Arts and Culture

In the same breath as you utter the Kimbell Art Museum, what usually trips off the tongue are so many of the master artists that are the pride of its permanent collection: From Caravaggio, Velazquez, David, Rubens, El Greco, and La Tour, to Cezanne, Matisse, Murillo, Bernini and, of course, the first-painting believed to have been executed by a brashly talented, young artist named Michelangelo. And this constellation of European greats totally omits the museum's exquisite holdings of African, Asian, African and precolumbian art.

But it isn't often that the Kimbell serves as the podium -- or canvas -- from where one can appreciate art from the Andes. Until now. With Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes, opening June 16, the museum will acquaint patrons with the creative force of the Wari people, the actual ancestors to the better known Incas. It is the first North American exhibition of its kind and it will transport patrons back to between 600 and 1000, when the Wari people created what many deem to have been Peru's first empire.

Containing 145 objects, the exhibit will run the gamut of media and materials the Wari worked in -- from precious metal ornaments, ceramics from polychrome, to joyously colorful mosaics, objects formed of sculpted stone and wood, and lushly woven clothing that constitute some of the most expertly executed textiles in what would form the illustrious tradition of Andean textile artistry.

Details: Wari: Lords of the Ancient Andes -- From June 16-September 8, 2013 at the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. www.kimbellart.org    

Other upcoming Kimbell Art Museum exhibitions and events to look forward to:

The Age of Picasso and Matisse: Modern Masters from the Art Institute of Chicago - October 6, 2013- February 16, 2014. This exhibition marks the grandest loan of its kind from the celebrated Art Institute of Chicago. Among the treasures, culled from the first 50 years of the 20th century, will be 10 works by Picasso, 10 by Matisse, in addition to great pieces by Braque, Juan Gris, Chagall, and Mondrian among many others. The Kimbell will be the only venue for this exceptional and landmark show.

Opening of the new Renzo Piano Pavilion -- November 27, 2013. The much anticipated new pavilion by one of the world's most sought-after architects will permit the Kimbell to host world-class touring exhibitions at the same time that it still has its permanent collection up for view in its classic Louis Kahn-designed original building. The glass, concrete, and wood-constructed pavilion will not only include plentiful classroom space, a well-stocked library, but also a 298-seat auditorium that is sure to become the next acoustically pristine music venue for Fort Worth music lovers. 

Most often, I come away from an opera with a remnant of an aria flitting around my inner ear, and an uplifting skip in my gait. Rarely do I look back on a gut-level, visceral experience -- where I've been riveted, moved, and finally provoked to consider the unrelenting toll of war and captivity, betrayal, the double-edged sword of forgiveness, and the ultimate challenge of rebuilding a shattered life. 

But it's precisely that meaningful and dark collage of feelings that coalesced in me at the conclusion of the Fort Worth Opera Festival's performance of Glory Denied. With its "based on a true story" imprimatur, Glory Denied, (music and libretto by Tom Cipullo) is inspired by the agonizing Vietnam War experiences of Colonel Floyd James (Jim) Thompson, whose name is engraved in contemporary military history for being America's longest held P.O.W. Over nine-years, Thompson endured unspeakable suffering, from failed escape attempts, physical torture, to the more invisible, psychological toll of prolonged loneliness and that agonizing feeling that everyone had forgotten him. When he is finally released, the euphoria of his new freedom is tempered by how drastically the world has changed, and the challenge of making his place in such a foreign world.

Fort Worth Opera's staging of Thompson's story is suitably stark, with the captive, "young Thompson" (David Blalock) sharing one-half of the stage with his post-captivity "older Thompson" self (Michael Mayes). The other half of the stage also plays with biographical time as it is home to "young Alyce" (Sydney Mancasola) or Thompson's wife at the time of his Vietnam service, and, a decade older Alyce (Caroline Worra), reduced to gazing nostalgically at letters and other fragments of a happier time, but who is now trying to cope with the stranger that is her freed, war-addled spouse.

