Burk Burnett Park downtown was the site of a large rally for the Constitution.
STORY BY ANTHONY MARIANI
PHOTOS AND REPORTING BY WYATT NEWQUIST
ATE DAYS A WEEK
Open Streets, Brisket U, Wines from a Broad, and more are on tap. BY
ELAINE WILDER
EATS & DRINKS
In Alliance, the Sicilian Butcher is trad-Italian greatness. BY
CODY NEATHERY
STUFF
Because Jerruh needs all the help he can get, we whipped up a mock draft for the Cowboys. BY
PATRICK HIGGINS
MUSIC
Is any young blood ready to pick up where our local aging rockers have left off? BY
PATRICK HIGGINS
By Patrick Higgins
Anthony Mariani, Editor
Lee Newquist, Publisher
Bob Niehoff, General Manager
Michael Newquist, Regional Director
Ryan Burger, Art Director
Jennifer Bovee, Marketing Director
Clint “Ironman” Newquist, Brand Ambassador
Emmy Smith, Proofreader
Julie Strehl, Account Executive
Sarah Niehoff, Account Executive
Stacey Hammons, Senior Account Executive
Tony Diaz, District Manager
Wyatt Newquist, Account Executive
CONTRIBUTORS
Christina Berger, E.R. Bills, Jason Brimmer, Buck D. Elliott, Juan R. Govea, Patrick Higgins, Laurie James, Kristian Lin, Cody Neathery, Wyatt Newquist, Steve Steward, Teri Webster, Ken Wheatcroft-Pardue, Elaine Wilder, Cole Williams
EDITORIAL BOARD
Laurie James, Anthony Mariani, Emmy Smith, Steve Steward
COPYRIGHT
Italian
Cover photo by Wyatt Newquist
Protest Draws Hundreds
Burk Burnett Park downtown was the site of a large rally for the Constitution.
STORY BY ANTHONY MARIANI
PHOTOS AND REPORTING
BY WYATT NEWQUIST
Nearly 1,500 crowded into Burk Burnett Park in support of the U.S. Constitution on Saturday as part of a nationwide movement that saw millions of people spilling into the streets. Holding signs with slogans such as “Not My Felon,” “Education, Not Indoctrination,” and “I’m Sick of Sycophants,” the crowd spent several hours chanting and marching. University Christian Church pastor Kyle Powell and Sabrina Ball, founding member of the Fort Worth chapter of the grassroots group Indivisible, spoke while assorted musicians
performed throughout the downtown space. No major problems were reported locally or nationally.
“The reason that we are out here today is that we are trying to show the people of Tarrant County and Fort Worth that they are not alone,” Powell said. “Regardless of what has brought you out today, what issues you’re most concerned about, you are not alone … but you’re also not alone in the feelings that you’re having. This is a weird time. This is unprecedented territory for us as Americans, and we are stepping up together to fight together and realize that we are all working for the same goal to find a place that is equitable, is inclusive, and is justice-oriented. And right now, we don’t have that for a majority of our folks, and that’s why we’re here, to try and help promote and help people see that they’re not alone.”
Ball said, “I’m a native Texan and a Fort Worth mom and an American. And the people in charge of the government don’t believe in freedom, and I believe in freedom. My children don’t have the rights I had growing up, and I want that for them. We are here because we are pissed. The government is taking women’s rights away. The state of Texas is defunding public education, and now the federal government wants to take away the rights of our children by ending the Department of Education altogether. The tariffs are hurting our economy when everyone was told, ‘We were going to improve our economy.’ ” l
Early
is April 22-29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3.
March 30–June 22
This exhibition has been organized by the Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin, in cooperation with the Kimbell Art Museum.
STUFF
Pickin’ and a-Grinnin’
Building through the draft is the Cowboy way.
We
lay out the twisting path for Jerry to nab all the groceries
on his list.
BY PATRICK HIGGINS
Finally, some good news. Football Christmas is here! Thursday night, the NFL begins their annual three-day player-selection spectacular, this time in Green Bay. Football fans, rejoice! And it’s just in time, too.
