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The Princess Bride© in Concert - Dallas Symphony O

Fencing, fighting, true love, revenge, miracles… and a full symphony orchestra! On April 25-27, Dallas Symphony Orchestra is proud to present The Princess Bride© in Concert, bringing Rob Reiner’s beloved classic to life in an unforgettable way. For the first time, composer Mark Knopfler’s iconic score is performed live-to-picture by a full symphony orchestra.

Relive the epic tale of Buttercup and Westley, dastardly villains, swashbuckling heroes, and miracle men played by an all-star cast – now with the added magic of a cinematic concert experience. With an all-star cast and narration by Peter Falk, this is a fairytale adventure the whole family will cherish.

“Missing it would be inconceivable!”

Tickets start at $52 and are available at dallassymphony.org.

 

Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

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Teresa Charnock, Richard Graziano

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, kicked off Thrift Studio, presented by Amazon, with a Premiere Party that raised $107,000 on April 3. More than 300 attendees were the first to shop for furniture, artwork and accessories, while sipping beverages and enjoying appetizers.

The month-long pop is open to the public to shop for home furnishings and accessories at deeply discounted prices. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207, and there is no cost for admission.

The limited-time shopping event features a curated collection of designer-donated furniture, artwork and décor at inexpensive prices, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

“We replenish the studio daily, so there’s always something new to discover,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Every purchase helps us transform spaces into homes for families who are coming out of difficult situations and supports schools and nonprofits that need beautiful, functional spaces to further their mission.”

Thrift Studio features six new designers annually who install vignettes using their own donated inventory. The pop-up also includes a curated selection of general donated furniture and décor, as well as artwork collected at the Art+Color Party.

The 2025 designers include:

For more details on this year’s featured designers, visit here.

The 2025 Thrift Studio is chaired by Samantha Reitmayer Sano and Joslyn Taylor Swoon, the studio, and Art Chair Hannah Brown, Hannah Brown Art.

ABOUT THRIFT STUDIO:
Thrift Studio is a high-end pop-up shop and fundraiser benefiting Dwell with Dignity. The month-long event features designer showrooms curated by top interior designers, showcasing high-quality, donated home furnishings and décor available for purchase at deep discounts. Since its inception, Thrift Studio has become a must-attend event for Dallas’ design and philanthropic communities.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

 

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Open Palette Courtyard View - Sheraton Dallas Larg

Sheraton Dallas presents a whimsical Easter Day Brunch at Open Palette on Sunday, April 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy stations of fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, classic breakfast staples, and more in a bright, contemporary setting with live music. To make the day even more special, Open Palette is delighted to offer $1 mimosas for the adults and a fun Egg Hunt for the kids!

Easter Day Brunch is $72/adult, $30/child under 12, and free for kids under 4 years old. Reservations are available now on OpenTable.

Open Palette is located in Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 North Olive Street.

 

EASTER DAY BRUNCH BUFFET MENU

Local Cheese Table. Paired with Local Jam and Artisan Crackers.

Charcuterie Table. Paired with Whole Grain Mustard and Artisan Bread.

Seafood Station

  • Seafood Ceviche, with Tortilla Chips.

  • Crab Claws & Gulf Shrimp, with Lime Teqila Mignonette.

  • Shrimp & Lobster Salad, with Bread Rolls.

Salad Station

  • Baby Green, Chopped Romaine, Tomato, Cucumber, Olives, Pickled Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crouton, Strawberry, Candied Pecan, Chopped Bacon, Carrot, Ranch Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Pasta Station

  • Pasta options include Macaroni, Penne, and Orecchiette.

  • Housemade sauce options: Alfredo-Carbonara, Smoked Vodka Sauce, Lobster Cream.

  • Toppings: Parmigiano Reggiano, Local Spring Mushrooms, Sweet Drops Peppers, Italian Sausage, Kalamata Olives, Smoked Pancetta, Spinach.

Breakfast Station

  • Applewood Smoked Bacon, Chorizo Potatoes, Pork Sausage, Chilaquiles, Sausage Gravy, Cheddar Biscuit.

Omelet Station

  • Cage-Free Fresh Egg, Egg White, Ham, Turkey, Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Spinach, Mushroom, Tomato, Cheese, Jalapeno, Salsa.

Carving Station

  • Roasted Garlic Prime Rib, with Au Jus.

  • Taco Station, with Pork Al Pastor and Barbacoa. Roasted Cauliflower, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Salsa, Jalapeño Aioli, Lime Cabbage.

Kids Station

  • Homemade Fried Chicken, Fish Sticks, Scramble Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes.

Sweet Treats

  • Assorted Mini Pastries, Cakes, Fruit Tarts, Fruits.