Set in the intimate, semi-in-the-round confines of McDavid Studio, the opera permits each audience member to witness at close range time skipping from young Thompson's desultory jail cell (the opera's nimble, 12-piece chamber orchestra provides the slap of a torturer's whip across his back), to young Alyce, whose relatively upbeat mood is conveyed by her soaring voice and the sunniness of her robin's egg-blue dress. Then the spotlight lands on the "older Thompson," in a frumpy yellow sweater, trying to comprehend the '70s America he's re-entered. Finally, the agile light lands on the "older Alyce," reduced to ripping off what looks to be days in a calendar, like a wound's scabs, as she marks time spent wondering if her husband will ever come home.

When Thompson finally does return, to a hero's welcome, it sets up the opera's high point, a bravura solo by  Mayes who, in a passage echoing Billy Joel's We Didn't Start the Fire, and R.E.M.'s It's the End of the World, reels off a vast litany of all the totems of the early 70's (mini-skirts and Roe v. Wade, Patty Hearst and leisure suits, to Stonewall, Playboy, and Richard Nixon) most of them punctuated by the era's great counter-cultural motto:  "Turn on, tune in, drop out."

By the end of the opera, the audience is left with the hypnotic use of projected black and white scrap-book pictures of the real Jim Thompson, on the battlefield, and reunited with his family. This montage precedes the opera's ultimate scene of a near-broken Thompson, all but flailing about the stage, as he blurts out the dilemma of everyday existence ultimately facing us all: "What to do today?" followed by his feeble solution: "One day at a time." 

Glory Denied delivers powerfully on its title as the light slowly fades on a crumpled Thompson, one of the American military's great war heros, for whom life after wartime may be his most daunting battle. 

Details: Glory Denied plays May 11 at McDavid Studio, 301 East 5th Street, Fort Worth. Sung in English. As it runs about 90 minutes, there is no intermission.

Fort Worth native, Jamey Ice, guitarist for Green River Ordinance, is proud to say he grew up in the City of Cowboys and Culture. For the last seven years, he has traveled the country with GRO—playing every major city in America, but any time he’s asked what his favorite city is, he is quick to respond, “Fort Worth...it's my favorite city in the country”. Jamey recently opened up BREWED, a restaurant/ pub / coffeehouse on Magnolia Ave., the main street on one of Fort Worth’s emerging districts, the Near Southside. The vision behind BREWED was to create a “local living room” – a place where people can come to feel at home, be inspired and enjoy great hand-crafted food and drinks. Jamey said, “It was fun because I got to bring a lot of ideas that I have seen in other parts of the country back here to Fort Worth.”

Hometown: The greatest city in America…Fort Worth, Texas!

Occupation: Guitar player in Green River Ordinance & owner of BREWED. 

Favorite Fort Worth District: The Near Southside. It's a ton of fun. I love it because it is a community that supports and embraces local things. There are so many local artists and artisans here, dreamers and thinkers, awesome one-of-a-kind local businesses, and incredible local eateries. It's also a very community-driven area, with vibrant people who are passionate and active about supporting local goods. People are always outside: riding their bikes, working in the community gardens, or walking their dogs. My wife and I live in Fairmount and we are crazy about our neighborhood and the big front porches are a true reflection of  that everyone is always outside hanging out. I literally see my neighbors every day. I cant think of another neighborhood in town that has the community and camaraderie among the neighbors as Fairmount. 

Favorite Fort Worth Restaurant: BREWED?!? Fort Worth has so many killer places to eat, it is so hard to pick. But if I had to pick the one restaurant that I frequent most and has a special place in my heart, it would have to be Benito’s on Magnolia. It is the real deal authentic Mexican food, not the tex-mex stuff (not that there is anything wrong with good tex mex!). They have great authentic menudo, ceviche, chile rellenos, mole, and my favorite dish, queso flameado (a flaming cheese queso)! It's my dad’s favorite restaurant, so we grew up going there every Sunday and has become a weekly staple ever since. 

Describe your ideal day in Fort Worth. I am obsessed with my city, so it's hard for me to pick just a one-day itinerary. I love Fort Worth in the summertime when the weather is warm. My ideal day would have to include walking around Magnolia, some Fairmount front porch hanging out with my neighbors, sipping margaritas at Joe T's, exploring the Modern, riding my bike around the Trinity River, and maybe catching some awesome music and fireworks during the summer concert series at the Botanic Gardens.

