WBAP's Hal Jay shares powerful story of life-saving transplant with Tarrant Heart Ball

The gift of time

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What: 2023 Tarrant County Heart Ball

Where: The Worthington Renaissance Hotel

The 411: On January 10, 2023 popular WBAP morning radio host Hal Jay collapsed from an irregular heart rhythm. On February 3, he underwent a heart transplant. By April 4, he was back on the air, and on April 22, he was sharing his story in person as keynote speaker for the American Heart Association's Heart Ball.

In his brief but powerful remarks, Jay thanked his wife, Ann Harbuck, his family, and medical providers, and God for saving his life. In keeping with the gala's theme, "The Gift of Time" Jay said he had a new-found appreciation for "giving your heart and body time," emphasizing, "I will never NOT exercise again."

The 2023 gala - chaired by Stephanie and Michael Klein - brought together hundreds of Heart Association supporters, philanthropists, and medical personnel. They were seated alongside heart disease survivors and their families, who shared their harrowing stories to inspire fellow guests.

The evening's proceedings were led by mistress of ceremonies, CBS News anchor Nicole Baker, under the guidance of AHA executive director Corrie Harris.

After a cocktail reception and multicourse (heart-healthy) meal of mixed greens salad, pan-seared jerk chicken, and berry tart and chocolate mousse, guests had the opportunity to give through an "Open Your Heart" appeal.

Those holding out with bigger bucks bid fast and furiously in a live auction. Up for grabs were trips to Broken Bow and Big Sky; packages for the Charles Schwab Challenge and Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo; Duke basketball tickets; Ginger Walker Art; and a De Boulle necklace.

Those who wanted to continue the celebratory evening took to the dance floor while the Mitchell Ferguson Band entertained.

In all, the night raised $300,000 to further the American Heart Association's work in Tarrant County.

Who: Aimee Plummer, Robin Carson, Melinda Bronstad, Allison and Tug Rix, Becca and Johnny Cheng, Lori and Brad Bruce, Trey and Kristin Carmichael, Angela and Rick Bettinger, Arturo Ruiz, Mercedes Cruz, Ava Beach, Allen Beach, Elaine and Shawn Tubre, Emily Howard, Hatice Dalton, Marcia Jacobs, Eric and Shannon Benink, Anthony and Cynthia Villagran, Nancy Murphy, Sarah Harbuck, Emily Avila, Robert Luera, Shehla Shah, Syed Nayyar Shah, Thomas Williams, Suzy Pratt, Lou Martin, Jennifer and Kenneth Willingham, Tammy and Heath Middleton, Kassy and Jacob Flesher, Chrissy and Jordan Long, Matt and Katie Foust, Treanise Owens, Joel and Lisa Mohrman, Michael Tilley, Denise Castle, Georfe Terrazas, Boozaziel Chavez, Tim Dohse, and hundreds more AHA supporters.

Photo by Stacey Brooks

Sarah Harbuck, Emily Avila, Robert Luera, Ann Harbuck, Hal Jay, Shehla Shah, Syed Nayyar Shah

Photo by Evan Michael Woods

These are the 19 must-see shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for June

Theater Critic Picks

It's a joke in the news industry that things more or less slow down in the summer, but theater apparently never got that note.

This summery month sees 19 — two more than last month! — shows opening in Dallas-Fort Worth, plus the return of Shakespeare in the Park, a special role reprisal, and concerts by two absolute Broadway legends.

In order of start date, here are 19 local shows to watch this month:

Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical
Uptown Players, through June 11
In an epic game of cat and mouse, two diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet and vow to destroy anyone who gets in their way. Seduced by passion and revenge, this devious duo spins a web of dangerous liaisons and find themselves entangled in the cruelest game of all: love. Based on the cult classic film and featuring favorite '90s hits, this new jukebox musical is utterly intoxicating. This is a co-production with Fort Worth's Stage West.

