FORTWORT H STOCKYARDS NOVEMBE
TEXAS COUNTRY SHOWCASE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 1PM-6PM
Sunny Sauceda Band | 6:30PM
Plus... Anthony Price Henry Williams
Jason Custer Monty Dawson
Payton Riley Ray Nicole
Roo Arcus Sammi Rae
Tiona Campbell
TEXAS COUNTRY SHOWDOWN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 11AM-4PM
Tanner Sparks Band | 6PM
Plus... Bad Boy Leroy Blacktop Bloodline
Jukebox Preachers Nick Zamora Band
Peyton Riley Band Ray Nicole Band
Sammi Rae Band Ty Smith & The Minor Offenses!
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY SUNDAY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 12PM-1PM
With... Curtis Grimes
Morgan Ashley
Tiona Campbell
TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 2PM-9PM
Jason Boland & The Stragglers
Plus... The Great Divide
Will Carter Band
Larry Joe Taylor
Ryder Grimes And more!
INSIDE
Funkin’ Soul
Michael Lee transcends the blues for new sonics on his latest EP.
By Steve Steward
No Tricks, Just Treats
Nightshade Burlesque
4
Breaking Even
The Frogs’ best bet is a bowl game at this point, but that’s expected.
By Buck D. Elliott
Nepalese Delights
A fast-casual spot and fabulous speakeasy, Taipo treats
By Cody Neathery
Anthony Mariani, Editor
Lee Newquist, Publisher
Bob Niehoff, General Manager
Michael Newquist, Regional Director
Ryan Burger, Art Director
Jennifer Bovee, Marketing Director
Clintastic, Brand Ambassador
Emmy Smith, Proofreader
Julie Strehl, Account Executive
Sarah Niehoff, Account Executive
Stacey Hammons, Senior Account Executive
Tony Diaz, District Manager
Wyatt Newquist, Account Executive
CONTRIBUTORS
Christina Berger, E.R. Bills, Jason Brimmer, Buck D. Elliott, Juan R. Govea, Patrick Higgins, Laurie James, Kristian Lin, Cody Neathery, Wyatt Newquist, Steve Steward, Teri Webster, Ken Wheatcroft-Pardue, Elaine Wilder, Cole Williams
EDITORIAL BOARD
Laurie James, Anthony Mariani, Emmy Smith, Steve Steward
17
Cover photo by Wyatt Newquist
Frightfest
Nightshade Burlesque’s November show at
The Cicada was spooktacular.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MADISON SIMMONS
For the fine folks of Nightshade Burlesque, every season is spooky season. Even so, they managed to crank up the dial for their November 1 show at The Cicada on the Near Southside. The night held a little something for everyone, from disco-inspired dance numbers to stripteases from the devil herself.
Qween Quan, a drag and burlesque performer from New Orleans, joined the regular cast this month.
“I think of my drag as my inner child’s babysitter,” they said before the show.
Quan said they use the artform to explore concepts that have been on their mind for a very long time.
The ladies of Bronze Garden opened and closed the evening. Founded in May by Cherry Antoinette, the Dallas-based troupe is reportedly North Texas’ first and only allBlack burlesque outfit.
“I didn’t have as much representation when I got into burlesque,” Antoinette said. “The erasure onstage shouldn’t be as broad as it is.”
A burlesque performer with eight years’ experience, she acts as a mentor to others looking to learn the craft.
Antoinette, Kokoa Ossani said, “took me under her wing and brought me into the world of burlesque. I don’t think I would’ve made it to where I am without her.”
Ossani was joined by Sakura Browne, who was on medical rest and did not perform this evening. All three women have backgrounds in dance.
For performers, burlesque serves as a space for creative expression with very few limitations.
“You get a lot more say in what you do,” said Nightshade’s Sodi Moore, who studied dance in college but found more artistic freedom in burlesque. On this particular evening, they put on a strangely titillating number as none other than Oscar the Grouch. l
Drag King Psyril Cybin flaunted a fitting cicada costume to the crowd at The Cicada during a particularly ghoulish post-Halloween show.
The Cicada hosts Nightshade Burlesque every first Friday of the month. Guests at the November show were met with spooky Halloween energy.
Mary Lynn Mayhem danced to Artie Shaw’s “Nightmare.”
Sodi Moore, a regular member of Nightshade Burlesque’s cast, pulled off a sexy, vampedup Oscar the Grouch at the November show.
“I like to show essences of a mood or character instead of a specific character,” Moore said of their style of burlesque.
Though Sakura Browne was on medical rest and did not perform, she came to spend time with and support her friends in Bronze Garden, an all-Black troupe from Dallas. “I see people who are unapologetically themselves” in burlesque, Browne said. “Why not step out, pop out, and add another layer of color to that rainbow?”
“It’s queer art, it’s Black art, it’s glamour, and it’s very much neurodivergent,” Quan said of their style of drag and burlesque.
continued on page 7
Mary Lynn Mayhem performed a sultry dance to Twin Temple’s “I’m Wicked.”
