Friday Morning Roundup

by Stephen Becker 21 Aug 2009 7:14 AM

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: It should be obvious by now that fewer people headed out of town this summer. But the silver lining there may be that area attractions were visited more often by locals (I’m not using that dreaded “s” word used to describe a vacation spent at home). At least that’s what the […]

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE: It should be obvious by now that fewer people headed out of town this summer. But the silver lining there may be that area attractions were visited more often by locals (I’m not using that dreaded “s” word used to describe a vacation spent at home). At least that’s what the people who run those attractions are telling The Dallas Morning News. The Sixth Floor Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center and Dallas Arboretum all report that special ticket programs have boosted summer attendance. That’s all good to hear, but doesn’t the idea that these places all do well without out-of-town visitors suggest that North Texas isn’t much of a tourist destination?

WAY TO GO, PART I: Congratulations are in order for Leon Breeden, who was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of North Texas last week. And it’s safe to say he’s earned it. Breeden directed the university’s jazz studies program and the famed One O’Clock Lab Band from 1959 to 1981 and was at the helm as the program rose to national prominence. In 1967, the One ‘O’Clock became the first college jazz band to be invited to play at the White House by the president. And that’s just one of the many honors the program received under Breeden’s direction.

WAY TO GO, PART II: Art251 in Keller is celebrating its first anniversary this week. Those of us who read local art blogs know that the one hosted by art251 is one of the better local ones out there. Be sure to check out the gallery’s year in pictures when you have a sec. It’s pretty impressive what owners Mike and Kim Gerra have accomplished in just a year.

ETC.: Norah Jones announces she’s releasing her new album in November. Note to Norah: go ahead clear some more Grammy space on that mantle (quickdfw.com) … StubHub says Dallas is the nation’s No. 7 most rockin’ city (DC9 at Night) … The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth posts its latest Docent Insights podcast. This one discusses two works in the collection, Donald Judd’s Untitled, 1967 and Martin Puryear’s Ladder for Booker T. Washington, 1996. (modernblog.org).