The Last Flapper
Belle Sauvage, through June 11
Is she mad… or just angry? Alone in a mental hospital, Zelda Fitzgerald, icon of the Jazz age, asks the questions her doctor should have. Did F. Scott steal her words? Did he claim she was insane just to gain his freedom? Can a woman decide her own fate? In this poignant, playful, and truthful one-woman show, Zelda finally gets to tell her side of the story. Adapted and performed by award-winning Dallas actress Catherine D. DuBord and directed by award-winning Texan Lydia Mackay, the historical play wrestles with issues that are not at all a thing of the past.

SparkFest
Amphibian Stage, through June 14
SparkFest features a variety of events, workshops, performances, staged readings, and parties over a two-week period. See the link for full schedule.

Tiny Beautiful Things
Circle Theatre, through June 17
The play is based on Cheryl Strayed’s journey as the beloved anonymous advice columnist for “Dear Sugar.” Over the years, thousands of people turned to “Sugar” for words of wisdom, compassion, and hope. Reluctant to claim that she has all the answers, Sugar looks to her own past and draws on her life experiences to bring light, laughter, and humanity to others.

The Way She Spoke
Undermain Theatre, through June 18
This haunting and theatrical one-woman play travels from the stage to the treacherous streets of Juárez, Mexico, where thousands of women have been murdered in an epidemic of violence that has yet to stop. Written by Isaac Gómez based on his intimate interviews, the play is a raw and riveting exploration of responsibility: one playwright's journey to give voice to a city of women silenced by violence, fear, and a world that has turned a deaf ear to their stories.

Next to Normal
Theatre Three, through July 2
The Goodman family is just a “normal” family: Dad's an architect, mom packs lunches and makes birthday cakes, and their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens. Under the surface, their family is anything but. Next to Normal is an emotionally charged, Tony Award-winning musical that explores a family’s raw and emotional journey with a mother struggling with chronic bipolar disorder as they navigate a world of therapists and medication.

Praise the Lord and Raise the Roof
Jubilee Theatre, June 2-18
Written by Celeste B. Walker, this light-hearted comedy is set in the fictional town of Rule Hill County, Virginia, where an African American church takes in a friendly white drifter amidst fear and suspicion about a rash of local church burnings. When tragedy strikes, they must reconcile their own prejudice with their Christianity.

Miss Saigon
Casa Mañana, June 3-11
In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, Chris, an American soldier, and Kim, a Vietnamese girl, fall in love and marry but are distressingly separated when Saigon falls. As years pass, Chris, remarries and attempts to move on with his life. Kim, however, gives birth to Chris’ son and waits faithfully for Chris’ return. When circumstances bring Chris back to Vietnam, he learns the truth. Legendary actor Lou Diamond Phillips stars as The Engineer.

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show
Broadway Dallas, June 6-8
This is a powerful and stirring reinvention of the beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award‐winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the groundbreaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs.

Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare Dallas, June 7-July 16
For some in Much Ado About Nothing, love begins at first sight. For others, love has been forsworn. The war is over. Pedro Prince of Aragon, with his followers Benedick and Claudio, visits Leonato, Duke of Messina, father of Hero and uncle of Beatrice. Claudio fights for his love for Hero, and Benedick has forsworn women until his friends make him believe that he has caught the eye of Lady Beatrice. It plays in repertory with Two Gentlemen of Verona.

The Last Truck Stop
Kitchen Dog Theater, June 8-25
The Mainstage production of the 25th annual New Works Festival, The Last Truck Stop is a world-premiere production that centers on a tenacious trucker-turned-truck-stop-owner and her poetic, gun-toting postal carrier, who debate staying or going when their desert town becomes a no-go zone. Should they trust the colorful stranger who arrives with a story they desperately want to believe? A journey into a not-so-distant dystopian future; with blistering heat, resilient heart, and dreams of the open road.

New Works Festival
Kitchen Dog Theater, June 10-24
The 25th annual edition includes a Staged Reading Series and the 22nd year of Playwrights Under Progress (PUP) Fest, co-produced with D-PAC (Dallas - Playwriting Arts Collective), an alliance between KDT, Dallas ISD, and local youth organization Junior Players. See link for the full schedule.

