35th Annual Clifton Morris and Jim Bradshaw Memorial Stars in Recovery Luncheon

Photo courtesy of Hilary Roberts

The featured speaker for the 35th Annual Clifton Morris and Jim Bradshaw Memorial Stars in Recovery Luncheon will be recording artist Hilary Roberts, a singer and songwriter who uses the darkness of her past to inspire and empower others. After suffering many years of trauma, torture and abuse, Roberts made the decision not to deal with those demons alone. On May 9, 1997, she reached out to a mentor who offered her solutions and a way of life that helped her start her recovery journey.

To honor her late husband, Clifton Morris, this year’s presenting sponsor is Sheridan Morris. Clifton Morris was a Fort Worth native and a strong supporter of Recovery Resource Council and the local recovery community.

Since its inception, the annual Stars in Recovery Luncheon has featured well-known and beloved celebrities speaking publicly about their paths to recovery from alcohol/substance misuse and mental health issues. Proceeds from this event will benefit Recovery Resource Council, whose mission is to promote wellness and recovery from disorders relating to alcohol, substance use, trauma, and mental health.

undefined

Cello hero Yo-Yo Ma brings string fever to jubilant Fort Worth Symphony Gala

A cello-bratory evening

With apologies to the acts playing at Dickies Arena and AT&T Stadium on Saturday, February 25, the real rockstar in town was onstage at Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall: Yo-Yo Ma joined the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as featured guest artist for its 2023 Gala Concert.

The global superstar cellist - whose resume includes 19 Grammy-winning albums, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, performing for nine American presidents, and jam sessions on Sesame Street - got a hero’s welcome the moment he emerged onstage before a sold-out audience of all ages, ecstatic to see the once-in-a-generation music icon perform live.

A consummate performer, Ma was just as generous to the audience, playfully teasing late-comers to their seats and then smiling at the front rows during his performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the orchestra. No one was having a better time than Ma was, it appeared.

Afterwards - during several callbacks and a long ovation - he extended the warmth to the orchestra musicians and music director Robert Spano, whom he embraced in a bear hug before performing a solo encore and then exiting the stage.

The electricity of the concert surged over to the black-tie Gala dinner and concert at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel.

Attendees walked the red carpet for photo ops and mingled at a cocktail reception before sitting down to a sumptuous surf-and-turf dinner in a ballroom decked out in a chic black-and-white motif.

The 2023 Gala was chaired by legacy FWSO patrons Ashli Blumenfeld, Anne Marie Bratton, Kimberly Johnson, Mary Hart Lipscomb, and Misty Locke.

The night was to honor and celebrate Gala Chairman Mercedes T. Bass for her 30 years of support and dedication to the FWSO (most of them as chairman of the board). Unfortunately, Bass was unable to attend due to illness. Nevertheless, the tributes went on.

In onstage remarks, longtime friend and FWSO patron Alann Sampson said, "Mercedes' leadership has lifted the symphony to a new stage of prominence and productivity. Through her generous support and encouragement, she has taken the most difficult challenges and turned them into triumphs.”

FWSO president and CEO Keith Cerny and maestro Spano echoed the appreciation and gave personal gratitude to Bass.

Spano also recognized his predecessor Miguel Harth-Bedoya, who was in attendance. "I am immensely grateful to him to have shepherded this orchestra for two decades to be the magnificent orchestra that it is," he said, "and I just want to thank him for passing the baton to me."

A live auction for trips and jewelry raised crucial funds for the FWSO’s education programs, and a “raise the paddle” initiative allowed guests to contribute at various levels from their tables.

Once the speeches and fundraising had concluded, the party revved up. For the first time since the pandemic's onset, a party band (Time Machine) took the stage and filled the dance floor.

While Yo-Yo Ma was not spotted getting down with his bad self on the dance floor, plenty of others made a late-night of it.

