THE DEN10: MAY 21st

Glen Farris

Memorial Day is the official kick-off to the best Summer of your life. It’s wrought with possibility, new friends, new adventures, trips to the beach, sailboats, and “mussel Mondays.” It’s the perfect time to get out there, judge a chili cook off, play some baseball, and meet your new BFF’s. There's plenty of stuff going on. Go do something before it's 110 outside. Make sure to #WDDI the good ones.

Questions, comments or instructions? Email glen@wedentondoit.com.


Wednesday, May 21st
OpenHack | May | Banter | 6PM
Here’s where it’s happening in Denton’s tech-scene. Code on anything with like minded folks over at Banter this evening and get your OpenHack on. There has been lots of momentum in the local tech scene in the past few days, so there will be much to talk about. 

Zach Nytomt / Christian Lee Hudson / Raised Right Men | Dan’s Silverleaf | 8PM | $7

Thursday, May 22nd
May Green Drinks | East Side (S.C) | 5PM
Co-sponsored by the Denton County Cross Timbers Sierra Club, meet up and network with people working and studying to promote environmental and sustainable topics all while drinking some delicious alcoholic beverages. 

Twilight Tunes: Texas Singer Songwriters | Courthouse Lawn | 6:30
Have y'all made it out to Twilight Tunes yet? We're a month in to this year's season and it's been a blast every time. Go hang outside, bring your dog or kid (not both) and listen to some good tunes while you enjoy a cold one or glass of wine. The weather is perfect for this right now and the glaring sun tucks behind the Texas Building a little after seven. 

Friday, May 23rd
Ten Hands / Daphne Willis | Dan’s Silverleaf 
Paul Slavens and company in what is always a surefire good show. 

Saturday, May 24th
The O’s / Daniel Markham | Dan’s Silverleaf | 9PM | $7

Nervous Curtains / Videoing / Cereboso | Macaroni Island | FREE
NO JERKS

The Bonnies | Banter | 8PM | FREE

Sunday, May 25th
Golden Jesus Chili Cookoff | 904 Bolivar | 12-8PM
The quest for the Golden Jesus has begun and will end with the most harsh judging Denton County can muster 7PM this Sunday. It’s a great way to kick off the Summer and use your leftover Pepto Bismol. 

Monday, May 26th
Dylanfest 2014 | Dan’s Silverleaf | 5PM
Another Denton Memorial Day tradition and another great way to kick off the Summer. This one features lots of Bob Dylan covers and benefits Instruments of Change. 

WHAT WE DID: MAY 19TH

We sent off our #Sriracha2Denton delegates to impress the big wigs in California with a fun little shindig. We made sure to sport our Pan Ector tees, smile at the cameras and drink plenty of Sriracha-spiked beverages (the "Sriracharita" happened to be our favorite). Oh, and did y'all get a load of Denton's newest iconic location - the "L_l d" outside of Oak St. Drafthouse? There were far fewer people dressed up as "i's" than we figured there would be. Maybe y'all just need another week. As per usual, we loved sifting through your photos of Denton-filled fun. Y'all really know how to take advantage of a weekend full of great weather, friends and plenty of (spicy) booze. 

Thanks for all of the great 'grams! Don't forget to tag your pics with #wddi throughout your week so we can keep up with all of the great things you crazy kids are up to! 

#SRIRACHA2DENTON

As you're well aware by now, Denton's been trying to lure Huy Fong foods away from Irwindale, CA where a couple of citizens have been complaining about the air near the factory. They recently invited a few city officials to come visit. We sent 'em off in pure-Denton style with a party at Oak St. Drafthouse. While we're on the subject, we got to catch another Roden improptu speech at the event on Friday. With the amount of times that man has to find a chair to stand on, we're thinking we should buy him a pair of stilts and a book on stilt walking and then he can give a speech whenever/wherever. Howsabout it, Roden? 

Robert Gomez kicked off his new album at Dan's Silverleaf last weekend. We were super bummed to hear that homeboy will soon be moving to Seattle. We'll miss you, Gomez! Photo by @chinaskithefury. 

Robert Gomez kicked off his new album at Dan's Silverleaf last weekend. We were super bummed to hear that homeboy will soon be moving to Seattle. We'll miss you, Gomez! Photo by @chinaskithefury

@liz.king tried the acai bowl from Seven Mile Cafe. It's one of our favorite breakfast dishes in town!

