas will host Los Trompos, a traveling interactive art installation created by Mexican artists Hector Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena. The exhibit will be displayed from Aug. 23-Sept. 30 in the recently updated outdoor plaza near North Italia. The outdoor plaza was redesigned earlier this year to provide shoppers with more spaces to gather with friends and family. The plaza features several seating areas and colorful, updated landscaping, making it a natural place to take photos.

 

For Los Trompos, the creators drew inspiration for the collection from the popular spinning top that has been a toy loved by children around the world. The collection features six one-of-a-kind, three-dimensional spinning tops in an array of colors and shapes. The colors on each sculpture are made by fabric woven in a traditional Mexican style. The sculptures are interactive and guests can make them spin.

 

Next, Galleria Dallas will partner with market innovator LuxuryLab Global to create a pop-up shopping experience celebrating the talent and artistry in the Mexican fashion industry. LuxuryLab Global, the most important market intelligence summit for luxury brands in Mexico and Latin America, will bring together Mexico’s top designers and artisans to create a luxury boutique filled with one-of-a-kind finds.

 

The limited-time boutique will feature a carefully curated selection of high-quality products from more than a dozen talented Mexican and Latin American designers including:

  • Eco y Caos – elevated activewear made with style and balance in mind
  • Rock & Jewel – alternative jewelry handmade with 100% Mexican silver
  • José Sánchez – minimalist leather accessories and apparel produced in Tijuana, Mexico

 

 

The public can meet the designers and shop Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon to 6 p.m.

Finally, Galleria Dallas will host a themed skate night from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 with a Hispanic Heritage Month focus. Called Frozen Fiesta, the evening will feature music by Latin artists and a chance to skate the night away at Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. Admission is $12, plus an additional $5 if you need to rent skates.

“We love celebrating all the cultures that make Galleria Dallas the great destination it has become,” said Angie Freed, general manager of Galleria Dallas. “We’re proud to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in a meaningful way, by sharing art and fashions from Latin America.”

 

About Galleria Dallas 

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is owned by MetLife Investment Management, managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas @galleriadallasiceskating #galleriadallasiceskating

 

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Food trends may come and go, but basic great food served with a smile will never go out of style. For the soldiers and families at Fort Cavazos, near Killeen, Texas, a diner with deep roots will soon bring fabulous farm-to-table classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Luckys Café, a renowned diner originally founded in Dallas more than three decades ago, will open on Fort Cavazos on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

 

  

The new restaurant, at 761st Tank Battalion Drive, will be operated by franchisee Gilbert Aranza of Java Star, Inc. The 4,917-square-foot space will offer 152 seats for diners. General Manager Brittany Williams is excited to receive guests at the new location.

 

Luckys Café is sure to become a neighborhood favorite because of classic offerings such as hand-breaded chicken fried steak and breakfast all day. The farm-to-table menu uses locally sourced, fresh, clean-tasting ingredients. Luckys will feature daily specials on the blackboard highlighting seasonal favorites.

 

Guests from around the region are invited to dine at Luckys. Civilians wishing to dine should stop at the Visitors Center before the main gate entrance. The desk soldiers onsite will be able to share access once guests share their ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.  Continue straight ahead. Luckys is on the left at the corner of the second cross street.

 

The restaurant is proud to partner with local and regional farms that provide the freshest natural ingredients. Popular items include meatloaf, pot roast, chicken and waffle and one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the country. The team is excited about the impact it will have on the Fort Cavazos community.

 

“The soldiers and families at Fort Cavazos need a three-meals-a-day place like Luckys Café,” said Aranza, Luckys Café’s licensed operator.  “Like the original Luckys on Oak Lawn in Dallas, the location on post will feature breakfast all day and diner classics for lunch and dinner with farm-to-table ingredients.”

 

 

Luckys Fort Cavazos

761st Tank Battalion Drive, Bldg. 50,

Fort Cavazos, TX 76544

www.luckysdallas.com