Photo courtesy of FWSO

Tanglewood Moms: What do you want people to know most about this year’s Concerts in the Garden?

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Team: One of the exciting changes to Concerts in the Garden in 2023 is the change of dates to place the festival earlier! We made this change to try to prevent heat-related illnesses and delayed start times due to the extreme temperatures our musicians have to contend with on stage. We opted for cooler temperatures and the hottest programs.

TWM: What is a drone fireworks show?

FWSO Team: The drone show is a safe alternative to the traditional fireworks displays that will appeal to what lies deep in the heart of every Texan who joins us at the Botanic Garden. This decision was made due to the City of Fort Worth’s ban on fireworks displays after the rampant fires surrounding the Independence Day festivities last year put undue stress on the fire department.

TWM: How did you decide on the concert themes this year?

FWSO Team: We reviewed our most popular programs from previous festivals and kept the fan favorites while adding in new themes including our finale performance headliner, Texas’ own singer/songwriter Pat Green!

Photo courtesy of FWSO

TWM: With Pat Green will be performing, will there be an area for dancing for the die-hard fans?

FWSO Team: As always, patrons are invited to dance the night away on Rock Springs Road!

Here are all the details of the 11 outdoor concerts at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden May 26 – June 11 with a drone show in place of the traditional fireworks presentation.

THE DETAILS

Location: Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107

Times: Parking lot, box office, and venue gates open at 6:30 PM and concerts begin at 8:30 PM

Tickets: Lawn tickets are $28. Children ages 10 and under are admitted free on the lawn with a ticket if accompanied by an adult. Reserved seating at round tables of 4 is $40–$79 with a 20% discount for children 10 and under in price levels B and C. Purchase tickets online at www.fwsymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at 817-655-6000.

Photo courtesy of FWSO

Parking: Parking options include the following:

• Valet Parking $37* (Limited quantities available)
• North/South Self-Park $22 in advance/$25 at the gate
• Dickies Yellow Lot Prices vary and are available at the gate.

Shuttle service from the South Lot drops off at the South Entrance. A second CITG shuttle stop is also located in the middle of the Dickies Arena Yellow Lot. All shuttle services begin at 6:30 p.m. and run continuously until 30 minutes after the concert ends. ADA-accessible shuttles are available from the South Lot only. A convenient designated Uber/Lyft Drop-Off is also available in the South Lot.

Parking may be purchased in advance at www.fwsymphony.org or by calling the FWSO Box Office at 817-665-6000.

Photo courtesy of FWSO

—FULL CONCERT SCHEDULE—

Friday, May 26 | Windborne’s The Music of Queen

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Brent Havens, conductor
MiG Ayesa, vocalist

Performed by the FWSO and amplified with a full rock band and vocals, conductor/arranger Brent Havens will capture Queen’s distinct sound while presenting some familiar and lots many new musical colors.

Saturday, May 27 | Patriotic Pops

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Taichi Fukumura, conductor
Michael Adams, baritone

In this all-American Memorial Day celebration at Concerts in the Garden, hear your favorite patriotic songs and marches in our exhilarating, first-ever, Memorial Day celebration, which offers brand new “drone” fireworks display in the area. A celebration not to be missed!

Sunday, May 28 | The Music of Harry Potter

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Taichi Fukumura, conductor

Hear the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra conjure your favorite tunes from the films that took young witches and wizards to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Thursday, June 1 | Preservation Hall Jazz Band*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

This year, the world-famous ensemble is touring to celebrate 60 years of making great music in the Crescent City and around the world. The band’s singular style is filled with unmistakable harmonies, melodies, and rhythms that are the lifeblood of saloons, riverboats, street parades, and festivals that make New Orleans a musical mecca.

Friday, June 2 | Radio Highway Performs The Music of The Eagles*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

Radio Highway returns to the Concerts In The Garden series to perform The Music of The Eagles featuring vocalists Glenn DeLaune, H.L. Wilson, Danny Miranda, and Eldon Sully. This rock ensemble captures The Eagles’ amazing vocal harmonies in a concert rich with melodies as you’ve never heard before!

Saturday, June 3 | Chicago Nights starring Jason Scheff

Jason Scheff, vocalist/bassist for CHICAGO
Martin Herman, conductor

A tribute to this worldwide phenomenon by CHICAGO Nights starring Jason Scheff, long-time Lead Vocalist for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted band CHICAGO—“The Voice of CHICAGO across four decades.”

