Wake Up, Wake Up, Wake Up With Bone Thugs-N-Harmony At The Rail Club, Twerk It Out With Big Freedia At Trees And Discuss The Last Jedi At Texas Theatre.

Who would you rather cheer for: the Dallas Mavericks or the Dallas Little Cows?

Well, if you lived in China before the Mavs’ Wednesday night game against Golden State, you were technically cheering for both. The franchise announced during that game that it was officially changing its name in the Chinese NBA market because mavericks roughly translates to ‘little cows’ in Chinese.

And yes, what that means is that the Mavs have been referred to as the Dallas Little Cows in China for almost 20 years. But after a four month-long search, the Dallas basketball franchise will now be officially refered to as the Dallas Lone Ranger Heroes, you know, so the fans in China have a better mascot to cheer for.

Frankly, it’s a bit of a bummer that the Mavs aren’t going by Little Cows everywhere, but we guess Lone Ranger Heroes is a pretty badass name, too. And speaking of badass things, here’s a list of badass things that should keep you busy throughout the weekend. Cheers. And let’s go, Little Cows! — Obed Manuel

Friday

Weezing at Granada Theater
The Weezer Tribute band will be playing all the hits from Pinkerton to Make Believe and even Raditude. Joining it will be Strokes cover band Different Strokes and Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band Pepper Theft. — OM

Big Freedia at Trees
The New Orleans bounce music icon is stopping in town to show everyone in Dallas how to twerk it out in 2018. The eccentric Boyfriend opens the show. — OM

Offended By Everything at Curtain Club
As the name of the headliner might suggest, this band out of Dallas is offended by everything, so be nice. Kidding. These guys know how to rock it. Quiet, Please and Above It All also perform. — OM

Mason Adams Birthday Bash at Deep Ellum Art Company
Celebrate Mason Adams’ birthday with performances by Lunar Eclectic, Pillow Pocket, Rider Rock and Here Not There. — OM

Emotional Xan at Prophet Bar
EMOtional Xan will headline The Rebirth Showcase with his horrorcore beats and emo flows. — OM

Leadbelly’s Backroom at Junction
Join the folks at Junction as they christen their take on a speakeasy that’s named after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame blues icon Lead Belly, who would often play in Deep Ellum back in the day. — OM

Josh Abbott Band at Billy Bob’s Texas
Josh Abbot Band’s 2015 album Front Row Seat told the story of frontman Josh Abbott’s failed marriage. The emotion on that album was raw and powerful, and his live performances carry the same nature. — Kelly Benjamin

’80s Prom at Foundation Room (House of Blues)
Here’s your chance for a prom night do-over. Bust out the lacy and brightly colored tuxedos and head on over to this prom where you can actually legally drink. — OM

Pool Lights at Double Wide
The East Dallas dark wave pop outfit will play its moody tunes at your favorite drinking trailer. Vylit will open. — OM

Laura Wilson: Photographs In The West at Fort Works Art
Wilson’s photography is an exploration of life in West Texas and Montana. And yes, before you ask, she is indeed the talented mother of Owen and Luke Wilson, and yes, she will be on site to discuss the exhibition and her work. — OM

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit at The Bomb Factory
The most refreshing thing about Isbel is the weight of what he’s singing about. Even when it’s not as heavy as a dying girlfriend, there’s always a gravity his subject matter from the harsh truths of working in a Kentucky coal mine to nursing a hangover with Pedialite. It’s something desperately lacking in a bro country scene that’s more concerned with superficialities like pearl snap shirts, painted-on jeans and shotgunning cans of light beer on a Friday night. James McMurtry opens. — Cory Graves

Tomar & The FC’s, Peterson Brothers Band at Three Links
Have double the fun with the funky, bluesy tunes that’ll be played at this double headliner show. — OM

Shen Yun at Winspear Opera House
Shen Yun is a song and dance spectacle during which 5,000 years of Chinese history and music are reborn right before your eyes. To add to the show, this is a performing arts group that the Chinese government is not a fan of — that bit is for you bad kids out there who are always looking for some way to rebel. — OM

Forever Bowie Karaoke at Texas Theatre
Celebrate the GOAT by singing all his best songs. Do bring a friend if you plan on singing “Dancing In The Street.” — OM

Society Fashion Week at Courtyard Dallas Carrollton and Conference Center
Mingle with the hottest designers around and check out chic pop-up shops. Maybe you’ll find the inspiration your designs have been missing. — OM

Monoculture at Main at South Side
Monoculture will close out the show at MASS with its psych rock brand of tunes after Mean Motor Scooter, The Infamists and The Savage Blush take the stage. — OM

