Joan Marcus
Blue Man GroupSpeechless
If you want to kick off 2020 right, check your calendar and head out to one of these fabulous events happening in January. Between Blue Man Group, a number of fun runs and plenty of music, you have plenty to choose from!
Blue Man Group
Jan. 15-19 | Winspear Opera House
Blue isn’t a color, it’s a state of mind. It’s being open, feeling creative and seeing the world through new eyes. At least, that’s the idea behind Blue Man Group’s latest show, Speechless, coming to Dallas this month. Without uttering a single word, the three totally blue (and totally bald) men, like the children inside all of us, explore life through sound, music, creativity, comedy and technology. They bang on drums filled with paint, make music on pipes, wear light-up suits, send streamers of color into the audience, blur the lines of magic and reality and, most of all, make sure everyone is having a good time.
The Color Purple
Jan. 7-12 | Winspear Opera House
Lavender fields, sparkling amethyst jewelry, the grapes that make up a calming glass of wine – purple can represent the beautiful. But it is also the color of bruises, shadows and darkness. “The Color Purple” explores these concepts of violence versus beauty in the inspirational story of African American women in rural Georgia in the 1930s. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Alice Walker, “The Color Purple” is about Celie, a poor girl writing letters to God about her hardships: abuse by her father, the loss of her babies and the arranged marriage to another abusive man. Her life changes when she meets and falls in love with a woman cabaret singer named Shug. Celie learns about her own sexuality, faith and independence as Shug helps Celie start a sewing business and finally escape from the terrible men in her life.
Josh Abbott Band
Jan. 4 | Billy Bob’s Texas
Surprise, surprise — Josh Abbott Band is coming home! The small-town-boys-turned-big-time-coun-try-stars return to their home state this month in honor of their latest album, “Catching Fire.” This seven-man band from Lubbock features guitars, a keyboard, a banjo, a bass, drums, a fiddle and charming vocals that will make you want to sing out loud, twirl your girl and stomp your feet. The band has over 140 million streams, 1.8 million single sales and several spots on the Billboard country albums and singles charts. At the show, sing along to “Oughta Get Drunk,” “Little More You” and “Surprise, Surprise.”
Shen Yun
Jan. 6-7 | Bass Hall
Flowy dresses, effortless movements and exquisite dancers will fill the stage at Shen Yun. The show brings back traditional Chinese dance from 5,000 years ago, accompanied by an orchestra playing original music, to tell a beautiful story. Its name, Shen Yun, means “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” You will see beautiful maidens gliding with grace, strong generals prancing with speed and athleticism, and more. Plus, the extraordinary costumes, state-of-the-art backdrops and award-winning artists help set the mood and guide you on this mystical journey through time.
Pride and Prejudice
Jan. 10-19 | Moody Performance Hall
Exactly 207 years ago this month, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen was published, forever changing the literary world. This love story between an independent woman and a secretive, powerful man is a classic. Now, the talented actors at Shakespeare Dallas are performing this tale on stage. Follow along as Elizabeth Bennet meets one horrible suitor after another, encouraged by her match-making-obsessed mother. When she finally meets the captivating Mr. Darcy, she is determined to keep her feelings in check — and he is equally set on keeping his pride. After all, no one said love would be easy.
Hotcake Hustle
Jan. 11 | Addison
If pancakes are your love language, then hurry over to Hotcake Hustle 5K, 10K and Fun Run in Addison. Brace the cold January morning with a little motivation: All participants get a stack of delicious pancakes, coffee and hot cocoa after finishing the race! Guests will also get a free long-sleeved race T-shirt and are invited to an indoor after-party with DJ Dame. The Hotcake Hustle is also sweet to others. You can select one of seven local nonprofits to receive a portion of proceeds from your ticket, with options including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Leukemia of Texas.
Morgan Wallen’s Whiskey Glasses Roadshow Tour
Jan. 11 | Toyota Music Factory
Only four years passed between Morgan Wallen singing a cover of one of his favorite bands on NBC’s “The Voice” to scoring a No. 1 single (“Up Down”) featuring the same group, Florida Georgia Line. Now, the country artist headlines a coast-to-coast Whiskey Glasses Roadshow tour, named after the song that made him a star. Catch him at Toyota Music Factory this month, where Wallen’s southern charm, redneck attitude and iconic mullet will be out in full force. You won’t need whiskey glasses to enjoy this show!
Bold in the Cold
Jan. 11 | Grapevine’s Trawick Pavilion
Lake Grapevine runners and walkers are grabbing chilly weather gear and heading out to the Bold in the Cold 5K & 15K this month. The course will take participants through the trails surrounding Lake Grapevine, making for a scenic morning run.
