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Lone Star blues
Denton Time
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Denton Time
IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK
ON THE COVER
Twilight Tunes to delve into Southern soil
LAST OF THE RUBBER GLOVES
Owner Josh Baish poses at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios on Wednesday. (Photo by Jeff Woo) Story on Page 8
T
exas Blues Crew might call up the spirit of Stevie Ray Vaughan at Twilight Tunes today. The quintet might also resurrect the sounds of Albert Collins or Blind Lemon Jefferson. Texas blues makes up the mainstay of the Dallas, Fort Worth and Denton band’s rep. That’s not to say the crew will skip lightly over Delta blues, but Texas has its own way of singing. Bring on the guitar and its long, lonely laments. The crew will also add a dash of rock to the proceedings. Twilight Tunes, now in its 23rd season, is a free weekly concert series in May and June. The family-friendly concerts are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Thursday on the lawn of the downtown Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St. Audience members are invited to spread out blankets or bring lawn
EVENTS THURSDAY 9:30 a.m. — Crafters’ Corner at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Work on projects and learn new techniques. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 2 to 4 p.m. — Homeschool Coding Club for ages 8-17 at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Learn how to code and collaborate on projects at this primarily self-directed, weekly gathering. All skill levels and coding languages welcome. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Perot Museum’s Tech Truck at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Hands-on, maker-based science, engineering, technology, art and math experiences, best for ages 8-12. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 4 to 5:30 p.m. — Explore Western Philosophy at North Branch
FIND IT INSIDE MUSIC
Concerts and nightclub schedules. Page 3
DINING
Restaurant listings. Page 12
MOVIES
Reviews and summaries. Page 12
TO GET LISTED INFORMATION
Picasa/Courtesy photo
Texas Blues Crew returns to Twilight Tunes in Denton at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. The band is made up of Mel Woodson on vocals, Joanna Ceja on vocals, Eric Tapper on drums, Chris Wright on bass and Don Bell on guitar. chairs, and bring a picnic dinner or visit the restaurants and bars on the Square. Concerts are generally on the courthouse lawn on the Locust Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Explore the foundations of Western thought from its earliest beginnings in an interactive class with Eva H. Cadwallader, professor emerita. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Health Services of North Texas’ Family Fun Health Night at Lone Star Sports Center, 222 S. Mayhill Road, Suite 101. Free roller skating for all, healthy snacks and drinks, and information about summer programs, Medicaid and CHIP enrollment. Visit www.healthntx.org. 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Twilight Tunes free concert series presents the Texas Blues Crew on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St. Visit www.dentonmain street.org. 7 p.m. — Death and Dessert Mystery Book Club at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Explore new mysteries each month and eat a themed dessert. Free. Email terri.gibbs@cityofdenton.com. 8:30 p.m. — “Into the Light: A Live Dance Installation” at Brick Haus Collective, 215 S. Woodrow
Street side, but because of wet weather, this week’s concert will relocate to East Side, 117 E. Oak St., if the ground is wet and the sky is dry. In the event of rain, Lane. Free. Doors open at 8 p.m. Visit www.brickhauscollective.com.
FRIDAY 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Finish It Fridays at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Bring a craft project for this come-and-go program and visit with other crafters. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. — Summer Reading Club Kickoff with magician Brett Roberts at Denton Public Library locations. Seating is limited; free tickets will be available starting one hour before show time on a first-come, first-served basis. Shows are at 11 a.m. at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St.; 2 p.m. at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane; and 4 p.m. at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 5:30 p.m. — First Friday Denton on the first Friday evening of the month at art venues and businesses around the downtown Square. Free gallery viewings, live music, art
the concert will move to Mellow Mushroom, 217 E. Hickory St. Up next Thursday: The Lowdown, soul, funk and rock. — Lucinda Breeding
projects and demonstrations. Participating locations include the DIME Store, 510 S. Locust St.; and A Creative Art Studio, 227 W. Oak St., Suite 101. Visit www.firstfridaydenton.com. ● Reception for OP Collective and “Continuance” photography exhibits, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St. ● Greater Denton Arts Council grant presentations, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 E. Hickory St. With performances by Big Rig Dance Collective, Susan Carol Davis, Denton Community Band, Denton Community Chorus, Flower Mound Community Orchestras, Tejas Storytelling Association and more. ● “Enclave Eclectic,” Artists Enclave of Denton County’s pop-up art exhibit, 6 to 10 p.m. at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern’s Walnut Street Annex, 115 S. Elm St.
SATURDAY 7 a.m. to noon — 2016 DATCU Dash, a 5K/10K race and cookout
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Include the name and description of the event, date, time, price and phone number the public can call. If it’s free, say so. If it’s a benefit, indicate the recipient of the proceeds.
TELL US ONLINE:
Visit DentonRC.com/calendar and add your event to our calendar. It’s fast and free.
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FAX IT TO:
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Denton Time 314 E. Hickory St. Denton, TX 76201
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REACH US EDITORIAL & ART
Features Editor Lucinda Breeding 940-566-6877 cbreeding@dentonrc.com
ADVERTISING
Advertising Director Sandra Hammond 940-566-6820 Classified Manager Julie Hammond 940-566-6819 Retail Advertising Manager Shawn Reneau 940-566-6843 Advertising fax 940-566-6846
EVENTS
by band director Justin Bell.
Continued from Page 2 benefiting United Way of Denton County, at 5920 I-35E in Corinth. Advance registration is $20-$35. Visit www.datcudash5k.org. 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. — Recorded Texas Historic Landmark dedications, at 10 a.m. at Denton’s 1927 City Hall, now known as City Hall West, 221 N. Elm St.; and at 11 a.m. at the Christal House, 722 W. Oak St. Call 940-349-2860 or email roslyn. shelton@dentoncounty.com. 10 a.m. — Summer Reading Club volunteer orientation at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. For ages 11 and up. Registration required. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 1 to 5 p.m. — Confident City Cycling Course at Denton City Hall, 215 E. McKinney St. Certified instructors will cover bicycling basics, maintenance and safety, and the course concludes with a street ride. Free. Visit www.bikewalkdenton.com. 2 p.m. — Summer Reading Club volunteer orientation at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. For ages 11 and up. Registration required. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www. dentonlibrary.com. 7 p.m. — “The Love of Birds + Art,” an art exhibition with live music and performances, in TWU’s Hubbard Hall ballrooms, 1600 N. Bell Ave. Presented by Aves and the World. Free. Call 904-601-2837 or email avesandtheworld@gmail.com.
SUNDAY 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. — “Spotlight on North Texas: Encore Event,” a free event to preserve the county’s film heritage, at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Bring print items documenting the history of film production and distribution in Denton County, and UNT Libraries will scan them in and provide a free digital copy. The Texas Archive of the Moving Image will collect historic family film and videos, which will be digitized off-site and returned by mail with a digital copy. For guidelines, visit www.library.unt.edu/events/ spotlight-north-texas. 5 p.m. — Benefit for Link Chalon at Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St. With music by Brave Combo, Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos, the Sutcliffes, A Taste of Herb and Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton. Admission is $10, benefiting Chalon, a Denton musician who is recovering from injuries. Visit http://danssilverleaf. com. 7 p.m. — First United Methodist Church’s Credo Youth Choir presents its NYC Send-Off Concert at the church, 201 S. Locust St. Free. Visit http://fumc-denton.com.
MONDAY 6 to 8:45 p.m. — Chess Night at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 7 to 8 p.m. — Learn about 3-D
R
obert Milnes, the former dean of the UNT College of Visual Arts & Design, has been elected to serve a three-year term on the board of the Center for Craft, Creativity and Design in Asheville, North Carolina. ■ Last week, an industrious blogger posted the salaries of Denton Municipal Electric employees online at denton.today. Click on the link at the post and you, too, can see the names, titles and rate of pay for the 165 or so DME employees, who make an average of about $78,000 annually. Some squawked on social media, attributing nefarious intentions to the posting. Government salaries are public information. There are many places to find government salary data on the internet. (We’re looking at you, Texas Tribune). But readers often need real, live journalists to ask questions and give data context. Otherwise, data is just noise. ■ The Strickland Middle School Jazz Band went to the Panhandle House Recording Studios last Friday to begin recording their album Strickland 16. The band is made up predominantly of seventh-graders this year. The band is led
printing and get certified to use the library’s 3-D printer at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Free. To register, call 940-349-8756 or email trey.ford@cityofdenton.com.
