Things to Do in Dallas Tonight: Feb. 17

In case you missed this not-so-shocking turn of events, machines are definitely smarter than humans. I accepted it a long time ago. I can’t find my way out of a paper bag without GPS. But I’ve seen Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and I know what happens next. Killer robots. You should probably have fun while you still can.

That being said, a whole bunch of almost-naked men are invading the Winspear Opera House tonight. Don’t freak out. It’s just the Kodo drummers of Japan, making a one-night-only stop before continuing on with their North American tour. The idea of an ensemble percussion performance like this is actually fairly new, but the taiko (literally meaning big drum) is beyond ancient. If Kodo’s rhythms don’t get your heart rate up and your blood moving, you might want to check for a pulse.

A kind commenter alerted me to this next offering: the playwright (and Dallas native) Doug Wright, speaking at his high school alma mater as part of the Highland Park Literary Festival. Wright, who wrote Grey Gardens and the book for The Little Mermaid on Broadway, won a Pulitzer Prize in 2004 for his one-person play I Am My Own Wife. Note to anyone on the Pulitzer board who may be reading this: I’d really like one of those to bring to my 25 year reunion.

Last but certainly not least, check out FrontRow’s ticket giveaway for the Nasher’s new music series. The performance isn’t until Sunday, but you can win tickets today and tomorrow.

For more things to do tonight, including an insane amount of happy hours, go here.