Kokoa Ossani (right) and Cherry Antoinette opened the November Nightshade Burlesque show at The Cicada, shaking it to Beyonce’s “Work It Out” in a disco-inspired number. They are two of six members of Bronze Garden, the first and only all-Black burlesque troupe in North Texas.
Hanging out with Qween Quan (left) backstage before Nightshade’s November show, Sodi Moore said, “You get a lot more say in what you do” dancing burlesque than other forms.
continued
Come break the rules and say “yes!” to new art experiences at the Carter’s Second Thursdays! Every Second Thursday is different than the last — mingle with fellow art lovers, make art, and meet visiting artists, sometimes with live music and always with themed cocktails. You’ll never think of museums in the same way again.
SECOND THURSDAYS
THURSDAY NOV 14 | 5–8 P.M.
Saddle up and get down during our November Second Thursdays at the Carter.
MISS OUT!
Vivienne Vermuth, co-founder of Nightshade Burlesque, looked on as stage kitten Ophelia Winter made a display of gathering dollars flung onto the stage during a set.
Costumed audience members took to the stage for a friendly Halloween competition at November’s Nightshade Burlesque show at The Cicada.
MORE TRAINS MORE OFTEN
Have you heard? Trinity Metro TEXRail now runs every 30 minutes thru early evening, every day! And it’s simply $2 a ride, too! Get all the details at .
Qween Quan joined the other performers onstage at the end of the show.
Performers caught up between sets during the Nightshade Burlesque show at The Cicada.
Kokoa Ossani (left) and Cherry Antoinette closed out the night with a high-energy round of go-go dancing.
Vivienne Vermuth cheered along with the crowd.
Qween Quan portrayed a sexy devil during their second set at Nightshade Burlesque. “I do things that have been hanging in my brain my whole life,” Quan said before the show of their inspirations.
Polling and Trolling
The College Football Playoff is casting, and the Frogs won’t even get a callback as an extra.
BY BUCK D. ELLIOTT
Two teams that played in Waco on Saturday — TCU and Baylor — aren’t thinking about the College Football Playoff, because neither fanbase of devout churchgoers will be able to water-into-“whine” their way toward anything resembling a meaningful postseason. Last week, I picked Baylor to top our Frogs, which they did, but I also asserted that if TCU could manage their proclivity for turnovers, the game would be tight, which it was. The rivals traded blows throughout the evening, with neither team gaining more than a possession lead on the other all night.
Overall, it was a solidly fought game in which both teams showed their colors. Andy Avalos’ purple defense was efficient at times but fell apart against the run, especially late in the game, similar to the UCF and Houston outings. QB Josh Hoover and his talented receivers broke the Baylor secondary when they needed to, but a wide-open drop by Savion Williams might have proved the execution difference needed to separate. TCU receivers dropped several balls that could have extended drives or, in Williams’ case, guaranteed a touchdown.
Just like last week against Tech, the Frogs scored quickly through the air on their final possession, leaving the onus on their defense to win or, in the case of
Saturday, send the game to overtime. And they couldn’t do it. Baylor’s vaunted rushing attack continued bullying the Frogs’ defensive line, racking up 257 yards on the ground on the day.
The Bears hit a walk-off field goal to win 37-34 and snap a five-year losing streak to TCU, delivering Coach Dave Aranda his first-ever victory over the purple people. It’s never fun losing to your rival, but this is only Baylor’s second victory in the Revivalry in the last decade, and the opponents played complementary football without a single turnover. So, as funny as it was watching a newly 5-4 team storm the field after beating another team who was now 5-4, the usual pit of anger just wasn’t there. We’d all just watched an entertaining football game, and both teams are average, which in football is synonymous with mediocre.
Tuesday mattered to many readers in our area because Texas and Texas A&M (who lost their second game of the season Saturday to South Carolina) both had legitimate chances to make the newly expanded playoff. (Our magazine went to press before the announcement.) Also, have you talked to your friends and family about the real possibility of the SMU Mustangs making the playoff? Because as the weeks grind on, it’s looking less and less like a possibility and more and more like a guarantee. The ’Stangs absolutely curb-stomped the ranked Pitt Panthers on Saturday, and the rest of their schedule looks easier than a Highland Park kid’s parent buying their way out of a DUI. There are only three ACC teams left who can make the playoffs: Miami, SMU, and Clemson. Miami is one of only five unbeatens left, and neither the Hurricanes nor the Mustangs have a ranked opponent remaining on the schedule and will likely meet for their conference championship. BYU (SMU’s only loss) is leading the Big 12 and is also unscathed without a marquee opponent remaining. Oregon is top in the AP Poll and leads the pre-rankings thanks to an early victory against Ohio State and a zero in the loss column. Their schedule also looks manageable over the final weeks until they play either Ohio State or Indiana for the Big 10 championship.