We’re only four months in, but 2025 is already shaping up to be an all-timer for bummer years in local sports. Since the calendar flipped, the Cowboys followed up a playoff-missing season by replacing a resumed former Super Bowl-winning skipper with an uninspiring nepo-baby whom no NFL organization has considered head-coaching material in more than a decade. The Mavericks managed to turn an NBA finals participant, boasting an undisputed Top-3 player, from a year ago into an oversized, offensively impotent, failed play-in team by sending said Top-3 player to the NBA’s Yankees at a liquidation price and alienating their entire fanbase in the process. The Stars, just a few weeks ago, were vying for No. 1 playoff seeding and were the odds-on favorites to eventually hoist Lord Stanley’s silver sipper. Yet, due to a bewildering propensity for third-period meltdowns, the boys in Victory Green™ backed into the playoffs riding a seven-game losing streak and suddenly find themselves in lucky-toget-out-of-the-first-round territory.
And this is just local sports. Add to it the terrifyingly chaotic economy, the revenge tour of the measles virus, and a modern-day American gestapo shipping legal residents off to foreign concentration camps — to say we’re all going through it is woefully understated.
Despite it all, like the warm rays of a rising sun cutting through a blanket of industrial smog, I’m here to offer a salve for our battered sports psyches. That’s right. I’m here to offer some hope! The new Brian Schottenheimer regime in Cowboys-land is an unknown, which means we don’t technically know they’re going to be bad. Could be that head coach Son-of-Marty has just been
Dallas reaches deep in the heart of Texas to rebuild a free agency-depleted squad, selecting Longhorns back to back in our full seven-round mock.
some overlooked coaching savant and could be the key to reversing three decades of Cowboy underachievement. Sure, it’s probably misguided and no doubt naïve to consider the possibility (why would anything good ever happen?), but I’m consciously making a choice to live in that unknown and see it all the way out. I’m too broken to carry any more hopeless sports despair. I’ve been too full of the gloomies. So, I am opting for hope at least until reality inevitably decides to slap me in the kisser and I’m forced to relent.
For now, let’s assume Schotty is the inexplicable answer to the Cowboys’ never-ending-math-equation and the Silver and Blue are headed for greatness this year! The new bench, however, is not going to be able to do it alone. Due to a massive expiring contract-player exodus and Dallas’ requisite discount bin-shopper’s attempt at replacing them in free agency — are you a former firstor second-round draftee who’s busted in the NFL so far? The Dallas Cowboys would like to have a word — the ’Boys’ roster has more holes than my favorite pair of boxer shorts. As “building through the draft” has been the M.O. of Jerry and his Merry Band of Hill-billionaires for 10 years, it’s all up to what happens this weekend to improve their roster and help Schotty bring us to glory.
Dallas has a mess of picks (10 in all), though the overwhelming majority are latter Day-3 selections, and they have no fourthround pick at all. That’s not going to cut it for the type of overhaul this inevitable Super Bowl victory is going to demand. It’s going to take some of Jones’ patented Arkansan wheelin’ and dealin’ to get it all done. Luckily for Johnny Walker Blue’s favorite customer, I’ve already done his work for him. The following is the roadmap to follow if freshman HC Schottenheimer is to do what no Cowboys coach has been able to since the Clinton administration (the first one).
Round 1
The good thing about having so many holes and picking in the top third of the order is that you almost can’t go wrong. Whether you feel Dallas’ top need is O-line, wide receiver, an edge to play opposite future highest-paid-defensive-player-in-NFL-history Micah Parsons, or a corner to hold down the outside while Trevon Diggs continues to heal from his (second) season-ending injury, there are plenty of options. Aside from superstar running back Ashton Jeanty (who will likely go in the Top 6), I think the biggest immediate impact would be to give your $60M quarterback a legitimate target who is not named
CeeDee Lamb. Another top-tier pass catcher could open up an offense that stagnated last year even before QB Dak Prescott went down with a torn hammy. With two-way freak Travis Hunter and Arizona prototypical X receiver Tetairoa McMillan almost certainly off the board by the time the Cowboys pick at 12, the smart money is moving to former Longhorn speedster Matthew Golden to be the next WR to don the star. He has elite speed (4.29 40!) and a wide catch radius, a skillset that fits perfectly for what has been missing in this offense.