Two Gentlemen of Verona
Shakespeare Dallas, June 14-July 14
Two Gentlemen of Verona is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays and also one of the most rarely performed. It's about betrayal, love, and disguise. When two best friends fall in love with the same woman, chaos ensues. Proteus is determined to destroy the betrothal of his friend, Valentine, and the lovely Silvia, but he also forgets his own beloved Julia in the midst. Resolved to win back his love, Julia travels to Milan to find Proteus. It runs in repertory with Much Ado About Nothing.

I Wanna F*cking Tear You Apart
Stage West, June 15-July 9
Best friends and roommates Sam and Leo are an unbreakable team. United by their cozy co-dependent diet of mutual self-loathing and Grey’s Anatomy marathons, this "us-against-the-world" pair loves each other to absolute death. But when a new friend enters the scene, doubt creeps in and a shattering secret is about to be dragged kicking and screaming into the light.

Fly By Night
Theatre Arlington, June 16-July 2
In this darkly comic rock-fable, a melancholy sandwich maker’s humdrum life is intersected by two entrancing sisters. A sweeping ode to young love set against the backdrop of the Northeast blackout of 1965, Fly By Night is a tale about making your way and discovering hope in a world beset by darkness. David Coffee reprises his role as Mr. McClam, which he originated in the world premiere at Dallas Theater Center.

Lea Salonga In Concert
AT&T Performing Arts Center, June 17
Multiple award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga is best known for her Tony Award-winning role in Miss Saigon. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. Many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II.

Chita Rivera In Concert
The Eisemann Center, June 23
A theatrical icon and one of Broadway's greatest triple-threat talents, Rivera is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history, having earned 10 nominations, two wins, and the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. She will recreate signature moments from her legendary Broadway career, from West Side Story, Sweet Charity, and Bye Bye Birdie to Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Visit, and more.

The Butterfly's Evil Spell (El Maleficio De La Mariposa)
Hip Pocket Theatre, June 23-July 16
Written by Federico Garcia Lorca and last produced at Hip Pocket in 2011, Lorca's poetic world of beetles, fireflies, and other magical creatures is disrupted when a hypnotic, wounded butterfly enters their dewdrop paradise. Boy beetle is cast under the spell of love, and Scorpy is sure to shake things up in this timeless tale of longing and beauty.

Hadestown
Broadway at the Bass, June 27-July 2
Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife, Persephone — as it invites the audience on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and director Rachel Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.

Courtesy photo

Decadent desserts in jars from celebrity Top Chef roll in to Fort Worth

Dessert News

Desserts in jars from a celebrity chef are coming to Fort Worth: Jars by Fabio Viviani, a fast-casual dessert brand serving popular desserts in jars, is opening a location in the Trinity Commons/Tom Thumb center, at 3000 S. Hulen St. #150, taking over a former Wild Bird Center.

This will be the first of a planned 10 franchised stores in the DFW area. According to a representative from the company, it'll open in late 2023.

Longtime fans of Top Chef will recall the charming and dreamy Fabio Viviani, who was a contestant in 2008, voted "fan favorite," and was among the most engaging contestants to ever appear on the series. That is a totally objective statement. To be honest, this story should have featured a photo of Fabio as the lead art, instead of the desserts. To wit:

Top Chef Fabio Viviani Why yes, chef Fabio Viviani, I will totally buy your desserts in a jar.Courtesy photo

A native of Italy who moved to the U.S. in 2005, he's cultivated a profile as a celebrity chef, hospitality developer, best-selling cookbook author, and TV host, opening dozens of restaurants, bars, and event spaces, and serving as spokesperson for several international brands.

He founded Jars in 2021 as a gourmet quick-serve dessert concept serving an assortment of classic desserts from around the world in a single-serve jar. The first corporate location opened in Chicago's West Loop in February 2023, and there are now many more in development.

The menu rotates through more than 100 recipes, featuring classics such as cherry cheesecake, birthday cake, and even gluten free options.