Among those enjoying the Gala Concert & Dinner throughout the evening were Aaron Howard, Corrie Hood-Howard, Andrew Lombardi, Adrienne Lombardi, Blake Lipscomb, Rebecca Rucker, Clark Rucker, Lauren Bredthauer, Clark Bredthauer, Bridget Stonesifer, Clare Stonesifer, Ronnie Hernandez, David Rader, Madolin Rosenthal, Sarah Raderm, Ben Rosenthal, Steven Blumenfeld, Todd Blumenfeld, and Sharon Blumenfeld, Matthew Johnson, Kendall Kostohryz, Jennie Doumany, Mary Smith, Dwayne Smith, Nancy Hallman, Lee Hallman, Tara Warren, Sharma Dean, Asad Dean, Terence McCarthy, Robert Warren, Kim McCarthy, Michelle Marlow, Teresa King, Mollie Lasater, Wesley Gentle, Amber Gentle, and hundreds more faithful FWSO supporters and guests.

Photo by Karen Almond

Mary Hart Lipscomb, Kendall Kostohryz, Madolin Rosenthal, Jennie Doumany

undefined

Jewel Charity Ball 2023 journeys to Japan with gold, geishas, and cherry blossoms galore

Gateway to Kyoto

Fort Worth's grand-dame gala, the 68th Jewel Charity Ball, transported guests to Japan for a sparkling night filled with the sights, sounds, tastes, and enchantment of the "land of the rising sun."

About 1,370 black tie-attired attendees mingled, shopped, dined, and danced the night away to a legendary band at Will Rogers Memorial Center's Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall on Saturday, March 4.

Jewel Charity president Shannon Shivers chose the 2023 ball theme, "Gateway to Kyoto," not only for its many colorful and extravagant design possibilities but as a meaningful tie-in to the event's purpose: raising funds for Cook Children's. "Kintsugi is the Japanese tradition of repairing broken objects using gold," she says. "This is a beautiful correlation of Jewel Charity’s support of the patients at Cook Children’s."

Thanks to Bill Robertson of Events by Bill, the cavernous hall was transformed into an ethereal Japanese garden, with towering cherry blossom trees, koi fish bars, koi fish-emblazoned dance floors, Japanese lanterns, Buddha statuary, pagodas, and vibrant orchids and other florals adorning tables.

The elan began when guests arrived at the valet stand, where they were greeted by Japanese drummers. Performers costumed as geishas welcomed patrons inside.

While men looked dapper in their classic tuxedos, many women took cues from the theme, donning gorgeous ballgowns in cherry blossom-pinks, sumptuous silk fabrics, and even some kimono-style ensembles. Red (which has much significance in Japanese culture, including the power to ward off evil spirits) was THE dress color of the night - as seen on Alicia Steuart, Kathy Sneed, Claire Rawls, Gina Cook, and many more.

During a cocktail reception, attendees could grab chilled sushi bowls from an ice station - complete with tiny pipettes of soy sauce and eaten with chopsticks, of course - or enjoy tray-passed crispy spring rolls, chicken potstickers, Chinois chicken salad, and Texas Wagyu Tsukune skewers.

The all-female electric string group Rockestra serenaded while patrons bid on silent auction items and purchased raffle tickets. Up for grabs were lavish trips, experiences, gift cards worth thousands to local retailers, and artworks by the likes of Fort Worth favorite Nancy Lamb (who was in attendance donning a fabulous kimono and with her ever-present camera in hand).

It was hard to resist a visit to the Collections Fine Jewelry lounge, where guests could try on sparklers on display - and buy them, of course, with a portion of proceeds going to Cook Children's.

Another donation opportunity came at the Wells Fargo Wishing Tree, an enormous cherry blossom tree from which small cards with QR codes were hung. Patrons could simply scan one and select the "wish" to grant - who knew that just $10 could supply an overnight kit for emergency department patients, or that $15 covered a therapeutic pillow for children recovering from heart surgery?