Sunday, June 4 | Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes transcribed note-for-note and performed exactly as they were originally recorded. Hear “A Hard Day’s Night” live, experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet, and sway the night away with “Hey Jude.”

Thursday, June 8 | The Music of Led Zeppelin

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Taichi Fukumura, conductor

The Music of Led Zeppelin lets audiences experience the music of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin, like never before—with a full symphony orchestra. With a full band and orchestra playing Led Zeppelin’s hits such as “Immigrant Song,” “Kashmir” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and more!

Friday, June 9 | REWIND: The Music of the 80s

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Alex Amsel, conductor

This concert will feature the greatest 80s songs with a set list including George Michael, Mister Mister, Kool & The Gang, Joan Jett, The Cure, and more!

Saturday, June 10 | Star Wars

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
Taichi Fukumura, conductor

Hear selections from several of the Star Wars films that will take you to a galaxy far, far away.

Sunday, June 11 | Pat Green*

*This concert will be performed without orchestra

Credited as one of Texas country’s modern era’s founding fathers, Green has traveled many roads in the 25 years since his debut album, Dancehall Dreamer. A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter with a restless creative spirit, his career has gone beyond the bounds of a “country star” to include the work of a painter, sculptor, philanthropist, family man and more. But one constant has remained – his vision.

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For someone who’s new to Fort Worth, how would you describe Concerts in the Garden?

For a brand-new Fort Worthian, Concerts in the Garden is one of the quintessential summer activities in town! This summer festival is three weeks of live concerts, picnics, and fireworks every night with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens.

What’s the lineup for this summer? 

The 2022 lineup features Star Wars and Beyond, July 4^th Celebration, and tribute shows for iconic groups such as The Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones.

Any picnic pro tips for newcomers? 

Picnic pro-tip: you can pre-order a picnic through the FWSO’s Official Picnic Partner Central Market to save yourself the trouble of packing your own.

What do the musicians especially love about this series? 

The musicians love the laidback atmosphere of CITG and getting to see folks who fall in love with the orchestra come see concerts indoors during the regular season.

How does the FWSO choose its music? 

For Concerts in the Garden, the FWSO Artistic and Marketing teams work together to choose music that is both artistically sound and been given positive feedback by concertgoers from previous festivals. If a newcomer attends and wants to give feedback, they can always share their thoughts with us on social media or email us directly at marketing@fwsymphony.org.

Why is sharing music with the community so important? 

Sharing music with the community is core to the FWSO’s mission. Fort Worth is a city on the rise and music will be our common thread as we grow.

What other fun FWSO programming can we look forward to this year? 

The FWSO has massive plans for the 2022–2023 season including a Gala concert featuring iconic cellist Yo-Yo Ma; Star Wars: A New Hope with the feature film projected onto the big screen and the score performed live to picture; National Geographic’s multimedia concert experience Symphony for Our World for orchestra and choir; as well as several living composers who could be the next Leonard Bernstein. Every concert with the FWSO is different so there is something for everyone.

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I typically associate the mid-year season with hot car seats and higher AC bills. But there’s at least one bright spot: June brings the sweet sounds of Concerts in the Garden, an outdoor concert series of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra that’s held at Fort Worth Botanic Garden the first part of every summer.

The performances are amazing, and each year offers new bands who bring to life iconic past performances and recordings of popular artists like The Beatles, The Eagles, The Texas Tenors, and more, all with the pristine sonic backdrop of FWSO. Each show concludes with a massive fireworks display.

The series begins June 1 with The Texas Tenors. The trio became household names nine years ago after performing on America’s Got Talent. They pack the vocal punch of greats like Luciano Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo with a gentile cowboy aesthetic and country sensibility.

The King of Pop makes a return, at least in spirit, for The Music of Michael Jackson on June 8. One of the most popular shows is making a comeback with three performances June 15, 16, and 17. Star Wars and Beyond: A Laser Light Spectacular pits Trekkies against Star Wars fans with popular hits from both shows/movies. A synchronized laser light show with abundant fog releases makes for an unforgettable experience. Rounding out some of the more notable performances are The Music of Queen (June 9), The Rolling Stones (June 22), and A Salute to the Eagles (June 30).

