A community is coming together to help a Dallas singer and actress who lost all of her belongings in a fire last week.

Liz Mikel is known around Dallas jazz clubs and for performing with the Dallas Theater Company. She also had a role in the TV series “Friday Night Lights.”

Last week a fire tore through Mikel’s North Dallas apartment complex. “We ran out of the door, with the sparks flying, fire overhead and the smell of melting plastic.” she said.

Mikel, her daughter, and several others were displaced. “I saw the roof cave in, over my closet, adjacent to the bedroom, where I had been laying.”

Now, friends and complete strangers are reaching out. “Those day to day things were just taken from us so swiftly,” she said.

Sunday night there was a benefit at Tucker’s Blues in Deep Ellum.

“To have the love and support of my friends and community, it means the world to us. But, it shows the nature of people and how huge our hearts are as a community in Dallas,” she said.

Mikel says she has been overwhelmed by all of the support, and plans to give back when she gets back on her feet.

“I plan to continue this and help other people in need,” she said.

Mikel will play a role in the Dallas Theater Center’s upcoming pop musical Give it Up. The proceeds from the performance on Friday, Jan 15 will benefit Mikel. It is a “pay what you can” performance.

Dallas Cowboys‘ fans can taste the sweet success of victory with a free donut Sunday (today only).

Dunkin’ Donuts offered a free donut at all participating DFW-area locations if the Cowboys beat the Eagles.

The offer is only good January 10, during regular store hours.

Fans do not have to buy anything to get the free donut, but there is a limit of one per customer.

Dunkin’ Donuts partnered with the Dallas Cowboys Football Club to become the official coffee of the team and new stadium.

DFW-area locations:

Addison: 4900 Beltline Rd

Burleson: 1501 SW Wilshire Blvd

Carrollton: 1008 W Hebron Pkwy, 3216 E Hebron Pkwy

Dallas: 6033 Campbell Rd, 13535 Preston Rd

Fort Worth 9629 White Settlement Rd

Frisco: 2875 W Main St

Garland: 803 W Centerville Rd

Highland Village: 3060 FM 407 (Inside Wal-Mart)

Hurst: 1661 Precinct Line Rd

Plano: 2001 Coit Rd, 7317 Parkwood Blvd, 7212 Independence Pkwy, 1700 Dallas Pkwy (Inside Wal-Mart)

Dallas Children’s Theatre presents How I Became a Pirate A Musical by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers.

January 22 - February 21, 2010 at the Baker Theater / Rosewood Center

AARRRGH! It’s the Southwest Premiere of this swashbuckling musical based on the hilarious and award-winning book. Young Jeremy Jacob joins Captain Braid Beard’s scurvy crew for some high seas adventure, but soon learns that the truly important things in life are worth much more than buried treasure. A joyful family musical that is sure to leave you and your young mateys singing and dancing in the aisles!

Enjoyed by ages 4 years and above.
Click here to buy tickets now: https://www.dct.org/index.php/buypirate

Based on the book by Melinda Long and Illustrated by Daid Shannon.

Cafe Brazil is continuing their fantastic campaign of offering free food on Tuesday at one of their area locations.

Today, the special offer can be found at the Bishop Arts District Location (611 North Bishop Avenue, Dallas, 75208). The offer is valid until 11p tonight.

You can take advantage of this offer by being one of their “fans” on their Facebook fan page. All you need to do is print out their fan page or have a PDA/smart phone so you can show your server that you are indeed a fan. PLEASE tip your server on the full value of your meal!

So get over there and get a nice, warm plate of migas on this cold day!

Elm Street in Deep Ellum is an absolute hot bed of activity. The latest kid on the block is LaGrange which officially opens tonite in the old Cafe Istanbul place and right across from the action packed Trees night club.

I got a sneak preview of the place last night and am really impressed with the vibe of the venue. It’s a quaint place with great seating which allows every seat in the house to have a stellar view of the stage. A long slab of mesquite makes up the bar, instead of the pre-requisite stuffed deer heads, La Grange has opted for illuminated glass-like ones (PETA friendly!), and the element I like the most are the massive glass doors which allow a perfect view to the interior for everyone walking and driving by.

Out back is a lovely little courtyard which will be ideal for socializing during more temperate climes.

For performing acts, La Grange has gone all out and provided a proper green room which is not always a given but definitely a welcome perk for the bands.

La Grange will kick things off tonite with performances by King Bucks and The O’s.

Tomorrow night for New Years Eve, it is FREE COVER and performances by Boys Named Sue and Manning Dickson.

What an interesting dilemma to be in — the Dallas Cowboys have six outstanding players that are eligible for the Pro Bowl and everyone in Dallas will be hoping they all miss the January 31 game in Hawaii.

