On April 8, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) held a reception at Catherine and Sam Susser’s Preston Hollow home to introduce 100 Dallas community and business leaders to the university. TWU faculty, representatives and supporters also attended.

TWU Dallas President Monica Christopher thanked everyone for coming and recognized the 35 generous donors of the Dallas President’s Leadership Council (DPLC) and the nine founding members—all of whom are women. “If you remember two things tonight, TWU’s unique mission and commitment to student access and its excellence in our current health science programs. Our Occupational Therapy program is ranked #1 in Texas,* and our Physical Therapy program is ranked #2 in the state.” The TWU Dallas campus is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District and contributes to the workforce of North Texas. (*U.S. News & World Report)

TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten discussed how her predecessor, Dr. Ann Stuart, first promoted the idea of TWU being its own university system and the need for Dallas to stand on its own. TWU is now the seventh public university system. Feyten told how she met and hired Christopher as the inaugural president. “President Christopher is helping TWU open doors in Dallas to businesses, community organizations and supporters.”  

Catherine Susser, host, TWU Campaign Cabinet and DPLC Founding Member, said, “Two passions of mine drew me to TWU’s mission: education and healthcare.” I’ve been impressed to learn about the important health research that is taking place at TWU, especially at its Mike A. Myers Stroke Center.”

TWU Nursing undergraduate student Michael Preciado told about being a research intern at UT Southwestern and giving a presentation on his research at the American Heart Association’s Stroke Conference in February 2025—all because of his learning experiences at TWU. “I want to be a part of the TWU history.”

TWU Physical therapy doctoral student Avery Ellis-Byerly said that she selected TWU’s program because of its reputation, 100% pass rate and 100% employment rate. “I’m so grateful I said yes to TWU.” She will receive her doctorate in May 2025.

For more information about TWU and giving, visit https://twu.edu/advancement/.

ABOUT TWU
Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a $125 million comprehensive fundraising effort to support innovative programs, capital projects, student scholarships, and faculty endowments. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.edu ortwu.edu, or connect with TWU onFacebook@TexasWomansUniversity,Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, andLinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

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.

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.

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.

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.