Take it from a girl who drives a lot, spring in Dallas is just the best time to be driving around…. everything so beautiful and blooming.  Unless it rains….

I love the Belmont Hotel.  The most interesting people check-in.  I have had so much fun the past few years shuttling travelers to and from the Belmont… the airport… the Market Center… all over town.  My favorite trips are the rescue missions:  finding stranded passengers at the airport and taking them to the Belmont for the first time.  The beautiful gardens are always such a surprise… and the incredible view.  If you were stuck in town unexpectedly where else would you rather stay?

I grew up in the Cliff.  I went to Lida Hooe Elementary and Sunset High School.  I ate at the Hungry Bear before it became Cliff.  I never dreamed that the Belmont would be renovated into the social hub of Oak Cliff.  I love being a part of all that.

Call me sometime and I’ll drive you around.  If you haven't met my traveling companion, Turlene, you’re in for a surprise.

Judith Barwick
Cab Driver and Belmont Hotel Ambassador
214.779.8405

REAL GOOD FOOD... AT THE BELMONT HOTEL

Come in and check out our new, updated menus.  We've been listening and taking notes.  We've got soup and salad combinations at lunch now… you can order the Belmont Chicken Sandwich 3 different ways… we’ve added four new dinner entreés… you can add Rock Shrimp to your salad.  We even changed the breakfast potatoes at your request.  And there’s more, so drop by and check out our new offerings.

Click here to visit our website and check out the menus

ART WITH A VIEW

Art With A View is an ongoing series of rotating art and creative events at the Belmont.

Join us Wednesday, April 2 for the opening reception of Wild West, new work from the We're All Pink series by Jennifer Morgan. (You can preview the series at www.jennifermorgan.net/wereallpink.) Come hang out in the lounge, have a cocktail, enjoy the art, admire the city's finest skyline view.

6 to 9 pm, BarBelmont Lounge & Terrace.

Wild West will remain on exhibit at the Belmont thru June 2, 2007.

BAREFOOT AT THE BELMONT

It's all about warm summer nights… grass between your toes… an amazing view… thirst-quenching cocktails and real good food… and some of the best independent music Texas has to offer.  In May, Bend Studios we will be kicking off the first Barefoot At The Belmont music series out by the pool… on The Green… on a cliff overlooking downtown Dallas.  Here’s the schedule and how to purchase tickets…

An Evening with Doug Burr Band
Thu, May 8, 2008, 9 pm, $15

An Evening with Shannon McNally
with special guest Jeff Plankenhorn
Thu, May 15, 2008, 9 pm, $15

An Evening with Charlie Sexton
Thu, May 22, 2008, 9 pm, $20

An Evening with Dan Dyer
Thu, May 29, 2008, 9 pm, $15

An Evening with Fastball
Thu, June 5, 2008, 9 pm

An Evening with Grayson Capps
Thu, June 12, 2008, 9 pm

An Evening with Sam Swank and Blacktop Gypsy
Thur, June 19, 2008, 9 pm, $15

An Evening with Bob Schneider
Thur, June 26, 2008, 9 pm, $20

Purchase your tickets from the Bend Studio website… http://www.bendstudio.com/belmont.htm

BELMONT HEALTH CLUB
2001 Sylvan Avenue
Dallas, TX 75208

People greatly overestimate what they can accomplish in a short amount of time. People greatly underestimate what they can accomplish in the long term.
- Brian Buffini

Excuses Not to Exercise:

I don't have time to get in shape!
Exercise is simply getting your body into motion. You may be enjoying the motivation of a gym membership or simply spending 30 minutes walking the dog. Everyone can experience exercise at some level and everyone has the time. Keep in mind that the average television is on 7 ½ hours a day. Less than one hour a day, three days a week or so, will change your life if you can let yourself make the time for exercise.

I don't know if I will stick with it! 
You only have to participate in an exercise program a couple of days a week to enjoy the benefits. If you add a few walks at home, take the stairs at work and keep moving, getting fit just happens. You don’t have to change your life to get the benefits of fitness, but you do have to make the decision to start moving a little each day and make it a part of your life.

Best wishes for getting your body into motion.

Questions?  Email healthclub@belmontdallas.com… or call Chris (214 734-8204) or Daryl (817 821-6424) to set up a consultation and tour.

Live Music at BarBelmont
Join us every Thursday evening for a cocktail and live music on the BarBelmont patio. Music begins 6-ish pm.

Judith Barwick
Cab Driver
214.779.8405

Think of Judith as tranportation expert for Oak Cliff, Oak Lawn and Downtown.  Even if you need a limo or a shuttle, give Judith a call and she’ll hook you up with the best option.  And if you need a cab, you’ll never have a better ride.  She’ll even take reservation for early planners.

First Thursday
Bishop Arts District
Bishop Avenue @ Seventh Street in Oak Cliff
Dallas, TX 75208

Thu, Apr 3, 2008….  Come to the historic Bishop Arts District and see for yourself what all of the buzz is about. Enjoy dining from fine to funky, take in an art gallery, or satisfy your shopping hunger at some of Dallas most unique, and interesting shops.

