2
IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK
Denton Time
Cold air demands hot cider
12 5 13
ON THE COVER
Wassail Fest, First Friday overlap during lighting fest f crowds aren’t chased home by freezing rain and ice on Friday night, the First Friday Denton arts mixer will have a little something extra: wassail. The 15th annual Wassail Fest is part of the festivities planned during the 25th annual Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on the Square from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, and a number of First Friday’s usual participants are serving up the hot spiced (but not spiked) cider. “Wassail is just a fussy old English name for hot cider,” said Wassail Fest chairwoman Claire Amano. For 15 years now, downtown merchants have prepared some old recipes and family favorites to compete for the coveted title of Wassail King or Queen. The tradition was started by merchants of the Denton Main Street Association as a way to contribute to the holiday lighting festivities. This year more than 35 downtown Denton merchants will be Wassail Stops during the festival. The king or queen is selected by the tasters casting their votes — the one with the most votes wins. Ballots must be cast by 8 p.m. in front of the Campus Theatre, at the corner of Cedar and
DENTON HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL The tree is lit on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square during Denton’s big holiday bash last year. (Photo by David Minton) Story on Page 8
I
WASSAIL FEST COMPETITORS Wassail Fest tastings are available from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. in front of the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. For more information, visit www.dentonmain street.org. Asterisks denote merchants participating in First Friday Denton in addition to serving wassail on Friday night. Participating First Friday businesses stay open late, with many closing around 9 or 10 p.m. For more information, visit http://firstfriday denton.com. EAST HICKORY/BELL AREA (one to two blocks east of the Square) Queenie’s, 115 E. Hickory St.
Denton Time
FIND IT INSIDE MUSIC Concerts and nightclub schedules. Page 6
DINING Restaurant listings. Page 8
MOVIES Reviews and summaries. Page 11
TO GET LISTED INFORMATION
David Minton/DRC file photo
People line up for wassail and cookies in front of the Courthouse Collection during last year’s Wassail Fest. Hickory streets. The DIME Store — the Locust Street storefront for the Denton Independent Makers Exchange — plans to stock its shelves with handcrafted items worthy of spots under the Christmas tree, as well as wassail for the annual contest. A Creative Art Studio will serve wassail while promoting both the downtown festival and
the arts mixer. While tasters sip the studio’s cider, they can listen to the Denton High School Orchestra Ensemble, which will perform holiday music at 7 p.m. Attendees can also study the paintings of Texas Woman’s University graduate student Kristie Hunger. SCRAP Denton will serve wassail and open its December exhibition in the Re:Vision Gal-
lery, “30 for $30.” Artists have made pieces using mostly recycled, reused or found materials, and the end products are all for sale for $30. Other downtown businesses participating in First Friday Denton include East Side Social Club, UNT on the Square, Oak Street Draft House & Cocktail Parlor, and Vigne.
*Noles General Store, 315 E. Hickory Hoochies Oyster House, 207 N. Bell Ave. ELM STREET I [heart] Denton, 101 N. Elm Cartwright’s Ranch House, 111 N. Elm First People’s Jewelers, 117 N. Elm W. Douglas Antiques, 119 N. Elm *Garden Gate, 121 N. Elm Barefoot Campus Apparel Outfitters, 207 N. Elm SOUTH LOCUST AREA (one to two blocks south of the Square) *DIME Store, 510 S. Locust St. First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Locust *Mulberry Street Cantina, 110 W. Mulberry St. LOCUST STREET/NORTH LOCUST Wells Fargo, 101 S. Locust
La Di Da, 114 N. Locust Recycled Books Records CDs, 200 N. Locust Bonduris Music, 813 N. Locust HICKORY STREET Atomic Candy, 105 W. Hickory County Seat Antiques, 109 W. Hickory The Courthouse Collection, 111 W. Hickory The Loophole Gastropub & Ale House, 119 W. Hickory Christ Community Church, 207 W. Hickory Yogurt Fusion, 209 W. Hickory, Suite 106 Gold Mine BBQ, 222 W. Hickory, Suite 100 OAK STREET J&J’s Pizza, 118 W. Oak The (Ghost) Note, 120 W. Oak
Carol’s Custom Draperies & Interiors, 112 W. Oak McBride Music & Pawn, 116 W. Oak The Candy Store, 110-B W. Oak *Serendipity-on-the-Square, 108 W. Oak, Suite 102 McNeill’s, 104 W. Oak The Glasschroeder Agency, 100 W. Oak St., Suite G-100 WEST OAK/CEDAR STREET (half block west of the Square) *Denton Square Donuts and Imagine Gallery, 208 W. Oak SCRAP Denton, 215 W. Oak *Banter Bistro, 219 W. Oak *Shop the Barn, 221 W. Oak *Circa 77 Vintage, 227 A W. Oak *A Creative Art Studio, 227 W. Oak, Suite 101
— Lucinda Breeding
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 www.dentonrc.com, and click on “Let Us Know.”
E-MAIL IT TO: drc@dentonrc.com
FAX IT TO: 940-566-6888
MAIL IT TO: Denton Time 314 E. Hickory St. Denton, TX 76201
DEADLINE: Noon the Friday before publication. All information will be verified with the sender before publication; verification must be completed by noon the Monday before publication for the item to appear.
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
The Littlest Angel tries her hardest to fly in “The Littlest Angel,” presented by Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School. Pictured, from left, are the Fifth Angel (Mekhi Chapa), the Third Angel (Isabelle Adoue), the Littlest Angel (Maddee Young), the Flying Master (Kathleen Thiele), the First Angel (Bella Rose), the Fourth Angel (Ila Morgan) and the Second Angel (Landon Nance, kneeling). The play is part of “A Kid’s Christmas” today through Sunday at the PointBank Black Box Theatre. Al Key/DRC
Heavenly hostess, without the most-est? tiny little angel is unfit for heaven in The Littlest Angel, the Christmas play presented by Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School at 6:30 p.m. today and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A new arrival at the pearly
A
EVENTS For holiday event listings, see Pages 4 and 5.
THURSDAY 5 to 8 p.m. — Opening reception for the Annual College of Visual Arts and Design Faculty and Staff Art Exhibition in the UNT Art Gallery, on the first floor of the Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St., and at UNT on the Square, 109 Elm St. Free. Visit http:// gallery.unt.edu and http://untonthe square.unt.edu. 7 p.m. — Artist Christie Wood presents encaustic art techniques during a meeting of the Visual Arts Society of Texas, at the Center for the Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory St. Admis-
DCT Theatre School tests its wings with ‘Littlest Angel’ gates (played by Maddee Young) want to register in the book of eternal life. But she sings too loud, sneezes too hard and wears a scuffed halo. Oh, and she has a habit of chewing on the tips of
her wings. But when it comes time to present a gift to Jesus, will the Littlest Angel’s shabby box be good enough? The play is a part of the the-
ater school’s four-day holiday special, “A Kid’s Christmas,” which includes visits and pictures with Santa Claus and his elves and a Christmas singalong, at the PointBank Black
sion is free for society members, $3 for visitors. Visit www.vastarts.org.
Shady Oaks Drive. Skating party, silent auction and raffle will benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation and the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation. Admission is $10. Visit http:// on.fb.me/IHXZnE. 5:30 p.m. — Sunset hike at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Half-mile hike starts at Pavilion 1. Bring water and a flashlight. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940637-2294. 6 to 10 p.m. — First Friday Denton at art venues around the downtown Square, including A Creative Art Studio, 227 W. Oak St., Suite 101; Imagine Gallery at Denton Square Donuts, 208 W. Oak St.; SCRAP Denton, 215 W. Oak St.; UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St.; and others. Free gallery viewings, live music, art
projects and demonstrations. Visit www.firstfridaydenton.com.