Where are your favorite places to listen to live music in Fort Worth? Green River Ordinance literally got our start at The Aardvark on Berry Street. We started playing there in high school and continued through our TCU days, and I still love catching bands there. The new Live Oak Music Lounge is also a great new spot that is bringing in some awesome music. Of course, it doesn’t get much better than seeing someone play at Bass Performance Hall; that place is unreal. It doesn’t matter who is playing because any show at Bass Hall is sure to be amazing!

If you had to describe Fort Worth in a song title/create a song title for Fort Worth, what would it be? Oh man that’s a hard one. There are some good songs about Fort Worth. Steve Earl has the famous “Fort Worth Blues” song. For some reason Pat Greens music always reminds me of home. With GRO, we have spent so much time writing and recording our music here in town that it's hard not to associate Fort Worth with our songs. “West Wind” and “Dancing Shoes” both loosely about our City. 

If you could play a live show anywhere in Fort Worth, somewhere out of the norm, where would that be? We are playing at the Concerts in the Garden this summer. That is literally one of my favorite things to go to every year, so I am pretty pumped for that. Definitely a “Bucket List” show. But something out of the norm....hmmm. It would be fun to do a show on the roof of the 7^th street parking garage. It has a killer view of all of downtown, so that would be pretty fun! 

Your favorite place to get inspired in Fort Worth: The Kimbell Art Museum lawn (before they started construction on the Renzo Piano expansion). I can’t tell you how many Green River Ordinance songs were written right in front of the Kimbell or by the giant vortex statue at the Modern. Whenever we would get writer’s block, we would always grab our guitars and go down to Fort Worth Cultural District. 

The Fort Worth Music Festival, scheduled this year from Friday, May 17-Saturday May 18, is the annual reminder of just how stunningly diverse and rich the various musical strains and traditions that run deep in Fort Worth. Historically, that variety stretches all the way back to the country swing of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, the jazz giant, Ornette Coleman, to the present day stylings and musical production vision of T-Bone Burnett.

This year's edition of the festival will continue its historically varied offerings as 30 bands populate three stages and all offering up a spectrum of music from rhythm and blues and gospel, to jazz, country and indie rock.

The festival isn't just about a striking abundance of music, but it will also be a showcase for art exhibits, cool local vendors, food offerings, and even classes taught by notable local chefs.

Among the cornucopia of musical offerings, there will be something for just about every musical sensibility. Friday's lineup will offer festival goers the chance to revel in everything from the soul-country sounds of the Drive by Truckers, the alt-country, power pop enduring (as in more than 15 years long) presence of the Old 97's, and the quintessentially Texan brand of boogie rock, Memphis-flavored soul, and blues of the Quaker City Night Hawks. Saturday's lineup will offer a stunning richness of musical expressions, from the rock-revivalists, The Walkmen, marking their 10th anniversary together, and 25-year old Allen Stone, a self-proclaimed "hippie with soul," who has earned plaudits from no less a musical king-maker as the New York Times, comparing his socially aware music and lyrics to that of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, to the Hammond organ-propelled funky grooves of Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk (doubtlessly the catchiest name on the bill), to the bluesy, psychedelic Southern rock sounds of Fort Worth's The Hanna Barbarians (sporting the second catchiest name on the two-day bill).

And if that isn't enough ear-stretching variety for you, the Festival is also showcasing the roots music, steeped in the raw living done in far west Texas, as purveyed by the always energetic, harmony-driven band, The Dirty River Boys, along with the trumpet and sax-driven New Orleans-flavored musical gumbo that is the 35-year old Dirty Dozen Brass Band. 

The details: The festival runs Friday, May 17th-Saturday, May 18th. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday with music running 4 p.m.-11 p.m. On Saturday, gates open at 1 p.m. with music running 2 p.m.-11 p.m.  And it all takes place at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey Street in Fort Worth. 