DJ Blake Ward at Twilite Lounge Deep Ellum
One of Dallas’ hottest DJs will spin at the small but cool stage at Twilite Lounge in Deep Ellum. — OM

’80s Rewind at House of Blues
And in keeping with House of Blues’ ‘80s-themed weekend, in a less formal setting the the prom in the Foundation Room, here’s your chance to bust out your best ‘80s wear — neon-colored or not — and dance along to the james of ‘80s cover band The Molly Ringwalds. — OM

LoLo Local Showcase at The Nines
Enjoy not only the sounds of this all-local showcase featuring the likes of Willie Trimmer, TYPO, Stetra, Tyler Clark but also $3 wells and domestics and $5 shots of Skyy Vodka all night long. — OM

Chichen Itza Revival at Taqueria Chichen Itza
If you haven’t been to this awesome spot, you should go by and enjoy live tunes while you’re at it. Escuela, Releaser, Pissed Grave, MOUTH BREATHER and Hood Rat will perform. If you’re not sure what grub to get, we recommend the fajita and al pastor tacos. They’re amazing in torta form as well… — OM

Saturday

Caterpillars at Double Wide
Caterpillars’ sound is one that reaches into contemporary indie vibes but the influence of early aughts alternative rock shines through. That sound is most prevalent in the band’s 2016 album The Wicked and Wonderful, which you can listen to here. The Idle Kind, Home Above and Ghost Pilots also perform. — OM

Spaceship*Rideshare at Deep Ellum Art Company
If you’re looking for one-stop outing this weekend that will feature live music, an interactive art experience and food, Deep Ellum Art Company is your best bet. This event will feature the work of local artists and two live music stages. SoCal Tacos and Chez Flo Crepes will be on site to sling that grub. —OM

New Year Kickoff at Curtain Club
We may be a few days into the new year, but maybe you haven’t kick started 2018 the right way just yet. At this showcase presented by Superior Booking, you’ll be able to enjoy live performances from Awaken To Remember, The Overheads, K-Hole, Everlasted, Cinema for the, Blind, The Boojis, Bliss, Useless and No Place Like Home. The show kicks off at 5 p.m. Ten bucks gets you in if you buy ahead of time; if not, it’ll run you $12 at the door. — OM

The Atomic Naughty Frolic Burlesque Show at Kessler Theater
The Atomic Naught Frolic is a burlesque show that celebrates mid-century culture. Performing will be Michelle L’amour, Ginger Valentine, Ruby Joule, La Divina and many more. — OM

Matthew Logan Vazquez at Three Links
The Delta Spirit frontman is stopping in town to play tunes from his 2017 solo album Does What He Wants, an album that was originally supposed to be written for Delta Spirit. Even if we don’t know what’s actually up with that band, we can still show up and enjoy Vazquez’s harmonic vocals. Daniel Creamer opens. — OM

Emo Night at RBC
Be sad and have fun. Plain and simple. And sadddddd. — OM

Kwaidan at Alamo Drafthouse Cedars
Catch this screening of the 1965 Japanese horror flick Kwaidan, a four-part anthology about stories that will frighten you to your core. The film’s original songs have all been re-scored by various artists, so expect a new twist to this classic film. — OM

Goodnight Ned, Blacksmiths, House of Reveries at Armoury D.E.
If you’re feeling like jamming out to some bluesy rock with hints of funk, then look no further because King Camel thew together this lineup of locals who will play just what your ailing soul needs. As always, no cover. — OM

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at The Rail Club
Not exactly on the first of the month… But hey, it’s the first weekend of the month. Still counts. All jokes aside, FunkyTown is being blessed by one of the most iconic groups from the ’90s rap game. — OM

Thin White Dukes at Granada Theater
Listen to all of David Bowie’s classics as performed by Thin White Dukes. And before that, enjoy all your favorite Duran Duran hits with Duran Duran tribute band The Wildboys. –– OM

Sarah Jaffe at Dan’s Silverleaf
One of North Texas’ finest musical talents around is kicking off the first weekend of 2018 with two shows at Dan’s Silverleaf. — OM

Happy Nude Year at Viva’s
Start 2018 with some classic, tasteful burlesque. This show will feature the likes of Aerie Elle, Iris Le’Mour and Sweet T. Check out the event for the full lineup. Show starts at 9 p.m. — OM

J&J’s Ol’ Dirty Basement Resurrection Show
In case you haven’t heard, the ol’ dirty basement at J&J’s Pizza in Denton is back. Right before the year’s end, the basement hosted a comedy show, but this weekend so-called “Resurrection Show” will be a mix of both comedy and music, featuring performances from Josh Johnson, Sunbuzzed, The f Faps and whole bunch of other North Texas acts. — OM

