Swank Presents and Belmont Hotel begins ‘Barefoot at the Belmont’ on Thursday, April 30th with Austin based musician, David Garza. Chill out poolside and enjoy the best view in Dallas. Bring your blanket, good friends, and listen to some damn good indie singer-songwriters from Austin, Texas. Check out the full concert schedule here.

Strokes for a Cure is an event featuring two artists: a musician and a painter. Together they will originate a work of art for a worthy cause. Seth Simmons, pianist, will play his original compositions while Rolando Diaz, Cuban-American artist, paints an original oil on canvas. A silent auction for the painting will follow their performance. Strokes for a Cure is a benefit for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Bike Friendly Oak Cliff is a group of bicycle advocates promoting the creation of better cycling facilities in Oak Cliff. They are gaining quite a large following in a short period of time. The group has successfully raised money to install bike racks at popular hang outs in the Bishop Arts District.

Their next ride is planned for March 29th. They will be traveling to locations made historically significant by the infamous couple Bonnie and Clyde. I recommend coming out and enjoying a lovely spring day supporting this influential group.

Savor Dallas is an annual event that started five years ago by co-founders Vicki Briley-White and Jim White. Each year seems to have a unique memory behind it. What struck me to post about this event (all wine aside) is Savor Dallas donates a portion of net proceeds to three local charities: North Texas Food Bank, The Education and Scholarship Fund for the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association, and The Arts Magnet Building Campaign for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. I listed Friday’s special tasting event and the 3 Saturday wine tasting seminars.

Art Garfunkel is a singer, songwriter, poet, actor, long-distance walker, avid walker and reader. If you just had one question to ask this man, what would it be? And if you didn’t even have to think about that one, take your chance and ask him in person. Garfunkel is making an appearance for NasherSALON’s Lecture series on March 26th, 2009.

The Public Trust will exhibit the works of the late artist Charley Harper. The opening reception will be on Saturday, March 7th from 6-9pm. The exhibit will run through April 2009. The Public Trust is located at 2919-C Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226. For more information call 214-760-7170 or visit them online at trustthepublic.com.

Many of the Dragon Street businesses will be extending their hours until 8pm every 1st Thursday of the month in celebration of the arts and community. Their hope is to get the word out about the art scene on Dragon Street – home to various art galleries, antique, imports and floral shops.

Familiar Strangers is the first independent film produced by Cavalier Films. It was filmed in Staunton, Virginia in the fall of 2006 and released in 2008. The film is honest, funny, simple and sad – much like our lives. How we deal when going home to our parents as adults, instead of how they remembered us as children, can be confusing for all parties involved. This was a beautiful and well-written film for everyone to enjoy. Don’t expect big hollywood lights and a lavish set – the film stays true to its form. It was filmed in a small town which captured some great cinematography.

This was it – the best news I have heard, and probably will hear, all year. Leonard Cohen will play at Nokia Theatre on April 3rd and I didn’t miss buying the tickets. Which means I will see Cohen live in concert! Tickets go on sale Friday, February 27th @ 10am through Ticketmaster.

M. Ward is making a stop in Dallas before heading down to Austin for the annual SXSW Music Festival. The concert will be at the DMA Horchow Auditorium (capacity around 300) on Sunday, March 15th @ 7pm. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10am. (Presale tix were released today.) General admission is $19.95. Purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.