Photo Credit: Brian Hutson, Fort Worth Music Festival 2012

People who know me are all too aware of my longstanding culinary obsession with the annual Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival. It’s more than just the fact that so many of the foods served up there inspire fond memories of the street fairs and block parties with which I grew up in New York.

It’s that so much of the food at Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival is so good – a welcome reminder that you don’t need to spend $40 a plate to have a distinct dining experience in Fort Worth.

In my more ambitious years, I would actually visit the four-day festival every day, and usually ended up eating six or seven meals there over the course of the weekend. These days, I usually visit just a few times – fair food may be delicious, but my cholesterol can only take so many spikes.

This year’s festival begins at 10 a.m.. on Thursday (did someone say “late breakfast?”) and continues through Sunday at 8 p.m. (dessert!). Here are my picks for dishes that no arts festival weekend is complete without, based on the last thirteen years of festival food experience:

1. The Bahama Mama, from the stupendous Schmidt’s in Columbus Ohio, is for me an annual renewal of my faith in humanity – a plump, spicy bratwurst much too large for its bun, which I slather in Gulden’s spicy brown mustard and top with sauerkraut. Make it a meal for a few extra coupons, and you can enjoy a side of Schmidt’s marvelously tangy potato salad. (The giant cream puff ain't too shabby, either, but it should not be approached on an even half-full stomach.)  

2. Tenderloin Tamales, from Reata. Who says festival food can’t be sophisticated? Tucked into steaming corn husks and topped with a nicely piquant pecan sauce, these beauties can be found on the regular Reata dinner menu – but they taste even better when you can enjoy live music and people watching at the same time. 

3. Smoked Turkey Legs. Yes, you will look like a cannibal while chowing down on one of these greasy, gristly wonders; and, indeed, I can speak from personal experience that it will send your blood pressure about 20 points higher. You can thank me later.

4. Funnel Cakes. Fried dough + powder sugar =  the perfect capper to any evening spent at the festival. That said, my advice is to get in line before the nightly funnel cake rush commences, usually around 7 p.m. (And, no, I'm not making that up. One year I spent forty minutes in line.) 

Of course, if none of these options appeal to you, there are plenty more vendors to choose from, including Texas Skillet (the grilled steak sandwich gets my vote); Fletcher’s (corny dog!), and many others. Most of these venues surround either the Sundance Square stage or the Bank of Texas Stage. You can check out a festival map here.

Finally, you can wash all of this down with a white wine margarita, or this year you can visit the Craft Brew Pavilion hosted by Flying Saucer, which will feature a half-dozens beers on draught.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go purchase some coupons.

Celebrate the beauty of spring, one of the best times of the year to visit the City of Cowboys and Culture. Spring in Fort Worth is evident through the incredible 75-degree and sunny weather, blooming bluebonnets and the influx of people enjoying the Trinity Trails. Each year, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden celebrates the season with a Japanese-themed Spring Festival in the enchanting Japanese Garden. On Saturday, April 20th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, April 21st (11am-5pm), discover the beautifully-lanscaped Japanese Garden, where stone, earth, leaf and water become one amongst 7-acres of wonder.

This family-friendly festival offers entertainment for all ages including Sakura Dancers, demonstration of martial arts and the deft use of Japanese swords. Attendees can wander the wavering paths of the garden, listening to koto music and taiko drumming, participate in the tea ceremony, explore the bonsai and ikebana exhibits, indulge in reiki relaxation techniques, and shop among numerous vendors selling jewlery, artwork and gifts. Enjoy an afternoon culinary delight in the food court and shop in the gift store that features Japanese tea sets, sake sets, toys and books. Bring the kids for special children's activities including kimono dress up; Japanese storytelling; origami, calligraphy, Japanese crafts and games; temporary tattoos; Japanese fish painting; and feeding the koi fish. For more information, click here.

Admission: $6.00 for adults $3.00 for children 4-12; under 4 admitted free. 

