It’s time for 90’s nostalgia with Turtle Creek Chorale’s fall mainstage concert, Bach to the ‘90s at Moody Performance Hall on Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27 at 7:30 pm.

Dallas’ very own men’s chorus presents a fabulously fun celebration of the ‘90s - and not just the 1990s. In between hits from Madonna, Alanis Morissette, boy bands, and more, audiences will enjoy a little bit of Bach from the 1790s, and operatic works from the 1890s.

Tickets range from $25 to $55 and are available here.

Join the Chorale for a blast from the past and a symphony for the ages!

From First Pour to Ten Years More:  The Ivy Tavern’s Decade of Success

It’s no small feat to make it to ten years in the hospitality business. “Dallas' Original” bar & restaurant, The Ivy Tavern, is not only surviving - it's thriving! Opened in 2014, this neighborhood bar is known for its diverse selection of craft and international beers, award-winning menu, and welcoming atmosphere. Step inside, and you'll discover a country club/dive bar vibe where an eclectic mix of personalities come together, making everyone feel welcome and at home. It’s not at all unusual to find someone in sweats talking to a couple in black-tie attire who’s just come from a charity gala.

The Ivy Tavern boasts one of the best dog-friendly patios in Dallas spotted with gorgeous shade trees strung with lights, fans and misters, tables and community bar seating, indoor and outdoor pool tables, a fireplace, an elevated stage for live music and DJs, multiple TVs, and a variety of entertaining games such as large Jenga blocks and Connect 4, pool and darts. Menu highlights include their famous Greek salad tossed in their family’s State Fair of Texas award-winning dressing, one of the best burgers in Dallas, TX, and hand-breaded chicken tenders. NEW to the menu is an authentic Greek Gyro that the Georgalis’ are confident will soon become a fan favorite. The Ivy is available to host events of all sizes and over the years have supported many philanthropic organizations including DIFFA, Wounded Warriors, Genesis Women's Center, RAHR to the Rescue, and more. 

On Friday, September 6 (7PM) The Ivy Tavern will celebrate their 10-year anniversary featuring live music from Big D Energy (formerly known as Cover Girl) playing covers from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s starting at 9PM. Enjoy $5 Ranch Waters, made with Altos Tequila or Astral Tequila, throughout the night and as part of the celebration, every guest will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two (2) $500 gift certificates to The Ivy Tavern. Winners will be drawn at 12am/midnight, and attendees must be present to win.

The Ivy Tavern is located at 5334 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75209, 214-559-4424, www.theivytavern.com. Open seven days a week from 11am-2am. Kitchen service is offered Sunday through Thursday, 11am-10pm and Friday and Saturday, 11am-1am. 

Since the event was announced, fans of barbecue, brews and country tunes have been clamoring to purchase tickets for The Smokeout Fest, the fabulous one-day festival being held Saturday, Sept. 7 at the famed Southfork Ranch in Parker. Now, the organizers have announced a surprise guest for the evening’s concerts.

Over the past 18 years, Casey Donahew has risen from a favorite on the local Texas music scene, racking up 21 No. 1 singles, to a nationally hot touring act who consistently sells out venues across the country. The Texas Country chart-topper will join Gary Allan, Paul Cauthen and Ryder Grimes on the Southfork Ranch stage. Donahew’s eight independent albums have landed on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and his latest hits are among the most played on Texas radio.

While the evening’s concert starts at 5:30 p.m., the day begins 12 p.m. with VIP access. At 2 p.m., guests can experience barbecue from nearly 50 teams of competitive cooks and vote on People’s Choice.

Tickets for the concert at The Smokeout Fest start at just $75, with VIP tickets including access to the barbecue competition priced at $110. Tickets and parking can be purchased here. Whether you're a lifelong Texan or a visitor looking to experience the best of Texas culture, The Smokeout Fest promises to be an event to remember.

THE SMOKEOUT FEST EVENT DETAILS:

WHEN:              Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024

WHERE:            Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road, Parker, Texas 75002

SCHEDULE:      12 p.m. Gates open for VIP Experience

                           2 to 5 p.m. Barbecue Experience

                           4:30 p.m. Gates open to concert area

                           5:30 p.m.  Concerts begin

TICKETS:           Barbecue          $55

                           Concert            $75

                           VIP                    $110

                           Parking             $20

                           Ticket site: https://southforkranch.com/events/the-smokeout-fest/

Farmers Branch-based Centurion American Development Group has owned Southfork Ranch since October 2022 and has worked to ensure that the historic portions of the 241-acre site are retained and improved. In a presentation to the Parker Planning & Zoning Commission on Thursday, Aug. 22, Centurion American outlined its plans for Southfork Ranch.

The developer will create 89 two-acre estate lots and plans to partner with a curated set of luxury builders to create the quality and caliber of residential development consistent with Parker’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The development team presented its vision for the future of Southfork Ranch at Thursday’s meeting and was approved by a unanimous vote.