FRIDAY 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. — “Shape the Future of Denton,” a forum for sharing opinions or ideas about the city’s future over the next five to 10 years, at the Joseph A. Carroll Building, 401 W. Hickory St. For Denton residents 18 and older who are interested in recreation opportunities. To register, call Julia Wolfe at 940784-3780. 10 a.m. to noon — Preschool Junior Master Naturalists program on birds at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, 3310 Collins Road. For ages 3-6. Cost is $8. Registration required; call 940-349-8285. 5 p.m. — “Skate for NF” at Lone Star Indoor Sports Center, 1800
SATURDAY 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday — Texas Outdoor Family overnight family camping workshop at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Families can learn basic camping techniques and take part in outdoor activities. Fee is $65 per family, which includes some supplies. Reservations are required; call 512389-8903. For more information, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/ texas-outdoor-family-lake-rayroberts-jb-north-texas-open. 10 a.m. to noon — Free math tutoring for students in kindergarten through 12th grade at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St.
Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. All tickets cost $10. Limited seating is available, so reservations are recommended. For tickets, call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre. com. — Lucinda Breeding
Registration is required; forms are available at all library locations. For more information, e-mail gilsiklee@ intellichoice.org. 10 a.m. to noon — “Birding 101” for ages 50 and older at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, 3310 Collins Road. Cost is $5. Advance registration is required; call 940-349-7784. 6 to 9 p.m. — Gallery Night at Oxide Gallery, 115 W. Eagle Drive, Suite A. Opening reception for December exhibition, with featured artist Ruben Miranda. Free. Call 940-483-8900 or visit www.oxidegallery.com.
SUNDAY 6:30 p.m. — Thin Line Film Series presents a free screening of When Dallas Rocked at Dan’s Silver-
Continued on Page 6
3 Denton Time
12 5 13
4 Denton Time
12 5 13
HOLIDAY EVENTS ONGOING Friday through Sunday — Denton County Toys for Tots toy drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Unwrapped toy donations will be collected at various locations. Events include live entertainment, puppet shows, carolers, and a North Pole mailbox for kids. A motorcycle convoy will arrive on Saturday. Visit http://dfwtoysfortots.org or www.shopgoldentriangle.com. Through Dec. 24 — Santa Claus is available for visits at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Photos available for purchase. Visit www.shop goldentriangle.com. Through Dec. 24 — First United Methodist Church of Denton youths offer holiday gift-wrapping at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Prices range from $3 to $8, and proceeds will fund a choir trip, summer camp and mission trips. Hours vary. Visit www.shopgoldentriangle. com. Through December — Kay Copeland’s Santa Collection at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, 110 W. Hickory St. Free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed holidays. Call 940-349-2850 or visit www.dentoncounty.com/ chos. Through Dec. 31 — “Everything Trains Christmas” exhibit at the Wood House of Denton, 516 N. Locust St. View an elaborate model train exhibit and donate canned food items for Denton County Friends of the Family. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed on Dec. 25. Call 940-387-4098. Through Jan. 10 — Visual Arts Society of Texas holiday exhibition at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Artists include Darla Bostick, Gail Cope, Lynne Cox, Jackie Haugen, James J. Johnson Jr., Lori MacLean, Carol Rowley, Olivia Walker and Sharon Warwick. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Free. Visit www.vastarts.org. Saturday through Dec. 28 — Santa Land at Little Elm Park, 704 W. Eldorado Parkway, with an elf village, a snow hill and hot cocoa. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus between 6 and 10 p.m. Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 12-14 (live reindeer on Dec. 14). Admission is free, but there are fees for the snow hill and commemorative photos with Santa. Guests can also bring their own cameras. Visit www.little elm.org/parks. Visit www.littleelm. org/parks.
THURSDAY Noon to 5 p.m. — Krampus Day on the Denton Square, with Krampus and his helpers handing out presents to children and adults. Free. Visit www.facebook.com/krampus.denton. 6:30 p.m. — Aubrey Hometown Tree Lighting at the festival grounds, 301 S. Main St., presented by Keep Aubrey Beautiful. Event includes music, Santa’s arrival on a fire truck,
photos with Santa and hot cocoa. HOPE food bank will sell concessions and accept food donations. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate for Toys for Tots. Visit http://keepaubrey beautiful.org. 6:30 p.m. — Town of Argyle Christmas tree lighting in the parking lot of First Baptist Church of Argyle, 414 N. U.S. Highway 377. Event includes music and performances by student groups, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visit www.argyletx.com. 6:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. — TWU University Chorus presents “’Tis the Season of Song,” an evening of holiday music and carols, at TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Free. Visit www.twu.edu/music.
FRIDAY 4 to 7 p.m. — Wonderland Express holiday celebration at the Downtown Denton Transit Center, hosted by the Denton County Transportation Authority in conjunction with the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. Event includes free hot chocolate and refreshments. Walk to the Square, or take a complimentary bus ride. Visit www.dcta.net or http://dentonholidaylighting.com. 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Denton Main Street Association’s Wassail Fest offers free tastings of the warm mulled cider drink at participating downtown businesses. People can vote for their favorite recipe. Visit www.dentonmainstreet.org. 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Holiday music at the Historical Park of Denton County, 317 W. Mulberry St., during the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. The American Legion Senior Center Choir will perform from 6 to 7:50 p.m. in the Denton County African American Museum. Scheduled performances at the Bayless-Selby House Museum are First Denton Praise & Worship Team, 5:30 p.m.; Larry’s Angels, 6 p.m.; Sing Texas!, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Bonduris Music student bands, 7 p.m. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. — 25th annual Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on the downtown Square, featuring the lighting of the community Christmas tree, the Denton Holiday Music Spectacular, music and dance performances, vendors and more. Free admission; toy donations requested for the community toy drive. Photos with Santa cost $7, horse-drawn wagon rides cost $3. Nonprofit groups will sell food. Visit www. dentonholidaylighting.com. 6 to 8 p.m. — Seasonal music at UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St.,
during the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. The UNT Euphonium and Tuba Ensemble and the Impact Bress Quintet will perform. Free. Call 940369-8257 or visit http://untonthe square.unt.edu. 6:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 7:30 p.m. — Reindeer Romp, a 4.2-mile run and 2.5-mile walk beginning at South Lakes Park on Hobson Lane and winding through the Forrestridge neighborhood. Free holiday fun zone for kids from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is $15 per runner/walker, includes T-shirt. Visit www.denton parks.com or call 940-349-7275. 7 to 9 p.m. — Christmas Round Up presented by Peace of the Rock Ministries at Rancho de la Roca, 2459 W. Blackjack Road in Aubrey. Event includes hay rides featuring a live nativity drama; carols around campfire with Santa; chuckwagon with cobbler, cocoa and cider; and $5 photos with Santa. Admission is $7 per person, free for ages 3 and younger. Visit www.peaceoftherock.org for release forms. Call 940-365-7625 or 940-390-9184.