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Pictured is 10-year-old Amir and his mom Domanic Griffin. Amir is battling cancer and is a great advocate for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer.

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) partnered with 88 Jersey Mike’s Subs locations across DFW in March, raising a record-breaking $738,576 to support the fight against pediatric cancer.

This month-long campaign culminated on Wednesday, March 26, when 100% of all sales at Jersey Mike’s Subs in DFW were donated to WOKC. The funds raised will directly support local families and help advance critical childhood cancer research.

“This overwhelming support from our community is inspirational,” said Kris Cumnock, CEO of WOKC. “People didn’t just buy a sub, they helped change lives. We are beyond grateful to Jersey Mike’s and the generosity of their customers who contributed to this groundbreaking effort.”

Throughout March, customers participated by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar, donating $1, $3, or $5 at checkout. The campaign’s biggest impact came on March 26, when every dollar from every sale went directly to WOKC.

The funds raised will further WOKC’s mission by supporting initiatives such as Buddy Bags for newly diagnosed children, family outings, and special events—all designed to bring comfort and joy during a difficult time. This powerful partnership between WOKC and Jersey Mike’s is making a lasting impact by delivering hope and providing support to families facing their toughest battles.

About Jersey Mike’s

Since 1956, Jersey Mike’s has been serving A Sub Above. Customers can count on an authentic tasting submarine sandwich made with high quality ingredients on every visit. Fresh-baked bread, freshly sliced meats and cheeses, and made-to-order subs are all guaranteed. Making a difference in local communities is at the heart of Jersey Mike’s mission. This year, Jersey Mike’s is celebrating its 15th annual Month of Giving aiming to raise record-breaking amounts for more than 200 charities across America. For more on Jersey Mike’s, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or visit jerseymikes.com.

About Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs that serve entire families. WOKC prioritizes investing in innovative research that leads to new discoveries in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on WOKC, follow on Facebook, Instagram,Twitter or visit WOKC.org.

 

 

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Turtle Creek Chorale presents its 45th season, 45 LIVE: The Best Moments Live Here, including new mainstage concerts and ensemble concerts, special guest appearances from widely recognized performers, and the fifth annual Rhapsody Gala. 

For 45 years, Turtle Creek Chorale has brought music to life, transforming moments into memories through the power of live performance. From its humble beginnings in 1980 to becoming a world renowned chorus, the Chorale has faced triumphs, endured challenges, and reached profound milestones, all guided by music. 

“Live performance is not only something you hear, but something you feel,” Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director Sean Baugh said. “The Chorale’s 45th season is a tribute to the transformative power of live music and shared experiences. By showing up, you are not just supporting the arts community, you are championing the values that bring us all together and welcoming all identities and backgrounds, especially our LGBTQ+ family.” 

Season 45 performances include: 

  • Disney PRIDE in Concert: This summer, Turtle Creek Chorale will perform iconic Disney songs alongside a 30 piece orchestra, celebrating themes of love, LGBTQ+ pride, and family ties. Disney PRIDE in Concert will honor Disney’s globally acclaimed musical legacy and provide Chorale members the opportunity to share their personal journeys and reflect on how this music has shaped their lives. Prepare to be enchanted by songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and more in two spectacular performances on June 26 and 27 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

  • Guys & Dolls: A tribute to the classic show in partnership with Lyric Stage, Guys & Dolls will be performed at Moody Performance Hall on August 15, 16, and 17. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys & Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

  • Groundless Ground: Alongside the Women’s Chorus of Dallas and a 30 piece orchestra, the Turtle Creek Chorale will perform a powerful concert that explores how to find strength, hope, and resilience when the world feels uncertain. Groundless Ground will honor women, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and immigrants, amplifying voices that deserve to be celebrated. To honor the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking work Sing for the Cure, the Chorale will showcase selections from this beloved piece alongside the powerful Unbreakable song cycle. Groundless Ground will be performed on Wednesday, September 17 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

  • Rhapsody: The fifth annual gala benefiting the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite and inspire will be held on Saturday, September 20, at The Statler Dallas and will feature a special guest performer to be announced this spring.

  • All is Calm: It was Christmas Eve in 1914 when British and German troops laid down their arms and gathered in song, drink, and warmth to celebrate the holiday. This event, now known as the “Christmas Truce,” continues to be a heartwarming and powerful story of shared humanity. This December, the Turtle Creek Chorale will not only  tell this story through the power of music but will also present songs that remind us that the holiday season is, above all, a time for peace, understanding, love, family, and friendship. All is Calm will be performed in a series of concerts on the Chorale’s second “Holiday Tour,” spreading peace and joy across the DFW Metroplex this holiday season. 