The dinner gong was struck at the stroke of 8 pm, and a performance by the Dallas Kiyari Daiko Drummers welcomed guests into the dining room. Then the Powerhouse Band took over to keep the beat lively during the meal.

A buffet of Japanese-style cuisine was prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering chefs Andrew Swanson, Jonathan Stirnwels, Jett Mora (of Cafe Modern), and pastry chef Elizabeth George. Diners filled their plates with Asian pear salad, charred asparagus salad, roasted new potatoes, wok-style vegetables, teriyaki glazed striploin steak, and sesame garlic chicken. A decadent Japanese chocolate roll cake had been pre-set on tables for dessert.

The legendary Motown group Kool & the Gang quickly got the crowd on the dance floor, moving, grooving, and singing along to iconic songs like "Get Down on It," "Ladies Night," and of course their signature hit - "Celebration."

Powerhouse Band revved up again to take the party into the late-night hours. At 11:15 pm, the lucky winners of the raffle prizes - including a Mercedes Benz - were announced. Those who chose to continue the good times danced past midnight and enjoyed some late-night pork belly bao buns and different flavors of mochi.

Upon saying "Sayonara" for the night, each guest went home with a few fortune cookies and a beautiful porcelain Limoges-style box adorned with cherry blossoms - a gift from Collections Fine Jewelry.

Co-founded in 1953 by Nenetta Burton Carter as a fundraiser for Cook Children's Medical Center, Jewel Charity has raised more than $75 million in its 68 years. In the past year, over $2 million (and counting) has been raised.

Among those spotted in the crowd, having a great time for a great cause, were William Shivers, Chris Steuart, Tim Howell, Amy Howell, Lindsey Corder, Cooper Corder, Travis Patterson, Anna Patterson, Justin Anderson, Boo Lively, Suzanne Bahan, Dana Quisenberry, Sabrina Speirs, Patty Williams, Cortney Pelley, Kristi Brhlik, Elizabeth Brhlik, Lauren-Ashton Moncrief, Gaylord Lummis, Bradley Lummis, Kathryn Ellis, Thomas Ellis, Grant Harris, Robyn Harris, Beth Stevener, Michael Stevener, Jane Berkowitz, Michael Berkowitz, Jeanice King, Kevin Dukes, Melissa Dukes, Austin King, Margaret McDonald, Stuart McDonald, Craig Collins, Trey Fielder, Ann Fielder, Merle Tanner, Cynthia Tanner, Kim Carey, Dan Carey, Miller Vance, Selwyn Rayzor, Tim Hicks, Claire Hicks, and more than 1,300 other big-hearted supporters.

Photo by Ashley Gongora

Tim Howell, Amy Howell, Lindsey Corder, Cooper Corder

Photo by Sharon Ellman

Fanciful Fort Worth fundraiser brings inspired designs to the table for 30th anniversary

Milestone events

What: Design Inspirations' 30th Anniversary Preview Party & Luncheon

Where: Ridglea Country Club

Photo by Sharon Ellman

2023 event chairs Allie Turney, Katie Howard, Molly Van Amburgh, and Leigh Brown

The 411: For 30 years, volunteers from the Fort Worth Alumnae Associations of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi have teamed up for one of the most unique fundraisers in the city - Design Inspirations. The two-day, mega showcase of beautifully set tablescapes has raised more than $1.4 million since its inception.

The 2023 edition marked Design Inspirations' 30th anniversary and was chaired by Allie Turney and Molly Van Amburgh (Pi Beta Phi), and Leigh Brown and Katie Howard (Kappa Kappa Gamma). Proceeds went to Gill Children’s Services, Inc. and Breakthrough Fort Worth.

The event started the evening of Wednesday, March 1 with champagne toast that included event chairs from the past 30 years, and most significantly, the four founders: Carol Dunaway, Ann Harwood, Kay Howell, and Judy Schell.