Selections include:

Double Dark Chocolate Cake - Dark Double Chocolate Custard, Chocolate Sponge Cake, Vanilla Frosting, Rainbow Sprinkles
French Vanilla cake - French Vanilla Custard, White Sponge Cake, Vanilla Frosting, Rainbow Sprinkles
Tiramisu Espresso & Cream Custard, Coffee-Dipped Lady Fingers, Nilla Wafer, Cocoa Powder
Tres Leches Cake - Salted Caramel, Tres Leches Sponge Cake, Sweet Strawberries, Crunch Cereal Topping

They also limited-edition seasonal flavors such as Apple Pie with Granola Crumble, Pie Crust, and Pastry Cream; and Freedom Jar with Red, White, & Blue Custards, Sponge Cake, and Blueberries.

Prices range from $7 to $10.

They also do flavored waters such as mango passion fruit and blood orange.

Bringing the Jars concept to Fort Worth are husband-and-wife Tejal and Jason Wible, Fort Worth residents and franchise veterans whose prior businesses include a location of Dogtopia.

They're particularly happy about the location.

“We’re right between I-20 and I-30 and situated near some great schools, including Texas Christian University, and several residential neighborhoods,” the couple says in a statement. “We’re confident we found the perfect spot to bring the good people of Fort Worth the next big thing in desserts.”

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Fan Expo lures stellar list of celebrities to North Texas for 2023 edition

Star Power in Effect

Fan Expo Dallas, the largest sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Texas, always manages to gather together an enviable number of movie and TV celebrities, but its upcoming event - taking place June 9-11 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center - is more full of stars than ever.

Although the "top" celebrity is in the eye of the beholder, arguably leading the way is Zachary Levi, still a big star despite the failure of the recent Shazam! Fury of the Gods. On the comic book movie/TV show front, Sean Gunn from the Guardians of the Galaxy series, Jon Bernthal from The Punisher, and Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio from Daredevil will also be on hand.

Star Wars fans will receive a bounty of goodness, as Darth Vader himself, Hayden Christensen, will show up on Saturday. Other Star Wars universe stars appearing include Rosario Dawson (The Mandalorian, the upcoming Ahsoka) and Vivien Lyra Blair, who played the young Princess Leia in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ series.

Nostalgia plays a key part in conventions like this, and fans will get their fill on multiple fronts. Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Christie Brinkley, and Randy Quaid will be on hand to celebrate the 40th anniversary of National Lampoon's Vacation. Also appearing will be Peter Weller of Robocop fame and Leslie David Baker, Creed Bratton, and Oscar Nuñez from The Office.

Stranger Things is one of the most popular streaming shows out there, and fans will get to see both Joseph Quinn and Grace Van Dien, who played key roles in the most recent season. Also appearing is Christina Ricci, who is having a resurgence in her career, having appeared recently in Netflix's Wednesday and Showtime's Yellowjackets.

Other notable names include Carrie-Anne Moss from The Matrix; Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, and other Clerks cast members; Danny Trejo from Machete and more; Paul Walter Hauser from Cobra Kai and more; Gabriel Luna from The Last of Us; Lana Parilla from Once Upon a Time; Bonnie Wright from the Harry Potter movie franchise; and Steve Burns from Blue's Clues.

A variety of voice actors will also make appearances, including Shameik Moore (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Jodi Benson (The Little Mermaid), Kathleen Herles (Dora the Explorer), and more.

The length of stay for the celebrities ranges from a single day to all three days, and all appearances are subject to change; check the event schedule for if/when your favorite star will be making an appearance.

The three-day event also includes family-friendly attractions, comic creators, cosplayers, and more.

Single day tickets are $33. Three-day passes range from $89-$105, and you can also get the Ultimate Fan Package, which ranges from $129-$145. Discounts are available for kids and family packs. Photo ops and autographs with celebrities are typically an extra cost.

Photos courtesy of Daniel Hooks

Fort Worth chef Tim Love cooks up collection of premium jeans and accessories

Something new to Love

Fort Worth chef Tim Love’s next project trades chef’s whites for blue jeans: Love Collection, his debut line of premium women's and men's apparel and accessories, launches Friday, May 19 online and at one of Love’s properties in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

The initial capsule collection includes:

Dark, medium, and light Men's Boot Jeans made with 98% cotton and 2% spandex that have a hand-stamped "LOVE" backpatch ($162.50-$175).
Denim and canvas Trucker Jackets, Denim Shirts, Women's Jeans, and Women's Denim Shorts with custom embroidery, hand distressing, and nickel or vintage copper buttons ($162.50-$287.50).
A Weekender Bagmade of 22-ounce waxed canvas and 5-ounce leather with a woven Tim Love logo on the front pocket ($437.50).
Crew neck and v-neck T-shirts made of soft modal cotton in black, blue, gray, and white with the "Love Collection" logo on the hem ($38).
Aprons made of 12-ounce denim or duck canvas, with natural webbing straps and the "Love Collection" logo in the center ($87.50).
Bandanas made of 100% Japanese cotton that come in red, navy, and natural ($30).

