Entourage alert: Dallas’ All Star week music scene

by Sarah Crisman

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The entertainment world descends upon Dallas next week -- we've combed through the piles of invites and promoters to figure out where you'll want to make an appearance.

DALLAS — Hear that? It's the sound of every private plane on the planet heading down the runway towards our quaint little NBA-lovin' city. Dallas musicians are pulling out all the stops to make our famous friends feel at home and give them a tasty glimpse of how we do. I've been up to my ear buds in tempting invites (Erykah Badu and Jamie Foxx) and the not-so-tempting shout-y fliers (Party for the Love of Ray J!), and have (nearly) emerged on the other end with a jam packed iCal and a list of the shows worth your time and hard-earned money. Do it up big, D -- It's our week to shine!

Wednesday

The jam session at Prophet is always bumpin' on Wednesdays, but this week it's going real hard because everybody's going to be in town. RC knows this -- and he knows how to make the most of room full of musicians. Prophet Bar and the Gritz will host a Stevie Wonder vs. Prince jam session. DJ Clipp will be spinning Stevie and Prince, then the stage will open up to a cutting session pitting legend against legend. People are still talking about December's Prince vs. Michael Jackson jam and I've heard from plenty of musicians flying in that this will be their first stop off the tarmac. Of course, right after they swing over to Snoop's party to say hi.

Thursday

Well, you have a couple of options here. You can drop some coin on a VIP Pass to see Doug E Fresh or you can zip out to Fort Worth for The Crisman Show with Snarky Puppy, Geno Young, and Rudy Rush (Disclaimer: I am Crisman). Back in Dallas and that elusive land of moderation you will find Houston's Devin the Dude, an artist who has enjoyed underground success since going solo in 1998. The New York Times called Devin "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow."

Friday

Roy Hargrove. I could leave it at that, but since my job requires me to inform and not just name drop, I will continue. The Dallas-native and Arts Magnet alum is most widely known as the founder of the RH Factor. His influence can be heard in many of Dallas' most respected musicians, it's always a big deal when he comes home. Sandaga is hosting two nights of Hargrove, and the intimate listening room is sure to be packed both nights with appreciative friends and fans. I know I said I would stop name-dropping, but that is a crashing impossibility during All Star week. You may want to pop by Love Field to say hi to Mary J and Common (don't want to be rude to our guests, after all).

Saturday

Diddy will be lurking around Sting Ultra Lounge tonight, so I suggest going pretty much anywhere else. One killin' option, of course, is to see Erykah Badu and Jamie Foxx at Palladium. But if you weren't able to nab an invite, then nip up 35 to Hailey's because Shaun Martin's back in town, baby! Go-Go Party! Go-Go Party! Now I'm getting super excited about All Star weekend.

Sunday

Right, so we all know that Shakira, Alicia Keys, and Usher will be at that one party, but did you also know that neo-soul star Dwele will be at the brand new Soul Fusion cafe, Kindal's? In case you are beginning to wonder if there is life after All Star, you can take heart that Kindal's will be hosting the brightest local soul and jazz artists as well as an impressive array of international touring acts. They are brand spanking new this week, and I for one am looking forward to spending quieter weeks taking in this new scene.

All right, then. You guys ready for Mardi Gras?

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