The first weekend in January is typically a slow one as event organizers and the world at large recovers from the holidays. But there will still be some fun stuff to see, including screenings of an independent film, a fusion of dance and symphony, two comedians, a country concert, a chamber orchestra concert, and the final days to three exhibitions.
Below are more best ways to spend your precious free time this New Year's weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Friday, January 5
Magnolia at the Modern: War Pony
War Pony tells the interlocking stories of two Oglala Lakota men coming of age on the Pine Ridge Reservation. At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can’t wait to become a man. The powerful tale of life, hope and belonging on the Reservation is also the directorial debut of Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, and written with first-time writers, Franklin Sioux Bob and Bill Reddy. The film will screen five times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the FWSO: Mozart and Stravinsky"
Dallas Black Dance Theatre will partner with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and music director Robert Spano for Stravinsky’s Petrushka Suite with choreography by Sean Smith, a balletic take on the story of Punch and Judy fame, with its whirling, folk-inspired melodies and high-stepping harmonies. Also on the program are a pair of Mozartian gems, the Overture from The Magic Flute, as well as the esteemed “Jupiter” symphony. The concert will have three performances through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Improv Arlington presents Jay Pharoah
Jay Pharoah is an actor and stand-up comedian who is best known for his wide array of uncanny celebrity impressions, including President Barack Obama, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Stephen A. Smith, Kanye West, and Chris Tucker, all of which he showcased during his six-season stint on Saturday Night Live. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Hyena's presents Scott White
A native of Dearborn, Michigan, Scott White has been honing his stand-up comedy act among the many talented comics in Houston. He has worked on comedy stages across the country with both the best and worst comedians in the business. He has also had the pleasure of entertaining the troops in Korea, Japan, and Guam. He'll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena's Comedy Nightclub.
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, most recently The Highway Kind in 2020. They'll play on both Friday and Saturday at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, January 6
Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth presents "No Barriers"
The first concert of the 2024 from Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth is "No Barriers," featuring pianist Orion Weiss, violinist Gary Levinson, and cellists Michael Klotz and Ani Aznavoorian. The program includes Suk's Elegie; Fauré's Piano Quartet No.1 in C minor, Op.15; and Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 2, A Major, Op. 26. The concert will be at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Sunday, January 7
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History presents "Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit" closing day
Sunday is the final day to see "Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit" at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The exhibit highlights a journey into the imaginative world of the renowned author and illustrator. Inspired by his quintet of "very" books, including the beloved classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the play-and-learn exhibition is all about friendship, creativity, and the power of imagination.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art exhibition closings
Sunday will also be the last day to view two exhibitions at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. "Come to Colorado" is drawn exclusively from the Carter’s Fred and Jo Mazzulla Collection and showcases 19th-century photographs, including work from W. J. Carpenter, Joseph M. Collier, and William Henry Jackson. "The World Outside: Louise Nevelson at Midcentury"is one of the first exhibitions examining Louise Nevelson’s midcentury sculptures and works on paper through the lens of the artistic and cultural landscape that shaped her vision.
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents "Dallas Black Dance Theatre and the FWSO: Mozart and Stravinsky," January 5-7 at Bass Performance Hall.
