out&about in october

from 2011 October Preston Hollow

?of the month

10.22.11 DAV iD W i LC oX $20-$25

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse hosts acclaimed folk musician David Wilcox, who has spent more than 20 years in the genre, beginning with his first 1987 record “Nightshift Watchman.” Uncle Calvin’s, a nonprofit venue located in the fellowship hall of Northpark Presbyterian Church, is known for attracting folk artists from all over the country. Proceeds from the concerts benefit local organizations such as the Stew Pot and North Dallas Shared Ministries. Wilcox performs at 8 p.m. Mai Bloomfield, a singer-songwriter who plays guitar and cello, will open the show. Tickets are available online only, and they sell out fast. 9555 N. Central, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org

THROUGH 10.15 PoeTS AND CATTLe FRee Norwood Flynn Gallery presents “Poets and Cattle: Paintings by Ray-mel Cornelius” on view now. Cornelius’ work captures the geometry of livestock. 3318 Shorecrest, 214.351.3318, norwoodflynngallery.com

10.21-10.22 WiTHeRS 50TH ANNiVeRSARY

FRee Withers Elementary celebrates 50 years with special events for alumni and the community. A reception and open house is 10 a.m.-noon Friday, and a happy hour event is 4-7 p.m. A carnival and reunion is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 3959 Northaven, 972.794.5000

10.22 HALLoWeeN HeRbS FRee North Haven Gardens presents a special Halloween-themed gardening presentation at 3 p.m., exploring ancient herbal plants used to enchant and heal people. 7700 Northaven, 214.363.5316, nhg.com

10.25-04.29 JCC booK FAiR FRee-$25 The Jewish Community Center presents The J Book Fair, an author series featuring speakers and community discussions. The opening reception is at 7 p.m. at Samuel Lynne Galleries, 1105 Dragon, with Wendy Dubow Polins, who will talk about her book “Fare Forward.” Admission is $18 in advance and $25 at the door. Events continue this spring at the JCC. 7900 Northaven, 214.239.7128, jccdallas.org

A guide to dining & drinking in our neighborhood

Fair Fare

THE STATE FAIR OF TEXASSEASON IS UPON US, but you don’t have to venture far from our neighborhood for gourmet fair food. Case in point: Purple Cow. “I think a lot of people don’t cook fried food at home,” owner Vicki Bell says. “It’s something that’s kind of different, something that’s a treat every once in a while.” Aside from its regular menu items of burgers, dogs and shakes, Purple Cow rolls out a state fair-themed menu, which includes indulgent dishes such as the blue cheese fried hot dog, fried grilled cheese, fried banana pudding and fried pies, just to name a few. Although it may not be the healthiest choice, the food is still made the old-fashioned way with real ingredients, Bell says. Plus, there’s a culinary explanation for why fried food is so darn good. “It does seal the moisture on a lot of food and makes it very, very fresh. So, it’s nice. Fried food is awesome.” —EMILY TOMAN