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Get A Taste Of Ink With The Used At House Of Blues, Tear It Up At Oaktopia Friday And Saturday And See Bill And Hillary Clinton At The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory.

Holiday season is quickly approaching. Get ready for bright lights, wrapping paper, some snow if we’re lucky and most of all… offended people.

Every year holiday campaigns feel the wrath of unhappy people taking offense to religious things if they’re not religious, or the absence of religion if they are. Take Starbucks, for instance, and their holiday cup controversy. They change up the design to keep things neutral and people still find something to complain about. (It’s a fucking coffee cup, ok?)

This year, Greggs, a UK-based deli and bakery with hilarious social platforms and a large following, launched a satire advent calendar, and people weren’t too happy with some of the references.

One in particular was a replica of the manger scene, but instead of baby Jesus in the manger, the beloved sausage roll that is a staple of the popular store took His place. And people were PISSED.
One man angrily tweeted to the store’s account, “They’ve depicted my Lord and Saviour as a sausage roll.” Many others did the same, commenting on how awful it is to mock religion in such way.

Let’s be real, they could have done it more tastefully, (pun intended) but it’s still kind of funny. If you’re looking for some events to go to this weekend that hopefully aren’t too offensive, we’ve got you covered. — Lauren Keuning

Friday

Oaktopia at The Bomb Factory, Canton Hall and Trees
Friday kicks off the start of a two-day, three-venue epic music festival with an unbeatable line-up. Tickets grant you access to all three venues, but you can also pay a discounted entry fee to go to a single location if you’re wanting to catch a specific set. But with all the venues so close together, it would make for an fun night bouncing around and seeing some awesome artists perform. — LK

Wizardfest at The Door
Attention Harry Potter fans: the moment we have been preparing for is here! A night completely dedicated to wizardry and magic, complete with a costume contest, quidditch pong and HP-inspired drinks. There will also be trivia to test how much of a fan you really are. — LK

Ringo Deathstarr at Three Links
The Austin rock band released its debut, five-song EP in 2007 and has since been running around frantically touring and performing at festivals. In an interview at this year’s SXSW, the band said it would perform 12 sets in three days. Needless to say, these guys have energy to put on a great show. — LK

Mamafest at Deep Ellum Art Company
Born in the fall of 2011, the groove-rock band takes pride in its originality, but also re-creates the sounds of past legends out of respect for the game. The four-piece has a high-energy presence on stage that touches the souls of fans to get them moving. — LK

Ani DiFranco at Granada Theater
The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has been a musician her whole life. She learned guitar as a child, played her first show at 9 years old and released her first album by 20. Born in Buffalo, New York, the artist is known for her eclectic style and lyrics geared towards feminism. — LK

An Evening With President Bill Clinton and The Honorable Hillary Clinton at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
The former president Bill Clinton will be speaking with his wife and 2016 Democratic Presidential Nominee, Hillary Clinton. There will also be a Q&A session to ask all the burning political questions in your mind. — LK

Vandoliers at Kessler Theater
The DFW local alt-country group was formed in 2015 and released its debut album Ameri-Kinda in 2016 and followed it up this year with The Native, an album that landed the group on Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Top 10 New Country Artists You Need To Know” list in may. The band has a honky-tonk twang with an alternative rock vibes flowing through to it, making this band’s sound a rare breed. — LK

2017 Dallas Millennial Gala: A Night at the Museum at Perot Museum
In a night of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, The Dallas Millennial Club returns for its second year in hopes to demolish the stigma of a lazy generation. Young professionals will have the opportunity to be leaders and network among their peers. — LK

Islamic Art Festival at Dallas Museum of Art
The DMA will celebrate Islamic Art with performances by the Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir of Dallas, Booker T. Washington’s Jazz singers and The Jubilee Performance Group dancers. Event is free. — LK

Niall Horan at South Side Ballroom
In 2010, 16-year-old Horan was accepted to compete for The X Factor. Although he didn’t win as a solo artist, he collaborated with four other contestants and became One Direction. The Ireland native is now touring as a solo act and is gaining popularity from his recent single release, “Slow Hands.” — LK

