photo credit: Justin Anderson

At 6:00 PM, 60s: Peace, Love & Casa Mañana kicked off with just under 300 attendees who dressed in their grooviest attire to exceed the night’s fundraising goal, with over $350,000 raised to go towards their mission to continue live performing arts in the Fort Worth community. Guests decked out in hippie flower dresses, bell bottoms and Lennon-esq purple sunglasses danced to Pete’s Dueling Pianos in the Claudia Stepp Grand Lobby, and were also treated to a special performance of The Music of Laurel Canyon in the Reid Cabaret, which runs through this Friday, April 16th for all who were not able to attend the gala. The event was catered by Chef Juan Rodriguez’s Magdalena’s. Co-Chairs for the event were Madolin Rosenthal and Kendall Kostohryz, and also in attendance was Fort Worth Councilmember Michael Crain. Rozanne Rosenthal, as well as Corrie Watson of Frank Kent Cadillac and Cadillac Wines were also seen enjoying the evening. President of Casa Mañana’s Board of Directors Dana McCallum was there mingling with guests, and told me that the night was fun and very successful.

Just down the road at 7:30 PM, I attended the Classically Cliburn Gala where around 575 attendees gathered in the Simmons Bank Pavilion at Dickies Arena for a joyous night of dinner and dancing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Also delayed by the pandemic, the competition is set to take place this June 2-18 in Fort Worth.

Brent & Elisabeth Hyder
photo credit: Justin Anderson

The Cliburn Gala was co-chaired by Jennifer and Phillip Williamson, with honorary chairman Gail Rawl. The foyer of the Simmons Bank Pavilion was decked out with an antique carousel bar that took you right to New Orleans to the Hotel Monteleone. Seen before the dinner began were Elaine Agather and Cliburn president and CEO Jacques Marquis, as well as Thomas Smith and Brent and Elisabeth Hyder. Fort Worth artist Nancy Lamb wore a beautiful purple tulle dress and was seen taking her quintessential party photos as guests enjoyed cocktails before dinner.

Patrick Sheridan, partner at Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones LLP, has been a member of the Cliburn 180⁰ social group for arts-minded professions for the last five years and has attended all of the Cliburn Galas since then. Sheridan said that “The Cliburn really did a great job with the entry and transition into the open and beautiful dining area, and since Simmons Bank Pavilion at Dickies Arena is made of wrought iron with the glass up above, you could really feel the early 1900s opulence in the ballroom.”

Inside Simmons Bank Pavilion, the perimeter of the lavishly decorated dining room was adorned with French-green lattice crowning a white circular rendition of the iconic Cliburn piano-made-of-his-initials logo. The room was filled to the brim with sky-high arrangements from Three Branches Floral that jutted upwards to the clerestory, where one could gaze at the sky as the sunlight dwindled and the magic of the evening commenced.

Jacques Marquis & Jill Moser
photo credit: Justin Anderson

Ryan Lathan said “Hats off to the Cliburn and Kay Howell. Last Friday’s Gala was truly an unforgettable evening of NOLA flair and Fort Worth charm, an elegant night filled with some of the city’s most prominent philanthropists, cultural luminaries, and arts patrons. From that charming Carousel Bar to the powder-sugared beignets, every little detail was divine.”

Seen enjoying the fabulous evening was Mercedes Bass, Cami Goff, Rob Schumacher, Olivia Kearney, and Jane Weir, who has been a member of Cliburn 180⁰ for seven years and has attended five galas. WFAA anchor Meredith Land was also spotted enjoying the festivities. Towards the end of the evening near the carousel bar, I chatted with Christopher Darden, a comedian living in New York who flew in for the occasion.

Justin Anderson is an entrepreneur raised in the swamps of Houston who is passionate about connecting with people and making good food. After planting his stake in Fort Worth and attending TCU, he launched his second successful food brand, WOATS Oatsnack. Justin is the Olympics and Happenings Correspondent for Madeworthy, a longtime resident of downtown Fort Worth, and you can find his new Bel Air Ranch Herb & Spice Seasoning Rub in select fine meat markets in Fort Worth.

The post A Tale of Two Galas first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Sure I’d hear The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix and Janis Joplin throughout pop culture in those years, but the Post Office truly provided the proverbial gateway drug to the genre for me. In the fall of 1998, the U.S. Postal Service launched its iconic Fly Like an Eagle campaign, using the Steve Miller Band song of the same name to set the tone of innovation for their advertising push. As you can imagine, I heard this song all the time while riding that school bus. This Thursday through Sunday, Sundance Square is setting the tone for innovation and supporting local artists at their inaugural Fort Worth Art Fair, and Steve Miller is on tap to headline Saturday night’s concert in Sundance Square Plaza, which you know this 90s school bus psychedelic rocker kid will certainly be attending. Steve has a local connection: his family moved to Dallas when he was seven, and he graduated from a Dallas high school.