SATURDAY 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Shady Shores Christmas Craft Sale at the Shady Shores Community Center, 101 S. Shady Shores Road. For more information about booths, contact Mindy Grimes at 940-321-3811 or onegoal@charter.net. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Denton High School Choir Craft Show at 1007 Fulton St. Three gymnasiums full of vendors, a concession/eating area, performances by local choirs, and photos with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Call 940-369-2000. 10 a.m. to noon — Santa’s Snap Shots at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Kids can meet Santa and get pictures
taken, and take part in games and activities. Cost is $5 per child and $2 for each additional print. Call 940349-8575 or visit www.denton parks.com. 1 p.m. — Holiday Card Making at SCRAP Denton, 215 W. Oak St. Make one-of-a-kind cards from reuse materials. Cost is $5, includes all materials. Call 940-391-7499 or visit www.scrapdenton.org. 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 3 to 5 p.m. — Copper Canyon Santa Party at Copper Canyon Town Hall, 400 Woodland Drive. Children can enjoy treats, Christmas crafts, rides on the fire truck and a visit from Santa. Visit www.copper canyon-tx.org. 4 to 6:30 p.m. — Shady Shores Christmas Party at the Shady Shores Community Center, 101 S. Shady Shores Road. Event includes pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, storytelling, a gingerbread house decorating contest, cookies and hot chocolate, tree lighting and more. Visit www.shady-shores.com. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Faith Tabernacle Assembly of God Choir performs in Dillard’s Court at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Visit www.shopgoldentriangle.com. 5 to 8 p.m. — “Dreaming of a Wild Christmas” event with campfire cooking demonstrations and samples, crafts, stories and more at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Visit www.tpwd.state. tx.us/calendar/dreaming-of-a-wildchristmas or call 940-637-2294. 5 p.m. — Santa Land opening and tree lighting at Little Elm Park, 704 W. Eldorado Parkway. Lighted parade starts at 5 p.m., followed tree lighting and fireworks. Admission is free, but there are fees for the snow hill and commemorative photos with Santa. Guests can also bring their own cameras. Visit www.littleelm. org/parks. 6 to 9 p.m. — Pilot Point’s Christmas on the Square on the Pilot Point square. Event includes carriage rides, a petting zoo, Christmas tree and ornament decorating, cookie decorating, a cake walk, music, and face painting for kids. Children can have photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Inclement weather location is the Pilot Point Community Opera House. Visit www.cityofpilot point.org. 7 to 9 p.m. — Christmas Round Up presented by Peace of the Rock Ministries at Rancho de la Roca, 2459 W. Blackjack Road in Aubrey. Event includes hay rides featuring a live nativity drama; carols around campfire with Santa; chuckwagon with cobbler, cocoa and cider; and $5
photos with Santa. Admission is $7 per person, free for ages 3 and younger. Visit www.peaceoftherock.org for release forms. Call 940-365-7625 or 940-390-9184. 7:30 p.m. — TWU Annual Gala Holiday Concert at TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Admission is $5 per person, free for ages 12 and younger. Visit www.twu.edu/music. 8 p.m. — “Sounds of the Holidays: An Evening With North Texas Jazz,” presented by the UNT One O’clock Lab Band and Jazz Singers, in Winspear Hall at the Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 I-35E. Toy donations will be collected for Toys for Tots. Tickets cost $3. Visit www.thempac.com or call 940-369-7802.
SUNDAY 11 a.m. — Argyle United Methodist Church Children’s Choir presents The Great Gift Exchange at the church, 9033 Fort Worth Drive. 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre’s Theatre School presents “A Kid’s Christmas” at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Visit with Santa and his elves, see a performance of The Littlest Angel, and take part in a Christmas sing-along. All tickets cost $10. Call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com. 3 p.m. — “The Many Moods of Christmas and More,” presented by the North Central Texas Chorale and First Presbyterian Church Choir of Denton, at the church, 1114 W. University Drive. Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Visit www.northcentraltexaschorale. com. 7 p.m. — FooMcBubba, the big band of First United Methodist Church of Denton, presents jazzy Christmas music at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St. No cover charge. Call 940-484-2888 or visit www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com.
WEDNESDAY 7 p.m. — Mario Cruz & Friends holiday show at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St. No cover charge. Call 940-484-2888 or visit www. sweetwatergrillandtavern.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 13 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14 8:30 a.m. — Northwest ISD’s Reindeer Romp 5K and fun run at
Continued on Page 5
HOLIDAY EVENTS Continued from Page 4 Nelson High School, 2775 Bobcat Boulevard in Trophy Club. The 1-mile fun run begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K race begins at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.nisdreindeer romp.com. 10 a.m. — Flower Mound Christmas Parade along Morriss Road, from Eaton Drive to Marcus High School. Call 972-874-6275 or visit www.flower-mound.com/special events. 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents The Nutcracker at TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Tickets cost $11-$36. Visit www.festivalballet.net or call 940-891-0830. 6 p.m. — Denton Hi-Noon Lions Club and Argyle Lions Club Christmas meeting and party at Metzler’s, 628 Londonderry Lane. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15 8:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. — Argyle United Methodist Church Chancel Choir presents The Jesus Gift at the church, 9033 Fort Worth Drive. 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 2:30 p.m. — The Festival Ballet of North Central Texas presents The Nutcracker at TWU’s Margo Jones Performance Hall, on the first floor of the Music Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Tickets cost $11-$36. Visit www.festivalballet.net or call 940-891-0830. 3 p.m. — Denton Benefit League’s “Tea & Trumpets,” a holiday tea for the family, at TWU’s Hubbard Hall. Enjoy tea, sandwiches, scones, petits fours and more. Tickets cost $35 each, or $75 for patron tickets. Make reservations by Dec. 1 by calling 214-931-3014. 7 p.m. — First Christian Church Sanctuary Choir, soloists and Chamber Orchestra present Handel’s Messiah at the church, 1203 N. Fulton St. Reception follows. Free. Visit www.fccdenton.org.
MONDAY, DEC. 16 7 p.m. — Brazz Christmas show at Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, 115 S. Elm St. No cover charge. Call 940484-2888 or visit www.sweet watergrillandtavern.com.
TUESDAY, DEC. 17 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, at the Pilot Point Community Opera House, 110 S. Washington St. in Pilot Point. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18 Noon to 1 p.m. — 12th annual Holiday Sing-along in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Courthouse on the Square, 110 W. Hickory St. Presented by Bing Burton, Leslie Willingham and David Mollen. Free.
THURSDAY, DEC. 19 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21 9 to 11 a.m. — Breakfast With Santa for kids ages 1-12 and their families, at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Event includes breakfast, face painting, bounce house, crafts, letters to Santa, and visits and photos with Santa. Cost is $10 per child; free admission for adults, or $3 per plate for breakfast. Register by Dec. 19. Call 940-3497275 or visit www.dentonparks.com. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Holiday Drop ’N Shop for ages 3 1/2 to 5 at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Event includes a candy cane hunt, crafts, bounce house, a movie, hot chocolate and a snack. Children must bring lunch. Cost is $15. Register by Dec. 19. Call 940-349-7275 or visit www.dentonparks.com. 1 to 6 p.m. — Holiday Drop N’ Shop for ages 5-12 at Little Elm Recreation Center, 303 Main St. Cost is $12 per child. Kids can enjoy an afternoon of crafts, games, movies,
food and fun with center staff. Registration is required. Call 972-731-3277 or visit www.littleelm.org/parks. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://family friendlyproductions.com. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
IN THE REGION 10 a.m. Saturday — Children’s Medical Center Holiday Parade in downtown Dallas. Admission is free; reserved bleacher seats are available for $25. For more information, including the parade route, visit www.givetochildrens.com/z/parade. 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13-14 — Granbury Living Christmas Cards event including displays around the Hood County Courthouse, Christmas Artisans Village and children’s activities. Event concludes with carols from Lakeside Baptist Church singers at Granbury Square Plaza, 205 E. State Loop 426. Free. Visit www.granbury christmas.com.