Here are some tips. The best lawn seats are closer to the stage and fill up quickly. If you want the best experience, plan to be seated an hour or at least 45 minutes early. You are free to bring a cooler with food and drinks. For me, this is half the fun. I like to pack beer, wine, and light snacks. Bring a foldable chair of some kind. If you forget, white plastic chairs are available in return for a donation. Bug spray, sunscreen, and frisbees are all items I usually pack. Since the concerts are in the evenings, the heat is tolerable around seven and dissipates by sundown. Central Market is the official “Picnic Partner” of Concerts in the Garden. You can call Call 817-377-9307 to pre-order dishes like Allegretto Chicken Salad (hummus, fresh strawberries, and crackers), Cheese Cadenza (cheddar and havarti with red and green grapes), and Deli Divertissement (sliced turkey, roast beef, havarti, and cheddar with veggies, silver dollar rolls, fruit salad, and potato chips).

Photo courtesy of the FWSO

I try and go at least once a summer. Last year, I had a great time hearing a Beatles cover band play through Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It was the 50th anniversary of the iconic album’s release. My first visit three years ago was to catch Star Wars & Beyond with my then 8-year-old son, Isaac. I knew the concert was some kind of outdoor event that played “pops” music, meaning not classical. But more importantly, I knew they were playing live Star Wars music to a laser light show. My son let me know he wanted to go shortly after I got the words “Star Wars” out of my mouth. After buying our tickets online, we parked at nearby Farrington Field, where a complimentary bus ride took us to the live show. Isaac was in some lingering Darth Maul phase, so he brought the requisite double-bladed red lightsaber associated with that red-headed villain. It didn’t take long for a cadre of lightsaber-bearing Jedi to intercept Isaac as he left the bus near Botanic Garden. The pre-teens engaged in impromptu combat. I snagged some photos. The evening was a memory we still treasure.

Edward Brown is a writing tutor and piano teacher. He is also an award-winning writer for the Fort Worth Weekly and volunteers for numerous Fort Worth nonprofits.

The post A Fort Worth Summer Tradition first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

photo credit: Reverie Photo Co.

This weekend is fwFLAVOR‘s new-fashioned ice cream social at FWBlackhouse! It promises to be a great opportunity to meet up with other Fort Worth families face to face. On Saturday, June 2nd, beginning at 1 pm there will be ice cream, popsicles, snow cones, activities, live music, and more. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (2 and under are free!), and there is a VIP option: for $25, you can come at noon – first in line for ice cream, hair-painting, and more! Here is the link to purchase tickets for this great family-friendly event!

Mamma Mia! is being performed at Casa Mañana June 2nd to 10th. The music of ABBA is sung to tell the feel good story about love, laughter, and friendship. This show is suitable for most audiences and loved by over 60 million people worldwide. I’m so thankful we have the opportunity to see it here in Fort Worth. Tickets are still available.

Sunday, June 3rd is the Kimbell Art Museum Family Festival. Beginning at 12:00pm, there will be hands-on activities, story times, games, and lively performances by guest artists. This is a free family event, and no reservation is necessary. You will not be disappointed!

June 9th is Dairy Day at Nash Farm. Bring the family from 10 am to 12 pm and enjoy learning about the dairy process including milking, butter making, cheese making, and more. Tickets are $3.00 and can be purchased here!

Monday, June 11th, Central Market and Bass Hall are hosting a Pie-Baking Contest in celebration of the upcoming Broadway at the Bass run of Waitress later this month. Everyone is welcome to enter and there will be a team of pie-loving judges including our very own mayor, Betsy Price! It must be made from scratch and follow specific rules to win. Here is the link to all the details and to register. Good Luck!

On June 14th, go on a trail ride from Waterside to Westbend with Bike to the Bend. Meet at the REI store in Waterside from 5:30 to 6:15 pm. At 6:15 pm sharp, hit the Trinity Trail to Westbend where you can grab some drinks and snacks from HG Sply Co and Bartaco. Beginning around 7:45 pm, head back to Waterside for a cold beer from Rahr & Sons Brewing Company and post-ride treats. Sounds like an adventure not to miss! Tickets can be purchased here, and all proceeds will benefit the First Mile Program.

Did you know that the Botanical Research Institute of Texas at the Botanical Gardens has Family Exploration Saturdays? Every Saturday in June, anytime between 1 pm and 4 pm, bring the family to the backyard vegetable garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens for outdoor exploration that will teach your children about some amazing things found in nature!