The players have been dubbed “The Six Shooters” and are Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Andre Gurode, DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff and Leonard Davis.

The Cowboys are in the NFL playoff’s and all fans are hoping that these guys will be preparing instead for the Super Bowl in Miami the next week.

First up will be the Cowboys taking on the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend at Cowboys Stadium — and we are all praying they hand the birds the same type of shut out they gave the Washington Redskins last weekend!

Our hearty congratulations to these great athletes!

Tuesday, December 15
Daily Matinee: Performances on Film
The Dream presented by American Ballet Theatre (54 minutes)
December 15, 2009; 2:00 pm
Accompanied by the ethereal music of Felix Mendelssohn, acclaimed choreographer Frederick Ashton interprets William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the stage. This one-act ballet presents a comical tale of fairies, mismatched lovers, and a mischievous sprite.
The Stage (within the exhibition: All the World’s a Stage)
Free with general admission

Toddler Art: Animals
December 15, 2009 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
For 2 and 3 year olds and a favorite grown-up. We will look at a work of art in the museum galleries, then play with our new friends in Arturo’s Nest, the Museum’s kid-friendly space. To register, call 214-922-1312.
C3 Studio
Free with general admission

Wednesday, December 16
Gallery Talk
Blood and Sacrifice: Ritual and Performance in the Art of the Ancient Americas
December 16, 2009; 12:15 pm
Elaine Higgins, Assistant to the Director of Education, Dallas Museum of Art
Meet at the main (Hamon) Visitor Services Desk
Free with general admission

Arturo’s Art and Me: Dinner Party
December 16, 2009; 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
For a 3–5 year old and a favorite grown-up! Adults and young children will work together to look at works of art, read a related story in the galleries, and do an art-making activity in the studio. Taught by Museum education staff. Class size limited to 12 pairs.
C3 Studio
Free for Members/Nonmembers $10 (per pair). All supplies provided. To register, complete and mail in this registration form. Call 214-922-1822 or e-mail familyexperiences@DallasMuseumofArt.org for additional information and class availability.

Daily Matinee: Performances on Film
Degas and the Dance (66 minutes)
December 16, 2009; 2:00 pm
This unique documentary explores the world and work of Edgar Degas, who created over a thousand images of ballet dancers, in their studios and on stage, throughout his career. Learn more about Degas’ intimate connection to the Paris Opéra, where for years he attended performances and watched ballet classes.
The Stage (within the exhibition: All the World’s a Stage)
Free with general admission

Thursday, December 17
Free Evenings 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Arturo’s Art and Me: Dinner Party
December 17, 2009; 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
For a 3–5 year old and a favorite grown-up! Adults and young children will work together to look at works of art, read a related story in the galleries, and do an art-making activity in the studio. Taught by Museum education staff. Class size limited to 12 pairs.
C3 Studio
Free for Members/Nonmembers $10 (per pair). All supplies provided. To register, complete and mail in this registration form. Call 214-922-1822 or e-mail familyexperiences@DallasMuseumofArt.org for additional information and class availability.

Daily Matinee: Performances on Film
The American Dance Festival’s Dancing in the Light (57 minutes)
December 17, 2009; 2:00 pm
The American Dance Festival presents six classic dances created by African-American choreographers. The selected dances, created over a 57-year span, have each influenced the course of contemporary modern dance, and often embody the social, political, moral and spiritual concerns of their periods.
Dancing in the Light is presented courtesy of the American Dance Festival.
The Stage (within the exhibition
Free with general admission

Jazz in the Atrium
December 17, 2009; 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
The Frank LoCrasto Group
Frank LoCrasto, pianist, composer, arranger, and Booker T. alum, has appeared onstage with Pat Martino, Joe Lovano, and Avishai Cohen, among others.
Free with general admission

DIY@DMA
December 17, 2009; 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Join artist Lizzy Wetzel this month for an art-inspired do-it-yourself project.
Drop-ins welcome. Pre-registration preferred; call 214-922-1311.
C3 Studio
Free

State of the Arts Lecture Series
December 17, 2009; 7:00 pm
The drive to create, the magic of the imagination, and the commitment to their craft—these qualities connect artists, dancers, actors, and musicians. Join Dallas Museum of Art Director Bonnie Pitman and KERA host and producer Jeff Whittington for an innovative new series exploring the creative process and the nature of performance. Hear Dallas’s key artistic leaders discuss the future of the city’s cultural landscape and what lies ahead for the nation’s largest urban arts district.
Charles Santos, Executive Director, TITAS
Charles Santos has served as Executive Director of TITAS since 2001.
Arlington Jones, Musician
He was named Jazz Artist of the Year by the Sammons Center for the Arts, and The Arlington Jones Trio performs frequently at the Dallas Museum of Art’s award-winning Thursday Night Live Jazz in the Atrium series.
Horchow Auditorium
To reserve seats, call 214-922-1826 or e-mail publicprograms@DallasMuseumofArt.org.
Free