@liz.king tried the acai bowl from Seven Mile Cafe. It's one of our favorite breakfast dishes in town!

@mkernan tried out the special pulled pork bagel sandwich from Royal's Bagels that were available just this past weekend and reported back that they were as delicious as they look here. 

@mkernan tried out the special pulled pork bagel sandwich from Royal's Bagels that were available just this past weekend and reported back that they were as delicious as they look here. 

We caught one of our favorite local designers, @savviedesign hanging out at the Denton Community Market this weekend. Just when we think the market is at peak awesomeness levels, it expands and gets even better. Have you been lately? 

We caught one of our favorite local designers, @savviedesign hanging out at the Denton Community Market this weekend. Just when we think the market is at peak awesomeness levels, it expands and gets even better. Have you been lately? 

@pastranastudio showed off their stellar style to a few friends over the weekend. We can't wait to see what kind of furniture goodness they have up their sleeve. We want a piece! 

@pastranastudio showed off their stellar style to a few friends over the weekend. We can't wait to see what kind of furniture goodness they have up their sleeve. We want a piece! 

@tspigener pushed those local beer boundaries and chanced his precious Brunch Money on a float! 

@tspigener pushed those local beer boundaries and chanced his precious Brunch Money on a float! 

Clint Wilkinson of @bellandoak got all cute and personal by making the best skinny belt ever for his wife. (When can the rest of us get one?) 

Clint Wilkinson of @bellandoak got all cute and personal by making the best skinny belt ever for his wife. (When can the rest of us get one?) 

@katiekernan made a stir fry full of Denton Community Market veggies and Denton's favorite condiment. 

@katiekernan made a stir fry full of Denton Community Market veggies and Denton's favorite condiment. 

@harvesthousedenton is looking forward to a high yield season at the Harvest House! Do y'all have a garden going yet this year? 

@harvesthousedenton is looking forward to a high yield season at the Harvest House! Do y'all have a garden going yet this year? 

@katie_grant snapped a pick of one of our favorite local produce purveyors, Earthwise Gardens. 

@katie_grant snapped a pick of one of our favorite local produce purveyors, Earthwise Gardens. 

Amber Briggle has been taking water balloon shots from kids all around town in support of the splash park!

Amber Briggle has been taking water balloon shots from kids all around town in support of the splash park!

@coffeecatkid enjoyed a Moscow Mule from Pachall's and enjoyed one of our favorite views of the courthouse on a rainy day last week. 

@coffeecatkid enjoyed a Moscow Mule from Pachall's and enjoyed one of our favorite views of the courthouse on a rainy day last week. 

Alana Presley snapped a shot of her two besties soaking up the sun. Forget taking kids to the bar - take your gosh darn weimaraner. 

Alana Presley snapped a shot of her two besties soaking up the sun. Forget taking kids to the bar - take your gosh darn weimaraner. 

Requisite end of post taco shot. This week, it comes courtesy of Tiffany Youngblood, who headed to La Sabrocita (one of our favorite taco spots, too) for what looks like one super tasty plate full of tacos. 

Requisite end of post taco shot. This week, it comes courtesy of Tiffany Youngblood, who headed to La Sabrocita (one of our favorite taco spots, too) for what looks like one super tasty plate full of tacos. 

SHORT FILM CLUB SCREENING

By Wesley Kirk

IMG_1760-2.jpg

On the evening of Saturday, May 3rd, in the UNT's RTVF building, the line for the UNT Short Film Club Spring 2014 screening took up the entire lobby. Over a hundred students and family members gathered to watch the short films produced by the only student organization at the University of North Texas that produces narrative films outside the classroom.

Every semester, students pitch ideas for short films, and the members of the club vote on the best ideas to go into production. This all leads to three individual 10 minute films. The entire crew is comprised of UNT students and alumni, from wildly different backgrounds. All of whom are interested in learning more about film-making. The films are shot on a RED Scarlet Digital Cinema camera, donated by a local filmmaker, and are often paid for by Kickstarter campaigns.