TUESDAY 9:30 a.m. — Mother Goose Time at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories and activities for infants (birth to 18 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940-349-8752. 10:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Stories, puppets and activities for toddlers (12-36 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940-349-8752. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group meets at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. Visit www.alz.org. 7 to 8 p.m. — Amazing YA Book Club, for adult fans of young adult
books, meets at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. Call 940-349-8718 or email stacey.irishkeffer@cityofdenton.com. 8 p.m. each Tues through June 14 — Summer Cinema Series: The Outsiders, selected by Rich Cali, at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 E. Hickory St. Jason Lee and the Greater Denton Arts Council present a free film series. Sodas, popcorn and Atomic Candy sweets will be sold. BYOB. Call 940-382-2787 or visit www.dentonarts.com.
WEDNESDAY 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. — Denton Breakfast Kiwanis Club meets at El Chaparral Grille, 324 E. McKinney St. Call 940-453-2688 or 940-2065177, or visit www.dentonbreakfast kiwanis.org. 9:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502
■ There was a double rainbow over Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios after the storms on Tuesday night. Does that count as the cosmic benediction Denton wants to give the venue, which closes for good on Sunday? ■ U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess moved to Pilot Point about a year ago. The Republican rep said he and his wife, Laura, made the move from Lewisville — and the home his architect wife designed — after the 2011 drought made it a real chore for the politician to find hay for his horses. Now, the congressman lives on a hay farm he bought a few years back. ■ Music professor Pamela Youngblood, chairwoman of the TWU Department of Music and Drama, has been named the 2016-18 Phi Kappa Phi Artist by the honor society. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The award recognizes the achievements of those who, in addition to their outstanding scholarship, have displayed talents in the broad realm of the arts — creative, graphic, performing, visual and fine arts. ■ A set of triplets is headed to UNT in the fall. Kassidy, Keaton and Kylee Durham, of Fort Worth, recently made news when they turned their senior yearbook quotes into a knock-knock joke. (“Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” “Not the triplets. We graduated.”)
Parting Shot “If Willie Nelson had been Rosa Parks, there never would have been a civil rights movement in this country, because he refuses to leave the back of the bus.” — Kinky Friedman, musician, humorist and one-time Texas gubernatorial candidate Denton Dammit is an old-fashioned gossip column about people, places and things in and around Denton. Send your submissions to Lucinda Breeding at cbreeding@dentonrc.com.
Oakland St. Stories, puppets and activities for toddlers (12-36 months) and their caregivers. Free. Call 940349-8752. 11 a.m. — Story Time at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Stories, songs, puppets and more for children age 1-5 and their caregivers. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Professor’s Corner, a discussion group dedicated to literary texts, meets at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. TWU professor Gretchen Busl presents “When Prospero Becomes Prospera: Examining Gender Roles in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.” Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www. dentonlibrary.com. 7 p.m. — Baby and Toddler Story Time for children 3 and younger at North Branch Library, 3020 Locust St. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com.
MUSIC The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Each Wed, County Rexford, 7-9pm, free. 101 W. Hickory St. 940-5665483. The Abbey Underground Weekly events: Each Sat, “’80s and ’90s Retro Dance Party”; each Sun, open mic hosted by Bone Doggie, sign-up at 7:30pm; each Mon, karaoke. 100 W. Walnut St. www.abbeyunderground. com. American Legion Post 550 Each Fri, free karaoke at 9pm; each Tues, free pool. Live band on the last Sat of the month, free. 905 Foundation St., Pilot Point. 940-686-9901. Andy’s Bar Each Thurs, “The Rotation” (jazz, blues, funk, fusion); each Mon, open mic, sign-up at 9 pm; each Wed, karaoke. 122 N. Locust St.
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EVENTS Continued from Page 3 940-565-5400. http://andys.bar. Audacity Brew House Sat: Tori Sloan, 4pm; Jacob Guzman, 7pm. June 11: Zach Nytomt, 4pm. June 18: Kelly Nygren, 4pm. Each Thurs, open mic with host Caleb Coonrod, 7-10pm, sign-up at 6:45pm. Each Sat, brewery tours at 3pm and live music. Each Sun, yoga at 11am, $5. Each Tues, Geeks Who Drink trivia, 7pm. 1012 Shady Oaks Drive. 940-218-1987. www.audacitybrewhouse.com. The Chestnut Tree Each Sat, Jazz Brunch at 10am. 107 W. Hickory St. 940-591-9475. www.chestnuttea room.com. Dan’s Silverleaf Thurs: Doug Bryan Band, 8:30pm, $10, or $7 in advance. Fri: Raised Right Men “Country & Western Dance Night,” 9pm, $10, or $7 in advance. Sat: Cornell Hurd and Friends, 5pm, $10; Danny Diamonds, Frank Ponecall, Uver, 8:30pm, $5. Sun: Link Chalon benefit show with Brave Combo, Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos, A Taste of Herb, the Sutcliffes, Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton, 5pm, $10. Wed: Oxymorrons, Riders Against the Storm, 9pm, $10, or $8 in advance. June 9: Boxcar Bandits (album release), 9pm, $10. June 10: Greyhounds, Emily Gimble, 8:30pm, $10, or $12 in advance. June 11: “A Pretty Damn Good Show” with Brutal Juice, Cornhole, Dim Locator, Record Player, Nervous Curtains, 8pm, $15, or $10 in advance. June 12: Jay B and the Zydeco Posse, 5pm, free. June 15: Pure Luck, 8pm, $10. June 16: Joe Ely, 9pm, $20-$25. June 17: Chris Watson, Bex Marshall, 8:30pm, $10. 103 Industrial St. 940320-2000. www.danssilverleaf.com. Golden Triangle Mall Sat: Kerry Davis Jr. Band. June 11: Lydia Low. June 18: Steve Stanley and the Mercs. June 25: Superkings. Free shows at 7 p.m. Saturdays in the food court. 2201 S. I-35E. 940-566-6024. www.shopgoldentriangle.com. The Greenhouse Each Mon, live jazz at 10pm, free. 600 N. Locust St. 940-484-1349. www.greenhouse restaurantdenton.com. Harvest House Sat: Leoncarlo (album release), Jacob Metcalf, Mountain Song, 8pm, $2. Sun: “Sunday Funk” with the Harvest House Band, 4-8pm, free. June 10: Daniel Markham, Rattlesnake Milk, 8pm, $5. June 11: Cozy Hawks (album release), 8pm, free. June 15: Sol Kitchen, 8:30pm, free. June 16: Christy Hays, Kierston White, 8pm, free. June 17: Cory Patrick Coleman, Mtn. Air, 8pm, free. June 18: Mr. Molly, the BoomBachs, 9pm, free. Each Mon, Geeks Who Drink trivia, 8-9pm. 331 E. Hickory St. 214-578-7499. www.denton harvesthouse.com. Jack’s Tavern 508 S. Elm St. 940808-0502. www.jacksdenton.com. J&J’s Pizza Tues: Migraine, Flesh Born, Thin Skin, Elix-r, $5. 118 W. Oak St. 940-382-7769. www.jandjpizza denton.com. Lone Star Attitude Burger Co. Each Mon, open mic night, 7pm. Each Tues, Real Texas Radio live broadcast, 7pm. Shows on the upstairs patio, 7-10pm, no cover. 113 W. Hickory St. 940-383-1022. www.lsaburger.com.
DENTON PARKS & RECREATION
Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai classes are available at Denia Recreation Center. David Minton/ DRC file photo Swim lessons are available at the Denton Natatorium and Civic Center Pool for students as young as 6 months. Private lessons are available, too. Fees range from $30 to $60 per session. Call 940-349-7275 or visit www.dentonparks.com for schedules and more information. ■ Creative Movement, for ages 3 to 4, meets from 10:35 to 11:35 a.m. each Saturday, June 4-25 at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St. Little ones learn dance concepts through short dance routines and imaginative play. $30. In “Roll! Play!” classes, ages 3 to 5 learn basic tumbling and rolls through play from 9 to 10 a.m. on Fridays, June 3-24, at Denia Recreation Center. $20. To register, call 940-349-7275 or visit www. dentonparks.com. ■ Adult dance classes begin in June.
Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair Each Thurs, Glitterbomb variety show, 9pm, $5. Each Fri, Double Dee Karaoke, 9:45pm. Each Sun, The Grand Review, 10pm, $5. Each Tues, open mic, 9pm, sign-up at 8pm. 1125 E. University Drive, Suite 107. 940-566-9910. Mulberry Street Cantina Each Mon, Boxcar Bandits, 9pm. 110 W. Mulberry St. 940-808-1568. http:// mulberrystcantina.com. Paschall Bar Each Sun, Suit & Tie Sunday Jazz, 9pm. Upstairs at 122 N. Locust St. www.facebook.com/ PaschallBar. Rockin’ Rodeo Fri: Dusty Smirl, Zach Coffey, 8:30pm, $10. June 10: Matt Roberts and the Stay at Home Gypsiez, Troy Murph, 8:30pm, $10. June 17: Kody West, Buffalo Ruckus, 8:30pm, $10. June 18: “Redneck Olympix.” June 24: Parker McCollum,
● Country & Western Dance meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on June 8-29 at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St. $30. ● Swing Dance meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on June 7-28 at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. $10. To register, call 940-349-7275 or visit www. dentonparks.com. ■ Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid and CPR will be taught from 5 to 7:30 p.m. June 7 at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. This course meets the regulatory requirements for child care workers and teaches first aid, CPR and automatic external defibrillator skills. $40. To register, call 940-349-7275 or visit www.denton parks.com. ■ Martial arts classes are offered for ages 5 and
Kaitlin Butts, 8:30pm, $10-$12. 1009 Ave. C. 940-565-6611. www.rockin rodeodenton.com. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios Thurs: “PDA: An Underground Dance Party” with DJ Dreamlover69 and Slush, 9pm, free-$3. Fri-Sun, “The Last of the Rubber Gloves”: Fri: Slobberbone, the Marked Men, Baptist Generals, Akkolyte, Terminator 2, Orcanaut, RTB2, New Science Projects, Problem Dogg, John Clardy, Future Self, Collick, the Noids, Delia Haunt, Banos y Banos, sold out.Sat: Record Hop, Hogpig, Mandarin, Spooky Folk, Pinkish Black, Fishboy, Codetalkers, Filth, Two Knights, Biographies, Daniel Markham, Mugzu, the Single Issues, A Pleasure Principle, Armazilla, sold out. Sun: Lift to Experience, Dove Hunter, the Angelus, Pinebox Serenade, Dim Locator, Moving Panoramas, Corn Mo, Pleas-
up at Denton’s three recreation centers. ● Texas Isshinryu Karate Kai for ages 5 to 7, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 2-30, at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St. $50. ● Red Tiger Karate for ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 7-Aug. 9, at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. $60. ● Red Tiger Karate for ages 13 and up, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, June 7-Aug. 9, at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. $60. ● Red Tiger Karate for ages 5 to 7, 6 to 7 p.m. Fridays, June 10-Aug. 12, at North Lakes Recreation Center, 2001 W. Windsor Drive. ● Red Tiger Karate for ages 8 to 12, 7 to 8 p.m. Fridays, June 10-Aug. 12, at North Lakes Recreation Center. ● Red Tiger Karate for ages 13 and older, 8 to 9 p.m. Fridays, June 10-Aug. 12, at North Lakes Recreation Center.
ant Grove, sold out. 411 E. Sycamore St. 940-387-7781. www.rubbergloves dentontx.com. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern Tues: Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton, Mister Joe, 7pm. June 14: Bonnie and Nick Norris, 7pm. June 21: Super Lotus, 7pm. June 28: Dunashay Thomas, 7pm. Shows on the patio, no cover. 115 S. Elm St. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. UNT on the Square Sat: WoodWired Duo, performing original works and songs by Lowenstern, Piazzolla and Led Zeppelin, 8pm, free. June 9: Thursday Night Music Summer Edition, 8pm, free. 109 N. Elm St. 940-369-8257. http://untonthe square.unt.edu. VFW Post 2205 Free karaoke at 8pm each Thurs, Fri and Sat. 909 Sunset St.
IN THE REGION Through Saturday — Artisan Center Theater presents Bye Bye Birdie through June 4 at 444 E. Pipeline Road in Hurst. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $9 for ages 12 and younger. Call 817-284-1200 or visit www.artisan ct.com.
VISUAL ARTS Brick Haus Collective Artist organization and incubator space for emerging artists. 215 S. Woodrow Lane. www.brickhauscollective.com. The Chestnut Tree 107 W. Hickory
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EVENTS Continued from Page 4 St. 940-591-9475. www.chestnuttea room.com. A Creative Art Studio Gallery, classes and workshops. 227 W. Oak St., Suite 101. Mon-Sat 12-6pm, Sun by appointment only. 940-442-1251. www.acreativeartstudio.com. Denton Senior Center 509 N. Bell Ave. Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-1pm. 940-349-8280. ● Paintings and mixed-media art by Aurora Cabrera, through June 30. The DIME Store Denton Independent Maker Exchange’s store carrying local art, crafts and vintage items, plus workshop/gallery space. TuesSat 10-6. 510 S. Locust St. 940-3812324. www.dimehandmade.com. First Friday Denton on the first Friday evening of the month at art venues and businesses around the downtown Square. Free gallery viewings, live music, art projects and demonstrations. For more information, visit www.firstfridaydenton.com. Green Space Arts Collective Studio/gallery available for rental. 529 Malone St. 940-595-9219. www.greenspacearts.com. Impressions by DSSLC Store selling ceramics by residents of Denton State Supported Living Center. 105 1/2 W. Hickory St. 940-3823399. Jupiter House 114 N. Locust St. 940-387-7100. Patterson-Appleton Arts Center Greater Denton Arts Council’s galleries, meeting space and offices. 400 E. Hickory St. Tues-Fri 11am-5pm, SatSun 1-5pm. 940-382-2787. www. dentonarts.com. ● “International Nightscapes: Recent Works by Bob Chilton,” work by photographer Bob Chilton, through July 29 in the Gough Gallery. Free. ● VAST Merging Visions, the Visual Arts Society of Texas’ collaboration with the Denton Poets’ Assembly, through Saturday in the Meadows Gallery. Free. PointBank Black Box Theatre Denton Community Theatre’s black box performance space. Mon & Wed 1-4pm, Fri 10:30am-1:30pm, and during performances. 318 E. Hickory St. ● Paintings by Nel Dorn Byrd, through July 15. SCRAP Denton Nonprofit store selling reused materials for arts and crafts, with the Re:Vision Gallery featuring art made of reused and repurposed items. Classes and workshops. 420 S. Bell Ave. Daily noon6pm 940-808-1611. www.scrap denton.org. tAd The Art Den, a small, artist-run space inside the Bowllery, 901 Ave. C, Suite 101. Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. www.tadgallery.org. 940-383-2695. TWU Blagg-Huey Library MonThurs 7:30am-midnight, Fri 7:30am-10pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 2pm-midnight. 1322 Oakland St. 940-898-3701. www.twu.edu/library. TWU East and West galleries in the TWU Fine Arts Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Free. Mon-Fri 9-4, weekends by appointment. 940-898-2530. www.twu.edu/
Kids can rub elbows with screen faves Fan Expo Dallas, formerly known as Dallas Comic Con, in conjunction with the BrickUniverse Dallas Lego Fan Convention, will offer complementary admission to children 12 and younger with the purchase of an adult ticket. Kid-friendly attractions and events will include the Kids Zone Family Lounge, where children can dress in costumes, color and maybe even meet a superhero; the Kids Costume Contest with participation ribbons and special awards for the top three winners; and free photos with the 17-foot-long Star Wars Roxy the Rancor monster, the Luggabeast from Star Wars: The Force Awak-
visual-arts. TWU Gallery 010 Student-run exhibition space in the lower level of the Student Union, on Bell Avenue at Administration Drive. Mon-Thurs 8-9; Fri 8-5; Sun 1-9. www.twu.edu/ visual-arts. UNT Art Gallery in the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St. at Welch. Building also includes the North Gallery and the Lightwell Gallery. Tues noon-5pm, Wed-Thurs 9:30am-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-5pm. Free. 940-565-4316. http://gallery.unt.edu. ● 56th annual Voertman Student Art Competition and Exhibition, through July 7. UNT Cora Stafford Gallery In UNT’s Oak Street Hall, 1120 W. Oak St. Wed-Sat 1-5pm or by appointment. 940-565-4005. UNT on the Square 109 N. Elm St. Free. Mon-Fri 9am-noon & 1-5pm, with extended hours Thurs until 8pm; Sat 11am-3pm. 940-369-8257. http:// untonthesquare.unt.edu. ● “Continuance: A Photography Exhibition,” a show juried by UNT photography alumni, OP Collective and professor Paho Mann, and OP Collective’s photography exhibition, with work by Desiree Espada, Zac Travis, Mariah Tyler and Trey Wright, Friday through July 30. Visual Arts Society of Texas Member organization of the Greater Denton Arts Council offers community and continuing education for local visual artists, professional and amateur. Meetings are at the PattersonAppleton Arts Center, 400 E. Hickory St. Monthly meetings include minishows and demonstrations by visiting artists. Annual juried exhibits, critique groups and workshops. Visit www.vastarts.org or call Executive
ens, and more. There will also be Q&A sessions with the voices of SpongeBob SquarePants, Batman, Winnie the Pooh and other actors. Kids can also learn how to speak Klingon will have chances to meet Stormtroopers and Jedi knights, Vulcans and Romulans, robots and androids, superheroes and villains. Coupons for kids’ free admission can be found at http://fanexpodallas.com/wp -content/uploads/FED16Kidscoupon-v2.pdf. Fan Expo Dallas will run Friday through Sunday at the Dallas Convention Center. For more information, visit http://fanexpodallas.com. — Staff report
Director Jo Williams at 940-383-1092. Voertman’s Gallery Art space inside bookstore near UNT. 1314 W. Hickory St. www.facebook.com/ voertmansgallery. Zera Coffee Co. 420 E. McKinney St., Suite 106. 940-239-8002. www.zeracoffeecompany.com.