Pick 1/12: Matthew Golden, wide receiver, Texas
Round 2
With several picks in the later rounds and that missing fourth rounder thanks to the failed Trey Lance experiment, Jerry and Co. are going to have to make some moves to try and grab the number of starters they need to fill. Thankfully, in this, our dream draft scenario, Arizona picks up the phone and offers us that missing fourth to drop just two spots. We trade our pick at 44 and take the Cards’ pick at 46 and pocket 118 in Round 4. The biggest need on the defensive side of the ball, a weakness that has plagued Dallas for years, is a big run-stuffing D-tackle. We take the opportunity to take the player everyone hoped Mazi Smith would be but hasn’t been, going back to the UT well and selecting big boi Alfred Collins. It might be a bit of a reach — some mocks have Collins in the third — but difference-making nose tackles won’t be there at 76 when Dallas picks again. Better to overpay than lose out. Collins has the size and tenacity to eventually prove he was worth it.
Pick 2/46 (via Arizona): Alfred Collins, defensive tackle, Texas
Round 3
Many, if asked what the Cowboys’ absolute must-have position in the draft is, would say running back. I share that opinion. Thankfully, this is a deep draft at halfback. Yet the front office was burned last year by waiting too long in a similarly stacked RB class and missed out completely. Let’s make sure we don’t do that again. At 76, we’re going to take Arizona State wrecking ball Cameron Skattebo. With the violence with which he runs, he’ll quickly become a fan favorite and the best-selling jersey on the squad.
Pick 3/76: Cameron Skattebo, running back, Arizona State
Round 4
With the retirement of future first-ballot HOFer Zack Martin, O-line is suddenly a big need for Dallas. We lucked into the pick at 118, but this deep into the draft, players who can potentially push Brock Hoffman and TJ Bass to start are fading fast. We take some of the later Day-3 draft capital and make a package to move up to Buffalo’s pick at 109 and take LSU’s Miles Frazier, likely the last startable guard. Whether he starts Week 1 or has to earn it over the course of the season, Frazier has the scheme-specific skillset to knock off either of the former UDFAs vying for the position.
Pick 4/109 (via Buffalo): Miles Frazier, guard, LSU
Round 5
With Jourdan Lewis now in Jacksonville and Diggs an unknown to start the season, the cornerback room is a blinking red light. Dallas traded for former first-rounder Kaiir Elam, but there’s a reason the Bills bailed on him after just three years. California’s Nohl Williams is a big, long corner with the ball-hawking skills (7 INTs in 2024) to match Diggs and Daron Bland, who each have led the league in interceptions. He can play outside while Diggs is gone with Bland shifting to the slot upon his return. Opposing QBs beware.
Pick 5/149: Nohl Williams, cornerback, California
Round 6
Unhappy to sit with two picks in the 200s in Round 6, we’re looking for depth at tight end, specifically of the run-blocking variety. We’re packaging our picks at 204 and 211 and moving all the way up to Vegas at 180 to get one. Luke Schoonmaker has been a disappointment so far and you can never have enough tall, athletic bruisers. We add another Luke at the position with Iowa’s Luke Lachey.
Pick 6/180 (via Las Vegas): Luke Lachey, tight end, Iowa
Round 7
By this point, we’re really just hunting priority UDFAs to keep from fighting other teams for them after Mr. Irrelevant is selected. With three picks in the final round, we’re looking to add special teams depth and camp bodies. To close out the day, we’ll take a dart throw edge rusher in North Carolina’s Kaimon Rucker at 217 and some linebacker depth in Okie State’s Nick Martin at pick 239. Word is that despite pulling of a trade that sends a fifth-round pick to New England in exchange for cannon-armed Joe Milton III, the Cowboys could still look to add a signal caller to the roster, knocking off ill-fated Will Grier. Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke has prototypical size and poise in the pocket and can be a nice scout team passer and, someday, maybe more. He’s worth the 247th selection it will cost to add him to a revamped QB room.
