LAUNCH

Artist In Residence

Lori McCracken grew up around country music, traveling around East Texas honkytonks with her parents’ band, her diaper hooked to her mother’s bass drum during shows. “It wasn’t a classic childhood, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” Now, she’s following in her parents’ footsteps, singing and playing all over Dallas. McCracken’s music harks back to the good ol’ days of country music with influences like Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette. “I feel like now, music has lent itself to pop and pop country,” McCracken says. “I’m ready to get back to the good, solid, country music. Not much of the younger generation has heard this stuff.” She taught herself to play guitar at age 16 and never took a singing lesson because “you either have it or you don’t,” her mother used to say. To pay the bills, she works as a graphic designer in Plano, but has begun focusing more on her music. She recently recruited a bassist, Dale Stock, and a drummer, Sarah Biglow, to add more power to her acoustic performances. McCracken has written eight original songs, three of them signed to AudioMoxie records — “80”, “Unforgivable Sin” and her favorite, “Stuck in Life.” It’s about that undeniable feeling of wanting to move on from the usual. “Man, if I could just sing and play, I’d be so much happier.” For updates on her shows this month, search for Lori McCracken on Facebook.

—EmiLy Toman

petpause blowin’ in the wind

This golden retriever pup, NASH — yes, named for former Mavericks star Steve Nash — enjoys his very first boat ride. His owner DOROTHY ALLYN says goldens make the best companions.

BENEFITS

WHAT GIVES?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for neighborhood nonprofits on Sept. 29 at the Galleria Mall. “The Benefit of Giving” will feature dinner, dancing and keynote speaker Mike Huckabee. Tickets are $150 each, and 91 percent of proceeds benefit the Good Days Chronic Disease Fund. The organization supports chronically ill patients struggling to pay increasing medical bills. The event begins at 6:15 p.m. Call 972.608.7176 to reserve a seat. To donate online, visit gooddaysfromcdf.org.

ATTEND AN EVENT ...

GO SHOPPING at the Family Place Resale Shop at Marsh and Forest. You’ll save up to 80 percent on clothing, accessories, collectibles and furniture while helping fund Family Place programs. The organization provides assistance to domestic violence victims, helping them relocate and start a new life. And when you come to shop, donate some items from your own closet. The shop’s greatest need is beds in a bag. To learn more, visit familyplace.org.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.