LITERARY EVENTS Emily Fowler Central Library 502 Oakland St. 9am-6pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat; 9am-9pm Tues & Thurs; 1-5pm Sun. 940-349-8712. North Branch Library 3020 N. Locust St. 9am-9pm Mon-Wed, 9am-6pm Thurs-Sat, 1-5pm Sun. 940-349-8756. ● Chess Night Casual, non-tournament play, 6-8:45pm Mon ● Computer classes Call 940-3498752. ● North Branch Writers’ Critique Group Writing novels, short stories, poetry or journals, 7pm Tues ● Secondhand Prose Friends of the Denton Public Libraries’ fundraising bookstore is open 9am-3pm & 5:308:30pm Mon, 9am-3pm Sat & 1-4pm Sun. South Branch Library 3228 Teasley Lane. Noon-9pm Mon, 9am-6pm Tues & Thurs-Sat, 9am-9pm Wed, 1-5pm Sun. 940-349-8251. ● “Explore Earth” exhibit, on display through June 22.
POINTS OF INTEREST Bethlehem in Denton County Small gallery in Sanger displaying a personal collection of 2,900 nativities. Open evenings and weekends, by appointment only. Free. Small groups and children welcome. To schedule
your visit, call 940-231-4520 or e-mail jkmk@advantexmail.com. www.bethlehemindentonco.com. Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum Denton County’s 1896 courthouse features rotating exhibits on county history. Visitors may walk the halls to discover the history of the settlement of Denton County, learn about ancestors in the museum’s Research Room, and step into the historical courtroom on the second floor. 110 W. Hickory St. 10am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, 11am-3pm Sat; closed holidays. Free. Handicapped accessible. Call 940-349-2850 or visit www. dentoncounty.com/chos. Denton Community Market, a local artists and farmers market, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from April through November at the Denton County Historical Park, on Mulberry Street near Carroll Boulevard. Visit http://dentonmarket.org. Denton County Farmers Market Local farmers sell fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, June through September, from 7 a.m. to sellout. At Sycamore Street and Carroll Boulevard, in the parking lot by the Denton County Historical Park. Visit www.dentonfarmersmarket.com. Denton County Historical Park Home to historic Denton structures, including the Bayless-Selby House and the Quakertown House museums. Both historic houses feature exhibits and displays on Denton County life in the early 20th century. 317 W. Mulberry St. Tours available Tues-Sat 10am-2pm, closed holidays. Free. Call 940-349-2865 or visit www.dentoncounty.com/chos. Denton Firefighters Museum Collection at Central Fire Station, 332 E. Hickory St., displays firefighting memorabilia from the 1800s to the present. 8am-5pm Mon-Fri. Closed on city holidays. Free and handicapped accessible. Hangar Ten Flying Museum Nonprofit museum displays, maintains, preserves, flies and shows
antique, classic and contemporary classes of aircraft. Mon-Sat 8:30am-3 pm. 1945 Matt Wright Lane at Denton Enterprise Airport. Free. 940-5651945. www.hangar10.org. Herbisons’ rose garden Private garden with 1,000 bushes, open to the public for self-guided tours, no appointments necessary. Daily 8am-7pm. 1301 Haggard Lane. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area Three hiking trails; camping, fishing and more on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River; restored 1870 log home. Fri-Sun 7am-7pm. Admission is $5, free for children 5 and younger. Front gate is at Jones Street and North Kealy Avenue in Lewisville. Call 972-219-3930 for directions. www.ias.unt.edu/llela. Little Chapel-in-the-Woods Built in 1939, one of 20 outstanding architectural achievements in Texas. Daily 8am-5pm, except on university holidays or when booked for weddings, weekends by appointment only, TWU campus. 940-898-3644. Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch Nonprofit 126-acre ranch with rare and exotic animals, including black bears, kangaroos, bobcats, zebras and more. Exhibits, tram ride, animal presentations and restaurant. Open to the public 10am-5pm Sat & Sun, March through November. Tickets cost $12 for ages 13 and older, $10 for ages 3-12, $10 for seniors. Season passes available. 11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point. 940-686-4600. www.sharkarosa.com. Texas First Ladies Historic Costume Collection Created in 1940, exhibit features garments worn by wives of governors of Texas. 8am-5pm Mon-Fri. Administration Conference Tower, TWU campus. Free. 940-898-3644. www.twu.edu/ gown-collection. Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Permanent exhibit includes biographies and photographies of the
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DCT to stage ‘Rumors,’ ‘Cline’ Denton Community Theatre has a busy summer on the books. The company will open the Neil Simon comedy Rumors on June 10 at the Campus Theatre. Veteran director Dennis Welch is at the helm of the popular comedy. Rumors is a dinner party where everything goes wrong. Charley and Myra Brocks are set to celebrate their 10th anniversary, but the first couple to arrive find Myra missing, the kitchen staff absent, and Charlie has tried to shoot himself in the head. A dose of Valium makes Charlie a bad shot — but not too bad to shoot his earlobe. The evening gets even more chaotic. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. June 10 and 11 and June 16-18 and at 2 p.m. June 12 and 19 at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and up and $15 for students. The community theater will follow Rumors with the bio-musical Always ... Patsy Cline as its annual “Encore” fundraising show. The inti-
EVENTS Continued from Page 5 140-plus honorees, in Hubbard Hall on the TWU campus. Open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, except on university holidays. 940-898-3644. www.twu.edu/ twhf. UNT Rafes Urban Astronomy Center UNT’s astronomy center, open to the public once a month. 2350 Tom Cole Road. For directions and more information, visit www.astronomy.unt.edu/obsv.html. ● Star Party on the first Saturday of the month, beginning 30 minutes after sundown, weather permitting. Admission is $5, free for children 4 and younger. UNT Sky Theater Planetarium in UNT’s Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building, 1704 W. Mulberry St. 940-369-8213.
AP
“Always ... Patsy Cline” tells the story of one of the singer’s friendships. mate show chronicles the reallife friendship between country legend Cline and Houston housewife Louise Seger. Lousie and Patsy meet when the fan and her pals arrive early for a concert and meet the singer. Denton Community Theatre has cast three women to play Cline (Judi Conger, Lisa Fletcher and Melissa Sims) on different dates. Local actress Sharon Barnhill will portray Seger. Performances are at 8 p.m. July 1-2, July 8-9 and July 1516 and 2 p.m. July 3, 10 and 17 at the Campus Theatre. Ticket prices are to be announced. For reservations and information, call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunity theatre.com. — Lucinda Breeding
www.skytheater.unt.edu. ● “Cosmic Safari,” 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. each Saturday. Tickets cost $3-$5, cash only. ● “ExoPlanets: Worlds of Wonder,” children’s matinee at noon each Saturday. Tickets cost $3, cash only.
SENIORS American Legion Hall Senior Center 629 Lakey Drive in Fred Moore Park. 10am-3pm Mon-Fri, 6-9pm Thurs. 940-349-8298. Denton Senior Center offers daily lunches, classes, travel, health services and numerous drop-in activities. 8am-9pm Mon-Fri; 9am-1pm Sat. 509 N. Bell Ave. 940-349-8720. Ongoing activities: ● Aletha’s Craft Store, open 9am-1pm Mon-Sat. ● Social dancing, live bands and refreshments every second and fourth Friday, 7-9:30pm, $6.
Courtesy photo
The Josh Abbott Band will play at Lone Star Park on June 17 in Grand Prairie.