Friday, December 18
Daily Matinee: Performances on Film
Othello (90 minutes)
December 18, 2009; 2:00 pm
The San Francisco Ballet performs a vibrant, modern dance interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale of passion and jealousy. Featuring choreography by Lar Lubovitch and a score by Elliot Goldenthal, this performance was hailed as “a major new chapter in American ballet.”
The Stage (within the exhibition: All the World’s a Stage)
Free with general admission

Toddler Art: Animals
December 15, 2009 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
For 2 and 3 year olds and a favorite grown-up. We will look at a work of art in the museum galleries, then play with our new friends in Arturo’s Nest, the Museum’s kid-friendly space. To register, call 214-922-1312.
C3 Studio
Free with general admission

Saturday, December 19
Sketching in the Galleries for Kids
December 19, 2009; 1:00 pm-3:00pm
Families are invited to sketch from original works of art. All supplies are provided.
Center for Creative Connections, Level 4.
Free with general admission

Studio Creations
December 19, 2009; 1:00 pm–3:30 pm
Celebrate the holidays with music! Let music in the exhibition All the World’s a Stage inspire you to create your own holiday decoration.
C3 Studio
Free with general admission

Family Films
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (76 min., all ages)
December 19, 2009; 2:00 pm
The story of Cinderella has been interpreted by musicians, artists, and filmmakers alike. This version, originally presented as special television broadcast in 1957, features music by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and stars Julie Andrews as Cinderella.
This film is shown by special permission of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
C3 Theater
Free with general admission

Performances in the Galleries
Scenes from Shakespeare, Readings by Regan Adair and Jenifer Crenshaw
December 19, 2009; 2:00 pm
The STAGE
Free with general admission

Sunday, December 20
Studio Creations
December 20, 2009; 1:00 pm–3:30 pm
Celebrate the holidays with music! Let music in the exhibition All the World’s a Stage inspire you to create your own holiday decoration.
C3 Studio
Free with general admission

Collection Connections
December 20, 2009; 1:30 pm–3:30 pm
Take an in-depth look at a different work of art each month. A trained volunteer will be in the galleries with engaging materials for all ages.
Gothic Bed, American Galleries, Level 4
Free with general admission

Family Films
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (76 min., all ages)
December 20, 2009; 2:00 pm
The story of Cinderella has been interpreted by musicians, artists, and filmmakers alike. This version, originally presented as special television broadcast in 1957, features music by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and stars Julie Andrews as Cinderella.
This film is shown by special permission of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
C3 Theater
Free with general admission

Performances in the Galleries
Scenes from Shakespeare, Readings by Regan Adair and Jenifer Crenshaw
December 20, 2009; 2:00 pm
The STAGE
Free with general admission

Monday, December 21

Tuesday, December 22
Daily Matinee: Performances on Film
The Dream presented by American Ballet Theatre (54 minutes)
December 22, 2009; 2:00 pm
Accompanied by the ethereal music of Felix Mendelssohn, acclaimed choreographer Frederick Ashton interprets William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the stage. This one-act ballet presents a comical tale of fairies, mismatched lovers, and a mischievous sprite.
The Stage (within the exhibition: All the World’s a Stage)
Free with general admission

Wednesday, December 23
Gallery Talk
NO GALLERY TALK

Daily Matinee: Performances on Film
Degas and the Dance (66 minutes)
December 23, 2009; 2:00 pm
This unique documentary explores the world and work of Edgar Degas, who created over a thousand images of ballet dancers, in their studios and on stage, throughout his career. Learn more about Degas’ intimate connection to the Paris Opéra, where for years he attended performances and watched ballet classes.
The Stage (within the exhibition: All the World’s a Stage)
Free with general admission

Thursday, December 24
CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Friday, December 25
CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

Saturday, December 26
Family Films
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (76 min., all ages)
December 26, 2009; 2:00 pm
The story of Cinderella has been interpreted by musicians, artists, and filmmakers alike. This version, originally presented as special television broadcast in 1957, features music by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and stars Julie Andrews as Cinderella.
This film is shown by special permission of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
C3 Theater
Free with general admission

Performances in the Galleries
NO PERFORMANCES

Sunday, December 27
Family Films
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (76 min., all ages)
December 27, 2009; 2:00 pm
The story of Cinderella has been interpreted by musicians, artists, and filmmakers alike. This version, originally presented as special television broadcast in 1957, features music by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein and stars Julie Andrews as Cinderella.
This film is shown by special permission of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
C3 Theater
Free with general admission