May 2
The voice
Hearing him on the radio is a sign of springtime. The voice of the Texas Rangers, Eric Nadel, celebrates his birthday in our neighborhood again. It’s a fundraiser for Focus on Teens, a nonprofit that provides services to homeless public-school students. Parker Millsap and Daphne Willis perform. Be sure to pick up a copy of Nadel’s eighth-inning limerick book, “Lim-ERIC,” the sales of which benefit the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.
Where: The Kessler, 1230 W. Davis St.
More info: thekessler.org, $22-$55
May 4
Taste of Oak Cliff
Only the dedicated hit up the first Taste of Oak Cliff last year, when it was freezing cold in April. The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce wisely moved it to May this year, and tickets are only $5. Get to know locally owned restaurants and reward the chamber’s perseverance during this year’s event.
Where: Tenth Street at South Beckley Avenue
More info: tasteofoakcliff.com
May 7
Fiesta Mexicana
Live bands, a car show, DJs on every block and a beer garden make Dallas Cinco de Mayo the place to be, and it’s free. The parade starts at the Oak Cliff Cultural Center at 10 a.m. and ends in the 700 block around 11:30. The main performance stage is in the 600 block.
Where: 223 W. Jefferson Blvd.
More info: oakcliffarts.org
May 17-19
Ay, Señor Bond
Get familiar with Pofirio Rubirosa, the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s immortal character, James Bond, who was Dominican, in “The Real James Bond was Dominican” by Christopher Rivas.
Where: Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S Tyler St.
More info: bishopartstheatre.org, $18-$25
May 22
Sax legend
Catch prolific free-jazz saxophonist Peter Brötzmann in a Bishop Arts backyard for $20. The German musician performs with West Virginia-born pedal steel player Heather Leigh.
Where: The Wild Detectives, 314 W. Eighth St.
More info: thewilddetectives.com