The pieces are available exclusively at the Goods and Chattels shop inside Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall and online at goodsandchattles.com.

Fort Worth’s most prolific restaurateur and celebrity chef has put his name on spice rubs, Sur la Table cookware, and other retail items. Why fashion?

Love jokes that he swears he’s not angling for a spot on Project Runway - even though he had a hand in designing the pieces.

“Within the past few years, I've decided to double down on my creativity and take on projects I feel most passionate about,” he says. “The Love Collection is just the next evolution of that."

To craft the collection, Love teamed up with long-time collaborator and friend Marcus Hall, designer and founder of small-batch craft denim brand Marc Nelson Denim. Hall's skill and commitment to premium denim, Love says, were a perfect match for his own vision, resulting in pieces that are stylish, rugged, and durable.

The Love Collection is made in Hall’s factory in Knoxville, Tennessee, also home to one of Love’s Lonesome Dove Western Bistro restaurants.

The chef describes the pieces as long-lasting, dependable, and easy to wear.

“The Love Collection are staple pieces for confident folks to make their own for whatever situation life brings them," he says.

Take, for instance, the humble bandana. Love calls this a “foundation piece” of the collection; every pair of jeans purchased will come with a free bandana. He plans to release a selection of three bandanas every season, he says.

“My dad raised me always to carry a handkerchief, so that's what the bandana is. I wear mine, like a handkerchief, in the back pocket," Love says. "I do a lot of music festivals, and it's a very practical piece that I wear (in case) I'm around a lot of dust, you can move around, it keeps the sun off ya, and I always keep mine in my pocket. I think it's one of the coolest pieces in the world - a cool bandana or handkerchief can be used for so many things."

Photos courtesy of Daniel Hooks

Tim Love loves a great pair of jeans.

Another popular item at a Fort Worth launch event were the women’s distressed jean shorts - easily dressed up for a Friday night in the Stockyards, then relaxed for a Saturday afternoon of running errands.

Love says there’s more to come in the collection, including one of his favorite denim shirts, launching in a few months. Keep an eye out for the the collection at Tannahill’s (122 E. Exchange St. in the Stockyards' Mule Alley district) and view the lookbook here.

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Biggest winners and fieriest moments from the 58th ACM Awards in Dallas-Fort Worth

ACM Awards recap

Dolly Parton sang rock 'n' roll, wheeled a goat on stage, and Facetime'd with Willie Nelson. The 58th annual Academy of Country Music Awards - held Thursday, May 11 at the Star in Frisco - were a wild and sometimes wacky celebration of country music in 2023.

There were tributes to Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth throughout the night, including Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott and Emmitt Smith presenting awards and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders waving their silver and blue pom-poms on the red (well, black) carpet. The Star in Frisco is, after all, the Cowboys' home turf.

Keith Urban opened the show with an rousing performance of “Texas Time,” which ended with him being raised into the air on a platform while shredding on his guitar. (Wife Nicole Kidman joined him at the event, in town for her own special gig as keynote speaker for Genesis Women's Shelter's fundraising luncheon in Dallas on Friday.)

Country music icon Dolly Parton teamed up with Garth Brooksas hosts of the two-hour show, which was streamed live and nearly commercial-free on Prime Video. Things got off to a bit of a weird start when he introduced her as the "G.O.A.T." and she then wheeled a real goat onstage (poor thing!) and cracked a joke about a threesome.

“I think I speak for everybody, not just in Texas but around the world, when I say we will always love you,” a blushing Brooks replied.