This year, we had a wonderful assortment of films, including a sci-fi drama, a family comedy, and mixed media drama. Juniper (embedded below), tells the story of a girl attempting to save her grandmother from the government’s population control, which features impressive special effects and wonderful performances from Amanda Reyes & Juli Erickson. The Regal Saxton is a screwball comedy about an unusual family tradition: the night before the son’s wedding, the Barrow family robs The Regal Saxton bank. #SavingScott is a fast-paced mixed media montage in which a YouTube celebrity lies about having cancer. 

Also screened were the winners of the filmmaking contests. In an effort to encourage students to make more films for themselves, the UNT Short Film Club has increasingly challenging film-making contests throughout the semester, ranging from simple Instagram videos to narrative shorts. Arielle Engle won Best Instagram Video for “Lipstick” about a femme fatale with a twist. German Torres won Best Documentary with “Spinning Fire” a spontaneous documentary about a guy who gets through the stress of the day by spinning fire. Amanda Reyes won Best Non-Sync Sound for her touching, poetic short “Dear Brother” about correspondence with her brother during his time in prison. John Brodie won Best Narrative with “The Woman In White”, an enigmatic film about a woman gone missing.

Due to a technical difficulty, Juniper was unable to screen that night, but a screening of a rough cut of Remoriam more than made up for it. Remoriam, an ambitious short film about a technology that can capture a single moment of your life exactly the way you experienced it, should be finalized soon. The film had the entire audience in tears, thanks to Zion Szot’s brilliant performance as Sam, a terminally ill young girl struggling to decide the perfect moment to capture.

The night concluded with the new president and vice president of Short Film Club surprising those present with a secret video they had been making all semester. Said video featured members of Short Film Club talking about how I had helped them as filmmakers and how much Short Film Club means to them. It was an emotional night, and a very touching way to end my career as president and founder of Short Film Club.

 

Here's the short film, Juniper, embedded below!


Wesley Kirk is a recent graduate of UNT having majored in Film with a perspective that we can't get enough of. He is the owner and founder of The Vision BeautifulClick Clack Short FilmsPeople of Denton and just finished his presidency of UNT's Short Film Club. He is one busy dude to say the least. Catch him if you can running around campus with a camera of sorts strapped to his hand headed to his next adventure. 

EVERYONE HATES CHAMBERS

Seryn members, Nathan Allen and Aaron Stoner, give their honest opinion of Chambers' soon the be released debut album, 'Inner Room.' 'Inner Room' will be released June 10, 2014 through The Record Machine.

Our friends in the band Chambers are about to drop their new album Inner Room on June 10th via The Record Machine. In fact, as they gear up for the big release, they're interviewing their buddies about the new album. We asked them a couple of questions about the new album, their evolving sound - and their newest marketing campaign (which you can. 


WDDI: What was your experience writing your new album? 

Judson Valdez: Making this album was a new experience for all of us I think.  As it is our first as a band, making it really was a struggle to establish what we want to be.  Sometimes that led to arguments and fits, but overall, it really is what brought us together as a band.  There is something special and difficult about taking a bunch of pieces and ideas that are so personal, bringing them to a group of people and saying, "how about this?"  I think we all had to learn to work together in that regard.

It's kind of like writing this super passionate love letter to you high school crush, spending hours and hours struggling to get the right words in hope that she will understand and think you're super cool, and then before you give it to her, you ask your friends to read over it and tell you what they think, and then they respond, " yeah, that's pretty good but what if you did this instead?"

 

What inspired your new marketing campaign? 

As strange as it might sound, we aren't always serious and moody, even though our music may portray otherwise.  Most of our time together is either serious brooding (myself especially) or joking around and playing joke cover songs.  So when we were talking ideas to promote the album, we thought it might be fun to show our other side a little since our music is so serious. Our close circle of friends is mostly made up of musicians, artists, photographers etc. and when we all get together we spend a lot of time joking around about the things we take most seriously, kind of a release I suppose.  So when we asked our friends to go on camera and make fun of us, they were very easily won over to the idea.

 

How would you describe your new album in 140 characters or less? 

An attempt to give the best and worst parts of us to everyone else. It's a big risk, but hopefully it will be worth taking. 

 

        

WHAT WE DID: MAY 12TH

Will Milne

Y'all seemed to be more interested in drinking beer than voting last week. When it's Armadillo Ales' Brunch Money, we guess that makes sense. Maybe next local election they'll pass out free bottles of the stuff instead of little "I Voted" stickers. Who knows? Weirder things have happened. 