Ponies and a show Lone Star concert series brings big names to racetrack The Lone Star Music Series continues this month at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie. Texas country group the Josh Abbott Band will play at the racetrack June 17. On June 18, Nashville recording artist Gary Allan performs. All concerts in the series are free with $5 general admission to the track before 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 after 8:30 p.m. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with a first race post time of 7:05 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Concerts start after the last live race. People under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian at least 30 years of age ● Movies 6pm each Wed, free for Denton seniors. ● SPAN noon meal each Mon-Fri, $2 for seniors 60 and older, $5 for those younger than 60. ● Bridge Party bridge, 12:30pm Thurs; duplicate bridge, 12:30pm Wed ● Bingo 12:45pm first and third Fri ● Triangle Squares square dancing 7pm first and third Fri, $6
Courtesy photo/Eric Adkins
Gary Allan will play June 18 at Lone Star Park. to get into the park. The park is located at 1000 Lone Star Parkway. For tickets to see the Josh Abbott Band, visit
http://bit.ly/1TXRVaO. For tickets to the Gary Allen concert, visit http://bit.ly/1WZFpuP.
● Ed Bonk Workshop woodshop 9am-noon Tues-Thurs, $6 annual membership plus $1 per visit. RSVP Referral and placement service for volunteers age 55 and older. 1400 Crescent St. 940-383-1508.
noon every Saturday, weather permitting, on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St. Open acoustic jam for all levels of musicians. Denton Celtic Dancers meets from 5 to 7 p.m. each Sunday at the
ACTIVITIES Acoustic Lawn Jam from 10 a.m. to
— Lucinda Breeding
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Harmonics without a net
FUTURE BOOKINGS
P
entatonix, the popular a cappella group, will come home to North Texas on its 2016 World Tour on Nov. 20 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The Arlington group saw its popularity jump when videos of Christmas carols went viral in 2013, and with audiences having embraced television shows such as Glee and films like Pitch Perfect, a taste for poppy a cappella has taken root. Us the Duo will open for Pentatonix. Tickets cost $35 and up. For tickets, visit www.ptxofficial. com. — Lucinda Breeding Dallas Morning News file photo
EVENTS Continued from Page 6 Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 400 E. Hickory St. Beginners’ class starts at 6 p.m. Call 940-321-0012 or visit www.dentoncelticdancers.org. Denton Area Dulcimers meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m on the third Saturday of each month in the community room at Denton Good Samaritan Village, 2500 Hinkle Drive. Dues are $3 per month. Participants may bring a sack lunch. Call 940-565-9331 or email donnasgregory@gmail.com. Friday night community dances at Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Ave., from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Dances are open to all adults and include live music and refreshments. Dance hosts will be present to dance with unaccompanied ladies. Admission is $6. Call 940-349-8720. Green Space Arts Collective Ballet, tap, modern, and hip-hop dance classes for children and adults. 529 Malone St. 940-595-9219. www.greenspacearts.com. Harps Over Texas Autoharp Club Jamming as well as help for new and experienced players. All acoustic instruments welcome. 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1424 Stuart Road. 940-382-3248. North Branch Writers’ Critique Group, for those interested in writing novels, short stories, poetry or journals, meets from 7 to 8:45 p.m.
Tuesdays at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Free. Play Readers of Denton meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first, second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, upstairs at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. The third Tuesday of the month is for Playwrights of Denton. Free. Call 940-382-7014, ext. 3. Visit www.playreadersand writersofdenton.blogspot.com. The Triangle Squares Local square dancing group meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Fridays each month at Denton Senior Center, 509 N. Bell Ave. Starts with early rounds and workshops. Grand march starts at 8pm. Non-members pay $6 per person, members get in free. Call 214-288-6883. www.trianglesquares danceclub.com.
SPORTS Denton Civic Center Location of Denton Parks and Recreation customer service center, 8am-5pm Mon-Fri. Indoor walking track open 6:45am-7pm Mon-Fri. 321 E. McKinney St. 940-349-8285. Visit www.dentonparks.com. Denia Recreation Center Fitness center, gameroom, indoor courts, climbing wall, preschool and more. 7am-9pm Mon-Wed; 7am-8pm Thurs-Fri; 9:30am-3:30pm Sat. 1001 Parvin St. 940-349-8285. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center Fitness center, indoor courts, fitness, gameroom, computer room, preschool and more. 9am-9pm
Mon-Fri; 9:30am-6:30pm Sat. 1300 Wilson St. 940-349-8575. North Lakes Recreation Center Fitness center with fitness specialists and child care available; indoor courts, preschool classes, group exercise classes and more. 5:30am-10pm Mon-Thurs; 5:30am-9:30pm Fri; 7:30am-3:15pm Sat. 2001 W. Windsor Drive. 940-349-8287. Basketball court located across Windsor Drive, on the north side of the park.
AQUATICS
Civic Center Pool Open June 4-Aug. 21, Aug. 27-28 and Sept. 3-5. Hours: noon-6pm Mon-Sat, 1-6pm Sun. 515 N. Bell Ave. in Quakertown Park. Admission is $3 for adults; $2.25 for ages 2-17; free for younger than 2. Season passes available. 940-349-8279. Denton Natatorium Indoor pools with open and lap swimming, swim lessons for children and adults, water exercise available. 2400 Long Road. Mon-Fri 5:30am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun noon-6pm. Admission for city residents is $4 for ages 16 and older, $3 for ages 3-15. Nonresidents pay an additional $1. Free for ages 2 and younger. Passes and punch cards available. 940-3498800. Water Works ParkFour giant slides, a tubing river, a children’s water playground and two indoor pools. 2400 Long Road, just off Loop 288 and FM428 (Sherman Drive). Open June 4-Aug. 21, Aug. 27-28 and Sept. 3-5. Hours: 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-7pm Sun. Admission includes
access to Natatorium. For Denton residents: $11 for 48 inches or taller; $7 for under 48 inches. Nonresidents pay an additional $2. Free for children younger than 2; $5 for non-swimming guests. Season passes available. 940-349-8800. www.dentonwaterworks.com.
DOG PARK
Wiggly Field Dog Park at Lake Forest Park, at 1400 E. Ryan Road, between Teasley Lane and FM1830 (Country Club Road). Free. Closed 7am-3:30pm Wed for mowing and maintenance. For rules, visit www.dentonparks.com or call 940349-8731.
MOTOR SPORTS
Texas Motor Speedway Tours of speedway available ($8, $6 seniors and children 12 and younger); souvenir shop. State Highway 114 at I-35W, Fort Worth. 817-215-8500. www. texasmotorspeedway.com.
SKATING
Skate Works Park Ramps, platforms, railings and more for skateboarders and inline skaters of all skill levels. Free. Next to Water Works Park on Long Road at Sherman Drive and Loop 288. 940-349-8523.
TENNIS
Goldfield Tennis Center Eight outdoor lighted courts and utility court. Offers classes, leagues and tournaments. 2005 W. Windsor Drive. 940-349-8526.
June 10-19 — Denton Community Theatre presents Rumors by Neil Simon at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $15-$22. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. June 10-11 and June 16-18, and at 2 p.m. June 12 and 19. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www. dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 9 a.m. to noon June 11 — Denton County Master Gardener Association’s 2016 Fruit, Vegetable, Herb and Flower Show at the Denton County Historical Park, 317 W. Mulberry St. Any county resident may enter, and there is no entry fee. Entries will be accepted from 9 to 10 a.m. in two divisions: youths 18 and younger, and adults. For more information, call 940-349-2892 or visit www.dcmga.com. 2 to 4 p.m. June 11 — Preserving the Harvest, a free workshop at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Courtney Davis from Denton County’s Texas AgriLife Extension office presents an overview of home food preservation techniques, including canning, freezing and dehydrating. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.dentonlibrary.com. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 11 — Wine, Cheese and Art Dinner at the Robson Ranch Clubhouse Ballroom, 9400 Ed Robson Blvd. The evening features fine wines paired with gourmet cheeses and a silent auction of art by local artists. Admission is $30. For tickets, mail checks to P.O. Box 522, Argyle, TX 76226. 6 p.m. June 17 — Gospel Extravaganza, part of the Denton Juneteenth Celebration, at Fred Moore Park, 501 S. Bradshaw St. Free. Visit www. juneteenthdentontx.org/gospelextravaganza. 9 a.m. June 18 — Denton Juneteenth Celebration at Fred Moore Park, 501 S. Bradshaw St. 45th annual celebration includes a softball tournament at 9 a.m., parade at 10 a.m. (lineup at 9 a.m.), “A Better Way Enterprises” Denton Hometown Heroes Reception at noon at the American Legion Hall Annex, vendors, entertainment and children’s games, and live music at 7 p.m. Free. Visit www.juneteenthdentontx.org. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 18 — Juneteenth Story Time at the Quakertown House in the Denton County Historical Park, 317 W. Mulberry St. All ages can hear readings of three children’s books: 10 a.m., Juneteenth for Maize by Floyd Cooper; 11 a.m., All Different Now: Juneteenth, The First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson; noon, Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford. Free. Visit http://dentoncounty.com/chos. 8 p.m. to midnight June 18 — Greater Denton Arts Council’s All Star Karaoke at Dan’s Silverleaf, 103 Industrial St. WIth host Eric Pulido, and karaoke by DJ Mark Ridlen. Admission is $10. After 10 p.m., donate $5 to sing a karaoke tune. July 29-30 — Denton Comedy Festival in the Old Dirty Basement at J&J’s Pizza, 118 W. Oak St. Visit www.odbcomedyfestival.com.
