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

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All the ways to watch and celebrate King Charles III's coronation around Dallas-Fort Worth

Celebrations fit for a king

Hip hip, hooray! Eight months after the death of Britain’s beloved Queen Elizabeth II, it’s finally time for the coronation of King Charles III and soon-to-be Queen Camilla, on Saturday May 6 at London's Westminster Abbey. Dallas-Fort Worth is ready to party with the rest of the world tuning in to watch all the pomp and pageantry that makes Britain great.

It’s all happening a wee bit early for DFW royal-watchers. The coronation service will start at 5 am CDT time (11 am in London), with a horse-and-carriage procession starting around 4 am. The two-hour service will be followed by more carriage processions and a royal family appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony.

Set your alarm, fluff your fascinator, and use this guide to the local coronation-watching parties, royal-themed events, specials, and more. (It will be updated as more are announced.) Prefer to watch in your jammies at home? Check out the viewer’s guide below.

British Emporium
Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier destination for all things British will host a Coronation Watching Party in the parking lot, 140 N. Main St., Grapevine. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and to dress as if attending at Westminster Abbey; fascinators are encouraged.

Viewing of the procession will begin at 4 am. Attendees are asked to arrive by 5 am so as not to disrupt the Coronation when it begins at 5 am. At 7 am, the viewing will end and the store will open to shop commemorative items. British Emporium has an impressive selection of official coronation teacups and mugs, books, tea towels, shopping bags, Christmas ornaments, and more. (They also have party items like paper bowls, napkins, children’s activities books, and British groceries like pasties, meat pies, and sausage rolls for at-home celebrations.)

Special guests Amy Bishop from WRR Classical 101.1 FM and Bill Young from KERA will join the party.

At 11 am, His Grace Bishop Keith L. Ackerman, bishop for the Diocese of Quincy in the Episcopal Church, and the bishop vicar of the Diocese of Quincy of the Anglican Church in North America and Assisting Bishop of Fort Worth, will be at the store to say a blessing for the new king.

The Londoner
All three DFW locations - Colleyville, Addison, and Mockingbird Station Dallas - will host Coronation Celebrations from 5-10 am May 6. Coffee and tea, scones & crumpets, and bacon/egg/toast will be served during the live coronation broadcast. The Dallas and Addison locations encourage patrons to arrive early; reservations for the Colleyville location are required here.

Regular brunch with tea and scones will be served at all locations from 11 am-3 pm. A signature cocktail called "His Majesty" along with English Rosie & Pimms Cup cocktails will be offered at a discount all day.

A special afternoon tea will be available by reservation only in Colleyville from 10 am-2 pm.

From Across the Pond
The British gastropub in Colleyville will offer coronation-day specials: Baked Chicken Entree, Mushroom on Toast Appetizer, and Victoria Trifle for dessert.

Central Market

Central Market cooking schools in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano will host coronation-themed classes this week:

Afternoon Tea: A Coronation Tea Partywill take place 3-4:30 pm Thursday, May 4 at Central Market-Lovers Lane and 3-4:30 pm Sunday, May 7 at Central Market Plano. Guests will learn about and enjoy traditional tea, coronation pastries, and more. Menu includes Scottish Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches, Beef Wellington Bites, White Cheddar & Chive Shortbread Coins, Buckingham Palace's Fruit Scones, Strawberry & White Chocolate Mini-Cakes, Chocolate Biscuits, Lemon Bar Bites, and Pots of Hot Tea. Reservations are $50, and the class is 16+.

Central Market Lovers Lane, Plano, and Fort Worth cooking schools will host A Coronation Dinner at 6 pm May 6. Menu for the hands-on class includes Coronation Roast Rack of Lamb with Asian-style Marinade with Roasted Potatoes, Coronation Aubergine (Grilled Eggplant with Fried Onions, Raisins & Coriander), Strawberry & Ginger Trifle. The 2 ½-hour class is $75, for 18+ up (those 21 and older will get a complimentary glass of wine.)

British-themed events continue Sunday, May 7 with a Great British Baking Intensive at Central Market-Lovers Lane (details here) and an Alice in Wonderland-inspired tea party for parents and kids at Central Market Fort Worth (details here.)

The Proper Baking Co.
The East Dallas bakery, which handcrafts authentic British baked goods, is offering a celebratory King’s Coronation Menu. Choices include Coronation lemonade cupcakes, Coronation Chicken pasties and party-size savory pies, chocolate biscuit cakes, sausage rolls, scones, crumpets, beef Wellington, and more. Orders must be placed 24hours in advance. DFW Delivery is available Wednesday and Friday, and curbside pickup is available from their kitchen at 2201 Tucker St. #110, Dallas. (UPDATE: As of Tuesday, May 2, they closed pre-orders but announced they would be at the Dallas Farmers Market on Saturday, May 6 for last-minute coronation needs.)