Looking for something free and inspirational to do this Spring Break in Fort Worth? Look no further than the Fort Worth Cultural District, where the Amon Carter Museum of American Art presents Big Pictures, a culmination of nearly 50 works inspired by photographers thinking "big". On view through April 21st, the exhibition explores the impact of scale and the history of how thinking large has developed over the past 100 years. Expanding the image (no matter how simple) allows us as viewers to slow down and notice the details, which is a nice life lesson in general. For example, one of the photos in the first room, Landscape by Kathy Sherman Suder (b. 1959) conveys a boxer; however, the image's scale allows us to look deeper and pay attention to the form of his muscles, the sweat, and the direction of movement rather than just the image as a whole. 

Divided into five sections, loosely chronological in order, Big Pictures conveys grandeur style in looking at how photographers use size to affect the audience in different ways, many times by breaking the boundaries and thus, prolonging the gaze. Many have believed that large photographic prints are a recent phenomenon in photography; but interestingly enough, this exhibition reveals otherwise. In fact, the drive to create ever larger images has intrigued and motivated photographers from the medium’s earliest years. Don't miss this incredible exhibition at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art!  

Hometown: Albany, New York

Occupation: Freelance writer and editor of AlbanyKid.com, a blog about enriching family travel.

Describe Fort Worth in three words: Spunky, Spirited, and Surprising.

If you want to discover America’s frontier spirit, there’s no better place to find it than in Fort Worth. The Old West comes alive every day in the Stockyards when cowhands drive a herd of Texas Longhorns through the Historic District. But on a recent visit, I discovered that there’s a lot more to this “Cowtown.”

Lush Gardens

The Texas landscape of my imagination is one of dusty trails, lone oak trees and barbwire fences. Not the verdant gardens—brightened by cottage pink roses, towering azaleas, and abundantly stocked koi ponds--that graced my stroll through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. And as if that wasn’t enough to permanently shift my mental picture, the Botanic Garden offers a number of educational exhibits, including the extremely kid-friendly Texas Native Forest Boardwalk.

Renaissance Art

I was expecting to see works by legendary Western artists such as Frederic Remington, but little did I know that Fort Worth is home to world-class art collections.  The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth houses the second largest collection of modern and contemporary American and European art in the United States. And the Kimbell Art Museum, known as “America’s best small museum,” permanently displays Michelangelo’s first painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony. Both museums are neighbors in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, where a number of outdoor sculptures prompted smiles (and even raised eyebrows.)

Loss and Remembrance

When I visited, Fort Worth had just unveiled the JFK Tribute commemorating the city’s place in history as the site of President John F. Kennedy’s final speech before his assassination. I was staying across the street at the Hilton Hotel (formerly Hotel Texas) where JFK and the first lady spent their last night together, and thus had ample opportunity to study displays celebrating JFK’s accomplishments. What struck me, though, was not the photographs and signage, but the sense of pride and gratitude in his legacy emanating from a Texan vet I met at the exhibits.

I hope you dance.

Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, has to be seen to be believed. We dropped in early on a weeknight, so I didn’t experience the energy of a 100,000 square foot establishment capable of holding 6,000 people. Instead, I was able to get a good gander at the decorative displays: the world’s largest belt buckle; walls covered in hand prints from the likes of Ringo, Richard Petty, and Huey Lewis; and a homage to the Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” label listing county music legends from Merle Haggard to Billy Joe Shaver who have recorded onsite. The image that will stay with me, however, is that of a middle-aged couple dancing on the wooden floor, under neon lights and a rhinestone studded saddle.

Seems to me that Fort Worth is full of fun and educational things to do with kids, but it’s also the kind of place that makes you want to dance.

There's no doubt, Fort Worth has romance in the air. Just take a walk through Downtown Sundance Square and the tree lit sidewalks mixed with the historic atmosphere, will create the perfect setting for your Valentine's date night. Fort Worth offers plenty of Downtown dining options where you can dress it up at Mercury Chophouse, Del Frisco's or Ruth Chris and dress it down at Riscky's or Frankie's Sports Bar. 

If you're looking for an ideal Valentine's date night in Downtown Fort Worth, we recommend appetizers and drinks at Reata Restaurant in Sundance Square. If it's a nice evening, try to get a spot on the recently renovated rooftop patio. Walk down Main Street for a dining experience like no other at Grace Restaurant where award-winning Chef Blaine Staniford creates Modern American Classics like bacon wrapped scallops.