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COVER
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Owner Josh Baish hangs out under the neon sign at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios. Jeff Woo/DRC
Rowdy nights about By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com
R
ubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios doesn’t look special. The Denton music venue is set off from downtown, a modest building painted in rowdy murals, sitting literally on the other side of the railroad tracks.
9
STORY The afternoon sun illuminates the soundboard at Rubber Gloves, little seen in the daylight. The nightclub’s final shows are this weekend, and they’re packed with local talent — and completely sold out. Jeff Woo/DRC
For the love of Gloves to go silent at venerated nightclub The interior — always a touch sticky and unabashedly careworn — is a scrapbook of sorts. The walls of the bar are covered in old band posters and mismatched keepsakes. A set of longhorns wear Christmas lights on the wall over the entrance to the proper bar — a snug little spot with three sides opening onto an area of tables, benches and two fixed standing bars. A painting of Jesus — originally part of a triptych, created for the wedding of Rubber Gloves founders Memory and Jayson Wortham — gazes beatifically from
its perch just beyond the stairs. Upstairs, a cluster of well-used rooms are still used by bands for jams and practices. And on the east end of the building is a room that has seen everything from rehearsals to one-night-only art shows as the Meme Gallery. On the west side of the bar is the legendary stage. It’s small and dark, and the soundboard takes up considerable real estate on the opposite side of the room. A double set of doors — and the surrounding walls — are plastered with
band stickers. For all its pock marks and chipped paint, Rubber Gloves is special. And on Sunday, the venerated local music venue will close its doors after 19 years.
‘This place is my life’
Owner Josh Baish said he’s a little weary of talking about the club’s closure, but he appreciates the love he’s getting from longtime patrons. Baish said his recent divorce settlement is the catalyst for a decision that landed like a blow. He couldn’t think of a
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Gloves memory that stood out. “How long do you have?” Baish said. “This place is my [expletive] life. I’ve put everything into it.” He came to Denton in 1993, and tended bar at Rick’s Place. At the time, Fry Street’s music scene was busy. And when the Argo opened, with its strippeddown approach to staging shows and slinging drinks, the scene got more diverse. Alternative rock was in its heyday, Baish said, and North Texas acts were striking gold. Deep Blue Something, Tripping Daisy and Reverend Horton Heat got signed and played shows on Fry Street, just off the University of North Texas campus. Fry Street closed out the 20th century, and in 2006, a corporation bought a full block of the district and turned it into mixed-use businesses — apartments on the top and retail on the first floors. “In a lot of ways, this place is the spawn of the Argo,” Baish said. “I’m not a businessman. I’m not good at that part. But I am an artist. I’m a curator in a town that sells music. I mean, that is Denton’s greatest resource.” Baish said he feels lucky to have taken over the business from its early days as a set of rehearsal spaces for bands. When the Worthams bowed out, Rubber Gloves had become a small bar that staged shows. Lots of experimental stuff and a lot of punk were made on the stage. Over the years, it became a place where touring bands would stop, and a place where local bands were born. Denton acts such as Slobberbone, Little Grizzly and Lift to Experience packed Gloves — butt to gut, and sometimes on weekday nights. “Nothing has ever been lost on me as far as how lucky I am,” Baish said. “This is totally a suspended adolescence. And I know I didn’t create this. Rubber Gloves grew out of necessity. It all happened in an organic way.” Baish isn’t overly romantic about what will become of the music scene when the doors are locked in the wee hours on Monday. Before Rubber Gloves an-
David Minton/DRC file photo
A mosh pit stirs in the center of the crowd during the Atomic TanLines’ 35 Denton show in 2013 at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios.
Where music is the main thing
Jeff Woo/DRC
Band stickers and fliers are part of the decor at Rubber Gloves. nounced its fate, Denton had lost Banter Bistro, a longtime singer-songwriter spot downtown, and Hailey’s Club, which is scheduled to reopen as a pair of bars this year. “Everyone’s going to go on,” Baish said. “The music is still going to go on. It always finds its way.” When Gloves announced its closure, patrons flooded the club’s Facebook page, and dozens said they worry that the downtown Denton renaissance is swallowing the very business-
es that made Denton what it is — a scrappy music town where even bar owners are fan boys. Baish said he doesn’t know what will happen to the bar. He wants to hold on to the building, he said. “Everyone can see what’s happening all around here,” Baish said. “Everybody is all ‘rah-rah, we’re all musicians, and we sell the music scene,’ but all this stuff that’s going on around here? Nobody gets it. Not a whole lot of people really care about music.”
Denton guitarist and singer Ryan Thomas Becker said Rubber Gloves was the birthplace for many a local band. It was the site where he and drummer Grady Don Sandlin rekindled their musical relationship. “Back in the early Aughts, I was playing Big Ass Beer Nights,” Becker said, recalling the open-mic nights that enticed music fans with Oktoberfestsize portions of beer. One night, Becker saw Sandlin running sound. “He and I had recently reconnected, and he had invited me to play in one of his bands. On top of that, I was writing a lot of new material,” Becker said. “Grady, having heard a lot of these new tunes, offered to play with me at my solo gigs. Another band was born.” Sandlin and Becker started to sneak in sets just ahead of scheduled shows. “Soon, we were booking real gigs but needed a name,” Becker said. “One night at Gloves, Grady and I were trading possible band names. He came up with the apt title ‘Ryan Thomas Beck-
er Duo.’ That made me nervous. Then the name hit me, half-jokingly at first. I laughed out loud, regained my composure, and said ‘RTB2’ with a smile on my face. It stuck, for better or worse. I have to thank Rubber Gloves for rekindling the flame of our love.” Gloves has seen a steady stream of music fans over the years. Denton photographer Ed Steele has spent untold hours at the bar, shooting bands for the likes of the Denton RecordChronicle and the Dallas Observer. “The best part about shooting Gloves was never knowing what I was going to see,” Steele said. “I watched and photographed Matt Burgess of Eat Avery’s Bones symbolically disembowel his friend by smashing a loaf of bread duct-taped to his friend’s abdomen. “After the ‘murder,’” Steele said, “Matt rolled around on stage eating the dirty, smashedup bread while singing into two mics.” It wouldn’t be the last time Steele was surprised or delighted while peering at the stage
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The stage is humble and hand-built, but it’s hosted shows by a litany of indie favorites: Daniel Johnston, the Mountain Goats, Deerhoof, Of Montreal, Peter Buck, Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, the Shins and plenty more. Jeff Woo/DRC
From Page 10
berbone frontman Brent Best served Bosley drinks. Best and Baish were fast friends after Baish drew a show poster for a Slobberbone show. Rubber Gloves has long been a waystation for musicians tending bar between bouts on the road.