"Love Is Where We Go…" Art-Fashion-Pop-Exhibition Sale Thu, Apr 3, 2008, 6-10 pm

One night, one evening, experience one-of-kind art fashion inspired by the beauty of life and bonding with that beauty, featuring Elisa Jimenez, as seen on Project Runway, and Moe Nadel, creator of Meander Ware. "Love is Where We Go..." is the motto this art couple utilizes to motivate their creative and synergistic lives. During the sensuous budding of spring they felt it appropriate to share this concept with the connoisseurs in the art and fashion community of Dallas.

All Elisa Jimenez polymorphic (many changes) ready-made fashion is available to try on, reveal, and become; all Moe Nadel Meander Ware accessible to carry everything desired to the next journey; all inspirations presented in an inviting installation of the heart, Decorazongallery. Clothing, bags, drawings, and a few marionettes sprinkle the field of purchase for those who come.

"Eating Crow" Opening Reception
Fri, Apr 25, 2008, 6-9 pm

"Eating Crow" is an exhibition of paintings of emerging Oak Cliff artist, Michele Mikesell.  "Continuing to use the animal as a metaphor for the human condition Mikesell's newest work "Eating Crow" is a group of paintings which use irony and a dark humor to illustrate idioms common to the English language."

“EATING CROW” will be on display April 22 - June 3, 2008

Daniel Padilla Gallery
838 W Davis Street
Dallas, TX  75208
214.946.1003
http://danielpadilla.com/index.html

The brothers Padilla, Daniel and Manuel have Oak Cliff to be home to their first family-owned gallery.  Their work can also be found I galleries in Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Santa Fe and McAllen.

Haley-Henman Gallery
2335 Hardwick Street
Dallas, TX  75208
214.749.1277
http://www.haleyhenman.com/index.html

"Beginnings" Opening Reception
Sat, Apr 5, 2008, 7-10 pm

"Beginnings" is an exhibition of paintings, sculpture and collage by artists Elizabeth B. Mahy, Eliseo and Joshua Stone, and runs through May 17, 2008. The show is a visual journey of beginnings, life cycles, and rebirths that is created by the conceptual paintings of Elizabeth B. Mahy, the abstract stone sculptures of Eliseo, and the mixed media sewn collages of Joshua Stone.  A tribute to Mahy’s mentor and teacher, Richard Fox, and her student, Sterling Chambers will be given at the opening and a selection of their work will also be displayed.
 
HALEY-HENMAN is a modern art gallery exhibiting art of all media by emerging and established artists, particularly supporting the diversity of our regional artists. 

Opening Bell Coffeehouse
South Side On Lamar
1409 South Lamar Street, Basement #012
(Beleview Street entrance)
Dallas, TX  75215
http://www.openingbellcoffee.com/home

D Magazine calls Opening Bell the "Best Coffeehouse in Dallas."  Delicious pastries, FAIR TRADE coffee, music… and so much more that you are just going to have to check out their website to find out what they don't offer.  Whew… they're busy.

Saturday Night in the City: Garden Concert Series
Sat, 6-11 pm
Saturday Night in the City is heading outdoors for the spring and summer seasons for a Garden Concert Series featuring some of North Texas’ most popular bands.  Join us for the launch in April and enjoy a live concert with Texas singer and songwriter Cary Pierce, as well as unforgettable dining at Nasher Cafe by Wolfgang Puck.

Symphonic Sunday at the Nasher
Sun, Apr 20, 2008, 12 noon
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of art and music at this delightful series featuring a gourmet brunch, tour of the Collection, and modern musical selections by performers from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.  Performances are every third Sunday of the month through May.  Tickets available at http://dallassymphony.com/

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Sun, Apr 13, 2008, 7:30 pm

Bon Jovi
Mon, Apr 18, 2008, 7:30 pm

Juanes
Fri, Apr 13, 2008, 8 pm

Poor David's Pub
1313 South Lamar Street
Dallas, TX 75215
http://www.poordavidspub.com/

Cliffhangers
Fri, Apr 4, 2008

Matt Martindale Band
Sat, Apr 5, 2008

Sara Hickman
Sun, Apr 6, 2008, 3 pm

Distant Lights
Sun, Apr 6, 2008, 8 pm

Rigby
Sat, Apr 196, 2008

Hannah McLendon and TrueHeart Texas
Thu, Apr 24, 2008

Bend Studios
5014 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75205
214.606.0770
http://www.bendstudio.com/intimate_concerts.htm

An Intimate Evening with Theresa Andersson
Fri, Apr 4, 2008, 8 pm

An Intimate Evening with Paul Curreri and Danny Schmidt
Fri, Apr 11, 2008, 8 pm

An Intimate Evening with Beth Wood
Sat, Apr 12, 2008, 8 pm

An Intimate Evening with Bob Schneider
Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 8 pm

An Intimate Evening with Pieta Brown
Fri, Apr 18, 2008, 8 pm

An Intimate Evening with Bitch and The Exciting Conclusion
Fri, Apr 25, 2008, 8 pm

The Palladium Ballroom
1135 South Lamar
Dallas, TX 75215
214.606.0770
http://www.thepalladiumballroom.com/