As a key part of the presentation, the developer highlighted its plans for the 36.7-acre parcel that contains the Southfork Mansion, Event Center and Visitors Center, as well as the newly built rodeo arena.

“We’ve spent the past two years working to improve the Southfork Ranch site,” said Sean Terry, Centurion American’s vice president of entitlements. “We have long-term improvement plans to ensure that visitors can enjoy the history of Southfork Ranch for generations to come.

The Southfork Ranch team recently announced a robust calendar of events for Fall 2024, with additional events and festivals in the works.

Following the Planning & Zoning meeting, Centurion American will present its plans to the Parker City Council. Development timelines and contracted builders will be announced in the months that follow.

Centurion American Development Group has been lauded and recognized for its commitment to retaining historic buildings and sites, including its work with The Statler in Dallas and Collin Creek in Plano.

About Centurion American

Since 1990, Centurion American has developed well over 100,000 single-family lots in dozens of premier communities surrounding North Texas. Centurion has demonstrated the ability to effectively work with investors, landowners, financial institutions, and vendors to acquire over 35,000 acres of land inventory, resulting in a diverse mix of developments varying in size and scope. Delivering award-winning communities with impeccable amenities such as parks, golf courses, and hiking and biking trails, Centurion has successfully designed master-planned communities that have been recognized across the real estate industry.

Centurion has set the standard in purchasing and developing land in prime locations. Their developments have the right combination of natural land settings, strong job growth, good school systems, and access to local community shopping. Over the past 25 years, it is this proven track record of achievements that has consistently created excellent value and ROI for Centurion American partners, investors, builders, and homeowners. For more information visit CenturionAmerican.com.

The buzz was all about the expansive market, its fabulous offerings and the new café!

Donna Arp Weitzman, a well-known community leader on the charity and business scenes and local author, hosted a lovely luncheon benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s board of directors at The Antique Table, Robin Jackson’s new café which just opened inside the Cottonwood Market.  Inside scoop: The café is Southern hospitality at its best! Offering a variety of salads, sandwiches, snacks, sweets, and brunch items made fresh daily, as well as specialty coffees, wine, a charcuterie board and fresh-baked pastries. The café is also available for small group meetings.
        
Located in Richardson at Coit and Belt Line Roads, Cottonwood Market is the perfect destination for all who seek antiques, jewelry (at heavily discounted prices), authenticated designer handbags, scarves and pashminas from Europe, over 1,000 works of art, furnishings, covetable collectibles, exquisite tableware and china from some of Dallas’ most high-profile estates and more.         
          
“We are delighted to welcome everyone to Cottonwood Market,” Donna said, as the ladies sipped wine and enjoyed the lovely luncheon and desserts.
        
Joining in the luncheon were Leesa Alhadef, Jeannie Nethery, Courtney Rourk, Anne Seanor and more.  
        
As part of her support for the Women’s Council and as underwriting chair for the upcoming A Writer’s Garden, Donna is donating a magnificent sapphire and diamond necklace to the live auction for the November 13^th event.  As part of today’s luncheon, she also arranged for each purchase of certain items to be discounted 20%, which she and Herb will also match as a donation to the Women’s Council.
        
Women’s Council president, Therese Rourk, welcomed the crowd and reminded everyone to take a membership packet and share with friends. She introduced Joni Krieg, chair of A Writer’s Garden, who gave a rundown of what to expect at the much-anticipated event, including presentations from two fabulous speakers and authors, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Stefani Bittner. Learn more at the website www.wcdabg.org
        
As a special surprise, Donna introduced Atin Jain, proprietor of Hari Jewels at Cottonwood Market, who donated an 18-carat gold necklace as a giveaway at today’s event. Mary Ellen Winborn was the lucky winner when she answered a trivia question correctly.
        
As a parting favor, Donna gifted everyone copies of a couple of her books: Cinderella Has Cellulite and her latest tome, Twisted Retribution: A Sarah Sears Novel, which is part one of a three-part series of books being eyed by Hollywood for a movie. Follow her on Instagram @donnaarpweitzman and Facebook @CinderellaHasCellulite
        
Cottonwood Market is a must-see destination located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.  With 50,000 square feet to explore, you’ll find new treasures around every corner of our indoor antique mall. We are located at Dal-Rich Towne Square at Coit road and Belt Line Road in Richardson, Texas. At Cottonwood Market, there is something for everyone. Every visit is a new opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items to cherish. Our eclectic mix of dealers creates an unforgettable shopping experience with unique vintage goods, antiques, artisan items, home décor, boutique gifts, and so much more. We look forward to seeing you soon. Be sure to stop by our new café for lunch, a specialty coffee, glass of wine, a charcuterie board, or fresh baked pastry. We can’t wait to see you!  Visit the website at www.cottonwoodmarket.com for details and stunning photos.    
Photos by Thomas Garza.