You and your family are invited to see Steve Miller, Clint Black and Ledisi at a fresh celebration of local artists, music and culture deep in the heart of Sundance Square in Downtown Fort Worth this Thursday through Sunday, April 7-10, 2022. The inaugural year of the Fort Worth Art Fair will host a vibrant homage to Fort Worth’s rich artistic legacy and a celebration of all things local that will be held in Sundance Square Plaza.

Established by Sasha and Ed Bass, the inaugural Fort Worth Art Fair is a welcoming venue for family and friends to honor their North Texas community and shared culture through art, music and food. “Sundance Square is the heart of Fort Worth – a place where all are welcome. Sundance Square Plaza was built to showcase all things local and worthy of nationwide acclaim. Fort Worth is a supportive community for local artists, and a destination for art collectors,” said Sasha Bass, CEO of Sundance Square Management. “Supporting local art and music brings vitality to every community. It’s integral that we support local and regional talent. Sundance Square is very proud to host an event in their honor.”

Enjoy artwork from some of the hottest local artists and galleries such as Bale Creek Allen Gallery, Dang Good Candy, Art Tooth, Artspace111, Daisha Board Gallery and Pencil on Paper Gallery which will be on display on gallery row on the east side of Sundance Square Plaza.

There will be live music every day of the Fort Worth Art Fair from 12:00 PM through 9:30 PM at the main stage on the west side of Sundance Square Plaza, featuring over 23 local musicians such as Ginny Mac, Abraham Alexander, Robin Hackett, Jordan Whitmore, Noel Iverson Orchestra and Rosie Flores and the Talismen.

You’ll be able to see phenomenal performances by Grammy Award-winning headliners Clint Black on Thursday at 8:00 PM, Ledisi on Friday at 8:00 PM and Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band with Special Guest Catherine Russell at 8:00 PM on Saturday.

General admission to the Fort Worth Art Fair is free and open to the public. But for the most highly curated Fort Worth Art Fair experience, there are a select number of VIP All-Access Passess and Music Lovers bracelets available.

For $100.00 per day, Fort Worth Art Fair’s VIP All-Access Pass is your ticket to an elevated musical, food and beverage experience during the event. You’ll be able to see Fort Worth Art Fair’s musical talent from dedicated VIP stage viewing areas around Sundance Square Plaza with guaranteed entry. Keep this in mind as access is not guaranteed for the general population once Fort Worth Art Fair reaches Sundance Square’s capacity and guests will be moved to 4th and 5th Streets, which may obscure your view or block it altogether.

With your daily VIP All-Access Pass, you’ll also be able to indulge in the best flavors of Fort Worth with shareable bites created by the city’s top chefs in the private bars and lounges away from the crowds. Enjoy daily tasting menus with bold new flavors to delight your senses from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Go beyond the select offerings of the public bars and enjoy a full array of liquors and craft cocktails – including a specialty featured cocktail each day. VIP bars are open from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Also with your VIP All-Access Pass, enjoy indoor and outdoor seating lounges for a place to unwind between performances and gallery-hopping. Stay comfortable in private, climate-controlled restrooms with shorter lines that will have you ready to get back to the festivities of the Fort Worth Art Fair. Early bird Fort Worth Art Fair VIP All-Access Passes are just $100.00 per day, and children under age two are complimentary. Click here to get your VIP passes to Fort Worth Art Fair before they’re sold out! 

If music is your primary objective for the Fort Worth Art Fair, you can get the Music Lovers Bracelet for $100.00 which can be used throughout the four day event and guarantees in-plaza stage views no matter how busy the event gets.

Get the Music Lover’s bracelet here.

Get ready for an exciting four days of the Fort Worth Art Fair and look forward to seeing you there!

photo credit: Scott Ross

Justin Anderson is an entrepreneur raised in the swamps of Houston who is passionate about connecting with people and making good food. After planting his stake in Fort Worth and attending TCU, he launched his second successful food brand, WOATS Oatsnack. Justin is the Olympics and Happenings Correspondent for Madeworthy, a longtime resident of downtown Fort Worth, and you can find his new Bel Air Ranch Herb & Spice Seasoning Rub in select fine meat markets in Fort Worth.

