The first full weekend of the new year is not jam-packed with new events, but there are still some nice options. Choices include a showcase of a visiting composer, screenings of a new film, a traveling comedian, a trio of concerts, a classical concert with a family connection, and the final days of an art exhibition and a light-filled garden.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, January 5
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra events
Composer Stacy Garrop will be showcased at two separate Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra events this weekend. On Thursday will be Meet the Composer: Stacy Garropat Kimbell Art Museum, part of the series that is an opportunity for listeners to learn more about composers and their works. Garrop will discuss her piece “Spectacle of Light,” which will be performed during the concert on Friday and Saturday under the baton of Dame Jane Glover at Bass Performance Hall. The concert, which will have three performances, will also include Prokofiev’s “Classical” symphony, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G Minor.
Friday, January 6
Magnolia at the Modern: Corsage
In the 1870s, no woman in Europe was more admired than the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Vicky Krieps). Known as "Sisi," Elisabeth was ahead of her time, living a life of freedom and power that eluded almost all other women of her age. In Corsage, Elisabeth is on the verge of her 40th birthday, an age that most believed made the Empress an elderly matron. But with an unquenchable thirst for a life filled with curiosity and passion, Elisabeth refused to let the limits of her time define her. There will be six screenings through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Improv Arlington presents Adele Givens
Adele Givens shined as a member of The Queens of Comedy. She has worked with noted comedians such as Sinbad, Damon Wayans, and Martin Lawrence, and her television credits include The Steve Harvey Show, Tracey Takes On, Moesha, Martin, HBO's Def Comedy Jam, and Showtime at the Apollo. She'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Back in Black in concert with Mean Street
It will be back to the '80s night at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall when Back in Black, an AC/DC tribute band, and Mean Street, a Van Halen tribute band, take the stage. Back in Black is so authentic, their lead singer auditioned for the real AC/DC in 2016.
Josh Abbott Band in concert
The Josh Abbott Band, which was formed in Lubbock while all the members were students at Texas Tech, is part of the next generation of Red Dirt/Texas Country acts alongside Eli Young Band, Randy Rogers Band, and more. They have released six albums in their career, including 2020's The Highway Kind. They'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, January 7
Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth presents "Levinson and Friends"
The latest concert from the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth could be alternately titled "Levinson and Family" or "Levinsons and Friends." Gary Levinson's father, Eugene, who is the former Principal Bassist for the New York Philharmonic, returns to the CMSFW stage to perform the Trout Quintet. Selections for the concert at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth include Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Cello; Fuchs' Three Fantasiestuke for Viola and Cello; Gershwin's Three pieces from Porgy and Bess; and Schubert's Trout Quintet.
Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown in concert with Ga-20
The rock band Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown has roots in Texas, as Bryant first started performing in his hometown of Tyler, Texas, but it wasn't until he moved to Nashville that he found the musicians that would form his band, the Shakedown. Over the past decade, they have steadily gained a fanbase with their five albums, most recently 2022's Shake the Roots. They'll play at Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, with support from Ga-20.
Sunday, January 8
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents "Modern Masters: A Tribute to Anne Windfohr Marion" closing day
Sunday will be the final day to view "Modern Masters: A Tribute to Anne Windfohr Marion," an exhibition of contributions of one of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth’s greatest patrons, tracing her support over nearly a half century. Marion’s generosity to many institutions is legendary, but no organization stood above her love for the Modern. The exhibit features 80 works by 47 artists.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden presents Lightscape closing day
Sunday will be the final day to view Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Set along a beautifully illuminated walking trail custom-designed for Fort Worth, the outdoor exhibition features spectacular artistic installations that come to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound. Visitors will walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, undulating wave of bluebonnets, singing trees, treetop sculptures, and more.
Josh Abbott Band will play at Billy Bob's Texas on January 6 and 7.
