WED ▪ 6
August means it’s time for the kids to go back to school. Students and parents who are economically eligible can find free supplies at the Tarrant County Back to School Roundup. The event caters to students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and also features health screenings, immunizations, live music, games, and more. The event runs 8am to 2pm at Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W Lancaster Av, FW. Admission is free, but registration is required. Call 211.
THU ▪ 7
The Ludlow Massacre in 1914 was a bloody attack on striking coal miners and their families by Colorado National Guard soldiers and thugs in the pay of the mining company, an incident that occasioned a series of bloodier reprisals over the ensuing months. This tumultuous period in labor history is detailed in Bob Reed’s novel Red-Winged Blackbird. The author will be at Fort Worth Central Public Library to discuss his work at 6pm at 500 W 3rd St, FW. Admission is free. Call 817-871-7701.
FRI ▪ 8
A Vietnam veteran who pursued a career in the theater, Larry Shue wrote some highly popular farces before his life was cut short by a plane crash at age 39. His The Nerd is about an architect who’s made to realize his priorities in life when he invites the soldier who saved his life in Vietnam to his house, only for an impersonator to show up and annoy him no end. Theatre Arlington’s production runs Aug 8-24 at 305 W Main St, Arlington. Tickets are $22. Call 817-275-7661.
SAT ▪ 9
You may remember Affion Crockett playing a gangbanger in the A Haunted House movies or an airport security guard in Baggage Claim. (“I need your pockets out of your pockets! I have no life, which gives me all day to ruin yours!”) However, this weekend, you can catch his stand-up comedy act live when he appears Thu-Sun at The Improv, 309 Curtis Mathes Way, Arlington. Tickets are $20-30. Call 817-635-5555.
SUN ▪ 10
Kyudo is the Japanese word for the practice of archery, in which some practitioners view marksmanship as the highest goal, while others value grace, shooting form, and the sport as a contemplative activity over accuracy. You can discover more when the Kimbell screens the documentary One Shot, One Life: The Pursuit of Excellence Through the Art of Japanese Archery at 2pm at 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, FW. Admission is free. Call 817-332-8451.
MON ▪ 11
The recent Broadway adaptation of Xanadu incorporated the songs from the 1980 film with other songs by Electric Light Orchestra and, unlike the movie, won largely favorable reviews. You can see this mishmash of Greek mythology and roller disco when Artie’s Playhouse puts on Xanadu Jr. thru Aug 16 at Belaire Plaza, 444 E Pipeline Rd, Hurst. Tickets are $15. Call 817-284-1200.
TUE ▪ 12
Lovers and makers of handmade crafts rejoice! Etsy Fort Worth and North Texas M.A.D.E. are sponsoring a night of craftmaking activities entitled M.A.D.E. By You! Craft Night. Besides crafting materials, there will also be wine and hors d’oeuvres. The event starts at 7pm at Times Ten Winery, 1100 Foch St, FW. Admission is $20.