Ida Claire
In honor of the coronation, the Addison restaurant has crafted a cocktail called The King’s Gambit, described as a modern take on the classic Royal Balmoral Punch. The mixologist behind the drink told Forbes the elegant cocktail is a blend of apricot-infused Aberfeldy 12-year-old Scotch and apricot brandy, organic English breakfast demerara syrup, fresh-pressed apple juice, and lemon juice. It's finished with black walnut bitters and apple bitters and garnished with three lemon roses on a crown cocktail pick and served with an edible flower ice sphere. It was inspired by King Charles's love for scotch and draws inspiration from the royal family’s summer home, Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

The Adolphus
The Adolphus hotel is celebrating Coronation Day through the month of May with a glamorous package fit for a king or queen. And for good reason: Buckingham Palace selected The Adolphus for the official state visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to Dallas in 1991. At their request, the hotel says, the Queen and the Duke were introduced to every staff member who personally served them during their stay, and the Queen, as a thank-you, gifted an official portrait to be hung in the hotel lobby.

The Adolphus’ exclusive Royal Stay package costs a pearl-clutching $15,000 and includes:

one-night accommodation in a luxury suite with a limited edition coronation tea set by ceramicist Nicole Acquillano.
full use of the Butler’s Pantry with refrigerator, dining table set for six, ample living space with sofa and seating, and a billiards table.
two bottles of Bollinger with exclusive Charles III Coronation Cut Crystal Highland Champagne Flutes.
a private tour in a Rolls Royce Ghost sedan to explore Dallas for the day.
two tickets to the “Royal Tea Service” in The French Room during the month of May.
a Fortnum and Mason Globetrotter Picnic Hamper filled with teas, chocolates, biscuits and more by Fortnum and Mason.

Local viewing guide

No matter how you watch the coronation, you can prepare and follow along using this handy Coronation Liturgy guide.

Major networksand news channels including ABC, NBC/MSNBC, CBS, PBS, CNN, Fox News, and BBC America will cover the coronation live, with most beginning coverage at 4 am. (Some will begin coverage earlier or will air coronation-related specials before the broadcast; check local listings.) Find out more details about anchors, special guests, and commentators here.

Those without cable TV providers will be able to live stream it on DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and Sling TV.

You can also watch several live streams on the Sky News and BBC website, app, and YouTube channels.

For the most authentically British coverage, download the BritBox streaming app or stream at BritBox.com or on its Youtube channel. (You can sign up for a free seven-day trial, then it’s $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year.)

On Sunday, May 7, a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle featuring performances by Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Tom Cruise, Andrea Bocelli, and more superstars will be covered live on ABC’s Good Morning America beginning at 2 am. (Other networks are expected to cover it, too.) BBC, producer of the concert, will stream it live on their platforms.

Photo by Ben Ludeman

Matthew McConaughey & Kenny Chesney lead Texas Rangers' charity gala to $2 million win

Just keep livin' in fast forward

Talk about a surprise leadoff. In an unannounced addition to the lineup at the Texas Rangers' 2023 TEX Gala, Matthew McConaughey took the stage to champion the baseball club's charitable foundation and introduce headliner Kenny Chesney.

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation' third annual gala took place Thursday, April 20 at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Safely under the closed roof on a slightly rainy night, patrons enjoyed a VIP cocktail reception, dinner, auctions, and presentations before settling in for a show by the eight-time Entertainer of the Year.

Then, a curveball. The evening’s emcee and Rangers radio broadcaster Matt Hicks tapped in Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to help introduce a surprise guest - McConaughey.

“Alright, alright, alright," McConaughey started. And the crowd went wild.

The Academy Award-winning actor and Texas native's Just Keep Livin Foundation has partnered with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation since 2011.

"I wanna thank the Texas Rangers Foundation,” McConaughey told the crowd of 1,300. “They’ve been a great partner with me and my wife’s foundation, the Just Keep Livin Foundation, for years. They were actually the first partners that we took on, the first people to partner with us over 10 year ago. We’ve had a partnership for that long and we’re gonna keep on going, so I want to say thank you to them.”

Then he introduced Chesney, whom he called a friend.

"So this next guy I'm going to introduce is many things. He's a poet, some of y'all know that. He's also a pirate, yes we know that. He's a hell of a performer, we know that. He sold out tons of records, he's played in plenty of stadiums. But the reason I'm up here to introduce him tonight is because he's also someone I call a friend. Someone that my family can call a friend," he said.

"He's also supported our foundation for years," McConaughey added. "There's been many times where I was in a pinch and gave him a call and he was like, 'What do you need from me? I'll be there,' and he came."