Finally, Concerts in the Garden is here. Beginning June 1st and continuing throughout the summer, our Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be performing at the Botanical Gardens. There are a variety of music genres on the calendar and something that will please everyone. TanglewoodMoms.com has at least 3 articles in the past on this amazing event: Star Wars Edition 2015, Fun in the Fort June 2016, and Fun in the Fort June 2017. Don’t miss your chance to go! Tickets can be purchased here.

There is plenty to do with your children, friends, and out-of-town guests this summer in Fort Worth. Have fun and stay safe everybody!

Tricia Schniederjan is a Fort Worth girl born and raised. Tricia is a runner, scuba diver, snow and water skier, hiker, and kayaker. Her love of exploring has taken her on many adventures with her 5 children which has led to her becoming an expert at traveling with children. She is a UT Austin graduate, an optimist, a peace keeper, and an enjoyer of life.

The post Fun in the Fort: June 2018 first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

From 8:15 – 10:15 pm, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra hosts rising country star JT Hodges as part of the orchestra’s Concerts in The Garden Series. Hodges is becoming more of a hometown hero every year as he travels to more cities across the country and gains some seriously devoted fans in other states. We asked him a few questions about his music career, his life on tour, and his connection to Tanglewood Elementary. Read on to get the scoop on JT.

TWM: Where do you call home?

JT: Born and raised Fort Worth, Texas, and I live in Nashville now.  Can I call them both home? …Love me some Cowtown.

TWM: Sure! And you were a Tanglewood Elementary grad, right? What do you remember most about the school?

JT: My fondest memory of Tanglewood Elementary was singing Elvis Presley’s “Don’t be Cruel” in the 5th grade talent show. I also hosted the show as Vanna White (…long story). I was there through the late ’80s into the ’90s and have so many great memories from that place. I was always a big fan of my P.E. coach Mr. Henry. He let us play tackle football every now and then… A Tanglewood Tiger I’ll always be.

TWM: What do you most look forward to doing when you’re in Fort Worth?

JT: Oh, that’s not fair. [There’s] so much to look forward to. I’ll make sure I hit up Joe T’s, the zoo with the kiddos, and a nice long Trinity trail bike ride perhaps.

TWM: And do you have any little ones?

JT: I’ve got two little girls that already run my world, Charles Joy at 6 and Delta Faye at 4. They tell me they want to be singers when they grow up, which breaks their daddy’s heart in the best way. They will both be at the concert—might even listen to the first couple of songs, too.

TWM: How many tour stops do you make a year?

JT: Usually around 50 or more.

TWM: Wow. That’s a lot of stops, and a lot of eating on the road. Do you have a favorite on-the-road comfort food?

JT: Beef Jerky, always.

TWM: How do you kill time before going on stage?

JT: Warming up and whiskey.

TWM: And what do you usually do when the show is over?

JT: [I] always love to head to the merch booth and meet new and old fans. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without them.

TWM: Good to know where we can find you! I’m also wondering what’s the weirdest or the most memorable gift a fan has ever given you?

JT: Well, there are few registered JT Hodges license plates in the state of Tennessee, Missouri, and New Jersey. Texas is my bucket list now, I guess? [Laughs.]

TWM: Well, I’ll be crossing my fingers that you get a JT Hodges license plate this weekend. Have you ever been to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens where you’re performing at on Saturday?

JT: FIRST TIME EVER! [I’m] so excited for this.

TWM: And for kicks and giggles, if you could be any plant in the garden, what plant would you be?

JT: A Venus Fly Trap, of course.

TWM: Well, thanks so much for your time. Before we sign off, is there any last message you want to send to our readers?

JT: Can’t wait to come home and play. I hope I make you proud.

For more details on JT’s performance, visit the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s Facebook event or box office webpage. To follow JT on social media, check out his Facebook page or follow him on Instagram @hellojthodges.

Jackie Hoermann-Elliott is the Assistant Director of TCU’s New Media Writing Studio, where she teaches digital composing to Horned Frogs needing to create videos, infographics, blogs, and much more. She wrote for newspapers and magazines around the Midwest before settling down in the Lone Star State. Since she moved here in 2013, she’s written for The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Indulge, K Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, and GuideLive. Currently, she writes for those fun guys running The Fort Worth Weekly and is a valuable member of the  TanglewoodMoms.com team. When she’s not writing, she’s procrasti-cleaning to avoid her dissertation or reading up on new trends in health and psychology research. For fun, she cheers on her husband, Mansfield ISD football coach Buck Elliot, she teaches yoga at Yogali off E. Lancaster, or practices poses with her amazing bonus daughter, “E.”

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