The Mars Volta
Tue, Apr 8, 2008, 8:30 pm

Feist
Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 8 pm

Panic! At The Disco
with Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound, Phantom Planet
Fri, Apr 18 2008, 7 pm

Cat Power
with Appaloosa
Sat, Apr 19 2008, 8 pm

Thrice
with Circa Survive, Pelican
Tue, Apr 22 2008, 7 pm

Joe Jackson with Mutlu
Tue, Apr 29 2008, 8 pm

Granada Theatre
3524 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
214.824.9933
http://www.granadatheater.com/

The Weakerthans
plus AA Bondy, Christine Fellows
Tue, Apr 1, 2008, 8 pm

Perpetual Groove
plus Moving Matter
Fri, Apr 4, 2008, 9 pm

Okkervil River
plus Black Joe Lewis, Sarah Jaffe
Sat, Apr 5, 2008, 9 pm

Colin Meloy
plus laura Gibson
Tue, Apr 8, 2008, 8 pm

Mickey and the Motorcars
plus Josh Grider
Fri, Apr 11, 2008, 8 pm

Spoonfed Tribe
plus Kid Dakota
Sat, Apr 12, 2008, 9 pm

Acoustic Alchemy
Tue, Apr 15, 2008, 8 pm

Gary Hoey & Andy Timmons
Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 8 pm

Shelby Lynne
plus David McMillin
Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 8 pm

Mike Doughty's Band
plus The Panderers
Fri, Apr 18, 2008, 9 pm

Bob Schneider
plus Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights,
Johnny Lloyd Rollins
Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8 pm

Ralph Stanley
plus Sunny Sweeney
Sun, Apr 20, 2008, 5 pm

New York Dolls
Sun, Apr 20, 2008, 10 pm

Steven Malkmus and the Jicks
plus The Joggers
Mon, Apr 21, 2008, 9 pm

Sucker Punch
Fri, Apr 25, 2008, 7 pm
Fri, Apr 25, 2008, 10 pm

James McMurtry
plus Phil Pritchett
Sat, Apr 26, 2008, 9 pm

Gov't Mule
Sun, Apr 27, 2008, 8 pm

Mum
Mon, Apr 28, 2008, 9 pm

The Avett Brothers
Wed, Apr 30, 2008, 8 pm

House of Blues
White Swan Building
2200 N. Lamar Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214.978.BLUE

http://www.hob.com/tickets/searchresults.asp?
venue=House%20of%20Blues%20Dallas

Gospel Brunch
Gospel Brunch served every Sunday… seatings at 10 am and 12:30 pm.
Call for reservations, 214.978.BLUE

Tokyo Police Club
with Eagle Seagull
Tue, Apr 1, 2008, 8 pm

Eli Young Band
with Ryan James
Fri, Apr 4, 2008, 8:30 pm

Del Castillo
Thu, Apr 10, 2008, 8:30 pm

Buddy Guy
with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Thu, Apr 17, 2008, 8 pm

Blind Melon
with Tennessee Tuckness and Moonlight Towers
Fri, Apr 18, 2008, 9 pm

Martin Sexton
Sat, Apr 19, 2008, 8 pm

UFO
Wed, Apr 23, 2008, 8 pm

Michelle Shocked
Thu, Apr 24, 2008, 8 pm

All Four Original Members of Asia
Sun, Apr 27, 2008, 8 pm

Etta James
Wed, Apr 30, 2008, 8 pm

http://nokialivedfw.com/04nov2007_restore/index.asp

Angie Stone
with Special Guests Rahsaan Patterson and Lalah Hathaway
Fri, Apr 4, 2008, 8 pm

Aretha Franklin
Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 8 pm

Margaret Cho
Thu, Mar 27, 2008, 7:30 pm

Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.922.1200
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/
Dallas_Museum_of_Art/index.htm

Jazz in the Atrium
Enjoy a glass of wine in the Atrium Café and hear live jazz every Thursday, 6 to 8 pm.

Dallas Theatre Center
3636 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214.522.8499
http://www.dallastheatercenter.org/

The Blonde, The Brunette And The Vengeful Redhead
by Robert Hewett
Through April 6, 2008

One crime of passion.  Many perspectives.  The whole is definitely more than the sum of its parts in this highly acclaimed Australian play depicting the strange unraveling of Rhonda Russell’s life.  A single actress plays seven roles in a funny, poignant, and ultimately redemptive dramatic tour de force.

The Misanthrope
By Molière
April 23–May 18, 2008

Theatre Three
2800 Routh Street, Suite. 168
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.871.3300
www.theatre3dallas.com

Whodunnit
By Anthony Shaffer
Apr 3 - May 4, 2008

A comedy-thriller by the author of Sleuth… only one author wrote screenplays for both Alfred Hitchcock (Frenzy) and for novelist Dame Agatha Christie (Death on the Nile, Evil Under the Sun, and Murder on the Orient Express). “So whodunnit?” you ask. It was the brilliantly inventive Anthony Shaffer! In Whodunnit, he gleefully took all he learned from those masters and fashioned his own closed-circle-English-country-house-murder-mystery. And what characters…from horrifying to hilarious.