He ended with a little mischievous tease. "He's also someone that I've had damn good time chasing some sunrises with until the early morning hours," McConaughey said. "And if you get a chance, ask him what happens when a bee stings the backside of the bull. Ladies and gentlemen, Kenny Chesney..."

Chesney brought the house down with a set of his biggest hits, adding to the "beach at the ballpark" vibe of the event.

Earlier that evening, guests enjoyed casino games and drinks in a cocktail hour, a three-course meal, rousing game of "Heads of Tails," and silent and live auctions. Up for grabs were home run-worthy packages including a collection of autographed sports memorabilia from athletes like Patrick Mahomes, Luka Dončić, and Aaron Judge; an assortment of signed Hollywood and music memorabilia; trips to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and to NYC to watch the Rangers play the Mets; a Hurtado BBQ masterclass; and a surprise last-minute item - a signed Kenny Chesney guitar.

Another surprise thrill for fans: Texas Rangers players and coaches joined guests on-field for the first time this year. Notable attendees included players, personnel, and their dates: Travis & Lindsay Jankowski, Jonah & Kenzie Heim, Jon & Jacklyn Gray, Josh Jung & Kyla Navarette, Tori & Cole Ragans, Brad & Rossi Miller, Marcus & Tarah Semien, Amanda Sedley & Robbie Grossman, Mitch & Sarah Garver, Josh & Alexis Sborz, Dane & Rachel Dunning, Brett & Haley Martin, Andrew & Jordan Heaney, Corey & Mady Seager, Nathaniel Lowe & Brenna Karwich, Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, Neil Liebman, Martin Perez, Jonathan Hernandez, and Jose Leclerc.

After a full night, attendees didn't go home hungry or empty handed; as they exited Globe Life Field, they were handed Whataburger hamburgers.

In total, the 2023 TEX Gala raised a record $2 million for the Rangers Foundation's mission to improve the lives of children, military, first responders, and their families around North Texas and beyond.

Photo by Ben Ludeman

Matthew McConaughey made a surprise appearance.

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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

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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 courtesy of Agency Habitat

These are the 12 can't-miss shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for March

Theater Critic Picks

If this spring weather has you feeling restless, then March's theater lineup is ready to follow suit. There are lots of very short runs happening this month, with some shows only playing a day or two.

That means you'd better be quick in catching those you want to see, and also that this is an opportunity to see many different shows in a short time span.

We are also heavy into society season, and as such there are three theater-related galas on this list as well. Two occur on April 1, a Saturday, so we're listing them here to make sure you don't miss out.

In order of start date, here are 12 local shows to watch this month:

On Your Feet!
Broadway at the Center, March 2-4
On Your Feet! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage, and two people who believed in their talent — and each other — to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The musical features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century, including "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," "Conga," "Get On Your Feet," "Don’t Want To Lose You Now," "1-2-3," and "Coming Out of the Dark."

Silver Foxes
Uptown Players, March 2-12
This world premiere comedy from James Berg and Stan Zimmerman, who wrote Golden Girls, is about an ensemble of queer men who rescue their best friend from a homophobic assisted living facility. The three older men plus their buddy’s younger twink lover navigate stray cats, online hook-up sites, and the real estate-ravenous lesbian couple next door to become a fabulous de facto family in an iconic midcentury Palm Springs house. There will be a special talk back with director Michael Urie and the playwrights after the March 4 performance.

Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience
AT&T Performing Arts Center, March 3-5
Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 hilarious minutes. The production has been updated with a refreshed set design, upgraded illusions, and all the latest hilarious insights into the wonderful world of all thing Hogwarts. It includes favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, jokes, songs, props, and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic, plus lots of mayhem.

La Fete Rouge et Violette
WaterTower Theatre, March 4
Immerse yourself in the spectacle of theater at the Red and Purple Ball, a night of fine dining, musical performances, acrobatic feats, specialty crafted cocktails, a luxe dinner by celebrity chef Blythe Beck, and more. Be the first to experience the future of WaterTower Theatre with stellar performances by Dallas-based professional musical theater artists and special guests.

Nuevo Mundo
Teatro Dallas, March 4, 11, 18
In celebration of the fresh new voices and performance styles blossoming across the global south, Nuevo Mundo, Teatro Dallas' first-ever bilingual new works festival, features three emerging directors and the plays they have selected for a staged reading series. Playwrights include Emilio Infante, Bella O'Brien, and Jaime Chabaud.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Casa Mañana, March 4-12
Before she was hit-maker Carole King, she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with Tapestry, Beautiful takes audiences back to where it all began – and takes them on the ride of a lifetime.

