Concerts in the Garden
Fort Worth's favorite summer festival blooms with musical tributes and symphonic sparklers
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's Concerts in the Garden festival is back to provide the soundtrack of summer for its 30th year. The 2020 season is packed with tribute artists, favorite returning shows, and a few symphonic sparklers.
Highlights of the series include tributes to Queen, The Rolling Stones, Selena, The Beatles, and The Eagles; an evening with singer/songwriter Sarah Jaffe; music from Star Wars and Harry Potter, and much more. Per tradition, all shows will take place at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and will end with a fireworks display.
Here's a look at the lineup, with descriptions provided by FWSO:
Friday, June 5-6: The Music of Queen
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Brent Havens, conductor
Mig Ayesa, vocalist
The Music of Queen kicks off the 30th Annual Concerts In The Garden Summer Music Festival. Last year, this concert was the breakaway hit, so this year, it’s expanded to two nights. Experience favorite hits by the classic rock band including “I Want It All,” “You’re My Best Friend,” “We are the Champions,” and the chart-topping “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Sunday, June 7: 1812 Overture and Symphonic Sparklers
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Alex Amsel, conductor
It’s the annual evening of symphonic masterpieces culminating with Tchaikovsky’s popular 1812 Overture set to a stunning fireworks display — no waiting until the concert ends for the sky to light up on this night.
Friday, June 12: The Music of Harry Potter
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Alex Amsel, conductor
“Ah, music, a magic beyond all we do here.” — Albus Dumbledore. Escape to the world of your choosing with music from all eight of the magical Harry Potter films.
Saturday, June 13: The Music of The Rolling Stones
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Martin Herman, conductor
Mick Adams, vocalist
“Satisfaction” is guaranteed when the music of the Rolling Stones fills the air. The concert will include hits like “Get Off Of My Cloud,” “Paint it Black,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and more with a full rock band and the full orchestra.
Sunday, June 14: The Music of The Eagles
Terry Brock, lead vocalist
The ever popular Music of The Eagles returns to the Concerts In The Garden lineup for that “Peaceful, Easy Feeling.” Get up and dance with your sweetheart during ballads like “Best of My Love” and “Tequila Sunrise,” then rock out to “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Heartache Tonight,” and of course, “Hotel California.” This concert will be performed without orchestra.
Friday-Saturday, June 19-20: Star Wars and Beyond: A Sci-Fi Laser Light Spectacular
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Alex Amsel, conductor
Jedis young and old will gather for two performances of "Star Wars & Beyond: A Sci-Fi Laser Light Spectacular." On the first half, the audience will behold favorite melodies from the realm of Sci-Fi films and television. Then after the sun sets, everyone can fire up their light sabers and enjoy some out-of-this-world music from the Star Wars franchise, enhanced by a stunning laser light show.
Sunday, June 21: A Tribute to Elvis with Kraig Parker
Fort Worth's favorite Elvis tribute artist, Kraig Parker, and his Royal Tribute Band pay homage to King. Parker has toured with Presley’s original vocal groups The Jordanaires, The Stamps Quartet, and The Sweet Inspirations, and critics have called this show “as close as it gets” to the real thing. This concert will be performed without orchestra.
Friday, June 26: The Music of Selena
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Martin Herman, conductor
Isabel Marie Sánchez, vocalist
This concert will honor the legacy of the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Vocalist Isabel Marie Sánchez will perform iconic hits like “Dreaming of You,” “Como la Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “No Me Queda Más,” and “I Could Fall in Love.” It promises to be a stirring tribute to Selena Quintanilla.
Saturday, June 27: Classical Mystery Tour
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Martin Herman, conductor
Classical Mystery Tour performs The Beatles’ timeless classics with beautiful orchestration by the FWSO. Favorite hits by the Fab Four include “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Yesterday,” “All You Need is Love,” “Penny Lane,” and much more.
Sunday, June 28: Sarah Jaffe
Known for her distinctively clear vocals, singer/songwriter and Texas native Sarah Jaffe brings her eclectic style to the Concerts In the Garden stage. “The raspy and hauntingly beautiful vocals her fans value haven't gone anywhere — but everything surrounding them is bolder and richer than before," raves Interview Magazine. This concert will be performed without orchestra.
Thursday-Saturday, July 2-4: Old-Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Stephanie Rhodes Russell, conductor
Ryan Kuster, bass-baritone
Pack a picnic, gather the whole family, and join the annual all-American July 4th celebration at the Old-Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic. Filled with patriotic songs and heart-pounding marches, the exhilarating Independence Day celebration offers one of the best fireworks displays in the area.
Passes and tickets
Festival passes allow patrons to attend multiple performances at a discount. A full festival pass, which includes all programs, or a mini-pass, which includes your choice of five programs, are offered. Passes offer a savings of up to 15 percent on concert tickets as well as other benefits, FWSO says.
Regular concert prices range from $25 for adult lawn tickets to $38-$78 for table seats. Children ages 10 and younger are admitted free on the lawn. Pre-Sale for FWSO subscribers and donors of $250 or more start March 17. Festival passes will be available to the public Marh 19. All single tickets go on sale to the general public beginning April 6. Purchase tickets online at www.fwsymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at 817-655-6000.