The post Announcing the Inaugural Fort Worth Art Fair first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters

As a kid, I knew the Harlem Globetrotters from the mid-nineties sitcom Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper which starred comedian Mark Curry. In the episode, Mark is given tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters for his birthday after we learn he’s had several mishaps since childhood that prevented him from seeing them perform. It happens again after he misses the birthday performance by getting stuck in the BART subway from Oakland to San Francisco, but then lands an opportunity to get a special performance by the Globetrotters by pretending to be the king of a small African country. He finally gets to see the Globetrotters perform after the teammates reveal they knew Mr. Cooper’s story about being a king was a lie all along. This only after Mr. Cooper and co-star Holly Robinson Peete do a hilarious improv of the national anthem to Mr. Cooper’s fictional country. You won’t have to pretend to be a king in order to see the Harlem Globetrotters perform in Fort Worth, as tickets are on sale now!

Cheese Chisholm
Photo courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters

I spoke with Cheese Chisholm, a Globetrotter who has been with the team for 11 seasons about his upcoming visit to Fort Worth. Since becoming a Globetrotters star, Cheese has brought his fancy footwork, deft ball handling and 4-point shooting accuracy to all 50 states across the U.S. and over 60 countries. Cheese is familiar with Texas, as he went to Western Texas College in Snyder which is just over three hours west of Fort Worth. 

It continually amazes Cheese to see the reactions of audiences of all ages when he and his 11 teammates perform at venues around the world. The typical age range for Harlem Globetrotters audiences is 8 to 12 year-olds and their parents, but audiences can range from 8 to 90, and everyone there has a fantastic time watching the ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag and rim rattling dunks that happen at this fully modernized show. 

Cheese said that he “wants fans to come experience something you’ve never seen before. It’ll be a great experience that we’ll have together.” 

Photo courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters

I asked Cheese what it means to him to Spread Game, and he said its “Spreading consciousness and the history of the Globetrotters, and Black history in sports. Doors have been broken through, and as a company we are very impactful. There is a new generation now, and I want to let kids know what we’re all about.”

You can expect the Spread Game Tour to be part streetball from the players who defined it, and part interactive family entertainment. The new Harlem Globetrotters Tour will show off the best of the Globetrotters in a dazzling exhibition of talent and game. 

You and your family will also be able to experience new premium fan experiences with unprecedented access and interaction with the Harlem Globetrotters, including celebrity court passes, meet and greets with the players, and the #SQUADZONE, where fans have the opportunity to feel like they’re part of the show. 

Cheese mentioned the new Lids collection in partnership with the Harlem Globetrotters that was launched in February in over 700 Lids stores across the country. The “They Gave Us Game” initiative features heritage-inspired apparel and accessory collections from three historic Black sports institutions: The Negro Leagues Museum, Black Fives and the Harlem Globetrotters. The jerseys, caps and shorts in this collection are inspired by original vintage details previously worn by pioneering African American players from each of these three iconic sports entities. A portion of all product proceeds from the collections will go towards the Lids Foundation which makes meaningful donations back to these communities that will help impact youth sports. 

For over 95 years, the Harlem Globetrotters organization has been committed to spreading joy through their artful athleticism and unparalleled basketball skill. The Globetrotters are innovators of the game who popularized the jump shot, slam dunk, and invented the half-court hook shot. The reimagined team is even more committed to bringing their voice to social justice conversations while inviting communities from all over the U.S. to come together and recognize the power of our commonalities and celebrate our differences. 

Tickets to the April 3rd Harlem Globetrotters performance at Dickies Arena range from $23.00 – $170.00 and can be purchased from Ticketmaster. Follow Globetrotters star Cheese Chisholm on Instagram here, and look for him on April 3rd at Dickies Arena! 

photo credit: Scott Ross

Justin Anderson is an entrepreneur raised in the swamps of Houston who is passionate about connecting with people and making good food. After planting his stake in Fort Worth and attending TCU, he launched his second successful food brand, WOATS Oatsnack. Justin has reported on the Olympics for Madeworthy, is a longtime resident of downtown Fort Worth, and you can check out his YouTube channel for inspiration to cook easy, fabulous recipes at justinanderson.tv.

The post Spread Game, Spread Joy first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Seen mingling amongst the crowd were a collection of trendsetters in the Fort Worth fashion scene, including: Samantha Stewart, Liz Nelson, Rambo Elliott, Matthew Miller a.k.a. Sunflowerman, Airin Barnett, Alana Kay and Anna Vickers.

Inside Seven Lounge, a dazzling combination of stage lights and camera flashes filled the dancefloor as guests gathered around the stage. Throughout the evening, partygoers were delighted by special performances by Lou Charle$, Ronnie Heart, Yokyo, Virtud, Luc-Id, Roane and Siobhan.