Mind Over Murder!
Pegasus Theatre, March 9-25
Who murdered famed magician Marko the Magnificent? Could it have been his manager? Or his wife? Perhaps his assistant. All of the suspects and more are gathered at the mansion that was Marko’s home on the one-year anniversary of his death while performing the death-defying "bullet catch" for the reading of his will. Can Harry Hunsacker solve this crime before it’s too late? The production will be presented in RadioVizion, an alternative technique devised by Pegasus Theatre that focuses on evoking the experience and glamour of being in a live radio studio of the 1930s and 1940s. Live sound effects, actors at period-style live microphones, and costumes suggestive of the era complete the effect.

Menopause the Musical
AT&T Performing Arts Center, March 10-11
In Menopause the Musical, four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex, and more. The musical parody is set to classic tunes from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Broadway Dallas, March 15-April 2
Welcome to a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory, a world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. The production is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and — above all — love.

Last Stop On Market Street
Dallas Children's Theater, March 18-April 1
On a Sunday after church in a bustling, ethnically and culturally diverse American city, CJ and his Nana board the public bus for their weekly trip across town to help out at a soup kitchen. Along the way, CJ notices the many differences among people and asks tons of curious question. With Nana’s fearless and compassionate guidance, CJ discovers that everyone and everything has a unique rhythm and purpose. This inspiring and imaginative play is based on the New York Times bestseller that won a Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, and a Caldecott Honor.

cleaVage: The Front Story
Musical Writers Productions, March 19
The “real” story behind fake breasts, cleaVage is a larger-than-life musical comedy inspired by the doctors and patients who shaped the spectacular rise, fall, and rebound of silicone gel breast implants. This staged reading will be held at Dallas Children's Theater.

Annie
Broadway at the Bass, March 28-April 2
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production.

The Mountaintop
Circle Theatre, March 30-April 15
The Mountaintop is a gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people.

Broadway Dallas 2023 Gala: Moulin Rouge
Music Hall at Fair Park, April 1
Celebrating the best of Broadway, the evening begins with a cocktail reception followed by a pre-show dinner. Following the full performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, with complimentary intermission cocktails, guests will then have access to the After-Hours experience featuring French-inspired fare, a full flowing bar, tunes spun by DJ Sheka, plus a special performance by Trap Opera Star Madelyn Brené and more sparkling surprises throughout the night.

Lastly, guests can enjoy a late-night snack from Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs food truck as they head home. The gala is headed by Honorary Chairs Ambassador Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hall, along with Gala Chairs Jolie Humphrey and Gail Plummer.

Turtle Creek Chorale Rhapsody with Patti LuPone
Meyerson Symphony Center, April 1
Guests can spend an evening with a true Broadway legend as Patti LuPone explores — through indelible interpretations of classic Broadway showtunes by the likes of Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin — how her lifelong love affair with Broadway began and the unpredictability of the Great White Way.

The VIP Gala Experience offers an opening reception with open bar, seated dinner, complimentary valet parking, live auction, premium seating for the private concert by LuPone, and access to the after party with a live band and open bar.

Tickets are also available for the concert + after party only, which range from $75 to $400 and include reserved concert seating and access to the after party experience with a live band.

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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.

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.

Concerts in the Garden drones light up this week's 5 hottest Fort Worth headlines

This week's hot headlines

Editor's note: A lot happened this week, so here's your chance to get caught up. Read on for the week's most popular headlines. Looking for the best things to do this weekend? Find that list here.

1. Fort Worth Symphony launches summer concerts with sparkly extra: drones. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra returned with its annual summer concert series, Concerts in The Garden, featuring 11 concerts taking place at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, starting May 26 and running through June 11. And the coolest part of the 2023 series might be the light show: For the first time, they're replacing old-school fireworks with the use of cutting-edge drones.

2. Openings and closings head up this Fort Worth restaurant news roundup. This roundup of dining news around Fort Worth has an opening, a closing, a gofundme campaign, and loads of new menus for summer. Here's what's happening in Fort Worth restaurant news.

3. Decadent desserts in jars from celebrity Top Chef roll in to Fort Worth. 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. It'll open in late 2023.

4. 3 Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneurs rank among Forbes' richest self-made women for 2023. Twelve of the country's 100 most successful female entrepreneurs live in Texas this year, and three of them call Dallas-Fort Worth home. So says Forbes in its 2023 list of America's Richest Self-Made Women, released June 1.

5. 5 tips for stunning beach sand sculptures from 2023 Texas SandFest winners. “Playing” in the sand on the beach isn’t just an activity for children, as proven by the 22 professional sand sculptors from around the world who recently competed in the 26th annual Texas SandFest. Here are five of the pros' top tips for producing a beachfront masterpiece.

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