SpikePolite at Three Links
This seven-band line-up consists of American Minority, Spike Polite and Sewage, Casual Relapse, Noogy, Ratchet Action Cult, The Ellen Degenerates and VX with sounds ranging from heavy metal to skater punk rock. — LK

8th Annual Blues, Bandits and BBQ at Kidd Springs Park
With Friday kicking off the two-day festival, Go Oak Cliff is holding its BBQ for the eighth year running, benefiting KNON Community Radio and Mardi Gras Oak Cliff. With 30 teams competing for first, live music, and food and drinks available while you watch the grill masters at work, it’s a perfect way to relax with the family. Be sure to come back on Saturday for tasting and judging! — LK

DOA: A Rite of Passage at Texas Theatre
The rockumentary of punk’s origin will be shown in a restored version for the first time since 1980. The screening will be followed by a behind the screen punk show with Pissed Grave, Mind Spiders, The Eggshells and Austin’s Sailor Poon. — LK

Graham Wilkinson, Danny Malone at Club Dada
His 2016 album release #BecauseOfYou has major reggae influences with a mix of hip-hop and rock. The Texas born artist has been booking himself independently for seven years at an impressive 200 shows a year while raising three daughters with his wife. — LK

Kinky Friedman Book Release and Concert at Poor David’s Pub
The former rockstar/would-be governor made a big turn in his career after an almost fatal cocaine overdose and returned to his home state of Texas. And tonight he’ll be celebrating the release of his biography, Everything Is Bigger In Texas: The Life and Times of Kinky Friedman. — LK

Ever Since December, Waves of Chaos at Curtain Club
Founded in July 2011, the local rock/metal band Waves of Chaos got their start right in our neighborhood of Deep Ellum, generating a large and loyal fanbase with their powerful vocals and heart pumping energy. — LK

Reflecting Echoes at Double Wide
The four-piece, psychedelic, ambient, indie-rock band tells a story through its music and engages audiences with its eclectic sounds and insane guitar riffs, and it’ll be doing just that at our favorite big sister of the Wides. — LK

Saturday

Barb Wire Dolls at Three Links
The influence of heavy grunge rock on this Greek collective’s music is clear. Barb Wire Dolls has opened for many legendary bands, such as Flogging Molly, The Stooges, 999, Dead Kennedys and many others. Popmatters describes them as “a fiery, raging, female-led punk band with hints of ’80s metal and thrash flourishes, along with quieter acoustic moments.” — Kelly Benjamin

Captured! By Robots at Double Wide
Band of robots led by one human who goes by the name of JBOT, have been involved with C!BR since 1997. It’s newest album, Endless Circle of Bullshit, is faster and louder than anything the band has ever done before. Check out the band’s personal website for the full origin story on this wacky act. — Marlene Nunez

Deep Ellum Paws Festival at Deep Ellum Art Company
Your opportunity to adopt an adorable pet in need of a home while enjoying live music, art, as well as drinks and food is here. Donations will go towards Paws in the City and its efforts to help our furry friends in need. — MN

Mothership Album Release at The Curtain Club
Dallas’ very own heavy rock band is celebrating the release of its third studio album, High Strangeness. The band has been on the road non-stop since its first debut album in 2013. But the trio hasn’t set foot on a Dallas stage since February, and that’s just too long if you ask us. Even though, the album was released earlier in the year the band is officially celebrating the release now as a special treat for its hometown. — MN

Shana Falana at Armoury D.E
Continuing with the Locked & Loaded series at Armoury D.E., another slew of artists will be performing this weekend. Shana Falana, coupled with other artists such as PUBLIC, Pearl Earl, and IAMYU, will be performing a free show. In combination with tons of craft brews and delicious food, what is there not to like here? — KB

Cedars Open Studios 2017 at The Cedars
The Cedar’s art community is celebrating 15 fruitful years, various organizations will be exhibiting work. Attendees will be able to watch demos and meet renowned artists. LimeBike will be offering special rates for visitors who choose to participate in tour of the studios on a bike. — MN