The highlight of your evening will take place at one of the most romantic spots in Downtown, Bass Performance Hall where Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Broadway at the Bass: Memphis (February 12-17, 2013). Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Memphis is a show-stopping, thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love with explosive dancing and irresistible songs. After the show, indulge in a gourmet cupcake at The Cupcakery or step into Scat Jazz Lounge, for live music and a nightcap.

Share your Fort Worth love this Valentine's Day, and you could win two tickets to see Memphis on February 14 plus a $20 gift card to Grace Restaurant! To enter, upload a photo of something you love about Fort Worth or a loved one, using the tag #LoveFortWorth. For more contest info, visit FortWorth.com/Love. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Instagram and Facebook on Monday February 11 at 2pm. 

This weekend, enjoy one of the most beloved films of all time backed by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and travel to the wonderful world of Oz with Oz with Orchestra, sure to be a magical multimedia production! Experience The Wizard of Oz with a whole new treat for the senses as you watch the restored film on the big screen in the beautiful Bass Performance Hall and listen to Judy Garland's original 1939 studio recordings with live orchestration from the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. This is sure to be a treat for children of all ages, but adults alike who hold that special place in their heart for Oz. You can catch the performances Friday, January 25 at 8:00 PM, Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 PM in Bass Performance Hall.  Click here to purchase your tickets (range from $27-$79). 

There are many things coming up at the Kimbell Art Museum to get excited about, most notably the opening of the Renzo Piano Pavilion in late 2013, but next month, you will have the chance to see Bernini: Sculpting in Clay starting February 3, 2013. The exhibit, featuring 49 terracotta models, most of which done by Bernini, explores a deeper understanding of the sculptor and his incredible talents. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who lived between 1598 and 1680, was the greatest sculptor of the 17th century—the Michelangelo of his age. He did for sculpture what Caravaggio did for painting, invigorating it with an unprecedented sense of drama and naturalism that launched the artistic age known as the Baroque. Over a career that spanned nearly 70 years, he reshaped the face of Rome with his spirited works—from marble statues of saints in chapels to dramatic fountains in civic spaces. Mark your calendar to set a date to visit the exhibit, Bernini: Sculpting in Clay from February 3-April 13, 2013! Caption: Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Model for the Lion on the Four Rivers Fountain (detail), c. 1649–50, terracotta. Accademia Nazionale di San Luca, Rome. Photo by Zeno Colantoni.

Taking a look at fall 2013, the Kimbell Art Museum will host some of the most celebrated works of modern art during The Age of Picasso and Matisse: Modern Masters from The Art Institute of Chicago (October 6, 2013-February 16, 2014). The exhibition will feature nearly 100 works from The Art Institute of Chicago which holds one of the greatest collections of modern European art in the world. In the largest loan of its kind from the Art Institute, the Kimbell will host The Age of Picasso and Matisse: Modern Masters from The Art Institute of Chicago as the only venue.The works span the first five decades of the 20th century and include 10 pieces by Picasso and 10 by Matisse. This exhibition has been booked to coincide when the new Renzo Piano-designed building is scheduled to open.

For more information on things to do in the Fort Worth Cultural District visit us online. 

In just a few days, on January 19, 2012, there is a show at the intimate Casa Manana Theatre that is sure to have you dancing, rocking and singing along.  Fort Worth’s own Josh Weather’s Band, the best thing you might not yet know about, and the legendary Eddie Money are teaming up to put on the show you’ll be talking about for the rest of the year.

The Casa Manana Theatre is a terrific place for a show and delivers on all of the important details you would want. It is a small, intimate venue without a bad seat in the house. You want to make sure you get there early to see the opening act, Josh Weather’s Band. They are known for their big soul-infused rock sound with even bigger energy that will have you humming for days and ready to download their music on iTunes as soon as you get home.   

After Weather’s concludes rocking it, Eddie Money, one of the best entertainers and musicians you’ll ever experience, will perform live. He will be thrilling the crowd with some of his classic rock hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Think I’m in Love,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” etc., while also showcasing his unbelievable talent playing the saxophone.