“It’s hard to believe that the 45th season of the Turtle Creek Chorale is here,” Turtle Creek Chorale Executive Director Dr. Dawson B. Taylor said. “I remember originally joining the Chorale as a singer just after celebrating its 25th anniversary. This season will be accustomed to all the laughter, tears, and chill bumps you have felt all these years at TCC shows, but we will be focused on the part that makes that possible — being together to enjoy the music, artistry and beauty of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Stay tuned for dates for our small ensemble feature show as well as the resurrected cabaret show.” 

Tickets for each concert will be available for purchase on TurtleCreekChorale.com during the months leading up to the performance. For the latest news on ticket sales, additional guest performer announcements, Rhapsody updates, and information about Turtle Creek Chorale’s community involvement, follow along on Instagram and Facebook @TurtleCreekChorale.

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Texas Family Initiative is hosting its fourth annual Swing into Action! Golf Tournament, which will benefit EMPOWER, and the North Texas children in foster care that EMPOWER serves, on Monday, May 5, at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club. 

Registration begins at 8 AM with a shotgun start at 9 AM. Following the golf tournament, there will be a Cookout on the Course at 1 PM and a Post Golf Awards Reception at 2 PM with contests and raffle prizes. The Nelson Golf & Sports Club is located at 4200 North MacArthur Blvd. 

Last year’s golf tournament raised more than $75,000 in donations to impact local children in foster care. 

EMPOWER is a nonprofit child welfare collaborative and the Community-Based Care contractor in the North Texas region of Metroplex East, led by Texas Family Initiative LLC and supported by local providers in North Texas including CK Family Services, Jonathan’s Place, Bair Foundation, Pathways Youth and Family Services that works together to serve some of our most vulnerable children and families.

 

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North Texas’ Favorite Family-Owned Bar-B-Que Brings Homemade Goodness in the Most Delicious Way

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s signature Friday Night Fish Fry is a beloved tradition year-round, but it’s especially popular during Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter. On Lenten Fridays, many Christians abstain from meat and turn to seafood, and Soulman’s will fry up a meal worth savoring.

“Every Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests can enjoy our fish fry meals for dine-in or carry-out at all Soulman’s locations,” says Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “North Texans love our deep-fried fish fillets, crispy hush puppies, and famous sides—including our award-winning house-cut fries, Texas-style creamed corn, Southern-fried cabbage, or classic coleslaw. We fry our fish in small batches, ensuring every bite is fresh, crispy, and full of flavor.”

“As we celebrate 50 years of serving North Texans, we continue to listen to our guests—and they can’t get enough of our Friday Night Fish Fry!” Randle adds.

And with Easter around the corner, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que is making holiday meals stress-free for North Texans. Preorder a full family feast online and pick it up at any Soulman’s Bar-B-Que location before Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

“We take care of the cooking so families can enjoy a homestyle Easter meal without the hassle,” says Randle. “We pair our savory, hickory-smoked ham with our homemade mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, and King’s Hawaiian rolls for a classic Easter meal that families will love.”

Soulman’s offers two Easter meal options available for preorder at https://soulmans.com/easter-meal/:

  • Big Easter Dinner – Feeds 20-24 for $189.99
  • Easter Dinner – Feeds 10-12 for $98.99

Add Soulman’s hickory-smoked meats, famous sides, and delicious desserts for an Easter meal that can be tailor-made for any gathering. Half hams ($49.99) and whole hams ($99.99) are also available. Preordered meals can be picked up on Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, 2025.

All Soulman’s locations will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

 

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

 

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Theresa Zavala, Interior Hospitality Lead at Merriman Anderson Architects.

Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) is proud to introduce Theresa Zavala as the firm’s Interiors Hospitality Lead. With 25 years of experience in global hospitality and high-end residential design, Zavala brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to MAA’s growing interiors division. 

In this role, Zavala will lead MAA’s hospitality interior design team, overseeing the design and execution of world-class interior spaces in the hospitality sector. She will be responsible for ensuring projects meet the highest design standards, align with client goals, and stay within budget. 

“Theresa’s experience and creative vision make her an invaluable leader to our interiors team,” says Milton Anderson, President, MAA. “Her guidance will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional and thoughtfully-designed spaces for our clients.” 

Over her career, Zavala has worked on high-end hospitality projects, blending luxury and functionality to create immersive guest experiences. Her extensive international travel and significant on-site experience bring a strategic and inspired approach to design.

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at MAA and contribute to the firm’s exceptional portfolio of projects,” says Theresa Zavala, Interiors Hospitality Lead, MAA. “I look forward to collaborating with and leading the hospitality interior design team to create memorable experiences in unique spaces.” 