ONGOING Through Dec. 21 — “A Southfork Christmas” at Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road in Parker. Lights, music, Santa Claus, and tram tours to vignettes depicting Texas holiday celebrations through the years. Open 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and younger. Visit www.southfork. com. Through Dec. 22 — Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts’ The Nutcracker, at the Dallas Children’s Theater, Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday11/29; 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sundays; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets cost $13-$40. Call 214-740-0051 or visit www.dct.org. Through Dec. 31 — Holiday at the Arboretum featuring “Angels in DeGolyer,” a collection of 400 angels in the lavish decorated DeGolyer Mansion, at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; visits by a live reindeer and costumed characters, Saturdays and Sundays; holiday tea ($47-$57, reservations required).
Tickets to main garden cost $10-$15, plus $3 fee for optional children’s garden; $5-$10 for parking. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Nov. 28, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Call 214-515-6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org. Through Jan. 4 — The Hilton Anatole’s holiday spectacular “Sparkle!” and Christmas at the Anatole, at 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. For schedule and more information, visit www.christmasat theanatole.com Through Jan. 5 — The Trains at NorthPark, 4,000-square-foot toy train exhibit benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. On Level 2 of NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway in Dallas. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through
Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Early closings 4 p.m. Dec. 24, 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Dec. 25. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 and older. Visit www.rmhdallas.org/trains.
5 Denton Time
12 5 13
6 Denton Time
12 5 13
DENTON PARKS & RECREATION Adults 50 and older can learn about bird-watching in “Birding 101,” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, 3310 Collins Road. Learn the basics of birding with Elm Fork Naturalists and other staff. Cost is $5. Registration is required; call 940-349-7784. ■ Santa’s Snap Shots is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Kids can meet Santa, tell him what’s on their wish list and get pictures taken. Cost is $5 per child and $2 for each additional print. Call 940-349-8575. ■ Kids ages 2 to 4 can get all their energy out during “Hop ’Til You Drop,” a weekly class from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Mondays, Dec. 16 through Jan. 13, at North Lakes Recreation Center, 2001 W. Windsor Drive. Parents can stay and play with their kids in this structured playtime class. Registration is $15 per child. To register by Dec. 13, visit www.denton parks.com or call 940-349-PARK. ■ Children in first through fifth grades can go to “Kids Rock” from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Denton Civic Center, E. McKinney St. Children can enjoy a DJ, basketball and soccer games, bounce houses and more. Cost is $10 per child. To register, visit www.dentonparks.com or call 940349-7275. ■ Anyone who has completed a junior angler class can go on the Intermediate Angler Outing from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14 at the pond at South Lakes Park. Certified angler educators and Denia Recreation Center staff will be there for guidance. Cost is $3 per angler. For more information call 940-349-8136. ■ Group exercise classes are beginning for December. Classes include hatha flow yoga at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St.; cycle yoga at North Lakes Recreation Center, 2001 W. Windsor Drive; and Pilates and yoga, boot camp and shadow boxing at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Prices range from $20 to $75. For more information, visit www.dentonparks.com or call 940-349-7275. ■ Dance classes for children start in December at Denia and Martin Luther King Jr. recreation centers. Take hip-hop, ballet or jazz and learn coordination and rhythm and have a lot of fun. Cost is $30 per session. For more information, visit www.denton parks.com or call 940-349-7275. ■ The Denton Senior Center offers tai chi, yoga and Zumba for adults of all ages. The exercise classes are low-impact, but high intensity. Classes cost $30. Visit www.denton parks.com or call 940-349-8720.
Cold, but not bitter reater Lewisville Community Theatre dodges the holidays altogether this month. Instead, the company visits a frozen patch of pond in the northern wilds in Fred Alley and James Kaplan’s musical comedy Guys on Ice, starring, from left, Tripp Jackson, Rick Powers and Craig Jerpi. Two Wisconsin fishermen, Marvin and Lloyd, meet at their ice fishing hut to swap stories, rants and philosophies about football and marriage. Their chief diversion, though, is keeping their stash of beer out of the hands of Ernie the Moocher. The local production is directed by Alex Krus, with music direction by Kristin Spires and choreography by Becca Brown. The musical is suitable for all ages. The show opens Friday and runs through Dec. 22, with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sundays at 160 W. Main St. in Old Town Lewisville. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $17 for ages 65 and older and 18 and younger. For reservations, call 972-2217469.
G
Courtesy photo/Michael C. Foster
EVENTS Continued from Page 3 leaf, 103 Industrial St. Call 940-3202000 or visit www.danssilverleaf. com.
MONDAY 6 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.
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. 9:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Stories, puppets and activities for toddlers (12-36 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
7 to 8:45 p.m. — North Branch Writers’ Critique Group, for those interested in writing novels, short stories, poetry or journals, meets at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Free.
WEDNESDAY 9:30 a.m. — Toddler Time at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 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 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. — Exploring Philosophy at North Branch Library, 3020 Locust St. Join the ongoing discussions of time-honored philosophical issues with Dr. Eva H. Cadwallader, professor of philosophy. Free. Call 940-349-8752.
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 RetroActive Dance Party”; each Sun, open mic hosted by Bone Doggie, signup at 7:30pm; each Mon, karaoke. 100 W. Walnut St. www.face book.com/TheAbbeyUnderground. 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. Amitea Fri: “Play Your Soul” with Rachel Hamm and Derek Premenko, David Shy Guy, Claybourne, Jackson Strecher, Darby Christine, 7-9pm. 708 N. Locust St. 940-382-8898. www. amitea.org. Andy’s Bar Fri: Darlington, the Vatican Press, Perdition, 8pm. Sat: The Faps, Electric Vengeance, Samuel Caldwell’s Revenge, Richard Haskins, Anger House, 8pm. 122 N. Locust St. 940-565-5400. Banter Bistro Thurs: Keith Karns Quintet, 6pm. Fri: Son Slim’s Gems, 6pm; Ellie Meyer and Richard Gilbert, 8pm. Sat: Isabel Crespo and Elliot Liebman, 6pm; Nick Reibach, 8pm; the Knocking, 10pm. Each Thurs, open mic at 8pm; each Sat, live local jazz at 6pm. 219 W. Oak St. 940-565-1638.
www.dentonbanter.com. Dan’s Silverleaf Fri: Milkdrive, 9pm, $12. Sat: “A Spune Christmas” with Chambers, Robert Gomez, Moonbather, the Days, Savage & the Big Beat, Camp David, 8:30pm, $5-$8. Sun: Hares on the Mountain, 5pm, free; Thin Line Film Series presents When Dallas Rocked film screening, 6:30pm, free. No smoking indoors. 103 Industrial St. 940-320-2000. www.danssilverleaf.com. Denton Square Donuts Fri: Opening reception for “amalgam d(8)” art exhibit, with music by Chris Caruvana and Rance Parrott, 6-10pm. 208 W. Oak St. 940-220-9447. www.ds donuts.com. Fry Street Public House Each Tues, karaoke, 9pm, free. 125 Ave. A. 940-323-9800. www.publichouse denton.com. The Garage 113 Ave. A. 940-3830045. www.thedentongarage.com. Gerhard’s German Restaurant 222 W. Hickory St. 940-381-6723. www.gvrestaurants.com. The Greenhouse Mon: Pete Wiese. Live jazz each Mon at 10pm, free. 600 N. Locust St. 940-484-1349. www. greenhouserestaurantdenton.com. Hoochie’s Oyster House Live local
Continued on Page 7
Songs to trip by
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin went all the way to Russia, and all you got was a new album. The Missouri trio headlines Friday night’s show at Rubber Gloves.