So, how does all of this affect that team in Dallas? The Mustangs are sitting 13th in the AP Poll but obviously need to win out to stave off the possibility of Clemson playing for the ACC title and to cement their ranking as high as possible. Win their conference, and the Mustangs are an automatic
bid, but should they lose their second game of the season, against Miami, they’ll need to be ranked 12th or better to secure a second bid for their conference.
The SEC is going to send three teams: presumably Georgia as the champion, Alabama provided they beat LSU this weekend, and then whoever wins the UT/A&M game if the Aggies don’t lose again before that. Tennessee is high in the rankings as well, but their schedule is the most difficult of all the aforementioned over the next three weeks. The Big 10 will also qualify three teams: Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana barring an incredible meltdown. Boise State looks to be the fifth automatic qualifier by winning the Mountain West with their only loss coming in Eugene by a field goal against the top-ranked Ducks. Bronco star RB Ashton Jeanty is also a nationally recognized top Heisman contender at this point.
I’d be remiss not to mention the undefeated Army Black Knights, whose only notable game remaining is against Notre Dame. The Irish are independent, so they won’t play a conference title game, and the Knights are ranked 18th on account of hailing from the American Athletic Conference. The winner of that showdown should make the playoff as well.
This leaves only the lovable, local dumpster fire — the Big 12. BYU is
patiently waiting, uncaffeinated, to find out who they’ll meet in the championship. Both Iowa State and Kansas State lost last weekend, dropping K-State behind Colorado in the standings and dropping previously unbeaten Iowa State to 17th in the AP poll. Iowa State needs to win out, including their regular-season finale against the Wildcats, for the Big 12 to make a case for two teams to be included in the playoff selection. If Iowa State collects another conference loss and BYU wins the conference, the second-place squad will have two or three losses and a ranking unable to eclipse the second-place ACC team or even the fourth-place SEC or Big 10 squad. What should you have learned from all this rambling? That the Big 12 kind of sucks this year and not a single Texasbased team from that conference is even in the conversation. You should also take away that SMU is still very much on the path to appear in the new affirmative-action playoffs without even winning their conference and that it’s OK to feel uneasy about all of it.
As for the Frogs, they’re just an above-average offense that turns the ball over far too often and a below-average defense that struggles against the run. TCU’s turnover margin is one of the worst in the nation. Only five teams in the country are worse, but those five teams’ combined record is 6-34. It’s somewhat miraculous the Frogs are 5-4 while giving the ball away as often as they do.
Frustratingly, I don’t think this season has been bad enough for concrete changes to be made to the coaching staff, even though I’ve thought at times Kendal Briles would be thrown onto the proverbial blame sword at several points. To start the season, I tempered expectations by saying that bowl eligibility would be the minimum expectation and eight wins a successful season, both of which are still attainable with TCU’s remaining schedule. The Frogs have beaten only one team with a winning record currently this season (Tech). The 3-6 Oklahoma State Cowboys come to Fort Worth on Saturday, and this coaching staff has a chance to meet base expectations by becoming bowl eligible. Despite the loss against Baylor, zero turnovers is a tremendous improvement for the offense and something that’ll need to continue if Briles and Head Coch Sonny Dykes hope to retain their incumbent status in Funkytown and boost their sagging approval ratings among their purple constituency. l
Jordyn Bailey (14) celebrates a one-handed touchdown grab against Baylor with Jack Bech (18) [.] The pair combined for three receiving touchdowns on Saturday in a loss in Waco.
Courtesy TCU Athletics
Dutch Art IN A GLOBAL AGE
Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
NOVEMBER 10–FEBRUARY 9
Dutch Art in a Global Age: Masterpieces from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is supported in part by Frost, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District.
Organized by Promotional support provided by
Jacob van Ruisdael, Rough Sea (detail), c. 1670, oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. William Francis Warden Fund, 57.4. Photograph ©️ Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
JONAH FREEMAN + JUSTIN LOWE
Photo: Jens Henrik
Lower left: Colony Sound, 2019–20. Installation view, Marlborough, London, 2019. Mixed media. Dimensions variable.
Lower right: RANDOM FOREST (THE WHISPER IN THE KITCHEN), 2019–24. Installation view: Colony Sound, 2019–20, ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, 2020. Mixed media. Dimensions variable. Photo: Jens Henrik Daugaard. All images courtesy of San San International.
EATING LOCAL
Mary, Queen of Cue
Get ready Fort Worth!
The Queen of Enchiladas is fixing to reign over the barbecue scene
Promotional Feature
Enchiladas Ole’ owner, Mary Patino Perez, is stepping into the barbecue business with her latest venture, Holy Cue. What started as a pop-up inside the kitchen of Ole’s flagship location on 2418 Forest Park Blvd, is now moving into a brick-and-mortar on 4307 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Holy Cue began as a side project smoking brisket for Enchiladas Olé’s tacos. This blossomed into a barbecue sensation, frequently selling out multiple menu items. Their menu consists of brisket, ribs, boneless chicken breast, and sides like Gouda mac-and-cheese, scalloped potatoes, creamed corn, and sweet-potato pie.