Ethereal at Killer’s Tacos (Denton)
Retro games and EDM? What could be a better combination? Killer’s Tacos in Denton is doing Ethereal, a night of old school arcade games and electronic music. Many artists will be performing their DJ sets, including Roadbeer, Reckless Ryan, Little Human, Snaps, and many others. — KB

The Floozies at House of Blues
Electro funk duo straight out of Kansas City make their way to Dallas to perform those groovy tunes at the House of Blues. Producer/guitarist Matt Hill and drummer Mark Hill entice the crowd with electrifying production and party rocking funk attitudes. –– KB

Dustin Ybarra at Hyena’s Fort Worth
Stand up comedian and actor Dustin Ybarra comes to Hyena’s to lay down his routine for the metroplex. Originally from Bedford, TX, Ybarra has been in shows like Californication, Chelsea Lately and Live At Gotham. Special guests Nathan Anderson and Anthony Perez will also stop by to be funny. — KB

BBQ Pitmaster Class at Grapevine Craft Brewery
BBQ Pitmaster is back at it again as one of the most requested events of the year. Located at Grapevine Craft Brewery, Andy Sedino will be instructing people how to make the perfect brisket, pulled pork, pork and beef ribs, turkeys, steaks, and much much more. There will also be craft brews available for you to sip on while you learn how to be a BBQ master. — KB

The Steeldrivers at Kessler Theater
Get your country on with The Steeldrivers playing at the Kessler this weekend. With banjos, mandolins, and fiddles harmonizing throughout their performances, the band’s tunes offer powerful tales of pain, hurt and vulnerability through the outlet of country music. Songs such as “The Blue Side Of The Mountain” show this concept excessively through the tongue-and-cheek lyricism. —  KB

Milligan Vaughan Project and Jackie Venson at Granada Theater
The Milligan Vaughan Project is the musical partnership between Malford Milligan and Tyrone Vaughan. Both Austin-based musicians, Vaughan and Milligan only had 1 short meeting and a phone call before MVP was formed. With their new debut album in the works, as well as inaugurating the year with a spectacular SXSW and SUN Radio Austin performance, MVP is really ready to show the world what blues and rock is all about. –– KB

Jonwayne at Texas Theatre
Jonwayne kicked off his career by being an underground beatmaker and eventually ventured into rap as time passed. Usually having a dark introspective in his lyricism, Jonwayne released his first mixtape, Rap Album One, as an MC in 2013. Danny Watts, Tornup, and Last Afronauts open. DJ EMV spins. — KB

Cirque Du Burlesque at Viva’s
Featuring aerials performances, side shows, acrobats, all topped of with a burlesque premise, Cirque du Burlesque will be making it’s way to Viva’s this weekend. — KB

Whiskey Folk Ramblers at Main at South Side
The Fort Worth Americana country band takes influences from Johnny Cash, Leon Redbone, Steve Earle and many others while being able to create its own wave through a “folk noir” perspective. With funeral horns and dark, desperate tones, the band’s sound takes its American roots and delivers a road less traveled vibe. The Hendersons and Wayne Floyd open. — KB

MK at It’ll Do Club
One of the most iconic house producers in the ’90s, Marc Kinchen, or MK, is known for his soulful New York-style sound with hard techno energy. Born in Detroit Michigan, the DJ is riding last night’s remix release of Tove Lo’s “Disco Tits.” — LK

Slaughter Beach, Dog at The Dirty 30
Spawn of Philly musician Jake Ewald, the indie rock/punk band has some Taylor Swift vibes with their lyrics usually inspired by people. Slaughter Beach’s sweet melodies can lean towards alt-country at times, making their shows diverse. –– LK

David Ramirez at Cambridge Room (House of Blues)
The Houston native has gained an impressive following with his passionate performances and soul. Most of the artist’s inspiration comes from folk singers/songwriters from the ‘60s and ‘70s, with a new album dropped this September called We’re Not Going Anywhere. — LK