Yeltsin’s ‘Fly by Wire’ offers chamber pop goodness after Russian detour The Missouri trio with the odd and long name makes a stop in Denton on Friday at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is touring in support of its latest release on Polyvinyl Record Co., Fly by Wire. The three musicians — Phil Dickey, Will Knauer and Jonathan James — were all set to retreat into the attic where they made their debut album. But then, they hit a detour. A detour of 5,000 miles.
They were invited to the country of their eponym (Yeltsin, the first elected president of the Russian Federation, who served from 1991 to 1999). They met some of Yeltsin’s close friends, gratefully received seven bottles of pricey Russian vodka, and performed at an elementary school after the U.S. Consulate named the band ambassadors for the day. The band soon will release a documentary of its trip. As for Fly by Wire, the album is a midtempo, mellow af-
EVENTS
Denton Arts Council’s galleries, meeting space and offices. 400 E. Hickory St. Free. Tues-Sun 1-5pm. 940-382-2787. www.dentonarts.com. ● “Dancing by the Light of the Moon: The Art of Fred Marcellino,” through Jan. 17 in the Meadows Gallery. ● “Dance With Life: Works in Fiber” through Dec. 29 in the Gough Gallery. 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. Imagine Gallery at Denton Square Donuts, 208 W. Oak St. www.face book.com/imaginegallerydenton. ● “Amalgam d(8),” through Dec. 30. Group show includes works by Kaitly Arnold, Maren Henson, Caroline Irvin, Maxx Martinez, Jordan Miller, Justin Nguyen, Catherine Parkinson and Katie Vallee. Opening reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. Impressions by DSSLC Ceramics by residents of Denton State Supported Living Center. 105 1/2 W. Hickory St. 940-382-3399. Oxide Fine Art & Floral Gallery 115 W. Eagle Drive. 940-483-8900. www.oxidegallery.com. ● Ruben Miranda, featured artist for December. Opening reception at 6 p.m. Saturday. 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. ● “Out of Touch,” new work by Tesa Morin, through Sunday. UNT Art Gallery in the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St. at Welch. Tues noon-5pm, Wed-Thurs 9:30am-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-5pm. Free. 940-565-4316. http://gallery.unt.edu. ● Annual CVAD Faculty and Staff Exhibition, through Dec. 14. 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. ● Annual CVAD Faculty and Staff Exhibition, through Jan. 9.
Continued from Page 6 music each Mon at 6pm. 207 S. Bell Ave. 940-383-0104. Hailey’s Club Fri: The Crypt Creeps, Nerdface, the Gypsy Bravado, New Voodoo. Sat: Andrew W.K., Codetalkers, Space Camp Death Squad, Nootropic, DJ Yeahdef, 8pm, $15-$30. Each Tues, ’90s music, 10pm, free-$5. 122 W. Mulberry St. 940-323-1160. www.haileysclub.com. Lone Star Attitude Burger Co. Thurs: Tom Faulkner and Michael Hearne. Fri: Jon Christopher Davis. Sat: Joe Tucker. Shows at 8pm, free. 113 W. Hickory St. 940-383-1022. www.lsaburger.com. Rockin’ Rodeo Thurs: Cory Morrow, Bleu Edmondson, $12-$15. 1009 Ave. C. 940-565-6611. www.rockin rodeodenton.com. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios Thurs: Tony Ferraro and the Satans of Soft Rock, Old Warhorse, Daniel Markham, 9pm, $5-$7. Fri: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, the Calmative, Danny Rush and the Designated Drivers, 9pm, $9-$11. Sat: AV the Great presents “Raw and Underground 9,” 9pm, $5-$7. No smoking indoors. 411 E. Sycamore St. 940-387-7781. www.rubbergloves dentontx.com. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern Sun: Foo McBubba holiday show. Tues: Sweetwater Jazz Quartet (Neil Slater, Jim Riggs, Ron Fink and Lou Carfa). Wed: Mario Cruz & Friends holiday show. Shows on the patio, 7-9pm, free. 115 S. Elm St. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. VFW Post 2205 Free karaoke at 8pm each Thurs, Fri and Sat. 909 Sunset St. The Whitehouse Espresso Bar and Beer Garden Each Thurs, open mic hosted, 7:30pm, signup at 7pm. 424 Bryan St. 940-484-2786.
VISUAL ARTS Center for the Visual Arts Greater
Polyvinyl Record Co.
fair sporting shades of contemplative Brit rock — fuzzy guitars, gentle drumming and esoteric lyrics. There’s something shoegaze-y about the nine tracks, but the album also works as chamber pop, what with its gossamer
keyboards, sighing vocals and electronic drum effects. The band appropriately was booked with Denton’s indie/altcountry band Danny Rush and the Designated Drivers and local ambient Americana outfit the
Calmative. Doors open at 9 p.m. Cover is $9 for ages 21 and older and $11 for those younger than 21. Rubber Gloves is located at 411 E. Sycamore St. — Lucinda Breeding
Courtesy photo/Hand Drawn Records
Un Chien is, from left, Kris Knight (keyboard), Rachel Gollay (guitar and vocals), Stephen Beatty (guitar and vocals), Taylor Craig Mills (bass and vocals) and Jerrett Lyday (drums).
Putting on the dog Un Chien stumps for new release Fort Worth quintet Un Chien releases a special limited edition of its self-titled debut Friday night in Fort Worth. Un Chien bills itself as a psychedelic rock outfit, but there’s a hint of Oasis’ craving and a pinch of the Beatles’ jangly chords and shimmering drums on the debut. Basically, this North Texas band has all the
Texas indie cred it needs and all the nostalgic British Invasion attitude it wants. The band is headed up by Stephen Beatty of the gutsy and gritty roots rock clan Stella Rose. But Un Chien would pair nicely with Denton’s Sundress any day. The band is on the roster of Dallas/Denton label Hand Drawn Records, a rising record label co-created and co-owned by University of North Texas alumnus Dustin Blocker, a onetime Denton musician. Hand
Drawn isn’t a one-note label by any stretch, representing the pop-blues piano rock of Denton’s Andrew Tinker and Blocker’s own Exit 380. Dallas-based band Dove Hunter, whose members have plenty of Denton ties, opens for Un Chien with Fort Worth’s Secret Ghost Champion at Queen City Music Hall, 425 Commerce St. in Fort Worth. Doors open at 9 p.m. Cover is $10, and the show is for ages 21 and older. — Lucinda Breeding
7 Denton Time
12 5 13
8 Denton Time
12 5 13
DINING RESTAURANTS AMERICAN CUISINE Central Grill 1005 Ave. C. 940-3239464. Dusty’s Bar and Grill Laid-back bar just off the Square serves a beltbusting burger and fries, a kitchen homily for meat and cheese lovers. 119 S. Elm St. Daily noon-2am. $-$$. 940-243-7300. Hooligans 104 N. Locust St. 940442-6950. www.hooligansonline.com. The LABB 218 W. Oak St. 940-2934240. www.thelabbdenton.com. The Loophole Square staple has charming menu with cleverly named items, like Misdemeanor and Felony nachos. 119 W. Hickory St. Daily 11am-2am; food served until midnight. Full bar. $-$$. 940-565-0770. Pourhouse Sports Grill Classy sports bar and restaurant boasts large TVs and a theater-style media room and serves burgers, pizza, salads and generous main courses. Full bar. 3350 Unicorn Lake Blvd. Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-12. $-$$. 940-484-7455. Rocky’s Sports Bar Big games on big screens plus some pretty big tastes, too. For finger food, roll chicken chipotle and battered jalapeno and onion strips are standouts. Full bar. 2000 W. University Drive. Daily 11am-2am. $. 940-382-6090. Rooster’s Roadhouse “We Ain’t Chicken” is what the eatery claims, though the menu kindly includes it on a sandwich and in a wing basket — plus barbecue, burgers and hangout appetizers. Beer. 113 Industrial St. Sun-Wed 11-10; Thurs-Sat 11-midnight. $. 940-382-4227. RT’s Neighborhood Bar 1100 Dallas Drive, Suite 124. 940-381-2277. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern It may claim a place among the world’s other memorable pubs, rathskellers, hangouts and haunts where the food satisfies as much as the libations that wash them down. 115 S. Elm St. Tues-Sat 11-2am, Sun-Mon 11-midnight. $-$$. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. Treehouse Bar & Grill 1512 W. Hickory St. Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun noon-midnight. 940-484-7900. www.thetreehousedenton.com. II Charlies Bar & Grill 809 Sunset St. 940-891-1100.