Mary’s passion for cooking started early. Her childhood was often spent by her mother’s side in their kitchen, helping create the dishes Mary still serves today. After years in the corporate world, Mary embarked on a new adventure without formal culinary training. She began by selling her enchilada sauces and, eventually, became
known as “The Saucy Lady.” Her first big break happened at Central Market and from there, Mary imagined herself opening an entire restaurant focusing on the dishes she helped her mother make as a child.
Mary’s journey was followed by various challenges, including working in a restaurant plagued by a broken air conditioner and navigating the uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, she remained resilient, particularly in balancing being a single mother and a new business owner. Mary has always valued hard work and the personal development that accompanies it.
Reflecting on her transformation from a corporate professional wearing high heels and suits to an entrepreneur wearing tennis
“The way I remember making enchiladas with my mother.”
shoes and an apron, Mary is proud her experiences have fostered a greater appreciation for the labor and dedication required in her new venture. Her transition from selling enchilada sauce in grocery stores to establishing multiple restaurant locations and concepts is something she looks back at fondly.
Mary’s story is heartfelt, illustrating the profound connections between family, culture, and entrepreneurship. The dedication
to family, community, kindness, and compassion is a powerful reminder of how personal history and community can influence a business and its impact on others.
EATS & drinks
Doors of Perception
With imported Nepalese décor, a speakeasy, and tasty Asian fusion, Taipo tantalizes in Arlington.
Taipo and Behind the Door, 200 E Abram St, Unit 140, Arlington. 469-602-8318. 11am-midnight Sun-Wed, 11am-2am Thu-Sat
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CODY NEATHERY
Although modern speakeasies are modeled after secret Prohibition-era bars where bootlegged booze was smuggled for thirsty patrons, their presence today is often
mentioned in publications or posted on social media, offering faux-exclusivity. But most do not have 15-foot ornamental doors from Nepal not-so-subtly proclaiming their existence. Welcome to Taipo and Behind the Door, a Nepalese restaurant with a kind-ofhidden cocktail lounge in Arlington.
The main dining room is awash in bright light with one dominant color standing out: turquoise. The menu is displayed head-on as you enter through the plainspoken main entrance with the ordering window to your
right, opposite a handful of two-top tables and a wall-length booth, all decked in the same color. Built as a fast-casual spot, this hardly compares to what awaits on the other side of the Torana doors.
One of them was propped open on my visit, and after crossing the threshold, my guest and I were greeted by dark walls with crystal and gold light fixtures completely changing the mood. Every bit of the décor was handcrafted by artisans in Nepal, including the multitude of hand-carved prayer
At Taipo, an 11-foot gold sculpture of Avalokiteshvara, a Buddhist deity embodying compassion, is surrounded by 40 cubbyholes, or prabhamandal halos, holding $900 bottles of Ace of Spades.
wheels lining one wall leading to the bar. The process took over a year, said first-generation Nepalese immigrant co-owner Rachel Puri Zimba. The approximately 1.2 tons of Nepalese craftsmanship that Puri’s father had shipped is astounding, considering what is around the corner.
An 11-foot gold sculpture of Avalokiteshvara, a Buddhist deity embodying compassion, is surrounded by 40 cubbyholes, or prabhamandal halos, holding $900 bottles
continued on page 19
Taipo’s fare is Nepalese but features flavors from all across Asia.
of Ace of Spades, creating a wow factor that continually awes. The ceiling consists of panels pieced together to form a symmetrical gold-painted mandala (representing the universe’s wholeness and harmony).
The culinary brainchild of co-owner Riza Rawal, Taipo’s fare is not meant to be traditionally Nepalese but a union of several family recipes with a Western flair. The word “taipo” itself is a Tibetan dish that is a much larger fried dumpling than the soft, steamed ones here. Keeping with the fast-casual menu of small shareable plates with a few entrees works perfectly in this setting, ideal for conversation early and an energetic vibrance later.
Dumpling fillings consist of beef, chicken, pork, and vegetarian and vegan options. Of the momo dumplings, pan-seared Sichuan chicken stood out. Producing dulled spices rather than abhorrent heat, it still allowed for bold and complex chile flavors.
The billowing namesake fried dumplings with chicken served atop spicy mayo were crunchy with warm seasoned meat on the interior that only needed a dash of the condiment for taste variation.
Potato, sausage, tofu, or mushroom come splayed and speared from the Stick Food portion of the menu. The sausage was a marinated and griddled hot dog, but it was surprisingly tasty and exposed a playful side.