So, let Josh Weathers welcome you and have Eddie Money make you “Wanna Go Back” in this can’t miss show to really kick start your 2013. Get your tickets today!

The smash hit Broadway revival of West Side Story will open at Bass Performance Hall in Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth on January 15 and will run through January 20. More than 50 years ago, this musical changed theater forever and is back mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever.  Make an evening in Sundance Square with many dining choices before the performance. I’ll be there on opening night. See you there! Get your tickets now! 

For more Fort Worth entertainment and events, visit www.FortWorth.com

 Photo Credit: Carol Rosegg

The holidays are upon us and with them, come so many traditions to take part in! Deck the halls, bake your favorite seasonal treats, sing classic Christmas carols, to name a few. One of our favorite holiday traditions that always puts us in that special Christmas spirit is catching a show at Bass Performance Hall or McDavid Studio in downtown Sundance Square.

Not only are the decorations in Bass Hall absolutely stunning this time of year, but the lineup is pretty stellar, too! Favorites like Michael Martin Murphey, Dave Koz and Robert Earl Keen are bringing holiday cheer to Fort Worth and tickets are on sale now! Choose one of the many entertaining shows and make a night of it in downtown Fort Worth! Warm up with some hot coco at Oliver's, indulge your sweet tooth at The Cupcakery, enjoy a brew at the Flying Saucer and visit Sundance Square's Winter Wonderland on Main Street. Visit the full list of upcoming events at Bass Hall and McDavid Studio.

Now through January 2013, you have the opportunity to see the largest traveling exhibition the Amon Carter Museum of American Art has ever presented-completely free. Opening in Italy in 2010, traveling to Madrid, then Tokyo and now Fort Worth, To See as Artists See: American Art from the Philips Collection is composed of ten thematic units that takes you through a journey across time of American art. Fort Worth, the City of Cowboys and Culture is one of only three cities to host the exhibition.

Duncan Phillips, one of the few voices to champion American art as well as young struggling artists, opened The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. in 1921 as America's first museum of modern art. To See as Artists See is the first large-scale, traveling presentation of The Phillips’s celebrated collection of American art. The exhibit offering a historical narrative of the collection from 1850 to 1960, includes work by over 63 American artists including Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Arthur G. Dove and Walt Kuhn.

After a guided tour last week , what I found most transparent about the exhibit was Duncan Phillip's compassion for young, struggling artists and his artistic eye for paintings that at the time of purchase were worth very little. In the 1920s, Phillip purchased Edward Hopper's Sunday (pictured below) for just $600; now the painting is estimated to be worth well into the millions. This reoccurring motif is apparent throughout the exhibit and uniquely parallels that of the American Dream: taking a chance on someone or something to follow the pursuit of one's passion. Don't miss your chance to view the passion that paid off and see this incredible exhibit in the world-renowned Fort Worth Cultural District. 

Fort Worth is a city that loves music, whether it’s a renowned symphony orchestra or the jingle of western spurs and bellowing cattle, music strikes a special chord in the City of Cowboys and Culture. With the live music scene on the rise, it's no surprise that Fort Worth hosts the Annual Fort Worth Music Festival, (formerly Jazz by the Boulevard) a two-day music, art and culinary event in the Fort Worth Cultural District off Camp Bowie Blvd. 

The festival which takes place on the shady lawn of Will Rogers Memorial Center this weekend, (Sept. 28-29, 2012) is open to all ages. Experience incredible talent from national, regional and the local music scene. 20 acts on 2 stages, cooking classes led by area chefs and local artwork for sale include the fest's entertainment lineup. Headliners include Dr. Dog, Hayes Carll, Kevin Eubanks and more. Expect tons of food options from local food truck scene as well. 

In addition to the rockin' time you'll have at the fest, don't miss the After Hours shows and parties all around town. From Lola's to the Live Oak, there's nonstop live music happening throughout weekend, even after the fest. Visit the full after show lineup. For more info on live music in Fort Worth, click here. >>> Photo credit: Brian Hutson