11/12: Unchain the Melody

By LYNDSAY KNECHT MILNE

Updated 7:32 AM CST, Fri, Nov 13, 2009

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FEED THE PUPS: Did you hear? Snarky Puppy went to Canada! Trouble is, the prog-jazz band returned from the gentle country less $6,000 after their van broke down and some nice folks who probably pronounce "eggs" strangely stole equipment and merch (and -- ouch -- a hard drive with a solo album recorded on it, according to Pegasus News' J.B. Hawkins). In a tizzy of kindness without borders, a group of fans including said pub's perpetually smitten music editor threw together a string of three benefit shows to help get the Pups back on the trail to record as planned. The first one is tonight at the Boiler Room with The Gritz, Oso Closo, Hatch and the down-but-not-out Snarky Puppy. $10 for under 21; $7 for the rest. Doors at 7:30PM.

TRAILER PARTY: So what does that Best Music Advocate honor in the Dallas Observer Music Award pool mean anyway? This year's winner, Chelsea Callahan (a.k.a. DJ Dirty Cha Cha), throws white trash-tastic bashes at the Double-Wide like tonight's Cinco de Cha-Cha benefit, where there'll be brisket tacos, a salsa contest, and three killer bands you might not have heard: The Boom Boom Box, Cocky Americans, and Heart Eyes Open with the better-known Bridges and Blinking Lights. Oh, and Mariachi Quetzal plays first in the courtyard, with Beauner Jams and DJ Dusty Bottoms spinning outside until 2AM. Oh, and all proceeds go to the Carter Albrecht Music Foundation, a charity with a mission to improve the quality of life for local musicians like the late artist it pays homage to. Doors at 8PM.

JFK FOR MUSIC EDUCATION: The Innovators of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League raise money to help put instruments in the hands of minority children and secure lessons and mentoring for kids whose parents couldn't otherwise afford them. But they don't host stuffy dinners to round up the dollars: the group pursues education with their events just as they do with the proceeds that come from them. Hear stories from Dr. Phil Williams, who spoke to Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy as an intern at Parkland Hospital on that horrible day in 1963, and Mike Howard, the former U.S. Secret Service agent who held Lee Harvey Oswald as Jack Ruby pulled the trigger. "Remembering JFK" is at the freshly fixed-up historic Old Parkland. More info about reservations here. 6:30PM-8:30PM.