Stir-fry dishes with their own personal nuances have a home here. In the Nepalistyle stir-fry chili, served with fried or steamed rice, the protein arrives lightly doused in a savory sauce and delicately fried. It’s all closely related to Americanized Chinese.
Another option that is Indian in origin is the keema noodles. Covered in seasoning, they’re joined by minced meat blended in thick egg-based udon noodles. Keeping it simple, the chicken chow mein arrived in a paper bowl and took off with amplified freshness, separating Taipo from your average neighborhood express takeout. What good is dining in a dazzling cocktail lounge if sophisticated drinks were not a proper intro into such an atmosphere?
With the $900 bottles of Ace of Spades out of reach both figuratively and literally, the cocktail list is still impressive in description and length.
Up first was the Lucky Charm, a sweet concoction that could have passed as liquid gummy worms, while the Darjeeling Chai approached a white Russian but backed off with the addition of tea.
The Pink Tuxedo and the Genghis were just as tasty. Egg white provided a frothy layer over the Genghis’ Suntory Japanese whiskey and squeeze of lemon, making it essentially a whiskey sour, while the pink drink was a fresh frolic of gin, strawberry, and lemon. Other cocktails were mostly familiar except with different names like the After Hours (an espresso martini) and the
Mustang Mule (a Moscow Mule plus peach). Taipo’s cocktails may be adventurous, but the real adventure starts behind the goldand-black doors. l
With the stage set, cocktails begin to share the spotlight with the atmosphere at Taipo.
Every bit of Taipo’s décor was handcrafted by artisans in Nepal, including the 15-foot Torana doors.
Taipo’s momo fried dumplings are as big and bold as the décor.
MUSIC
Michael Lee’s ‘Game’
The bluesman expands into soul and funk on his new EP with Danny Balis and “Skin” Wade’s Silver Skylarks.
BY STEVE STEWARD
Michael Lee’s career as a blues musician has opened a lot of doors for him. Though he’s only 36, the Fort Worthian has been a fixture in the North Texas blues scene for a couple of decades. He’s played with legends like Freddie King, John Mayall, Willie Dixon, Andrew “Junior Boy” Jones, Buddy Whittington, and Lucky Peterson, and he was also on Season 15 of The Voice. He scorched the crowd with his audition song, a take on B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.” While Lee would never truly abandon playing the blues, he wanted to expand his sound with the heavy bounce inherent to funk and soul. Ironically, that path opened up while playing a blues gig.
On Friday, Lee will release Object of the Game, a four-song EP of covers done in his newly funky style, celebrating the recording with a show at Tulips FTW. You might say this pivot to hard-hitting funk is the first act of his next era, and he couldn’t find a better partner than Skylark Soul Co.
A Dallas-based record label specializing in new bands working in vintage styles, in particular the psyche-hued heavy funk and soul influenced by the greats of the ’60s and ’70s, Skylark Soul Co. was co-founded by North Texas media personalities/musicians Danny Balis (Bastards of Soul, 96.7-FM/The Ticket) and Jeff “Skin” Wade.
Lee met Wade after playing the latter’s local brewery Rollertown a couple of years ago. The two “really hit it off,” Lee recalled.
There’s a dusty, grimy blues version of reggae artist Dawn Penn’s “You Don’t Love Me (No No No)” that sounds like a riff Jack White thought up after listening to Cypress Hill. In the hands of Lee and the Silver Skylarks, The Allman Brother’s “Whipping Post” — a fan favorite from Lee’s stint on The Voice — becomes a groovy, keys-heavy cruiser that splits the difference between Deodato’s “September 13” and Edgar Winter’s “Frankenstein.” On the aforementioned “I Get My Groove from You,” Lee’s baritone sounds as silky and seasoned as a glass of aged bourbon, and the sultry swing in his take on Bruce Cockburn’s “You Don’t Have to Play the Horses” smolders like a love scene in a 1970s crime flick. From start to finish, Object of the Game is on brand for the sonic aesthetic of Skylark Soul Co.
As for Lee, the project connects his career playing the blues with his love of Memphis soul’s tones and grooves, a stylistic vector he is stoked to lean into. Regarding Object, Lee said it’s kind of a prelude to where he’s headed next, a bridge of sorts between his past in blues traditions and the LP of original material he plans to release in 2025, once again with the Silver Skylarks.
“That album is halfway done,” he said “They’re all original songs, and the plan is to release this EP kind of as a reintroduction to me, just to showcase that we’re going into a different direction sonic-wise. I’ve been wanting to do a soul record for quite a while. I’ve just been waiting for the right moment and the right team.
“He reached out to me about doing a record, so we did this EP of covers, and it’s the most fun I’ve had in the studio. … What I loved about working with [Wade] and [Balis] is that we had the same vision of what we wanted to make from the get-go.”