FINE DINING The Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn, 3110 Colorado Blvd. Dinner: Daily 5-10pm. 940-891-4700. 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. MonThurs 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 12-11, Sun noon-9 (bar stays open later). $-$$. 940-484-1349. Hannah’s Off the Square Executive chef Sheena Croft’s “upscale comfort food” puts the focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Steaks get A-plus. Tempting desserts. Full bar. 111 W. Mulberry St. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Brunch: Sun 10:30am-3pm. Dinner:
Sun-Mon 4:30-9; Tues-Thurs 4:30-10; Fri-Sat 4:30-11. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. Queenie’s Steakhouse Chef Tim Love’s steakhouse just off the downtown Square. Live jazz nightly. Full bar. 115 E. Hickory St. Lunch: Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Wed-Thurs 4:3010pm, Fri-Sat 4:30-11pm. $$-$$$. 940-442-6834. The Wildwood Inn Elegant dining room tucked away in a bed and breakfast. Excellent food like hearty soups, Angus rib-eye, meal-size salads and daily specials. Beer and wine. 2602 Lillian Miller Parkway. Thurs-Sat 6-10pm. $$$. 940-2434919.
INDIAN Bawarchi Biryani Point 909 Ave. C. 940-898-8889. www.bawarchi biryanipoint.com. Rasoi, The Indian Kitchen Housed in a converted gas station, this Indian dining spot offers a small but carefully prepared buffet menu of curries, beans, basmati rice and samosas. 1002 Ave. C. Daily 11am-9:30pm. $. 940-566-6125.
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX Casa Galaviz Comfortable, homey atmosphere at small, diner-style restaurant that caters to the morning and noon crowd. Known for homemade flour tortillas and authentic Mexican dishes. BYOB. 508 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 7-7; Sat-Sun 7-5. $. 940-3872675. Chilitos Delicious guacamole; albondigas soup rich with chunky vegetables and big, tender meatballs. Standout: savory pork carnitas. Full bar. 621 S. Lake Dallas Drive, Lake Dallas. Mon-Fri 11-9, Sat 10-9. $-$$. 940-3215522. El Chaparral Grille Restaurant serves a duo of American and Mexican-style dishes for breakfast, lunch and catering events. Daily specials, and breakfast buffet on Sundays. 324 E. McKinney St., Suite 102. Mon-Fri 7am-2pm; Sun 8am-2pm. $. 940-2431313. El Guapo’s Huge menu encompasses Tex-Mex and Mexican standards as well as ribs, brisket and twists like Santana’s Supernatural Quesadillas (fajita chicken and bacon) and jalapeno-stuffed shrimp. Full bar. 419 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat-Sun 11-11. $$. 940-566-5575. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Eatery stakes claim of wide variety in local taco territory. Multiple locations. Downtown Denton: 115 Industrial St. MonTues 6:30am-10pm, Wed 6:30am-11pm, Thurs 6:30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 7am-2am, Sun 6:30am-10pm. 940-380-8226. I-35E location: 2412 S. I-35E, 940-4884779. La Estrella Mini Market 602 E. McKinney St. 940-566-3405. La Mexicana Strictly authentic Mexican with enough Tex-Mex to keep locals happy. Chili relleno is a winner, with earthy beans and rice. Beer. 619 S. Locust St. Daily 9-10. $. 940-483-8019. La Milpa Mexican Restaurant
Continued on Page 10
Cheers for the chill Lighting fest to mark 25 years of twinkle By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com
y Wednesday afternoon, the Denton Holiday Festival Association had announced its plan for the icy conditions predicted for Friday night, which is also Denton’s 25th annual date with the winter holidays. Record numbers clogged the downtown Denton Square last year, thanks in part to the balmy temperatures — shorts and flip-flops were as common a sight as Santa Claus hats — and the city’s rising profile in North Texas. Friday’s forecast isn’t so summery, but festival officials are still ready for a party that celebrates 25 years of merrymaking during the first week of December. If the city, county, school district and universities close offices
B
See LIGHTING on 10
The Syncopated Ladies perform at the Denton
DENTON HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL
closings. If offices and schools are closed on Friday, the even be canceled. Visit the website or Facebook page for updates
What: 25th annual Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, featuring the lighting of the community Christmas tree, Denton Holiday Music Spectacular, music and dance performances, vendors and more. When: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday Where: On and around the downtown Square Details: Free admission; toy donations requested for the community toy drive. Photos with Santa cost $7, horse-drawn wagon rides cost $3. Nonprofit groups will sell food. On the Web: www.dentonholidaylighting.com, www.facebook. com/DentonHolidayLighting Inclement weather plan: In the event of inclement weather on Friday, the Holiday Lighting Committee will follow Denton County, universities’ and the Denton school district’s decisions regarding
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
FESTIVAL STAGE At Hickory and Locust streets 5:30 p.m. — Denton Community Band 5:45 p.m. — Greetings from dignitaries 6 p.m. — Tree lighting 6 to 6:20 p.m. — Denton Community Band 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Denton High School Lab Band 1 7 to 7:20 p.m. — Syncopated Ladies 7:30 to 7:50 p.m. — Festival Ballet of North Central Texas p sents dances from The Nutcracker
9
COVER STORY
Denton Time
12 5 13
David Minton/DRC file photo
n Holiday Lighting Festival on Nov. 30, 2012.
nt will s.