The show was as much concert as it is awards presentation. The star-studded lineup of performers and special collaborations included Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina on their (award-winning) hit "She Had Me At Heads Carolina - REMIX.” Karaoke lyrics displayed throughout the arena urged the audience to join in, whether they knew the song from back in Messina's day or Swindell's updated version.

In another "coming together" of generations, 2022 ACM Female Artist of the Year winner Carly Pearce and Trisha Yearwood (who won the award 25 years ago) performed a special medley of Yearwood’s hits, including “Wrong Side Of Memphis,” “XXX’s And OOO’s,” and “She’s In Love With The Boy."

English pop superstar Ed Sheeranperformed “Life Goes On” from his newly-released album “-” (Subtract) and surprised the crowd when he brought Luke Combs to the stage to join him.

Texas' own Miranda Lambert performed "Carousel,” a song she described as one of her favorite songs she has ever written. (A live version will be released on Amazon Music on May 16.)

New Female Artist of the Year winner Hailey Whitters made her ACM Awards stage debut with a performance of her fan-favorite song, “Everything She Ain’t.”

The War And Treaty mesmerized the crowd with a stripped-back performance of their song “Blank Page.”

Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson performed “Save Me” in a moment that highlighted Academy philanthropic partner ACM Lifting Lives. Also, Wilson electrified the stage a performance of “Grease,” making its TV debut.

Ashley McBryde, along with Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti,and John Osborne, delivered an empowering performance of “Bonfire at Tina's” from McBryde's ACM Award-nominated album Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville.

It wasn't the only fiery performance.

As promised, Dolly Parton closed the show with one of her biggest performances to date with the world premiere of “World On Fire,” the lead single from her highly anticipated forthcoming rock album Rockstar. The over-the-top production included backup dancers, confetti, and lots of pyrotechnics.

But oh yes, there were awards given out, too. Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and Cole Swindell were among the night's biggest winners.

Below, a list of the big winners at the 58th ACM Awards. Scroll through the photos above to see some of the most memorable moments from the Texas-sized show.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Chris Stapleton

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lainey Wilson

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Morgan Wallen (who was absent due to illness)

DUO OF THE YEAR: Brothers Osborne

GROUP OF THE YEAR: Old Dominion

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Hailey Whitters

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Zach Bryan

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Bell Bottom Country - Lainey Wilson, Jay Joyce, Broken Bow Records

SINGLE OF THE YEAR: She Had Me At Heads Carolina - Cole Swindell, Zach Crowell, Warner Music Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR: She Had Me At Heads Carolina - Cole Swindell, Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Thomas Rhett, Tim Nichols

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR: wait in the truck - HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: Ashley Gorley

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: HARDY

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR: wait in the truck - HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson

Getty Images

Host and performer Dolly Parton brought more than a little fire all by herself.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

That is one Effin Egg breakfast sandwich restaurant opening in Fort Worth

A fresh new breakfast-and-brunch spot with a sassy name is opening near Fort Worth's Medical District: Called Effin Egg, it's a small chain founded in Florida, and will open on a buzzy restaurant strip at 1305 W. Magnolia Ave., in what was previously a location of Great Harvest Bread Co.

Effin was founded by Jeff Martin, who also founded Smallcakes Cupcakery, the hugely successful cupcake chain with more than 200 locations across the U.S.

His idea with Effin Egg was to create a fast-casual concept that specialized in breakfast sandwiches. There are locations in Georgia, New York, and New Jersey; Fort Worth will be the fifth.

"Effin Egg is for the person on the go that needs that morning pick me up and a great cup of coffee," Martin says in a statement. "It’s for the person that partied way too hard and needs an amazing breakfast sandwich or cheeseburger at noon; it’s for the everyday person wanting quality food on the go."

The menu features gourmet breakfast sandwiches, breakfast tacos, burritos, and breakfast bowls. The restaurants are generally on the small side, with the majority of business being take-out.

The signature is the breakfast sandwich with an over-medium egg on a brioche bun, in various combinations:

The OG, with bacon, egg, cheddar, and Mexican sauce
Sausage, egg, & cheese
Turkey bacon, egg, cheddar, and chipotle ketchup

They also do biscuit sandwiches; burgers using Angus beef; a Beyond burger with spicy guacamole; grilled cheese; and a bagel with avocado spread.