Also in attendance at the event were Pam Moncrief, Walt Burns, Zak Reynolds, Paige Walker, Jace Hudgens and Kelsie Foster.

If you missed the launch party, Madeworthy will keep you updated with details of upcoming Fashion Week events as they develop. The first Fort Worth Fashion Week is expected to take place in late February of 2022, with a final date to be announced.

photo credit: Scott Ross

Justin Anderson is an entrepreneur raised in the swamps of Houston who is passionate about connecting with people and making good food. After planting his stake in Fort Worth and attending TCU, he launched his second successful food brand, WOATS Oatsnack. Justin has reported on the Olympics for Madeworthy, is a longtime resident of downtown Fort Worth, and you can check out his YouTube channel for inspiration to cook easy, fabulous recipes at justinanderson.tv.

The post Seen at Fort Worth Fashion Week’s Launch Party first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Twenty years later, Central Market has changed the way we think about and eat food, bringing us around the world with their country-specific Passport events, live music on the patio, and their renowned Hatch Chile Festival – which was started by them and has been imitated by countless others in the years since.

This past Friday, September 24th, Central Market celebrated 20 years in Cowtown with a party on their patio fit for the occasion with remarks by Central Market/H-E-B president Stephen Butt, Central Market Fort Worth general manager Austin Jourde, Mayor Mattie Parker and a dreamlike concert by Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel.

Central Market/ H-E-B president Stephen Butt, Mayor Mattie Parker and Central Market Fort Worth general manager Austin Jourde give remarks.

Did you know that Fort Worth was the first city in all of the Fort Worth / Dallas Metroplex to be graced with a Central Market? In addition to the store celebrating 20 years, there are 23 original employees from the Fort Worth location who are celebrating this milestone as well, including general manager Austin Jorde.

The food at the party was as good as you could imagine it would be for a Central Market shindig, featuring delicious bites from Molly McCook of Ellerbe Fine Foods, Jon Bonnell of Bonnell’s and Blaine Staniford of Grace and Little Red Wasp. Chef Molly McCook served a house-made Andouille meatball with creole slaw, Tabasco-spiked onions and pickled market okra that was perfectly piquant and had me wanting to go back for more. Chef Jon Bonnell served a crawfish roll, which was like a Texas-fied lobster roll – buttery and so delicious. Chef Blaine Staniford served Hawaiian swordfish with chermoula, labneh and a sweet and smoky Vadouvan curry that put some pep in my step. Local suds served included Rahr’s Oktoberfest, with Fritz Rahr in attendance, as well as the Best Maid + Martin House collaboration Sour Pickle Beer.

Here are some interesting facts from the first 20 years at Central Market:

• Sold over 1 million packages of Central Market tortillas
• Sold over 1 million pounds of salmon
• Sold over 6 million pounds of bananas
• Sold at least over 6 million pounds of beef

Central Market has also given back over $10 million to the local community since 2001 via partnerships with schools, military families, local police and fire departments, disaster relief services and nonprofit organizations like Tarrant Area Food Bank, Harris Methodist, Cook Children’s, and The Blue Zones Project. For over 8 years now, thousands of volunteers have banded together with Central Market to serve over 10,000 people per year through the Feast of Sharing event, where holiday meals are served to the less fortunate. With COVID last year and this year, the Feast of Sharing has been transitioned to an in-home program via food bank partnerships, and Central Market hopes to return to the in-person event next year.

Central Market/ H-E-B president Stephen Butt with Asleep at the Wheel’s front man Ray Benson

After the remarks, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel put on one hell of a concert with hits like Route 66, Big Balls in Cowtown and a special tribute to the occasion to the tune of Deep in the Heart of Texas, singing “Being around for over 20 great years – clap clap clap clap – Here at the Central Market!” Miss the concert at Central Market but want to see Asleep at the Wheel and up for an overnighter? Ray will be celebrating 50 years of Asleep at the Wheel with a special concert event on October 15th in Austin.

What are some of your favorite memories over the last 20 years at Central Market Fort Worth? Let us know in the comments!

photo credit: Scott Ross

Justin Anderson is an entrepreneur raised in the swamps of Houston who, at the age of 18, was the youngest vendor in Central Market’s history when he launched his line of Anderson Trail Premium Soft Granola. After planting his stake in Fort Worth and attending TCU, he launched WOATS Oatsnack which was first sold at Central Market. Justin has reported on the Olympics for Madeworthy, is a longtime resident of downtown Fort Worth, and you can check out his YouTube channel for inspiration to cook easy fabulous recipes at justinanderson.tv.

The post Celebrating 20 Years of Central Market in Cowtown first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.