New Year’s Retribution at The Dirty 30
The first lady of horrorcore rap and hip hop herself, Razakel, will headline this new year’s celebration  that will also feature the likes of FlipSyde, Don Orias, Chompa and many more. Just $12 gets you in the door for this stacked showcase. — OM

Ladies of The ’80s Video Dance Party at Alamo Drafthouse Cedars
One of Alamo Drafthouse’s most popular parties is back. All the classic videos from the likes of Janet Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Whitney Houston and moore will be played for both your listening and viewing pleasure. — OM

Southpaw Preachers at Twilite Lounge Deep Ellum
The soul and R&B act out of Denton comes down I-35 to play the intimate stage at Twilite Lounge for the very first time. — OM

Benefit Show for Troy Farmer at Main at South Side
Raise money for Troy Farmer’s family. Farmer also known as Troll, died January 1 due to health complications, so a slew of musical acts and comedians have banded together to raised funds for his family at this night of laughs, live music and remembrance. — OM

Next Level Love: Couples Vision Board Party at Life In Deep Ellum
Head over to Life In Deep Ellum with your boo to visualize your joint success in 2018. And after that’s done, stick around for a dinner date at a secret location where you’ll be able to mingle with other couples that you might want to double date with at some point. Hey, who doesn’t need couple friends, right? –– OM

Truth in Comedy at Full City Rooster
Truth In Comedy is an eye opening experience as well as a festival of laughter. The comics will start by telling a truthful personal story from their background and then use said story for a stand-up routine. The life lesson here is that no matter what hardships we go through, we have to be able to laugh it off at the end of the day, right? — KB

Adelitas Way at Trees
Remember when the WWE held its TLC Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view at the AAC back in December 2016? This is the band that wrote the show’s theme song. — CG

Barre & Bites at AC Hotel
If you’re in need of some guidance to have a healthy 2018, this annual event out on by two bloggers might be one of the stops you make this weekend. The event will feature an intense workout followed by some dope grub. After you get your sweat on, you’ll also be able to get pampered and booze up a bit. — OM

Sunday

Sarah Jaffe at Dan’s Silverleaf
The North Texas favorite closes out the weekend with the second of her show’s at Dan’s. — OM

Nerd Fight Strikes Back at Texas Theatre
This free panel discussion will feature some of the best movie mind’s in town as they discuss the merits and faults of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. — OM

No Pants Subway Ride Dallas 2017
So this one is totally up to you, Dallas. A bunch of folks are going to get out there and ride the bus without any pants on. It’s inspired by the Improv Everywhere group from New York City that has been performing similar stunts since 2002. –– OM

Disco Biscuit at Off The Record
You’ll probably find Samma Lone in a great mood at the first Disco Biscuit of 2018 what with his 2017 track “Good To Me” being names Traxsource’s seventh best Nu Disco track of the year. And don’t forget to have a shot or two of — after all — Jameson and Tito’s are just $3 a pop. — OM

A History of Everything at Margot Jones Theatre
The teenagers over at the Cry Havoc Theater Company are putting on this show about the history and struggles of humanity as they see it. The show is based on the Sydney Theatre’ Company’s own A History Of Everything, a show that tried to tell the history of everything that’s ever happened. — OM

Fort Worth Burrito Project Benefit Show at Lola’s Saloon
Celebrate 10 years of the Fort Worth Burrito Project’s ongoing effort to feed Fort Worth’s homeless with live tunes provided by the likes of Stoogeaphilia, Taylor Craig Williams, Carey Wolff and William Bryan Massey III. — OM

Comedy with Coffee at Opening Bell Coffee
The laughs at this improv show will be provided by local comedy troupes South Side Slackers, Hmmm Maybe and Apple Cider. — OM

Bluegrass Sundays at Deep Ellum Art Company
At this first Bluegrass Sunday performance of 2018, enjoy tunes from The Venetian Sailors and Levi Cobb & The Big Smoke, all while you scarf down goodies from a few food trucks and check out some local art. — OM

New Year Old Movies at Bar Louie Fort Worth
Bar Louie will be screening When Harry Met Sally. If you decide to head out, do bring up the question of whether or not the ending is creepy. — OM

VHS Swap at Piranha Vintage
The name says it all. Bring those old VHS tapes and engage with fellow enthusiasts of the vintage format. — OM

All N.E.R.D. Everything at RBC
N.E.R.D. didn’t realease any new music for seven years, but all that changed last month when the musical collective dropped No_One Ever Dies, an album that features the likes of Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane — the list goes on. And for your listening and partying pleasure, the All/Everything crew will be playing all the jams from N.E.R.D.’s newest album as well as all the older hits. Blue, The Misfit. and Thejohnstewart will also spin. — OM

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

Cover image via Big Freedia Facebook Page.

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