Fort Worth will be the room where it happens this week as one of the biggest musicals of all time comes to town again. Other choices include two special music performances at local theaters, screenings of an acclaimed 40-year-old documentary, a local theater production, three concerts ranging from a country superstar to a long-running rock band, a special symphony performance, a collection of concerts in small venues, a Pride music festival, the opening of a new art exhibition, and a piano festival.
Below are the best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, June 13
Jubilee Theatre presents The House of Jubilee Concert Series: Men of Standards with The Phunk Doctors
In the The House of Jubilee's "Men of Standards" concert series, the spotlight shines on the talents of male vocalists. Featuring the smooth and commanding voices of both legendary crooners and modern-day interpreters, the series delves into the iconic standards that have sculpted the landscape of vocal artistry. The singers will be accompanied by the sounds of the Phunk Doctors Band. The concert takes place at Jubilee Theatre.
Casa Mañana presents The Music of Elton John
During The Music of Elton John, Broadway singers will perform all the favorites from the iconic discography of Sir Elton John. The production will feature songs like “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and more, and also feature the stories behind his inimitable music and style. It will run through June 29 at Casa Mañana Theatre.
Broadway at the Bass presents Hamilton
The Tony Award-winning Hamilton has become the first classic musical of the 21st century, continuing to draw sellout crowds both on Broadway and on its multiple tours. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton turns the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton into a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. It will run through June 23 at Bass Performance Hall.
Friday, June 14
Magnolia at the Modern: I Heard It Through the Grapevine
In this 1982 documentary, James Baldwin retraces his time in the South during the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting with his trademark brilliance and insight on the passage of more than two decades. From Selma, Birmingham, and Atlanta to the battleground beaches of St. Augustine, Florida with Chinua Achebe, and back north for a visit to Newark with Amiri Baraka, Baldwin lays bare the fiction of progress in post-Civil Rights America - wondering "what happened to the children" and those "who did not die, but whose lives were smashed on Freedom Road.” The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Hip Pocket Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Love, enchantment and hilarity ensue under the Texas sky, where audiences can experience Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night's Dream in the magical setting of Hip Pocket Theatre. Worlds collide in this beloved comedy, perfect for any audience. The production runs through July 7.
Sister Hazel in concert
Rock band Sister Hazel is a classic example of how you can never judge a group that was seemingly a one-hit wonder. After making their debut in 1994, they released the hit "All for You" in 1997, which made it to No. 11 on the Hot 100. They've never made it that high again, and yet they've persisted, releasing eight more albums, most recently Elements in 2020. You can hear what you (might have) missed at this concert at Billy Bob's Texas.
Saturday, June 15
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf at CR Smith Museum
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's Buddy Bray will narrate Peter and the Wolf, a symphonic tale to introduce children to the different instruments of the orchestra. The family-oriented concert also includes other narrative-driven works, exploring the different moods classical music can portray. Mozart’s A Little Night Music is spirited and bright, Valse triste by Sibelius literally translates to “Sad Waltz,” and Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, based on local folk music, capture many emotional expressions. The event takes place at CR Smith Museum.
Near Southside Arts presents Lost 'N Sound
Lost 'N Sound is a series of events featuring live musician performances in South Main Village. The event will transform 18 businesses all throughout the district into one-day music venues hosting local musicians across genres and at different stages of their career. Visitors are invited to enjoy the performances while exploring both traditional music venues and unexpected spaces like architecture offices, art galleries, retailers, recording studios, and film studios hosting stages. Gallery 440, Rahr Brewery, Roots Coffeehouse, and more will be among the venues.
Chris Stapleton in concert
When country star Chris Stapleton comes to town, it's always a big deal in the literal and metaphorical sense. In 2021, he brought his All-American Roadshow to Globe Life Field in Arlington for the first time. In 2023, he played back-to-back nights at Dos Equis Pavilion right before the release of his fifth album, Higher. And now he's back at Globe Life Field again, this time joined by Charley Crockett and Nikki Lane.
Trinity Pride Fest
The 6th annual Trinity Pride Fest celebrates the local queer community. The festival will feature performances by headliner David Archuleta, as well as Britton & the Sting, Deja Dubois, JT Davenport, Sapphire Davenport, and Salem Moon. Kylee O'Hara will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies, and DJ CP will be the Master of Vibes. There will also be an artisan market by Wandering Roots Markets. The festival takes place at Magnolia Green.
David Nail in concert
Country singer David Nail had such success in the early days of his career that it's a wonder why he hasn't gotten even bigger. His 2009 debut album, I'm About to Come Alive, made the top 20 on the Billboard Country charts, and each of his subsequent three albums went even higher, culminating with 2016's Fighter going to No. 3. He has put out a couple of EPs since then, but has yet to release a fifth album. He'll play at Billy Bob's Texas.
Photo by Joan Marcus
Broadway at the Bass presents Hamilton at Bass Performance Hall through June 23.
Sunday, June 16
Kimbell Art Museum presents "Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries"
"Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries" marks the first time that this entire cycle of seven large-scale tapestries, some of the most awe-inspiring examples of this often-overlooked artform, has been on view in the United States. The tremendous images, each about 27 feet wide and 14 feet high, commemorate Emperor Charles V’s decisive victory over French King Francis I that ended the 16th-century Italian Wars. The exhibition will run through September 15 at Kimbell Art Museum.
PianoTexas International Festival at TCU
The PianoTexas International Festival is a monthlong event at TCU that includes piano recitals, masterclasses. Each week culminates with concerto performances with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra featuring different performers. This week will feature teachers and amateurs winners performing with the orchestra at Van Cliburn Concert Hall.