Either way, the election has come and gone. Chris Watts won the mayoral election, Dalton Gregory took Place 5, Greg Johnson took Place 6, and John Ryan won District 2. We're still pushing right along, though. We're a little bummed that we couldn't get the average voting age below 60, but oh well. The plan is to embrace it - we'll add a monthly AARP column and a Denton Guide to Colonoscopies. Yay, the future! The election didn't stop anyone from taking photographs, though. We've got a slew of #WDDI tagged photos below. Breeze through them this rainy Monday and go get us some sweet storm pics, y'all. 

Hot damn, Brunch Money. You got some fans. And now that our buds at Armadillo Ale Works have announced that they're moving their operation to Denton, we like it even more. Photo by Ben Esely. 

Hot damn, Brunch Money. You got some fans. And now that our buds at Armadillo Ale Works have announced that they're moving their operation to Denton, we like it even more. Photo by Ben Esely

Have y'all seen these awesome new Midway Mart shirts from Pan Ector? We want one! Photo by Ben Esely (again - dude is on a roll). 

Have y'all seen these awesome new Midway Mart shirts from Pan Ector? We want one! Photo by Ben Esely (again - dude is on a roll). 

Friends near a flooded ditch and it's not even Jazz Fest anymore! Photo by @dearedeker. 

Friends near a flooded ditch and it's not even Jazz Fest anymore! Photo by @dearedeker

Remember when it wasn't raining and it was like 90 degrees and sunny all the time? Perfect grilling weather. Photo by @sarahlanette. 

Remember when it wasn't raining and it was like 90 degrees and sunny all the time? Perfect grilling weather. Photo by @sarahlanette

Prom season is upon us. Ryan High School's prom was this past Saturday. Check out these dapper duds. Photo by veronica_n_denton. 

Prom season is upon us. Ryan High School's prom was this past Saturday. Check out these dapper duds. Photo by veronica_n_denton

Photo by @thepaigels. 
Thanks, Mr. Spigener. 
KDB + Cardo's Farm = a match made in heaven. Photo by @kessalynweeman. 

KDB + Cardo's Farm = a match made in heaven. Photo by @kessalynweeman

Photo by Brittany Macdaniel More of KDB at Cardo's. 

Photo by Brittany Macdaniel More of KDB at Cardo's. 

#SWAG, y'all. Photo by Shaina Sheaff. 

#SWAG, y'all. Photo by Shaina Sheaff. 

We're kinda lovin' Wild Flower Art lately. Fun activities all the time. Excited for their upcoming Calligraphy class. 

We're kinda lovin' Wild Flower Art lately. Fun activities all the time. Excited for their upcoming Calligraphy class. 

Hope y'all celebrated your respective mothers on Sunday. Dime did with some mimosas. 

Hope y'all celebrated your respective mothers on Sunday. Dime did with some mimosas. 

See! loves his momma. 

See! loves his momma. 

UNT and TWU grads! Here's an awesome before and after photo of SavvieDesignCo, Savannah Teel. 

UNT and TWU grads! Here's an awesome before and after photo of SavvieDesignCo, Savannah Teel. 

Egg white and vegetarian crepes from cups and crepes. Photo by @thepaigels. 

Egg white and vegetarian crepes from cups and crepes. Photo by @thepaigels. 

A new Denton collector's item. An East Side Social Club glass before they dropped the "social club." Photo by @thepaigels. 

A new Denton collector's item. An East Side Social Club glass before they dropped the "social club." Photo by @thepaigels. 

More booze! Photo by Jade Wintersee Chessman. 

More booze! Photo by Jade Wintersee Chessman. 

Taps on taps on taps at East Side. Photo by @ryfuhr. 

Taps on taps on taps at East Side. Photo by @ryfuhr

The most photographed bottle in Denton. It is beautiful design, though. Photo by @sprocketsbicycleshop. 

The most photographed bottle in Denton. It is beautiful design, though. Photo by @sprocketsbicycleshop

Another awesome mural. Photo by Kristin Scott

Another awesome mural. Photo by Kristin Scott

Is it, though? The "World Happiness Report" claims that it's actually Aarhus, Denmark. Back to the drawing board, designer! Photo by @wishmynamewas. 