Seventeen: Ode to You Tour
Jan. 14 | Toyota Music Factory
Understanding the lyrics is not required to appreciate the awesome K-Pop group Seventeen (also known as SVT). The South Korean pop group consists of 13 teenage boys who sing, rap and dance their way through a fantastic performance sung in their native language. This award-winning group self-produces its own music, creates much of its own choreography and has built a following all over the world. Not to mention, they are all pretty cute too — one is famous for looking like a young Leonardo DiCaprio! This month, see SVT during the Ode to You Tour.
Chocolate and Art Show
Jan. 16-17 | Lofty Spaces Dallas
Sweet, gooey, rich, inspiring and delightful, the Chocolate and Art Show is truly a one-of-a- kind experience. What started as an underground art show in Los Angeles has evolved into a national tour that includes some of the best local artists, photographers and creators. They are here for two nights only to show off their work in a party-like atmosphere, complete with live body painting, live music and delicious free chocolate. Indulge in these delicious treats for your mouth and your eyes — you deserve it.
An Evening with C.S. Lewis
Jan. 16-19 | Wyly Theatre
He may have passed away more than 50 years ago, but C.S. Lewis’s words live on in some of the greatest books of our time, including “Mere Christianity” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Celebrate his life by attending “An Evening with C.S. Lewis” this month. British comedian David Payne embodies the spirit of Lewis in this show, set in 1963 in Oxford, England. Payne will share stories of Lewis’ life and his well-loved qualities — from his humor and engaging conversation to captivating works. Hear about his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, why he almost quit writing about Narnia, how he came to embrace faith and more.
Stock Show and Rodeo
Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 | Fort Worth Stockyards
Even though the holiday season is over, the party is just beginning as the iconic Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo returns to Cowtown. As the most authentic western lifestyle experience available since 1896, the Stock Show and Rodeo knows how to entertain. This year, be sure to see the brand new ProRodeo tournament, offering a record $1 million in prize money split up over eight events: bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, women’s breakaway roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Other activities include plenty of livestock and horse shows, kid activities and carnival games, live music, shopping, music, many rodeo competitions and a fantastic western parade.
Cocoa Classic
Jan. 18 | Frisco
Fluffy white marshmallows swirl inside a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate. It’s the perfect treat for a freezing winter morning, and the perfect reward after finishing a 5K race at Frisco Square. The Cocoa Classic offers much to love about this season: cool air, community spirit, a workout jacket, chocolate-covered pretzels and hot cocoa. A portion of proceeds benefit Frisco Family Services, which supports people facing hunger and homelessness and provides them needs to improve their quality of life. The Cocoa Classic is a great opportunity for fun and philanthropy (and delicious treats). Sign up today!
Hog Butchering and Curing Workshop
Jan. 18-19 | Nash Farm
Have you ever looked at a charcuterie board and wondered how it was made? This two-day workshop is ideal for those interested in learning the skills people used in the 19th century to butcher, cure and create ham favorites. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
ZestFest
Jan. 24-26 | Irving Convention Center
It’s getting hot in here, so drink plenty of water before attending ZestFest. If you love all things spicy (or if “fiery” is your middle name), then you don’t want to miss ZestFest, which brings together the hottest food from around the country. Participate in the Puckerbutt Jalapeno Eating Contest or sample the spicy salsas and dips that won the Fiery Food Challenge — if you think you can stand the heat. You can also watch celebrity chef demonstrations, listen to live music and hang out with hundreds of others who also love their food turned up to sizzling.
Dana Carvey
Jan. 25 | Winstar World Casino
The Church Lady would never approve of gambling. Or drinking. Or seeing a comedy show. But don’t worry about it; when Dana Carvey is in town, anything goes! This Emmy-winning actor is stopping by Winstar World Casino this month to make audiences laugh uproariously like he used to do on “Saturday Night Live.” Known for characters like Grumpy Old Man, Hans, Garth and, yes, the iconic Church Lady, Carvey is truly a one-of-a-kind comedian. Playing different characters is easy for him — he once took on 36 different identities in 14 different languages in “The Master of Disguise” — but our favorite is the one where Carvey plays his hilarious self.
Carroll ISD Athletic Hall of Honor Banquet
Jan. 25 | Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square Hotel
The CISD Athletic Hall of Honor inducts its newest members this month. The 2019 inductees include alums who exemplify the excellence of Carroll ISD athletics, like 1972 basketball player Peggy O’Brien, 1996 track and football player Carey Clayton and 2014 swimmer Jonathon Roberts.
American Authors
Jan. 28 | Granada Theater
You may know American Authors from hits like “Best Day Of My Life” and “Believer,” but see the rock band in a whole new light when it comes to Dallas later this month. With a new album, “Seasons,” Zac Barnett, James Adam Shelley, Dave Rublin and Matt Sanchez are ready to take the stage at Granada Theater with Magic Giant. Come prepared to hear some of the group's hottest new songs like “Stay Around” and “Say Amen” while still taking in those nostalgic go-tos. It'll be a night to live for.