While many events in and around Fort Worth have either been postponed or canceled during the coronavirus pandemic, organizations have pivoted to virtual or socially-distanced events to continue offering the masses some entertainment while we need it the most.
The weather's expected to warm up this weekend. So, below are the best ways to spend your free time. While not every event is out of the house, they all promise to provide a nice distraction from the everyday life.
Friday, February 19
Magnolia at the Modern: Blithe Spirit
In Blithe Spirit, a married crime novelist (Dan Stevens) finds himself in a tough predicament when an eccentric mystic (Judi Dench) summons the spirit of his first wife during a séance in Noël Coward’s frothy drawing room comedy. The film, which co-stars Leslie Mann and Isla Fisher, will screen five times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Gaylord Texan presents The Jason Bishop Show
Fresh off his second Off-Broadway run in New York City and featured act on CW’s Masters of Illusion, Jason Bishop comes to the Gaylord Texan to perform state-of-the-art magic and illusions. Each show features amazing sleight of hand, exclusive grand illusions, and close-up magic projected onto huge screens. There will be eight more performances through February 28.
Theatre Wesleyan presents Uncle Vanya
Theatre Wesleyan presents Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov, a one-act adaptation translated by Eugene K. Bristow. Considered one of Chekhov’s masterpieces, Uncle Vanya’s scenes from country life follow intermingling lives surrounding a Russian country house. When a retired professor and his young wife visit the country estate managed by his daughter and her uncle, the visit causes long-held resentments and secret passions to surface. There will be three in-person performances through Sunday at Thad Smotherman Theatre on the Texas Wesleyan campus. Viewers can also choose to watch a livestream each day.
Gaylord Texan presents Four Day Weekend
While they've been unable to perform in their regular theaters, the award-winning Four Day Weekend comedy improv troupe will perform a limited series of their interactive shows at the Gaylord Texan. The show, which is recommended for adults 18 and up, will have two more performances on Friday and Saturday.
Jimmie Allen in concert
There's no better indicator of the increasing stardom of country singer Jimmie Allen than the high-powered guest list on his 2020 EP, Bettie James. Among his collaborators on the seven songs are Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, the late Charley Pride, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, and Mickey Guyton. Allen will sing those songs without the help of the stars at this concert at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, February 20
State Farm College Baseball Showdown
For the first time, college baseball is coming to Globe Life Field in Arlington. The 2021 State Farm College Baseball Showdown will feature games between six Big 12 and SEC teams — the University of Texas, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University, University of Arkansas, University of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University. Originally slated to take place Friday through Sunday, the tournament will now go Saturday through Monday, with each team playing three games over three days. All games will also be streamed live by FloSports, the exclusive broadcast partner for the tournament.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents A Gala Evening with Yuja Wang
With conductor Eric Jacobsen at the helm, pianist Yuja Wang will perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 at the Fort Worth Symphony's annual gala. Yuja is a Beijing-born pianist celebrated for her charismatic stage presence and captivating talent. The event will take place at Dickies Arena.
Reverend Horton Heat in concert
Dallas-Fort Worth music fans are very familiar with Reverend Horton Heat, the stage name of Jim Heath and his rockabilly trio, which have been performing in the area and around the world for over 30 years. They've released 12 albums in that time, including 2018's Whole New Life. This concert at Tulips FTW will be a solo concert by Heath without his trusty band.
Shenandoah and Collin Raye in concert (UPDATE: This concert has been postponed until June 25.)
Two longstanding entities of country music will team up for a special concert at Billy Bob's Texas. Shenandoah had a string of No. 1 hits in the late '80s and early '90s, and after a bit of a break, they've started making new music again, including 2020's Every Road. Raye was one of the true hit makers of the 1990s, with 20 top 10 songs, including 14 that made the top 3. He released his 14th album, Scars, in October 2020.
Sunday, February 21
Fort Worth Opera presents A Night of Black Excellence: Past, Present, and Future
A Night of Black Excellence: Past, Present, and Future is an all-star virtual benefit concert by Fort Worth Opera to celebrate Black History Month. The company will pay tribute to Black brilliance through music, dance, and spoken word poetry, with performances by some of the greatest Black opera singers and artists of our generation. Hosted by WFAA Channel 8’s Daybreak anchor Tashara Parker, the event will feature local and internationally renowned artists.
Pianist Yuja Wang will perform at Fort Worth Symphony's Gala Evening at Dickies Arena on February 20.