Is it, though? The "World Happiness Report" claims that it's actually Aarhus, Denmark. Back to the drawing board, designer! Photo by @wishmynamewas

Bell and Oak, we love you. Please keep making beautiful stuff out of leather. This is the Mulberry Wallet. 

Bell and Oak, we love you. Please keep making beautiful stuff out of leather. This is the Mulberry Wallet. 

Photo by Shaina Sheaff. 
Plaid and plaid, y'all. 

Plaid and plaid, y'all. 

It's farming season, y'all. Photo by Jade Wintersee Chessman. 

It's farming season, y'all. Photo by Jade Wintersee Chessman. 

Royal's helped raise money for Denton's future splash park by donating 10% of their sales on Saturday to the cause. Escaped mental hospital patients decked out in swim gear hung out outside and let children throw water balloons at them. 

Royal's helped raise money for Denton's future splash park by donating 10% of their sales on Saturday to the cause. Escaped mental hospital patients decked out in swim gear hung out outside and let children throw water balloons at them. 

Requisite courthouse silhouette by Ian Harber. 

Requisite courthouse silhouette by Ian Harber. 

MR. FARRIS MIGHT REALLY GO TO CITY HALL

By Glen Farris

Photo by Dave Koen. 

Photo by Dave Koen. 

This Saturday, May 10th, the residents of Denton will have an opportunity to exercise one of the greatest rights as Americans we have: the right to choose it’s leaders by vote. The sanctity of the voting booth is a cornerstone of our democracy, it is a right that has been defended and solemnly protected in our country’s 238 year history and yet it’s estimated our voter turnout will be around 5%. If you’ve ever wondered why things are the way they are in Denton, there’s your answer. There are 5% of us deciding our city’s direction and future. In the face of that much disengagement and apathy, We Denton Do It decided to take this challenge head on by providing information and avenues for involvement to our readers.

On February 22nd of last year, we posted the first Mr. Farris Goes To City Hall article. This was a first of a series of posts about the inner workings of our city and was a product of many things. The first and foremost was the belief that citizens should engage their local government if they wanted to see positive change in their city. My ambition was based on serving the community, just as it always has been. 

I want the best for our city. I see its potential. My love for my community has compelled me to serve whenever and wherever I was asked and to pitch in wherever needed; to be a part of my community. I saw it as my duty to relay what I had learned through We Denton Do It and thus the possibly prophetic Mr. Farris Goes To City Hall was born.

Running for a public office has been quite an experience. It has been overwhelmingly encouraging to take part in the beautiful mess that is democracy. Whether it’s knocking on doors and driving miles through District 2 to neighborhood meetings or attending the many forums hosted these past few months; it has been an amazing journey and I am humbled by the generosity and support that our campaign has received along the way. In the midst of the hours of work, what kept me pushing to the end was the reminder of why I was running to begin with: because I love my city.

Beyond loving my city and wishing to extend my service, I’ve got some big ideas as well: 

- We need healthy neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown. It’s time to look at economic development from all sides and recognize that we need to provide parks, libraries, public art along with higher wage-jobs. 

- We need a caring and inclusive community. The doors are open and the table is set for us to prosper and I believe that the only way we can move into the future is together. Let’s move passed the burned bridges and rifts of the past.

- We need increased community engagement. I will continue to encourage this through all means available.

- We need to compete on the national level for jobs, people and investment.

- We need to streamline our developmental code. What we have now is inefficient and if we’re going to encourage economic development we need to be encouraging a culture of customer service with developers. 

- We need thoughtful growth. Denton is, without a doubt, going to rapidly grow in the near future, set to double in population by 2030. Let’s be mindful and retain our identity as we grow.

- We need to be a regional and national leader in the areas of tech growth and sustainability. We’ve got the talent and the resources in both these areas, let's take advantage of them.

It is through my service and love of my city that I have proven myself to be a responsible representative with the best interests of the residents of Denton. That’s why I am confidently asking for your support and your vote this Saturday, May 10th. No where else will your voice be louder or more powerful. 

A vote for Glen Farris is a vote for Denton.

Polls are open Saturday May 10th from 7AM to 7PM. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

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