Hey, so what's up for this weekend?
Friday 7 p.m.
Carl Vestweber's New Stuff Reception
What's Happening?: Artist Carl Vestweber will present his perfectly-titled show "New Stuff By Carl Vestweber." The artist will be on hand to speak about his work. The reception marks the launch of the exhibit, which stays on display until Aug. 1. The current exhibit includes watercolor paintings and drawings. The gallery is open this summer from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday.
Who's Carl Vestweber?: Vestweber has earned quite a reputation around McAllen. This marks the first solo show for the artist. He's created characters in his work including Jim Bird, solitary robots and not-so-menacing Chupacabras. His work generally falls into the light-hearted and introspective categories.
On the Web: http://www.blackrabbitworks.com/manichaus/
Call: (956) 207-0940
Cost: Free
Where: Manichaus Modern Art Space, 1301-B Main St., McAllen
Tonight 8 p.m.
George Lopez
What's Happening?: America's Mexican is back in the Valley folks. He's no stranger to these parts either. You might have seen him during the hotly contested Democratic Primary, when he came to stump for presumptive nominee Barack Obama. But who cares about all that, he's back now to tell more jokes.
Hardest Working Man in Stand-Up?: George Lopez keeps a Herculean stand-up schedule. Forbes magazine reported that last year he earned $8 of his $12 million total earnings from stand-up comedy. That's right folks - this is his specialty. Many know him from his successful show on ABC, but this is where he really shines. Parents be warned, tonight's show is uncensored. He'll also be performing again Saturday night for those who miss him.
On the Web: www.georgelopez.com
Call: (956) 843-5547
Buy Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com
Cost: Tickets start at $40
Where: Dodge Arena, 2600 N. 10th St., Hidalgo
Are there still tickets available?
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Saturday 9 a.m.
2nd Saturday in the Park
What's Happening?: It's a family friendly outdoors word missing in the greatest of venues - nature. Organizers have planned tours of the Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum, nature tours and butterfly watching. Not enough for ya? Well how about bird watching, nature walks and arts and crafts. You can also take bike rides or hike along the area's extensive trails.
Will They Feed Us?: Yes, they will. Organizers have planned entertainment, and to accompany all that food, drinks and more. The activities start early at 9 a.m., and they run until 2 p.m. If you can't make it this Saturday, worry not. The event will happen again August 9. Same time, same place. Maybe bring the kids again a second time, it'll be an excellent chance to teach them the meaning of déjà vu.
Call: Irma (956) 843-8686
Cost: Free
Where: Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center, 902 S. 2nd St., Hidalgo
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Saturday 8 p.m.
Tracey's Mend, an acoustic show
What's Happening?: This little coffee shop is hot, and we're talking about more than just the espresso. Ok, that was a bad pun. But still, pay attention to what's going on here. This venue in McAllen's arts district is hosting acoustic shows, open mic nights and spoken word poetry. All great to appreciate on a date night, with friends or just alone on a quiet Thursday. It's a cool venue, draped in local and international art.
Who's the Band?: These guys have paid their dues in the Valley's music scene. They formed as a two piece a decade ago this summer. The duet started as acoustic only, and it grew into a four-piece electric rock band. The guys went on to open for Skid Row, Silver Tide and Paul Wall. Members have changed frequently over the years, but the band has hung together. Look for an album to drop this summer.
On the Web: www.myspace.com/traceysmend
Call: (956) 686-8161
Cost: Free
Where: Art Expressions, 301 N. Main St., Suite 2, McAllen Right down the street from the McAllen Library, near the intersection of Main Street and Cedar Avenue.
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Monday 6 p.m.
Dance Gavin Dance and A Static Lullaby
With: Four Letter Lie, Secret and Whisper, and Lower Definition
What's Happening?: Concert at South Texas College, just as you've become accustomed to. This week welcomes Dance Gavin Dance from Sacramento, Calif. Coming with them is A Static Lullaby, all the way from Chino Hills, Calif., that's near Los Angeles for those of you not familiar with the ins and outs of So. Cal. Both of these groups fall into the screamo genre - bring energy and Red Bull for even more energy.
Who's Opening?: Even more hard rockers, from all over the country. This show gives you Minnesota's Four Letter Lie, Canada's Secret and Whisper and San Diego's Lower Definition. Doors open at 6 p.m., bands should start right away. You're paying less than $3 a band here. Not bad, just expect this to be a harder rocking show than most.
On the Web: www.myspace.com/dancegavindance
Buy Tickets: At Melhart's Music in McAllen, Wireless Toyz locations through the Valley or online at EZ-tixx.com.
Cost: $12
Where: South Texas College, 3201 W. Pecan Ave., McAllen
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Tuesday 7 to 9 p.m.
STC Presents "The Poet Mariachi"
What's Happening?: South Texas College hosts a trio of poetry readings by Valley author Daniel Garcia Ordaz - "The Poet Mariachi". Organizers are searching for local authors to warm up the crowd and read before he takes the stage. If you're brave enough, give a call. This marks the library's first open mic event, but officials say if it goes well there will be more, oh yes, there will be more.
What's a Poet Mariachi?: Daniel Garcia Ordaz was born in Houston, but he was raised in the Valley's Mission. He has worked as a teacher, songwriter and journalist. Ever been to the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival? Dude helped found it. He also worked to create Art That Heels Inc., a non- profit organization with an arts theme that serves people with HIV and AIDS. He's also a graduate of the University of Texas-Pan American, and a resident of McAllen.
Want More?: See him Wednesday at the Weslaco campus library and Thursday at the McAllen campus library.
On the Web: http://www.elzarapepress.com/books.html
Call: Kristina (956) 872-6486
Cost: Free
Where: Starr County Campus Library, 142 Farm-To-Market 3167, Rio Grande City
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Wednesday 9 p.m.
Frontera Jazz Quartet
What's Happening?: Some of the best jazz in South Texas. These guys have played at this swanky Downtown McAllen nightspot each Wednesday night for a while. And tonight is no different. So check them out, have a martini and support the city's efforts to revitalize the nightlife downtown. It's getting better. Have you been lately?
Who's This Band?: If you're a jazz fan in the Valley, you've probably already seen these guys. They've played often at España in McAllen and the Oxygen Bar in Harlingen. They've also played the 2007 Latin Jazz Festival in Brownsville, the 2007 Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi, and the South Padre International Music Festival in 2007. But then again, you already knew all that cause you read it here last week. Right?
On the Web: www.fronterajazz.com
Call: (956) 686-3155
Cost: Bar cover charge