Gloves through his viewfinder. “From Richard Haskins slicing himself bloody with a torn beer can to a surprise appearance by Reggie Watts at a Deep Throat show at 35 Denton, literally anything could happen at a Gloves show,” Steele said. Denton hip-hop artist Chris Avant — a.k.a. AV the Great — has shared a special vantage point with countless other artists. He’s sweated, jumped and rapped to a full house. And he’s filled the stage with his band. It doesn’t take much to fill the room immediately in front of the stage, and the bar’s occupancy is 250 people, but the rapper said it’s something to see the place going full tilt with the walls thumping. “I like that when you are on that stage and it’s a packed house — it’s raw underground energy but intimate at the same time,” he said. “Love the staff, love that it was in Southeast Denton.” Denton drummer Tex Bosley let loose with a string of expletives when he considered the venue’s end. “Rubber Gloves was, how do we even say it? Singular? Perfectly imperfect? A lasting impermanence? Rubber Gloves was ours,” he said. “Rubber Gloves was real.” Bosley recalls the club’s open arms to fledgling rock stars, punks and weirdos. And he recalls the gems that dropped by
For the love of the show
The back gate to Rubber Gloves’ main stage bears a warning to all who pass. David Minton/DRC
on their way to Dallas or Fort Worth. “I saw everyone there. Everyone,” he said. “I saw bands that you could see nowhere else. I saw bands that played everywhere else. I saw bands no one else saw. Hell, I was in bands that no one else saw. So, yeah, I played that stage a few times but my memories there are not those of a tried-and-true RGRS band member. Mostly, when I saw all of our friends there, they were, like me, just there to enjoy a show.” Bosley saw local drummer and recording engineer Justin Collins “cut his teeth” on Gloves’
sound board. “I saw a bad-ass night of music by the original Earl Harvin Trio. I saw bands that never, ever existed anywhere else in the world other than in that spot at their time,” Bosley said. “Late in the game I came into a few bands that had space there, so I’ve had a share or two of rehearsals there,” he said. In fact, I’ve made music in most of the rooms at Gloves but the stage-adjacent downstairs room, whatever its name, was my ‘home’ for the last several years.” Another thing boggled his mind. Denton legend and Slob-
Baish might have been destined to create a dive bar like Rubber Gloves. He remembers the first show he ever attended. Houston thrash rockers D.R.I were playing in El Paso, Baish’s hometown. “I was obsessed with D.R.I. I mean, I woke up in the morning, rolled over and hit the button on the cassette player,” he said. The framed showbill — promoting D.R.I., Holy Terror and the Day-Glo Abortions — hangs inside Rubber Gloves. “I remember going to see that show, and the lead singer, Kurt Brecht, was at the merch table. Kurt Brecht. Was at the merch table. You have to understand, these guys were rock stars to me,” Baish said. “He was like, ‘You want a T-shirt.’ I was wearing my punk blue jean jacket, and he drew the D.R.I. logo on the back of it. “That’s why we’ve always been an all-ages venue. That show in El Paso was a defining point for me, and I wanted other kids to have that experience.” Locals have shared stories of great times, drunk nights and music discoveries made at the tiny room east of the tracks on Sycamore Street.
LAST DAYS OF GLOVES Doors open at noon Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. on Sunday. Set times weren’t announced by Wednesday night. All shows are sold out. FRIDAY Slobberbone The Marked Men The Baptist Generals Terminator 2 Akkolyte Orcanaut RTB2 New Science Projects Problem Dogg John Clardy (of Tera Melos) Future Self Collick The Noids Delia Haunt Banos y Banos SATURDAY Record Hop Mandarin Hogpig Spooky Folk Pinkish Black Fishboy Codetalkers Filth Two Knights Biographies Daniel Markham Mugzu The Single Issues Pleasure Principle Armazilla SUNDAY Co-presented by Margin Walker–Dallas Lift to Experience Corn Mo The Angelus Dove Hunter Pinebox Serenade Moving Panoramas Dim Locator Pleasant Grove
Bosley said his heart hurts because another gig has claimed him for the weekend and he’ll miss the final nights of music. “The only thing I’m sure of at this point is this: There will never be another place like Rubber Gloves,” Bosley said. “Denton is dying a little bit this weekend, and every single person should take note. “This is an every-headbowed, every-eye-closed moment. Savor it. Really live it, y’all. Don’t just post it. Be there in the moment.” LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877 and via Twitter at @LBreedingDRC.
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DINING RESTAURANTS ASIAN
Gobi Mongolian Grill and Asian Diner 717 S. I-35E, Suite 100. 940387-6666. Mr. Chopsticks This pan-Asian eatery does a little Chinese, Japanese, Thai and even Indian food. Offers a plethora of appetizers and entrees. Many vegetarian dishes. Beer and wine. 1633 Scripture St. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-9. $-$$. 940-382-5437.
BARBECUE
Bet the House BBQ Central Texasstyle barbecue from owners Cody Smithers and Shawn Eagle, who have cooked together for years. 508 S. Elm St., Suite 109. Wed-Sat 11am-8pm or until sellout; Sun 11am-3pm or until sellout. $-$$. 940-808-0332. The Juicy Pig Walk-up barbecue restaurant brings together owner Ken Currin, Denton’s master of casual fine dining, and local culinary mainstay Pam Chittenden. 708 Locust St. Daily 11am-9pm or sellout. Beer. $-$$. 940-387-0708. Metzler’s Bar-B-Q Much more than a barbecue joint, with wine and beer shop, deli with German foods and more. Smoked turkey is lean yet juicy; generous doses of delightful barbecue sauce. Beer and wine. Daily 10am-10pm. 628 Londonderry Lane. $. 940-591-1652. Second location:
Metzler’s North, 1115 E. University Drive, 940-383-3663. Mudd’s Good Eatin’ Krum eatery serves up pecan-smoked meats nightly, and comfort foods like chicken fried steaks, fried pork chops and more on Friday and Saturday. 208 W. McCart St. in Krum. Thurs-Sat 5-9pm. Barbecue lunch on Mon, 11am-sellout. 940-482-3374. eatatmudds.com. Old House BBQ 1007 Ave. C. 940383-3536. The Smokehouse Denton barbecue joint serves up surprisingly tender and juicy beef, pork, chicken and catfish. Beer and wine. 1123 Fort Worth Drive. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 940-566-3073.
BRITISH
The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Full bar. 101 W. Hickory St. Sun-Wed 11-10, Thurs-Sat 11-midnight. $-$$. 940-566-5483.
FINE DINING
Barley & Board Upscale brewpub on corner of the Square with shared plates, flatbreads, meat and cheese boards and more. Menu created by chef Chad Kelley designed to work well with the beers, with more than 30 on tap, including brews made in in-house nano-brewery. 100 W. Oak St. Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri 11ammidnight, Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10am-11pm. Full bar. $$-$$$. The Greenhouse Restaurant
Casual dining atmosphere complements fresh seafood, beef and chicken from the grill. Even vegetarian selections get a flavor boost from the woodpile. 600 N. Locust St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat noon-10, Sun 11-9 (bar stays open later). $-$$. 940-484-1349. Hannah’s Off the Square Executive chef Sheena Croft’s “upscale comfort food” puts the focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Steaks get A-plus. Tempting desserts. Full bar. No checks. 111 W. Mulberry St. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Brunch: Sun 10:30am-3pm. Dinner: Sun-Mon 4:30-9; Tues-Thurs 4:30-10; Fri-Sat 4:30-11. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. Horny Toad Cafe & Bar 5812 N. I-35. Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11ammidnight. $-$$. 940-383-2150. http:// hornytoadcafe.com. 940’s Kitchen & Cocktails Full bar. 219 W. Oak St. $$. 940-218-6222. Queenie’s Steakhouse Chef Tim Love’s steakhouse just off the downtown Square. Live jazz nightly. Full bar. 115 E. Hickory St. Lunch: Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Wed-Thurs 4:3010pm, Fri-Sat 4:30-11pm. Sun brunch, 10:30am-3pm. $$-$$$. 940-4426834. www.queeniessteakhouse.com.
ICE CREAM
Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain 117 W. Hickory St. Mon-Wed 11-10pm; Thurs 11-10:30; Fri-Sat 11-11:15; Sun noon-10pm. 940-384-1818. Unicorn
Lake location: 2900 Wind River Lane. Mon-Wed 11-9; Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-11; Sun noon-9pm. 940-591-1010.
MEDITERRANEAN/ MIDDLE EASTERN
Beirut Mediterranean Grill Lebanese cuisine. 1614 W. University Drive. 940-442-5361. Green Zatar Family-owned restaurant/market does it all from scratch, and with speed. Meats like gyros and succulent Sultani Kebab, plus veggie combo and crunchy falafel. BYOB. 609 Sunset St. Daily 11-10. $-$$. 940-383-2051. www.greenzatar.com. Jasmine’s Mediterranean Grill and Hookah Lounge 801 Sunset St. Sun-Thurs 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. 940-898-1800. http:// jasminemedcafe.com. Layalina Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge Mediterranean cuisine and hookah lounge. 706 Fort Worth Drive. 940-382-3663.
SEAFOOD
Dani Rae’s Gulf Coast Kitchen 2303 S. I-35E. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-898-1404. Frilly’s Seafood Bayou Kitchen Plenty of Cajun standards and Texas fusion plates. Beer and wine. 1925 Denison St. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-9:30. $$. 940-243-2126. Hoochie’s Oyster House 214 E. Hickory St. 940-383-0104. www. hoochiesdenton.com
MOVIES THEATERS Cinemark Denton 2825 Wind River Lane off I-35E. 940-535-2654. www. cinemark.com. Movie Tavern 916 W. University Drive. 940-566-FILM (3456). www.movietavern.com. Carmike Hickory Creek 16 8380 S. I-35E, Hickory Creek. 940-3212788. www.carmike.com. Silver Cinemas Inside Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. 940-3871957. www.silvercinemasinc.com.