A Preview Party followed, where nearly 500 guests sipped on cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while previewing 64 elegant tablescapes designed by local designers, florists, and businesses. Tables by longtime designers, including Beckley Design Studio, Central Market, Christy Dunaway Smith, Domain XCIV, Inc., Jessica McIntyre Interiors, Kay Genua Designs, Neiman Marcus Fort Worth, and The Enchanted Florist, sat alongside newer designers and supporters, including Allison Curry Interiors, Emily Gilbert Designs, Mackenzie Page Interiors, Paxton Place Design, and Schumacher.

The next morning, more than 550 guests - dressed in their spring florals best - enjoyed the Design Inspirations Luncheon, featuring a presentation by New York interior designer and author of the new book More Rooms, Katie Ridder. (Of course she went home with her own custom boots from M.L. Leddy's.)

Music and the scent of hundreds of fresh florals filled the room as attendees sipped on Prosecco and strolled through the five rooms decorated with jaw-dropping floral and creative table themes from garden party to Western chic.

Following the presentation, a lunch of tomato and cucumber salad, grilled filet and wedge salad, and a special 30th Anniversary raspberry cream cake was served.

For more information on Design Inspirations and the causes it supports, visit the website.

Who: Attendees included Tanya Runyon, Courtney Mitchell, Duffy Bloemendal, Heather Senter, Leslie Daly, Jessica Dodson, Robyn Hatfield and Laura Rooker, Kristi Newman, Olivia Kearney, Melinda Adams, Lou Martin, Jordan Davidson, Alison Gengelbach, Courtney Holm, Katie Semple, Lizzie Sell, Ro McKee Rynd, Carrie Woodson, Rebecca Hillard, Pepper McLean, Sharon Fulgham, Rhonda Rich, Amber Robertson, and hundreds more.

Photo courtesy of Texas Blossoms

Texas Blossoms presents Back In Bloom Gala

The Texas Blossoms' Back In Bloom Gala will feature cocktails, a variety of hors d’oeuvres, a wine pull, and raffles with unique luxury prizes. Guests can celebrate the beautiful springtime blossoms while socializing with community and business leaders.

All proceeds benefit Texas Blossoms, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which raises funds, organizes local volunteers, and coordinates with local community members to plant and maintain beautiful blossoming trees throughout Texas. The organization’s mission is to plant blossoming trees to foster community, increase local economic development, create spaces for pollinators to thrive, and decrease the prevalence of "heat islands" in underserved areas. To date, Texas Blossoms has planted over 1,600 trees by mobilizing corporate sponsors and hundreds of community volunteers. Texas Blossoms primarily plants trees in parks, around schools and public libraries, and along roadways in underserved communities.

The event takes place at the Nick and Lou Martin University Center at Texas Wesleyan University.

Ad Placement 300x100

Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

'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.

Where to eat: Best Fort Worth restaurants for Easter 2023 dining

Holiday News

Brunch has become a big trend, but it has always been a thing on Easter Sunday, when it's a tradition to hit up a brunch as a reward for attending Mass. It's such a thing that some restaurants in Fort Worth that are usually closed on Sundays open for special hours on this one holy day.

Here's than where to get brunch (and dinner) on Easter Sunday in Fort Worth:

Blue Mesa Grill. Brunch award-winner will add extra items for Easter including ginger chipotle glazed ham, on top of signatures like street tacos, omelets, Belgian waffles, churros, biscuits & gravy, blue corn cheese enchiladas, potato chile tarts, Chimayo corn, Adobe Pie, and dessert bar with chocolate-dipped strawberries, banana pudding, fruit cobbler, raspberry-cajeta bread pudding, cookies, and bars. $35, includes Mimosas, or $10 for 11 and under. 8 am-4 pm. 817-332-6372.