Their shared idea came from the sounds of late-’60s/early-’70s funk and soul — Lee cites Al Green as one of his all-time favorites, and on Lee’s cover of Bobby Patterson’s “I Get My Groove from You,” you can hear the playful grit of Green’s influence in the young man’s vocals. Lee said Wade’s affinity for the solid gold sounds of that era’s Stax and Hi Records artists sold him on working with him and Balis.
Wade, Lee said, “has an immense knowledge of funk and soul from when he used to do sampling for rap records. I opened up for [Balis’ band] Bastards of Soul at the Keys Lounge years ago, and I was blown away. When [Wade] and [Balis] were talking about doing a funky soul record, I was immediately onboard.”
Working under the name the Silver Skylarks, Wade and Balis plus their crew of session players teamed up with Lee at Niles City Sound in Fort Worth to make the record. Wade and Balis engineered the EP, and Balis played bass on it. Robert “Sput” Searight and Jackie Whitmill Jr. played drums. Besides Lee’s guitarwork, Searight’s Snarky Puppy bandmate Mark Letteri contributed funky licks. Backing vocals came from Texas Gentleman staple Taylor Nicks and Austin-based duo Uncle Roy & Spice.
“I didn’t want to do just a straight blues record,” he continued, “and, anyway, the things I was writing on [my 2019 self-titled debut] … not all of it is traditional blues. I tried to expand [my sound], but [with] the blues market … you move too far out of the blues, and the traditionalists get upset. But I’m just trying to write music that I like and that comes from my heart.” l
Michael Lee: “What I loved about working with [Wade] and [Balis] is that we had the same vision of what we wanted to make from the get-go.”
NIGHT&DAY
I’m going on vacation and think you should, too. My husband Spicoli has been out roadie-ing for Lilian Axe, whose drummer is his best friend, Wayne Stokely. After I fly out to meet the tour, Spicoli and I will take a road trip across Texas to bring the gear back home. We’ll probably see a whole lot of nothing, but I have high hopes. While I’m away, here are some things to do here in North Texas.
If you’re intrigued by the paranormal and creatures of the night, Waxahachie is the place to be for Chautauqua Day. The Waxahachie Chautauqua Society, a group that meets socially to create cultural experiences in historic settings, presents the inaugural Paranormal Symposium at Getzendaner Park (400 S Grand St, 469-309-4271) featuring a birds-of-prey show, demonstrations, speakers, and oddity vendors. Speakers include The Lake Worth Monster author Lyle Blackburn,
cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard from the History Channel’s Missing in Alaska, the Klinge Brothers from Ghost Lab on the Discovery Channel, and more. There is no cost to attend.
Go to Dallas. They have cats. While it is no Panther City, it is the location of this year’s Catstravaganza From 10am to 4pm, learn about different breeds, see competitions, and meet pets available for adoption at Dallas Market Center (2100 N Stemmons Frwy, 214-6556100). You can even schedule a 15-minute personal session to meet internet sensation Steven Meserve, founder of Loving Cats Worldwide, an organization that aims to educate people about the overwhelming homeless cat population while “preserving our breeds and protecting our ethical breeders.” Flex tickets that enable you to come on either or both days are $35 per person at LCWWGroup.us.
Starting Sunday, you can tour the Netherlands right here in Fort Worth. Well, you can at least check out some Dutch art. Today thru Sun, Feb 9, Dutch Art in a Global Age will be on view at the Kimbell Art Museum (3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-332-8451), featuring paintings by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Gerrit Dou, Jacob van Ruisdael, Maria Schalcken, and other celebrated Dutch artists on loan from the renowned Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Tickets are $18 at KimbellArt.org.
Dive into Greek culture, including food, music, and vendors, at the 56th Annual Fort Worth Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Greek Church (2020 NW 21st St, Fort Worth, 817-626-5578) 10am-10pm Fri-Sat and 11am-3pm Sun. See the full menu of Greek goodies like baklava, gyros, spanakopita, and more at FortWorthGreekFestival.com. Admission and parking are free.
Did you know that parts of Grand Prairie are in Tarrant, Dallas, and Ellis counties? GP has its own distinct identity, so when Chef Tiffany Derry went on the talk show Sherri a few weeks ago and announced she was bringing a new major food-and-wine event to “Dallas,” I talked back to the TV: “Oh, are you now?” Hmph. The inaugural Shef Food+Wine Festival will take place on the Grand Lawn of The Epic (2960 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, 972-339-3742). Along with the food and wine, there’ll be whiskey tastings, celebrity chefs, and panel discussions with chefs from across the country at the main event 5pm Sat. Tickets are $175 at ShefFoodandWine.com.
Additional Shef Food+Wine events include the weekend kick-off at 6:30pm Fri with the Tiffany Derry & Friends Restaurant Takeover at Radici Wood Fired Grill (12990 Bee St, Farmers Branch, 214-5507900), featuring a four-course dinner by Derry and Michael Voltaggio. On Sunday, enjoy mimosas and a matinee performance of Chef Carla Hall’s one-woman show at noon. Check the website for ticket pricing on these and other add-on events.
