85 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION Best Stadium Show on a Budget Alex O’aiza Alex O’aiza treats a crowd of 40 people like it’s 40,000. The Mexican-American pop singer’s effort for his live product is second to none. The Dallasite incor- porates skits, choreography, vignettes and clever DIY stage design into a setlist that’s guaranteed to keep people danc- ing. O’aiza is going to be a star, and he knows it. But once he becomes one, you won’t notice much difference. facebook.com/AlexOaiza Best Small Venue Tulips FTW One of the greatest things about small venues is that they guarantee an inti- mate concert, which means smelling the sweat coming off the performer and not from the whole row sitting invasively close to you. Even better, it means hav- ing easy access to the bar. Absolutely best of all, you don’t have to deal with the parking inferno that builds around stadium concerts. Tulips in Fort Worth is known for its great ambiance and service, and this jewel of a venue shines brightest with its programming: from Russian political pariahs Pussy Riot, themed nights such as “Flirty Pop” — or even a Minion Rave — to North Texas greats (Polyphonic Spree) and up-and- comers (Henry the Archer), you’ll al- ways find an act worth watching. The bar stays open after shows, which is another point over big venues. Come for the bands, stay for a patio hang. 112 St. Louis Ave., Fort Worth 817-367-9798, tulipsftw.com Best Karaoke Night Charlie’s Star Lounge Love it or hate it, karaoke remains as popular as ever, as does boinking in pub- lic bathrooms, which you shouldn’t do. (Charlie’s had an issue with the latter, as we reported in a story with the very clear headline, “Fornicators Keep Break- ing a Dallas Bar’s Sink.”) Still, nowhere in Dallas offers both quite like Charlie’s Star Lounge. The Deep Ellum-adjacent institution does karaoke on Fridays in its main room. Even when it’s not doing karaoke, Charlie’s is a fave spot of ours. It’s no one-trick pony either. You can see DJ’s, drag queens or your friends on a night out. It’s one of the few real dive bars left, and with cheap beer and mel- low vibes, Charlie’s is a great place to kill an evening and just sing to your heart’s content. At least that way you likely won’t break any plumbing fixtures. 4319 Main St. 214-997-4940, charlieslounge.com Best Place for a Sound Bath Dallas Yoga Center with Kenny Kolter No worries. This is one bath where you won’t get wet. With more new residents hailing from California and Arizona, Dal- las has become a mecca for the popular “sound bath.” This meditative experience is ultra-captivating, where soundwaves explore and travel through every cell of your body. From crystal bowls to Tibetan bowls and gongs, the symphony of sounds make for a magical, melodic meditation. However, no other is like that of Kenny Kolter, who boasts decades of experience and who goes so far as to use gumbo pots to create a unique sound bath oasis. 4140 Lemmon Ave., No. 280 469-378-5667, dallasyogacenter.com Mike Brooks Charlie’s Star Lounge // BEST KARAOKE NIGHT “TEXAS' MOST HISTORIC VENUE” 216 CORINTH ST | DALLAS, TX 75207 LONGHORNBALLROOM.COM