MAA is an architecture and interior design firm based in Downtown Dallas with offices also in Fort Worth, Austin, and Charlotte. MAA has a significant hospitality interior design portfolio of projects, including AC Hotel Fort Worth Downtown, Cambria Hotel Houston, Dallas Petroleum Club, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, Marriott Hotel Redmond, The National, The Statler Hilton, and The Woodlands Resort. 

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This Easter, Fairmont Dallas invites Dallasites and their loved ones to a delightful celebration in the heart of Downtown Dallas on Sunday, April 20 with seatings from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. This special Easter Day Brunch combines the best of gourmet cuisine, festive ambiance, and family-friendly activities. Bring the kids for a fun photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. Plus, vibe out to a live acoustic guitar performance and jazz music.

Reservations are recommended. Visit OpenTable to book your spots.

 

EASTER DAY BRUNCH MENU

$69/person. Add Pommery Champagne for $20/person.

Small Plates

  • Little Gem Salad, with house croutons, green goddess dressing, and gran padano.

  • Roasted Beets, with whipped ricotta, spiced pecans, local honeycomb, and fresh mint.

  • Crab Cake, with smoked pepper remoulade and frisée garden salad.

  • Tomato Gazpacho.

Entrees

  • Chilaquiles. Roasted free bird chicken with salsa verde, scrambled eggs, crisp tostadas, and cotija.

  • Avocado Toast. Avocado mousse, poached eggs, pico de gallo, and queso fresco on grilled sourdough.

  • Chicken & Waffles. Fluffy red velvet waffles with Nashville hot chicken and maple butter.

  • Shakshuka, with San Marzano tomatoes, feta, roasted cauliflower, and ras el hanout.

  • Prime Rib. Allen Brothers Black Angus prime rib with two eggs and bearnaise. +$10

Dessert

  • Assorted cakes and pies in buffet arrangement

  • Live Crêpe station, with made-to-order options.

Drinks

  • Bloody Mary Bar

  • Mimosa Bar

 

The Pyramid Restaurant is located in Fairmont Dallas at 1717 N Akard St.

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From left: Carolyn Strickfaden, 2025 Stampede Auction co-chair and Shelton Alumni Relations Coordinator; Shelly Lloyd, Shelton Volunteer Relations & Events; and Lindsey Sherry, 2025 Stampede Auction co-chair.

The Shelton School Parents' Association (SPA) raised money at the 2025 Stampede benefit auction on April 4 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Attendees enjoyed the evening with "Saved by the Stampede" as the theme, inspired by TV sitcoms. The event featured a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live and big board auctions and musical entertainment by Emerald City.

Funds raised from the auction support improvements in academics, curriculum programs, arts, athletics, technology, professional development for teachers, the wellness program, security enhancements and tuition assistance. Proceeds also support the Shelton Endowment Fund and the Shelton Scholarship Fund.

Among the auction highlights were the Ultimate Cowboys experience — including travel for two on the Cowboys' team-chartered plane and tickets to an away game — a poker party with former Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, a U.S. Open trip, luxury getaways to Telluride, Nevis and 30A, naming rights to a Shelton mural and more.

2025 Stampede Auction co-chairs were Lindsey Sherry and Carolyn Strickfaden. Kimberly Kahn and Leigh Erin Lundy are co-presidents of the 2024-2025 Shelton Parents' Association, which sponsored the event. Shelly Lloyd is Shelton's Director of Volunteer Relations and Events. 

Executive Director Suzanne Stell thanked the parents, including Mandy Evans, volunteers, sponsors and staff who helped make the Stampede a success. "Tonight, all money goes back to our school and to our students because of the sponsorships and underwriters. Not every school event or party can say that — but we can, because of their support. So thank you again for all of your support, and thank you to our sponsorships and underwriters."

The Corrigan-Goddard Foundation was the presenting sponsor, the Paulos Foundation sponsored the dinner and Goody Goody, owned by Shelton parents Renee and Scott Jansen, donated alcohol and beverages for the event for the last four years. Garnett and Michael Holmes were the entertainment sponsors.  Lara and Stephen Shankle sponsored Stampede Week, and Marybeth and Kevin Conlon sponsored the decor. Shelton parent Kate White was the photographer.

Shelton parent and board member Stephanie Dean introduced Suzanne Stell, and Shelton parent and Board member Chase Evans spoke, saying, "With the funds we raise, we're looking forward to enhancing our fine arts program, continuing to pay our teachers competitive wages, strengthening campus security and investing in technology where it makes sense. All of these efforts ensure that Shelton students can learn in an environment created specifically for them — and that is huge."

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success — whether by attending, bidding, contributing funds or donating homes, experiences, gift cards and so many other generous items that support Shelton!