Deep Ellum Outdoor Market
In a day long celebration of all things Fall, the Outdoor Market will have live, local music, food and unique vintage gifts perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Hosted by The Wit’s End and Drugstore Cowboy Deep Ellum. — LK

Cedars Open Studios 2017
With 15 years operation under their belts, The Cedars’ open studios event is the largest of the year. With painters, photographers, sculptors and musicians contributing to the exhibit, the place will be oozing with art. — LK

Remembering JD Tippit at Top Ten Records
The event is held in remembrance of J.D. Tippit, a Dallas police officer who was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald on the day of Kennedy’s assassination, an exhibit created by John Slate accompanied by sounds by DJs Mr. Rid and Mutarrancho. — LK

Bear Grillz: American Freakshow at Stereo Live Dallas
Presented by NightCulture and Disco Donnie, Bear Grillz will be joined by PhaseOne, Dirt Monkey and Kompany at Stereo Live tonight. Get ready to dance your ass off to some electric beats. — LK

Sunday

The Used at House of Blues
The emo rock band from Utah joins forces with the hardcore rockers from New York that are the guys from Glassjaw. There was a venue change from South Side Ballroom to HOB, so don’t get confused and go to the wrong place! — LK

Hazel English at The Prophet Bar
The Australian indie pop singer is currently on touring her new EP Just Give In + Never Going Home. Budapest opens. — Juan Betancourt

Battalion of Saints at Three Links
Since 1980, the San Diego hardcore punk band have had a variety of lineup changes. Due to so many changes, the band broke up in 1985 until current member George Anthony reformed the band in 1996. The lineup might change again, but its sound and live show energy will remain. Opposition Rising, The Cryptics, Noogy and Casual Relapse also perform. –-JB

When Forever Ends, The Ellen Degenerates at Curtain Club
Since forming in 2010, the Christian metal band have brought its mixture of religion and heavy riff sounds together. Visit its website for half price tickets until Friday. The Beautiful Exchange and The Ellen Degenerates also perform. — JB

Lynch Mob (George Lynch of Dokken) at Trees
The San Diego heavy metal band is currently on tour in support of its eighth studio album, The Brotherhood. Lynch Mob have had an issue of lineup changes since its forming in 1989, but it looks like the lineup is set and will rock out for more years to come. SuperNova Remnant, Bezel and Rize Above also perform. —JB

Cowboys vs. Eagles Watch Party at Granada Theater
The Dallas Cowboys must win against division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles to keep its hopes of winning the division alive. So come out to the Granada Theater to support the ‘Boys. $3 Shiner specials all game long! —JB

Andrew Holmes Album Launch Party at Spinster Records
Spinster’s Records are hosting a free album release launch party for Andrew Holmes as he gives the public a taste of his new album, Through the Hollows. Samuel Marines Jr and Mountain Natives will open. —JB

Thanksgiving Pre-Mealin’ at Peticolas Brewing Company
It’s never too early to enjoy a Thanksgiving pre-meal. Come out and enjoy four course BBQ dinner plates and top it off with a few pints of Peticolas Beer. — JB

The Late Hip Hop Show at Curtain Club
Fort Worth native, Durky Dirk will headline this edition of the The Late Hip Hop Show. –– JB

The Truck Yard’s Third Annual Chili Cook Off
Four different chili recipes, but only one will be crowned Chili Cook-Off champion. Get ready to eat some spicy chili. Come out and help decide the winner of Truck Yard’s Third Annual Chili Cook Off. $5 Shiners all day long! All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Local 58, a group that helps firefighters and their families. — JB

Fantasia at Music Hall at Fair Park
You may remember Fantasia winning season three of American Idol. Since then she has been busy with her R&B music career. Dallas will be the first stop on her tour in support of her sixth studio album, Christmas After Midnight, her first Holiday-themed album. — JB

Donut & Beer Pairing Flight at LUCK at Trinity Groves
Donuts and Beer, now that’s a good combo. If you want a seat, then plan to arrive early since 100 seats are available for the public. A ticket does not guarantee a seat but will guarantee the entree and drink. –– JB

To find out what else is going on today, this week and beyond, check out our event directory.

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