pre-
PERFORMANCE STAGE On the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Opera on Tap–North Texas 7 to 7:20 p.m. — V-Krewe Brass Ensemble 8 to 9:30 p.m. — Denton Holiday Music Spectacular, an 11-piece Holiday Lighting Orchestra directed by David Pierce DANCING IN THE STREETS PERFORMANCE AREA At Locust and Oak streets 6 to 6:20 p.m. — Ryan High School Strutters Drill Team 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Glory of Zion Singers 7 to 7:20 p.m. — Denton Music Academy Garage Band and Denton Music Academy Chamber Group 7:30 to 7:50 p.m. — Cougar Jazz
WELLS FARGO LOBBY 101 S. Locust St. 6 to 6:20 p.m. — Selwyn Lower School 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Strickland Middle School Jazz Band 7 to 7:20 p.m. — Handbells at Strickland 7:30 to 7:50 p.m. — Strickland Middle School Chamber Orchestra COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM Inside the Courthouse on the Square 6 to 6:20 p.m. — Childbloom Guitar Ensemble 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Guyer High School Chamber Choir 7 to 7:20 p.m. — Black Fox Players 7:30 to 7:50 p.m. — Bad Smog
UNT ON THE SQUARE 109 N. Elm St. 6 to 7:30 p.m. — Seasonal music by UNT Euphonium and Tuba Ensemble and the Impact Brass Quintet BAYLESS-SELBY HOUSE MUSEUM Denton County Historical Park, 317 W. Mulberry St. 5:30 to 5:50 p.m. — First Denton Praise & Worship Team 6 to 6:20 p.m. — Larry’s Angels 6:30 to 6:50 p.m. — Sing Texas! 7 to 7:20 p.m. — Bonduris Music student bands AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM Denton County Historical Park, 317 W. Mulberry St. 6 to 8 p.m. — American Legion Senior Center Choir
10 Denton Time
12 5 13
DINING Continued from Page 8 820 S. I-35E, Suite 101. 940-3828470. Los Toreros 2900 Wind River Lane, Suite 134. Sun-Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. 940-390-7693. Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant Authentic Mexican dining includes
worthy chicken enchiladas and flautas. Beer and wine. 1928 N. Ruddell St. Tues-Fri 11-9:30, Sat 8am-9:30pm, Sun 8-4. $. 940-5661718. Mi Casita Mexican Food Fresh, tasty, no-frills Tex-Mex at good prices. Beer and wine. 110 N. Carroll Blvd. Mon-Sat 7am-9pm. $. 940-8911932. Mi Casita Express: 905 W. University Drive, 940-891-1938. Mi Casita: 2221 S. I-35E, 940-891-1500.
Miguelito’s Mexican Restaurant The basics: brisk service, family atmosphere and essential selections at a reasonable price. Beer and margaritas. 1412 N. Stemmons St., Sanger. 940-458-0073. Mi Ranchito Small, family-operated, authentic Tex-Mex spot with $5.50 lunch specials Tues-Fri. Beer. 122 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Thurs 11am-3pm, 5-9:30pm; Fri-Sun 11-10. $. 940-3811167.
David Minton/DRC file photo
Santa Claus meets young Avery Winters, last year’s official tree lighter, before she throws the switch at the 2012 Denton Holiday Lighting Festival.
From Page 8
Lighting and schools on Friday, the holiday lighting will be canceled. The lighting’s traditions won’t change. The Denton Community Band is still set to get the music started at 5:30 p.m. with a Christmas carol singalong, followed by greetings and the lighting of the Christmas tree on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square. The Square will be surrounded by dance and music. Food booths will dot the courthouse lawn. The annual toy drive will still be accepting new, unwrapped toys. Piping-hot wassail will await taste-testers for the 15th year in a row. The festival has put a lot of extra dazzle in the third annual Denton Holiday Music Spectacular, featuring an 11-piece orchestra and guests galore, including Grammy nominees and
winners, and a rare performance by Denton indie-folk band Centro-matic. Founding member Will Johnson just ended a month of solo living room tours. Johnson, who rounds out Centro-matic with Scott Danbom, Mark Hedman and Matt Pence, has been busy of late. This year has seen the musician touring in support of his 2012 solo album, Scorpion. He came to town over the summer as a member of the indie supergroup Overseas (with David Bazan of Pedro the Lion, and brothers Matt and Bubba Kadane of Bedhead and the New Year) with a self-titled debut to try out on loyal Denton fans. The Holiday Music Spectacular will celebrate the sprawling landscape that is Denton’s music scene, performing classics and seasonal favorites as playful jazz numbers, Western swing dances, bluesy crooning, folksy renditions and rock-flavored treatments.
ALSO ON FRIDAY 4 to 7 p.m. — Wonderland Express holiday celebration at the Downtown Denton Transit Center, hosted by the Denton County Transportation Authority in conjunction with the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival. Event includes free hot chocolate and refreshments. Walk to the Square, or take a complimentary bus ride. Visit www.dcta.net. 5:30 to 8 p.m. — Denton Main Street Association’s Wassail Fest offers free tastings of the warm mulled cider drink at participating downtown businesses. People can vote for their favorite recipe. Visit www. dentonmainstreet.org. (See story on Page 2.)
If the weather is kind, the lighting will be one part holiday smorgasbord, one part anniversary celebration and a homegrown holiday kickoff. LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877.
Raphael’s Restaurante Mexicano Not your standard Tex-Mex — worth the drive. Pechuga (grilled chicken breast) in creme good to the last bite. Full bar. 26615 U.S. 380 East, Aubrey. Tues-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. $-$$. 940-440-9483. Rusty Taco 210 E. Hickory St. 940483-8226. www.therustytaco.com. Taco Lady 1101 E. McKinney St. 940-380-8188. Taqueria El Picante 1305 Knight St., Suite A. Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat-Sun 8-5. 940-382-2100. Tortilleria Tierra Caliente 1607 E. McKinney St., Suite 800. 940-5916807. Tortilleria La Sabrocita 201 Dallas Drive. 940-382-0720. Veronica’s Cafe 803 E. McKinney St. 940-565-9809.
Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant 12000 U.S. 380 East, Cross Roads. 940-365-1700. Denton location: 2530 W. University Drive, 940382-6416.
NATURAL/VEGETARIAN The Bowllery Rice, noodle and veggie bowls, with teriyaki and other meats as well as vegan and glutenfree options. 901 Ave. C, Suite 101. Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. $-$$. 940-3832695. http://thebowllery.com. Cupboard Natural Foods and Cafe Cozy cafe inside food store serves things the natural way. Winning salads; also good soups, smoothies and sandwiches, both with and without meat. 200 W. Congress St. Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 10-7. $. 940-3875386.
11
MOVIES THEATERS
Denton Time
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.
12 5 13
OPENING FRIDAY A Miracle in Spanish Harlem Magical romantic drama follows Tito Jimenez, a hardworking widowed father who gets a second chance at love. With Kate Del Castillo and Luis Antonio Ramos. Directed by Derek Velez Partridge. Rated PG, 90 minutes.
Russell Blaze (Christian Bale, right) tangles with the dangerous Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson) in “Out of the Furnace.”