By Jennifer Bovee
Internet sensation Steven Meserve, founder of Loving Cats Worldwide, will talk felines at Catstravaganza in Dallas this weekend.
Lyle Blackburn, author of the new book The Lake Worth Monster, will discuss his work and cryptids in general at Chautauqua Day in Waxahachie on Saturday.
Courtesy Lyle Blackburn
Chef Tiffany Derry and a host of her celebrity-chef friends will be cheffing, chatting, and tippling at the Shef Food+Wine Fest in Grand Prairie Fri-Sun.
CLASSIFIEDS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
WALK-IN TUBS
BUY / SELL / TRADE
CAR DONATIONS
Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today today! 1-855-503-1501
CATTLE BARN FLEA MARKET
Made In America! Lots of new and older merchandise, including hard-to-find items! Come indoors to shop and enjoy cold AC with all your favorite dealers! Every Sat & Sun 9a-5p 4445 River Oaks Blvd
STUCK WITH A TIMESHARE?
Wesley Financial Group, the Timeshare Cancellation Experts, has over 450 positive reviews and has completed over $50 million in successful timeshare debt/ fee cancellations. Get a free consultation and free info package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare today. Call 844-511-2581
EMPLOYMENT
CHEBA HUT
Cheba Hut has open interviews on Tuesdays from 9am to 9pm. “Join the dank side!” 1217 8th Ave Near Southside
HEALTH TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS
According to the New York Times, the following companies have said they would cover travel expenses for employees who need reproductive health services not available in Texas: Airbnb, DoorDash, JP Morgan Chase, Levi Strauss & Co, Netflix, Patagonia, Reddit, Starbucks, Tesla, and Yelp. Additionally, NowThis has listed the following companies also offering the same assistance to employees: Amazon, Apple, BuzzFeed, Citigroup, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lyft, Mastercard, Meta, Microsoft, Paramount, Sony, Tesla, Walt Disney Co, Vox Media, and Zillow. (JMB, FWW)
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH
CELEBRATION COMMUNITY CHURCH
Located at 908 Pennsylvania Av (817-335-3222), CCC has services on Sundays at 10am. Want to check out a nonjudgmental, inclusive church at home before attending in person? All services can also be viewed on YouTube (@CelebrationCommunityChurch130).
POTTER’S HOUSE
Join the Potter’s House of Fort Worth (1270 Woodhaven Blvd, 817-446-1999) for Sunday Service at 8am and Wednesday Bible Study at 7pm. For more info, visit us online: www.TPHFW.org
DENTAL INSURANCE
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company covers 350+ procedures. This is real dental insurance, not just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! Use code 6258 when you call or visit online.
Dental50plus.com/FortWorth
1-888-361-7095
LIFE INSURANCE
Up to $15,000.00 of GUARANTEED Life Insurance! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay for funeral and other final expenses. Visit Life55Plus.info/ FTWorth or call Physicians Life Insurance Company today! 844-782-2870
LIFE LINE SCREENINGS
According to the American Heart Association, stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer: 5 screenings for just $149. Call today! 1-833-636-1757
PET HEALTH
Need a FREE Spay/Neuter? Texas Coalition for Animal Protection has clinics near you. Schedule an appointment today. TexasForThem.org Call 1-833-636-1757
HOME RESOURCES
AC TUNE-UPS
American Residential Heating & Cooling. As temps outside start to climb, the season for savings is now. $49 cooling or heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new heating and cooling system (restrictions apply.) FREE estimates. Many payment options available. Licensed and insured professionals. Call today. 1-877-447-0546
BATHROOMS
The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options are available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-866-913-0581
GENERATORS
Prepare for power outages today with a home standby generator. There is no money down and low monthly payment options are available. Call for a FREE quote before the next power outage. 1-844-887-3143
LEAF FILTER
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever with LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. Ask about 20% off the entire purchase. Plus, 10% senior and military discounts are available. Call 1-877-689-1687.
METAL ROOFS
Replace your roof with the best-looking and longest-lasting material: steel from Erie! Three styles and multiple colors are available. Steel is guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited-time offer: $500 Discount + Additional 10% off Installation (for military, health workers, and first responders). Call 1-888-778-0566.
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time. Call Safe Step today. 1-855-868-0192
MIND / BODY / SPIRIT
HANNA in HURST
Get out of the heat & feel better fast! Professional in-office massage. No outcalls. (MT#4797) 817-590-2257
MARCELLA’S TOUCH
Marcella offers alternative healing therapy Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. by appointment 10am-6pm. “Call me to schedule your session!” 817-657-4290
Planned Parenthood
Of Greater Texas
We’re not going anywhere. We know you may be feeling a lot of things right now, but we are here with you and we will not stop fighting for YOU. See 6 ways you can join the #BansOffOurBodies fight on FB @PPGreaterTX. For more info, go to: PPGreaterTX.org
PUBLIC NOTICES
TDLR Complaints
Any Texans who may be concerned that an unlicensed massage business may be in operation near them, or believe nail salon employees may be human trafficking victims, may now report those concerns directly to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) by emailing ReportHT@TDLR.Texas.gov.