Tacos contain scrambled eggs combined with options such as chorizo; bacon & hash browns; and brisket tacos with avocado crema.

There are also pancakes, waffles, and burritos with options such as brisket and vegan chorizo.

Effin is coming to Fort Worth thanks to husband-and-wife Nick and Ana Valdez, who are fulfilling a dream to have their own restaurant. They've been diligently working on the space, and hope to be open within the next two weeks.

Working with a franchise operation has helped them cover the daunting checklist of opening one's first place, but Valdez says they also liked the fact that the food is cooked to order, and everything's prepared fresh daily.

"And the name does catch your attention," he says.

Nick is a former logistics professional, and Ana is a nurse — which helped steer them towards the Medical District.

"We love the idea of being here to make sure our medical professionals are fed and ready to go," Nick says. "I love the hustle and bustle, the energy in the morning, where you can help turn people's day around. If you have a good breakfast, it can pave the way for the rest of the day."

These are the 7 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

This week in gluttony

A summer heatwave is approaching, and this week’s events offer tasty ways to cool off. Sip and shop a summer vendor market inside a favorite brewery. Sweat it out during a mid-week 5K that comes with light beer and apps. Spend Saturday drinking pink or sampling a mustard-flavored beer. Then pair a good book with beverages and bites during a restaurant and café’s monthly book club meeting.

Tuesday, June 6

Sonoma Summer Wine Dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill
The Italian restaurant chain will welcome diners from all over DFW for a four-course summer wine dinner at all locations, including Hurst. Guests will get wines from well-known labels like La Crema, Mark West, Josh, and Kendall Jackson paired with crab and artichoke salad, linguine with crushed tomatoes and grilled chicken, Tuscan-grilled sirloin, and butter cake with berries. The dinner is $55 and begins at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, June 7

Vendor Market at Rahr & Sons Brewing Co.
Sip and shop inside the brewery during this summer vendor market. Admission is $20 and includes a souvenir glass, three beers, and a half pour of a specialty beer, too. There’ll be more than 20 local vendors along with food trucks and live music. The market will run from 5-9 pm.

Global Running Day with Eight Elite Light Lager at Flying Saucer
Get in a mid-week 5K that will begin and end at Flying Saucer downtown. The social run/walk coincides with Global Running Day and commences with an afterparty back at the Saucer. The $20 registration fee includes complimentary appetizers and two drafts of Troy Aikman's Eight Elite Light Lager. Check-in begins at 5:30 pm and the run starts at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, June 10

Rosé All Day Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
The steakhouse acknowledges "National Rosé Day" with a fancy brunch. Wear your rose-colored glasses, listen to a live DJ, and drink pink with a tasting of four Château d'Esclans rosés for $30. (B&B’s regular brunch menu will also be available.) Those who purchase the rosé tasting will be entered to win a three-liter magnum of Whispering Angel rosé. Reservations are available between 11 am-1:30 pm.

Glizzy Fest at Martin House Brewing
Martin House Brewing and Fletcher's Corny Dogs team up for Glizzy Fest, featuring corny dogs, hot dogs, State Fair treats, beers and seltzers, live music, vendors, and more. They'll debut a special new mustard beer, and a corny dog-eating contest will begin at 2:30 pm. The event runs 12-5 pm and is open to all ages (non-drinkers get in free). A $15 ticket includes four beers and a souvenir pint glass.

Stop & Smell the Rosé Tasting at WineHaus
Sips shades of pink from all over the world during this rosé tasting at WineHaus. The $25 price includes six wines. The tasting will be available anytime between 5-7 pm.

Sunday, June 11

Funky Gets Wild: Book Club at Funky Picnic Brewery & Café
Pair books with bites during Funky Picnic’s new monthly book club, which currently focuses on outdoor and adventure-themed titles. Guests will get happy hour pricing on beer, wine, signature cocktails, and appetizers. The Sunday brunch and regular dining menu will also be available. This month’s book is Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. The book club will meet from 3-4:30 pm.

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