Bonnell's. Chef Jon Bonnell has a dozen to-go options for Easter, including rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, prime rib, turkey breast, and sides for 4 or 8 people, plus cake, cheesecake, and pies. $35 to $300. Order online by March 31 at 12 noon for pickup on April 8 from 11 am-6 pm. 817-738-5489.

Capital Grille. Opening early with full dinner menu, as well as four special brunch features: lobster frittata with asparagus, NY strip steak & eggs, filet mignon with white cheddar hash browns, and smoked salmon and caviar. 10 am-2 pm. 817-348-9200.

Eddie V's. 3-course brunch includes cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, choice of salad, lobster bisque, smoked salmon, steak & eggs with red-eye gravy, lobster quiche Florentine with Fuji apple salad, avocado and crab on brioche toast, seasonal berries, or bananas Foster cake. Kids menu includes fruit, scrambled eggs, chicken fingers, Mac & cheese, sorbet, or ice cream. Full menu also available. $52, or $16 for 12 and under. 10 am-2 pm. 817-336-8000.

Fort Brewery and Pizza. Regular brunch menu with signatures like their "Panther Bones" extra-large extra-garlicky breadsticks, avocado toast, biscuits & gravy, the hangover burger, pizzas, cinnamon roll, waffle on a stick, do we need to go on. 10 am-10 pm. 817-923-8000.

Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Easter to-go for parties of 10 or more with Build Your Own Taco bar ($120), Fajita bar ($140), and Nacho bar ($100). Order online by April 7.

Hotel Vin Autograph Collection. Brunch in the Bordeaux and Tuscany ballrooms with chef Juan Pablo Silva's bountiful menu includes flambee crepe and Belgian waffle station, seafood station, raw bar, prime rib carving station, omelet station, and kids buffet. Reservations include entry into an Easter egg hunt plus Easter bunny photo op. 11 am-3 pm. $90, or $45 for 12 and under. 817-796-9696.

Malai Kitchen. Brunch includes banh mi French toast, Thai eggs benedict, fried rice “over easy”, spicy bloody Marys, and mimosas. Price varies. 11 am-3 pm. Southlake 682-707-3959.

97 West. Brunch at Hotel Drover includes taco board, giant cinnamon roll, apple churro pancakes, avocado & toast, hot chicken & biscuits, chicken Caesar, egg white frittata, Stockyards hash, crab cake benedict, chicken-fried steak & eggs. 8 am-2 pm. 682-255-6497.

Omni Fort Worth. Brunch includes charcuterie, deviled eggs, ceviche, cheese & herb soft scrambled eggs, Belgian waffles, spice-rubbed chicken, bourbon-honey smoked brisket, honey-baked ham, cakes, tarts, cookies, cupcakes, rocky road bread pudding, dark chocolate pot de creme, green matcha tiramisu, profiteroles, and an Easter Boulangerie with poblano corn loaf, beer bread, Parmesan lavash, hot cross buns, lemon meringue muffins, bagels, pumpernickel, focaccia, and cinnamon-raisin toast. Plus egg hunt and Easter bunny. $76 or $40 for 12 and under. 11 am-3 pm. Seatings every 45 minutes. 817-535-6664.

Perry's Steakhouse. Holiday specials include choice og glazed ham ($49) or prime rib ($69) accompanied by whipped potatoes and green beans almondine, with choice of starter from salad or carrot-ginger soup. Regular menu is also available. 11 am-9 pm. 214-855-5151.

Pinstripes. Brunch buffet includes waffle station, carving station, sweets table, bottomless mimosas, and Aperol spritzes. The Easter Bunny will hand out treats and take pictures with the kids. $32, or $15 for 12 and under. 10 am-3 pm. Reserve online or call 682-352-0905.

Reata. Brunch with pecan biscuits & elk sausage gravy, fried quail & waffles, hues rancheros, stuffed French toast, chicken chilaquiles, shrimp & grits, crab eggs Benedict, and scrambled eggs with ham or chicken-fried steak. $13-$17.11 am-2 pm. 817-336-1009.

