If we learned anything from the newly departed first season of The Real Housewives of Dallas (we didn't), it's that there's nothing more important than developing one's "Charity World."
Hey, they couldn't be wrong about everything, could they? For those of us outside the, um, more official or formal ranks of Dallas Society, it's still easy to help out while having a good time. Here are 8 low-key, fun charity events coming up in D-FW.
Double-whammy at The Rustic
That little, OK huge, backyard patio from the minds of Texas Country singer-songwriter Pat Green and noted restaurateurs Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz (Bowl & Barrel, Mutts Canine Cantina, et al.) transforms this week into the spot for charity fun. Head to The Rustic for:
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June 14: The 2016 Man & Woman of the Year Summer Concert features live music, raffle prizes, complimentary apps and two free cocktails, courtesy of Maker's 46, from 6-8 p.m. Donate a minimum of $30 here to get your name on the list; proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
June 16: Love BvB Dallas' annual powder-puff football game? Join the gals early this year for another BvB event, the inaugural benefit concert Thursday from 7-11 p.m. Like all BvB fundraisers, it aims to Tackle Alzheimer's Forever. Festivities include a set by Dallas' own singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright joined onstage by a "special, surprise Austin, Texas, legend," a release teases. Click on over to the Eventbrite page for tickets -- they're $25-1,000, depending on how much you have to give), and you'll see exactly who that legend is. Hint: You can call him honeypot.
The O's and Eleven Hundred Springs boost a beloved rock photographer
The Granada Theater is one of Dallas' most iconic music venues and that's due, in part, by the people who have helped write its story over the years.
Photographer Bill Ellison is one of those ever-present, behind-the-scenes VIPs. The theater calls him a "day-one Granada employee," and over the years, Ellison has captured "epic moments in Granada history" from The Avett Brothers to Adele, TV on the Radio to David Crosby and everywhere in between. Browse his incredible work here.
Over the last year he's battled pancreatic cancer -- and "kicking its ass," we're told -- and the fight has made him unable to work. On Wednesday, June 15, the Granada is holding a benefit concert and silent auction to help offset his medical and living costs. Tickets are $15, and that includes a free beer, if you get there within the first hour of doors opening at 7 p.m. All proceeds go directly to Ellison.
"We even have staff working for free that night -- that's how much Bill is loved an appreciated," a release says.
The lineup features:
RTB2 at 7:30 p.m.Andy Timmons at 8:15 p.m.Straight Tequila Night at 9 p.m.The O's at 9:45 p.m. Eleven Hundred Springs at 10:30 p.m.Pups + Pizza = one delicious canine cause
Wise Guys Pizzeria has partnered with Dallas Pets Alive! on a three-night fundraiser on June 20-22 in Grapevine. Customers can request 15 percent of their bills be donated by mentioning Dallas Pets Alive! at checkout. Proceeds will help the nonprofit continue its work of removing pets from Dallas Animal Services and TNR efforts in the Dallas feral cat community by funding operations and medical expenses. The goal: to one day make Dallas a no-kill city.
Fashion! Turn to the left / Fashion! Turn to the right
Speaking of The Real Housewives of Dallas (we were, earlier...), #RHOD star LeeAnne Locken will make appearances at two fashion-themed events this weekend.
June 17: Dallas and Houston-based Prashe will hold a fashion show from 7-10 p.m. at One Arts Plaza in the Dallas Arts District. See a 50-plus model collection of ready to wear and couture by designer Prashi Shah -- known for her "signature hand embroidery, vibrant patters, luxurious linens and fine silks" -- with special appearances by Dallas fashionistas Gina Ginsburg, Ekaterina Kouznetsova, Carmen Surgen and LeeAnne Locken. Tickets run from $75-150 and a portion of proceeds will benefit Dallas Black Dance Theatre, which will offer a special performance honoring its 40th anniversary.
June 18: Locken will again be on-site with celebrity designer Ese Azenabor at the Conscious Couture Closet Sale Saturday at Lofty Spaces. From 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. browse from "the personal closets of 40 ultra-fashionistas" plus luxury consignment boutiques, jewelry designers and artisans. Tickets are $30, and that includes a mimosa and breakfast bar and swag bags for the first 50 guests. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Chain Reaction, a Frisco-based nonprofit, seeking to end human trafficking.
Celebrity Karaoke
Midlake guitarist Eric Pulido hosts a night of heartfelt, if possibly tone-deaf, tunes by some of Denton's high society. (Yes, that's tongue-in-cheek; she's a casual town, Little D, and that's why we love her so.)
The 2nd Annual All Star Karaoke event features performances by Josh Baish (former owner of the dearly-missed Rubber Gloves), theater mainstays Mike Barrow and Donna Trammell, Ceren Alkaç-Lee of OddBird designs, Denton City Council members and Mayor Chris Watts, among its lineup, but anyone can step up to sing tunes spun by (personal favorite) DJ Mark Ridlen.
Tickets are $10 at the door and $5 per karaoke tune on June 18 at Dan's Silverleaf. Doors open at 8 p.m. and all proceeds benefit the Greater Denton Arts Council.
More good, later this summer...
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Mark your calendars for August: That's when Robert Earl Keen and Lee Ann Womack headline Most Good Music at the Bomb Factory in Dallas. Benefiting the Salvation Army, the show also features Dallas' own Madison King, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets run from $33-93, and proceeds help provide programs and services to the homeless, veterans, senior citizens and children and families experiencing need.
