If there is one thing we can all celebrate, it’s the weekend. Bask in those few days of glory with an art exhibition, a chili cook-off, a ton of live music at both house and music venues, and the many other creative events our home of happiness has to offer. We’ve picked a few out of the bunch to help point you in the right direction.

Thursday, February 2

Madaline CD Release Party
BackYard on Bell, 6 PM
Madaline, a Denton-based seven-piece ska/punk band, is hosting their CD Release Party at BackYard on Bell. To help celebrate this release there will be acoustic performances by Sergio Romero of Sergio Y Compadres, Yoe Melgoza of Filthy Arsenal, and Eric Daino of The Holophonics; plus, a few bands will help support this bill. This will be one of the three release shows, so don’t miss a chance to reminisce with their “nostalgic 90s Third Wave” sound. There’s no cover for this all-ages show.  

What Our Future Holds
Voertman’s Gallery, 6 PM
Experience the work of Ellen Frenkel as well as performances and interactive sculptures from the Collective Mind of the Individual Artist at Voertman’s Gallery. This closing reception is in response to What Our Future Holds, a public proposition and open platform community experience that works to connect an independent arts community to a larger network. There will be prints, paintings, zines, presentations, and live music that express the artist’s individual visions of the future. Join them Thursday to hear more about past, present, and future events.

Grace Park, Claire Morales
Dan’s Silverleaf, 8 PM
Find the thrill of the weekend a day early at Dan’s Silverleaf, and catch Grace Park playing her own version of the dream folk/cosmic Americana songs of The Deer. Joining this Austinite on the bill is Denton dame Claire Morales, who’ll share her indie-rock melodies with us. Doors are at 7 PM; music starts around 9 PM. $7. 21+.

Conor Wallace, Danny Diamonds, Sleepyhouse
Harvest House, 8 PM
Head to Harvest House to watch Conor Wallace, Danny Diamonds, and Sleepyhouse ignite the night with “songs that will crumbumble your stoney weekday heart.” Bring a friend, buy a few drinks (coffee, tea, or cocktails, anyone?), and enjoy a warm winter evening in our own backyard of Denton, TX. Music begins around 8 PM. Free.

I Am Clark Kent, Jesus Chris + the Beetles
J&J’s Pizza, 9 PM
What’s better than a slice and a Schlitz on a Thursday? Adding the SKAvant-garde stylings of I Am Kent and the noisy rock ‘n’ roll sound of Jesus Chris + the Beetles into the mix. Also, Ethan is turning 22 so they’re asking everyone to pay him compliments throughout the show. You can add a bowl of soup to that slice and that Schlitz for a grand total of $10. Music starts at 10 PM.

Friday, February 3

Materials: Hard + Soft Opening Reception
Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, 6 PM
Join the Greater Denton Arts Council for the opening reception of the 30th Annual Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft Competition and Exhibition at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. Recognized as one of the premier craft exhibitions in the country, this art showcase celebrates the contemporary crafts and the innovation of artists. For this anniversary year they’re partnering with the National Endowment for the Arts, exhibiting the works of 93 individuals from six countries. Winners will be announced at 7 PM. Stay curious and inspire creativity with this curated contemporary craft exhibition.

For Now, Wesley Jensen
Taps & Caps, 9 PM
Head to Taps & Caps and down a few brews while lending an ear to Denton-based band For Now, a five-piece that blends modern jazz, pop, and classical. Wesley Jensen, who recently covered/recorded David Bowie’s Golden Years with Claire Morales (a must-hear song!), starts off the night with a little poetic indie rock. There is a $3 cover for those 18–20; $1 for those 21+. Music starts at 9 PM.

Josh Halverson, Vanessa Darien
Dan’s Silverleaf, 8 PM
Find all the feels of folk with singer-songwriter Josh Halverson, performing at Dan’s Silverleaf. Taking place on the 58th anniversary of the plane crash that killed musicians Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper, Halverson invites you to revive the day the music died. Vanessa Darien, of Van Darien, opens the show with an Americana pop/rock set. Tickets are $10 and are available via www.prekindle.com.

Saturday, February 4

J Wagner
The Spellcaster Mansion, 7 PM
Join The Spellcaster Mansion for a night of indie-folk as they host singer-songwriter J. Wagner. This Albuquerque native, who now resides in Austin, is said to weave stories of the American Southwest into intimate songs. Labeled by the Dallas Morning News as a “Texas folk music staple,” he is currently touring to support his album Disappear. There is a pay-what-you-can cover, but with a $10 suggested donation. See event page for address. Music starts at 7 PM.

Groundhog Day Show
House of God, 8 PM
House of God invites you to see their shadows for six more weeks of this “global warming winter,” or at least to come check out a few bands in celebration of Groundhog Day for the night. There will be performances by Post Palace, Prefontaine, Can’t Hardly Wait, and Supercancer Sunshine—who starts the night off around 9 PM. They ask that you not park on their block and that you respect the neighbors. B.Y.O.B. See event page for address. Free!  

Dieselbeast, Mah Kee Oh, MNKR, American Heartthrob, Remain
Dane Manor, 7 PM
Dane Manor hosts a night of metal, pop, indie, and rock. Featuring performances by Dieselbeast, Mah Kee Oh, MNKR, American Heartthrob, and Remain, this eclectic bunch will showcase their talents in an effort to raise funds for Denton County Friends of the Family. The show is of course free, but share what you can spare for this local nonprofit. See event page for address. Doors open at 7 PM.

Sunday, February 5

Super Chili Bowl
East Side, 2 PM
Join East Side for their annual Super Chili Bowl, where 25 individuals will battle for best chili. If you don’t get a chance to show off your chili-making skills in the cook-off, you can still participate by entering as a judge on the day of the event—sign-up starts at 1 PM. After judging, East Side will be serving free chili dogs and frito pies to enjoy during the Super Bowl. Chili + beer + football = a super Sunday, indeed.

Header Image Design by Brittany Keeton