Silver Fox. Full menu plus an Easter special: Roasted Beef Tenderloin Benedict, with poached egg, hollandaise, asparagus, and fingerling potatoes, for $60. Drink specials include a Bloody Mary with Tito’s Handmade Vodka for $18, and a Mimosa for $12. 11 am-4 pm. 817-332-9060.

61 Osteria. Brunch includes scrambled egg bruschetta, granola, semolina Dutch baby, and mozzarella in carrozza. Prices a la carte. 10 am-2 pm. 817-953-3271.

SusieCakes. SusieChick luscious lemon cake, Easter cupcakes (with carrots, bunnies, and Happy Easter decorations), Peeps sugar cookies, cookie decorating kits, and cakes with bunny and cross decorations. 817-813-2253.

Taste Project. Special pay-what-you-can brunch prepared by chef Jeff and team of volunteers. 9 am-2 pm. Reservations required, online only. 817-759-9045.

Toro Toro. Signature brunch at Worthington Renaissance Hotel with unlimited shrimp cocktail, grilled corn, arepas, steak & eggs, Belgian waffle, plus bloody Mary bar and a la carte options. $49. 11 am-3 pm. 817-975-9895.

Truluck's. Easter special favorites including miso-glazed sea bass with crab fried rice, tuna, King crab, lobster tail, and a spring fling cocktail with vodka, ramazotti rosato, and cava. 11 am-8 pm. Southlake, 817-912-0500.

Texas' first professional cricket team unveils new name and team roster

Cricket News

The first professional cricket team in Texas now has a team name and a talented roster of players.

This is the state's first professional cricket team in Major League Cricket (MLC), which is the first professional cricket league in the U.S. So many firsts.

Get ready to cheer for: Texas Super Kings. That's the name. Go Kings go!

They also hired a coach and nine players, following the first MLC draft which took place on Sunday, March 19 in Houston at the Space Center and telecast live across the globe.

At this event, six MLC teams — representing Texas, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. — selected nine domestic cricketers.

Texas' team will be led by coach Stephen Fleming, a former captain of the New Zealand national cricket team and head coach of Indian Premier League team Chennai Super Kings. He played in the historic first Twenty20 International of the world as captain of the New Zealand team in 2005.

The Texas Super Kings also announced their partnership with Chennai Super Kings, an Indian Premier League franchise cricket team based in Chennai, India who will bring operational expertise and help lead the Texas team to championships.

The Texas Super Kings' roster features these top domestic cricketers:

Round 1: Rusty Theron
Round 2: Calvin Savage
Round 3: Lahiru Milantha
Round 4: Milind Kumar
Round 5: Sami Aslam
Round 6: Cameron Stevenson
Round 7: Cody Chetty
Round 8: Zia Shahzad
Round 9: Saiteja Mukkamalla

Super Kings' co-owner Anurag Jain notes in a statement that cricket is popular around the globe, and now it's time to make it popular in the U.S.

“Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world with a global fan base of around 2.5 billion followers, but there has not been an opportunity for the sport to grow in the U.S.,” Jain says. “We look forward to having a professional team in Texas for the passionate local cricket community to root for and to introduce the sport to new fans across the country.”

Jain, a partner with Perot Jain and chairman of Access Healthcare; and Ross Perot Jr., chairman of the Perot Group, were among the cricket enthusiasts and investors in a $44 million funding round that will help MLC build facilities across the country.

The MLC inaugural season begins July 13, 2023 at the first professional cricket stadium in the U.S., Grand Prairie Stadium, in Grand Prairie.

The 2023 season will feature 19 matches to be played over 18 days, building up to the first MLC championship final to take place on July 30. The stadium will have a permanent capacity of 7,200 and will feature 1,000 club and premium seats, with the ability to expand to a capacity of over 15,000 for major events, including matches at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, to be co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies.

View All Listings