SERVICES
DIRECTV
Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with the CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over the first year. The first 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and Epix are included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-855-966-0520.
DISH Network
Get 190 Channels for $59.99! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo (where available). Switch and get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call 1-855-701-3027 today!
DORRANCE PUBLISHING Book manuscript submissions are currently being reviewed. Comprehensive services include consultation, production, promotion, and distribution. Call for your FREE Author`s Guide or visit DorranceInfo.com/ FTWorth today. 1-866-256-0940.
EARTHLINK
Highspeed Internet Big Savings with Unlimited Data! Fiberoptic Technology up to 1gbps with a customizable plan. Call 855-767-0515 today!
SUBMISSIONS
We’d Like To Hear From You! Do you have thoughts and feelings, or questions, comments, or concerns about something you read in the Weekly? Please email Question@fwweekly.com. Do you have an upcoming event? For potential coverage in our listing sections, including Ate Day8 a Week, Bulletin Board, Big Ticket, Crosstown Sounds, or Night & Day, email the details to Marketing@fwweekly.com.
2600 W 7th St #1427
2600 W 7th St #1427
Sarah Niehoff
NextHome PropertyLink
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Email stacey@fwweekly.com today!
BEST BOOK SALE IN TEXAS!
Head to the JR Long Cultural Arts Center (425 Granbury St, Cleburne TX) the 4th weekend in November. Find 1000s of books at a deep discount 10am-8pm Fri-Sat, Nov 21-22 and 1pm-6pm Sun, Nov 23. For updates, visit The Published Page Bookshop Facebook page (@ BiblioTreasures).
DENTAL INSURANCE
Get coverage from Physicians Mutual Insurance for 350+ procedures. Real dental insurance, NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call 1-888-361-7095 or go online now for a FREE Dental Info Kit. Dental50plus.com/fortworth #6258. (MB)
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877-689-1687 today! (MB)
EMPLOYMENT
US Conec, Ltd seeks a Molding QA Eng in Ft. Worth, TX to ensure consistent prod of high-quality molded prod. Min Reqs: Bach in Eng (gen), Mech Eng, or reltd field & 1 month exp. Req 5% dom travel to vendors’ sites to exam quality of parts before large qty prod. Resume to Stevenpennell@USConec.com & ref Molding QA Eng.
NOW HIRING for NIGHT SHIFT
The Romance Store Apply in Person 6900 South Fwy #140, Fort Worth, TX 76134
The Gas Pipe, The GAS PIPE, THE GAS PIPE, your Peace Love & Smoke Headquarters since 4/20/1970! SCORE a FREE GIFT on YOUR Birthday, FREE Scale Tuning and Lighter Refills on GAS PIPE goods, FREE Layaway, and all the safe, helpful service you expect from a 51 Years Young Joint. Plus, SCORE A FREE CBD HOLIDAZE GIFT With-A-Buy thru 12/31! Be Safe, Party Clean, Keep On Truckin’. More at thegaspipe.net
HANNAH in HURST
Get out of the heat & feel better fast! Professional inoffice massage therapy (MT4797). No outcalls. 817-590-2257
HISTORIC RIDGLEA THEATER
THE RIDGLEA is three great venues within one historic Fort Worth landmark. RIDGLEA THEATER has been restored to its authentic allure, recovering unique Spanish-Mediterranean elements. It is ideal for large audiences and special events. RIDGLEA ROOM and RIDGLEA LOUNGE have been making some of their own history, as connected adjuncts to RIDGLEA THEATER, or hosting their own smaller shows and gatherings. More at theRidglea.com
I CAN FIX IT FOR YOU!
Handyman available for projects in Tarrant and Parker Counties. Household repairs, painting, yard work etc, I CAN HELP!
Providing honest, dependable work at a fair price! Call or Text today for a FREE estimate. Chris 817-495-3017
Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect™ standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-855-988-6789.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following vehicles have been impounded with fees due to date by Lone Star Towing (VSF0647382) at 1100 Elaine Pl, Fort Worth TX, 76196, 817-334-0606: Ford, 2024, VIN 3FMCR9B67RRF42844, $915.08; Advanced EV, 2000, VIN LT-A0076059, $261.47.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following vehicles have been impounded with fees due to date by Texas Towing Wrecker, 205 S Commercial St, Fort Worth TX 76107, 817-877-0206 (VSF0000964): Honda, 2003, Sport Tax 400EX, VIN XHNCCO.40CA2, 294.21.
SAFE STEP: THE #1 WALK-IN TUB
North America’s #1 Wal-In Tub is Safe Step. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Financing available. Call today: 1-855-868-0192. (MB)
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
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