NOW PLAYING The Best Man Holiday (★★★) Writer/director Malcolm D. Lee’s sequel to the 1999 sleeper hit The Best Man follows a tight-knit circle of black friends who gathered then for a wedding, now to spend Christmas together. But when Mia (Monica Calhoun) and her star running back husband Lance (Morris Chestnut) invite everybody to their New Jersey mansion for the holidays, cracks show in everyone’s facade. With Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau. Rated R, 122 minutes. — McClatchy-Tribune News Service Black Nativity A child is born, a family is healed, and a sermon on forgiveness is delivered with sledgehammer subtlety in this bold but clumsy attempt to bring Langston Hughes’ popular 1961 musical to life onscreen. It’s days before Christmas when moody Baltimore teenager Langston (Jacob Latimore) learns that he and his recently laid-off mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson), are about to be evicted. With Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett. Rated PG-13, 93 minutes. — Variety The Book Thief (★★) A slice of Holocaust history filters through a gauzy lens in this treacly rendering of Markus Zusak’s novel of the same name. In late 1930s Germany, an illiterate girl, Liesel (a bland Sophie Nelisse), is taken from her mother and placed with foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson), then learns the joy of reading while having innocuous adventures with a friend. She also finds time to help hide a Jewish man. Rated PG-13, 131 minutes. — Boo Allen The Christmas Candle As the dawn of the electric age threatens a centuries-old legend in a small English town, a progressive young minister finds himself at odds with a fiery candle maker. Rated PG, 100 minutes. — Los Angeles Times Dallas Buyers Club (★★★) In a
Relativity Media
Not so hot
Relentless cliches throw water on ‘Out of the Furnace’
Out of the Furnace is a film about divergence and perpetuity. The two brothers who serve as the main characters may take different paths, and they may even seem to have little in common, but they end up in the same place: a dead end that offers no way out. Co-writer and director Scott Cooper delivers a film so bleak and nihilistic that it becomes almost mandatory that he drench his actions in genre cliches. Gloominess. Seedy locations,
shadowy foreboding. Characters hard to give a hoot about. Cooper blazes to a fast start in the opening scene. Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson) abuses a woman at a drive-in theater before viciously attacking another patron. From there, Cooper leaves little doubt as to where his film is headed. He continues to paint DeGroat in the darkest terms, someone sure to meet an ugly fate. And that about sums up the narrative’s driving force as Cooper switches focus to Rodney Baze (Casey Affleck), a soldier returning from four tours in Iraq and an
obviously damaged, unstable man. His brother Russell (Christian Bale), first seen in jail, returns home to work, as his father did before him, in the bleak iron mill of North Braddock, Pa. Rodney tries his hand at bare-knuckle fighting and becomes unintentionally connected to DeGroat. Nothing goes as planned, and the story must fill in with routine divergences. Director Cooper leads up to this transparent inevitability with a faux-Tarantino methodology of prolonged bouts of tedium and talkiness punctuated by cruel acts of violence. But he
true story, Matthew McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, an electrician and part-time cowboy who tests HIV positive in 1985 and is given a month to live. He turns to alternative drugs, obtaining them in trips around the globe, eventually organizing the buyers’ club, a ruse for others to buy them. Touching, persuasive performances from McConaughey and Jared Leto. Jennifer Garner plays an attending, caring physician. Rated R, 117 minutes. — B.A.
Delivery Man (★★1⁄2) In this tepid remake of the 2011 French-Canadian serious comedy Starbuck, Vince Vaughn plays the title character, a hapless meat deliveryman who learns that he has fathered more than 500 children stemming from 20 years previous when he made anonymous yet copious donations to a sperm bank. Now, 142 of the offspring are suing to have his identity revealed. Chris Pratt plays the equally hapless lawyer fighting to retain his friend’s
anonymity. Rated PG-13, 103 minutes. — B.A. Frozen (★★★1⁄2) Disney’s new movie, very roughly based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” follows two princesses: rambunctious young Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell as an adult) and older sister Elsa (Idina Menzel), who has the secret, magical ability to chill whatever she touches. When Elsa’s coronation day approaches, a squabble between the sisters sets off a
By Boo Allen Film Critic booa@att.net
Out of the Furnace Rated R, 116 minutes. Opens Friday.
does so with none of Quentin Tarantino’s wit or invention. Cooper inserts a gratuitous subplot about Russell’s former girlfriend (Zoe Saldana) who hooked up with the town sheriff (a curiously wasted Forest Whitaker) while Russell was in jail. Woody Harrelson looks eerily comfortable in his standard madman role, and for their part, the cast comes off well enough, considering what cretinous characters they are asked to play. freak cold snap throughout the land. Rated PG, 85 minutes. — Minneapolis Star Tribune Homefront (★★★) Homefront is hard not to like and impossible to respect. It was directed by Gary Fleder (Kiss the Girls, The Impostor), but the more meaningful credit here is that Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay. Based on a novel by Chuck Logan, it’s the story of a Drug
Continued on Page 12
12
Santa Claus (John Call) hopes to save earthlings Billy (Victor Stiles) and Betty (Donna Conforti) from a life on Mars by negotiating with their Martian abductors in “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.” RiffTrax Live skewers this bit of sci-fi holiday camp.
Denton Time
12 5 13
Jalor Productions
Intergalactic holiday Sci-fi flick recounts Santa-Martian war Not excited about another viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life? Need to bookend an annual viewing of A Christmas Story with another funny flick? Fathom Events, RiffTrax and IGN Entertainment teamed up to bring Santa Claus Conquers the Martians to theaters in a live broadcast at 7 p.m. today at Cinemark 14, 2825 Wind River Lane in Denton.
The sci-fi holiday comedy is about the Santa-Martian war of 1964. Martian parents Kimar and Momar are worried that their children have become too attached to television programs from Earth. Their solution is to kidnap Santa Claus. But there are jerks even among Martians. The villain Voldar captures two Earth children, Billy and Betty, along with Santa and heads off for Mars. Only the bravery of Billy and Betty and the bumbling of a stowaway and “the laziest man
on Mars,” Droppo, can foil Voldar’s evil plans. RiffTrax, a company that assembles Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett, presents the three performers onstage below the big screen. The personalities behind Mystery Science Theatre 3000 narrate the action with wry observation and satirical barbs. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is rated PG-13, 120 minutes. For tickets, visit http:// bit.ly/Iso1vk. — Staff report
An inconvenient lust ‘Private Lives’ gets big-screen showing The big screen isn’t just for movies and the Metropolitan Opera. NCM Fathom Events and partners CinemaLive and Digital Theatre screen the second play in the West End series: Private Lives, a comedy by Noel Coward. The screening is a filmed version of the critically acclaimed staging of the popular English comedy at the Chichester Festival Theatre in London’s West End. Private Lives is a 1930s comedy in three acts. Elyot Chase (Toby Stephens) and Amanda Prynne (Anne Chancellor) are a pair of rich, reckless divorces who find their earlier
love inconveniently reignited while both honeymoon with their new spouses. The pair takes advantage of their adjoining suites in a French hotel to indulge in their rekindled passion. All they have to do is keep their doings from their new spouses. Stephens and Chancellor are joined by Anthony Calf as Victor Prynne, Anna-Louise Plowman as Sibyl Chase and Sue Kelvin as Louise. Following a sell-out run at Chichester, the revival production blazed across the West End stage at the Gielgud Theatre, where it played a limited season from June to September. The screening includes behind-the-scenes footage from the production. The play screens at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Denton’s Cinemark 14, 2825 Wind River
Courtesy photo/Johan Persson
Sibyl and Elyot Chase (AnnaLouise Plowman and Toby Stephens) look out on Deauville, where they are honeymooning, in Noel Coward’s “Private Lives.” Lane. Rated PG-13, 140 minutes. For tickets, visit http:// bit.ly/189X7DU. — Staff report
MOVIES Continued from Page 11 Enforcement Agency officer (Jason Statham) forced to move to remote Louisiana, in order to escape the wrath of the drug-dealing, motorcycle gang that he’s helped destroy. Rated R, 100 minutes. — San Francisco Chronicle The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (★★★) The action roars along in this second film edition of Suzanne Collins’ popular novels. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) again face off against a team of rivals, but this time heavy intrigue at the capital looms large, particularly with President Snow (Donald Suther-
land) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Much looks familiar, but impressive special effects and outlandish costumes serve as visual distractions. With an excellent supporting cast: Jeffrey Wright, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz. Rated PG-13, 146 minutes. — B.A. Philomena (★★★1⁄2) In director Stephen Frears’ film, Judi Dench plays the title character, an Irish woman who decides to try and find the son she lost to adoption 50 years ago, when he was snatched away by nuns. Infuriating but at times inspirational film captures the pain of loss suffered by a mother. Based on the book by Martin Sixsmith, played here by Steve Coogan. Rated R, 98 minutes. — B.A.
13 Denton Time
12 5 13
14 Denton Time
12 5 13
15 Denton Time
12 5 13
16 Denton Time
12 5 13