OPENING FRIDAY Me Before You (★★ 1⁄2) Like the (better) 2014 tearjerker The Fault in Our Stars, this film version of Jojo Moyes’ novel, directed by Thea Sharrock, probably is a slam dunk for the book’s fans, who will likely be crying from the first scene. For the rest of us, it’s a bit of a harder sell. Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) plays Louisa, an amiable cafe waitress in an English town who loses her job. Lou, as she’s called, has few skills but manages to get an interview at the grand Traynor estate. It turns out the job entails caring for the son of the family, Will (The Hunger Games’ Sam Claflin). Once a dashing London banker, he was hit by a motorcycle and paralyzed from the neck down. Eventually, love seems to bloom between the two. But Lou also discovers a truth that horrifies her.
Rated PG-13, 110 minutes. — The Associated Press Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows The return of the pizza-eating, martials-arts-infused, adolescent reptiles. With Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney. Directed by Dave Green. Rated PG-13, 112 minutes. — Los Angeles Times
NOW PLAYING Alice Through the Looking Glass (★★★) Following the events of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010), this adventure finds Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returning to the magical world of her childhood to help locate the family of her friend, the Hatter (Johnny Depp), before their absence leads to his demise. To save him, Alice must outrun the swift hands of Lord Time (an excellent Sacha Baron Cohen) and uncover another evil scheme organized by the malicious Red Queen (a scene-stealing Helena Bonham Carter). Director James Bobin (Muppets Most Wanted) fills Burton’s creative hat and maintains the unique surrealism of Wonderland. Rated PG, 113 minutes. — Preston Barta The Angry Birds Movie (★★★) This animated movie based on the addictive app doesn’t quite achieve the relative superiority of The Lego Movie, but it's surprisingly fun and heartfelt at times. The concept is simple: How did the angry birds get so angry? The story is centered on
Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), whose bad luck and short temper land him in group therapy for anger management alongside Chuck (Josh Gad), Bomb (Danny McBride) and Terence (Sean Penn). Meanwhile, some pigs arrive by ship. Rated PG, 97 minutes. — AP Captain America: Civil War (★★★★ 1⁄2) Civil War begins with Captain America (Chris Evans) leading the new team of Avengers — including the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) — around the globe to stop some of biggest known threats. But after an international incident, mounting political pressure leads to regulations that force superheroes to register with the government. While some players, such as Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), are on board, others don’t see a reason to be policed, sparking the titular “civil war.” Civil War will set both head and heart running, and that is the secret to its thrill. Rated PG-13, 146 minutes. — P.B. The Jungle Book (★★★★) Disney’s beautifully crafted live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s works is worth seeing on the biggest screen possible. A young boy, Mowgli (played with warmth and gumption by newcomer Neel Sethi), embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the midst of the jungle, befriending and making enemies with inhabitants along the way. With the latest CGI,
filmmaker Jon Favreau (Iron Man) is up to the task of making these adventurous creatures authentic-looking and larger than life. Although the film
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DINING POLICY Restaurant profiles and listings are compiled by the Denton Record-Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News. A comprehensive list of Dallas-Fort Worth area restaurants is available at GuideLive.com Incorrect information can be reported by email to drc@dentonrc.com, by phone to 940-566-6860 or by fax to 940-566-6888. To be considered for a profile, send the restaurant name, address, phone number, days and hours of operation and a copy of the menu to: Denton Time Editor, P.O. Box 369, Denton, TX 76202. Please indicate whether the restaurant is new or has changed ownership, chefs or menus.
PRICE KEY
Average complete dinner per person, including appetizer, entree and dessert. $ Less than $10 $$ $10-$25 $$$ $25-$50 $$$$ More than $50
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MOVIES Continued from Page 12 gets a bit dark at times (parents, be cautious for your younger ones), fans are not robbed of the 1967 animated film’s iconic songs such as “The Bare Necessities.” With voices by Bill Murray, Idris Elba and Christopher Walken. Rated PG, 105 minutes. — P.B. Love & Friendship (★★★ 1⁄2) If you’re one of those who doesn’t have the patience for Jane Austen adaptations, filmmaker Whit Stillman (Metropolitan) may be your saving grace. Icing Austen’s words with a heavy layer of wit and pizazz, Love & Friendship goes beyond the page for a pleasing period-piece experience. A manipulative woman named Lady Susan Vernon (Kate Beckinsale) uses an unethical strategy to capture the attention of a suitor for her daughter — and herself, too, naturally. Rated PG, 92 minutes. — P.B. Money Monster Jodie Foster takes her talents behind the camera again for Money Monster, a high-stakes thriller in which a financial television host (George Clooney) and producer (Julia Roberts) are put in a threatening situation when a worked-up investor (Jack O’Connell) takes over their studio. Rated R, 98 minutes. — P.B. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (★★ 1⁄2) Chloe Grace Moretz, Kiersey Clemons and Beanie Feldstein play college freshmen who are eager to make a name for themselves, but discover that the Greek life is built upon sexism, as sororities are not allowed to throw parties of their own on campus. So they create their own sorority — next door to Mac and Kelly Radner (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne). With Zac Efron. Rated R, 92 minutes. — P.B. The Nice Guys (★★★ 1⁄2) In a lot of ways, The Nice Guys represents the buddy movie genre at its best. It’s a film that packs as much charm and humor as it does bullets. Shane Black’s latest features an odd couple of private eyes (Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling) who initially don’t get along, but soon become fire-forged friends as they navigate 1970s Los Angeles searching for the missing daughter (Margaret Qualley) of a Department of Justice agent (Kim Basinger). Rated R, 116 minutes. — P.B. X-Men: Apocalypse (★★) Director Bryan Singer’s Apocalypse doesn’t further the development of the X-Men franchise or offer much to admire. It instead recycles devices from previous X-Men films and hopes you’ll enjoy the ride for what little it is worth. The film’s predetermined narrative again focuses on an allpowerful mutant (a wasted Oscar Isaac) who wants to destroy the world to make a better one, and it’s up to the good guys to conquer evil before mankind is destroyed. Top actors such as Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence make the most of what they’re given — but many of the others in this packed ensemble (including Tye Sheridan and Sophie Turner) are lost. Rated PG-13, 144 minutes. — P.B.
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Andy Samberg goes all out as megastar Conner4Real in “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.” Universal Pictures
Parody 4Real By Preston Barta Film Critic
I have no shame in saying I watched the trailer for Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (a play on the title of Justin Bieber’s 2011 tour film, Never Say Never) at least a dozen times. I mainly clicked “repeat” just to see Andy Samberg embrace and poke fun at the ridiculousness of celebrity culture. Whether he’s buying things he doesn’t need or muttering Kanye-like lines like “It takes a village to make me look dope,” it’s hysterical. Sure, a mockumentary about a pop star is not a movie that will make everyone go gaga, but it’s ripe with limitless material for Samberg and his Lonely Island crew (Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer) to go nuts and have fun, and that’s exactly what they do. The plot is admittedly silly, all of which adds to the fun. It’s the story of megastar Conner Friel, a.k.a. “Conner4Real,” as he
Deliberately dumb mockumentary is packed with genuine laughs launches his sophomore solo effort, titled Connquest. Conner was once a member of a boy band called the Style Boyz, which, kind of like the Lonely Island, features three best buds who grew up together. But as Conner rose to fame, the band broke up, leaving the other Boyz members (Taccone and Schaffler) in the rearview. The true potency of Popstar lies within the confines of the plot. The concept easily could have grown tiresome after the first half-hour and been an extended Saturday Night Live sketch (which is what the Lonely Island is best known for), but Samberg and producer Judd Apatow (Trainwreck) carefully calibrate the screenplay and go beyond merely taking jabs at entertainment’s it-people. They also parody the metabolism and
trifling age of the internet. The overly entitled Redditand Instagram-loving period we live in is an interesting time. We constantly feed our impulses to upload images and videos of the most senseless things, which primarily boils down to being heightened versions of our realities. Popstar digs at this notion and provides us with an alarming perspective of the present. While the film is filled with many great gags and cameos (let’s keep it spoiler-free), the bulk of the movie sees Conner’s career and life plummet, from his household appliance sponsorship (where he uploads his new album as a record-release stunt) to the stupidity of his new tracks (including jams such as the Macklemore-inspired “Equal Rights” and a fantasy tune about comparing sex to the
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Rated R, 86 minutes. Opens Friday.
assassination of bin Laden). It takes a true stroke of genius to pull off a beat like this, and Samberg and Co. hit the high note. Popstar’s story beats may occasionally fall flat, but the notes between show the Lonely Island at their creative peak. The film roasts all the right people. In this a gag-a-second spoof, the laughs never stop stopping. PRESTON BARTA is a member of the Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association. Read his work on FreshFiction.tv. Follow him on Twitter at @PrestonBarta.
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