Pick 7/217: Kaimon Rucker, edge rusher, North Carolina
Pick 7/239: Nick Martin, linebacker, Oklahoma State
Pick 7/247: Kurtis Rourke, quarterback, Indiana l
This Weekend
Wednesday-Sunday April 23-27
Sundance Square’s Sound & On The Plaza In “The Spotlight” (310 Houston)
Sundance Square & Caravan of Dreams proudly presents a 3 -Night Weekend Music Pop-Up Series at “The Spotlight”
April 24
Thursday Night 7 to 10 pm
JAZZ CONCERT
$20 Admission
& Live Nightly On The Plaza
April 25
Friday Night 9 pm to 2 am
SALSA MUSIC & DANCE
$10 Admission (Ladies Free 21+)
April 26
Satu rday Night 9pm to 12 am
DJ MUSIC & DANCE
$10 Admission (Ladies Free 21+)
Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Yeeun Ashton Paul Barry & TCU Chamber
Kim Edminster Metzger Soulflakes Ensembles
Fort Worth Opera Closes Sparkling 79th Season with Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola) at Bass Hall Classic Tale Brings the “Grand” Back to Grand Opera with Full Production, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Accompaniment
Fort Worth Opera brings its 79 to a triumphant close with Rossini’s Cenerentola, the Italian composer’s efferves cent take on the classic tale of Performances take place at Bass Performance Hall (525 Commerce St, Fort Worth, 817212-4280) this Friday to Sunday at 7:30pm, plus a 2pm matinee on Sunday, marking the company’s first full-scale production in the iconic location since 2019.
“This is a thrilling moment for Fort Worth Opera,” said General & Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson. “
Cenerentola is the perfect blend of comedy, romance, vocal fireworks, and theatrical exu berance. We are proud to present it with sets, costumes, and the full Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra bringing Rossini’s score to life in the splendor of Bass Performance Hall.”
Composed by Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868) with a libretto by Jacopo Ferretti, Cinderella (La Cenerentola) was first per formed in 1817 and soon became a repertory favorite, celebrated for its energetic score, rapid-fire humor, and enduring romance.
Instead of a wicked stepmother, Rossini’s Cinderella — Angelina — endures the cru elty of a pompous, grasping stepfather and vain stepsisters. A single act of kindness to a beggar at the door sets her fate in motion, and the mistaken identities, surprise meetings, and romantic sparks fly from there.
“This Cinderella is about good deeds and good hearts winning the day,” Wilson said.
“The love story is deep and real as Angelina and her Prince fall in love long before the ball, but the opera is also packed with hi larious antics, over-the-top characters, lush settings, and Rossini’s perfect score.”
CrossTown Sounds
The weather is beautiful, and there are songs to be sung. Here are some choice upcoming events that include live music. Get out there and #SupportLocal!
Thin Line Festival, the annual citywide celebration every spring in Denton, isn’t just about movies. While Thin Line Film is the longest-running documentary festival in Texas, showcasing both local and international creators, there are also photographers exhibiting their work and musicians performing throughout Denton.
Thin Line Photo features hundreds of photographs displayed across downtown galleries and online, while Thin Line Music serves as the soundtrack of the festival, offering a mix of styles with regional and national acts performing on small stages in downtown Denton.
Wednesday bands include Assisted Living, Kashmere Mammoths, and DJ Wild Wata. Thursday’s live music includes Matthew McNeal, Daniel Markham, Bob Cummins Jr, Dev Lee Miller, Yo Cisco Kidd, and the Aramis Fernandez Trio. Friday is a big music night, too, with Slow Joy, Wombo, Portrayal of Guilt, Maz Diaz, Jockey, Palefade, Darling Farm, Heavy Baby Sea Slugs, Lauren Lakis, Memoria, Golden Week, Heavytrip, Llewelyn, Motorsports, Softly, Paper Jam, and the DJ Rice Quintet.
Saturday is just as big, featuring Kat Hasty, Saint Blonde, Hey Cowboy!, WTFemme Queer Variety Show, Primo Danger, Daze, proun, Troubled Minds, Gracen Wynn, Jumprope, Dome Dwellers, Darstar, Lola Tried, Gluestick, Robyn Harris, My Bad Sister, and the Ava Ramsey and Marisa Cravero Quintet. For exact locations and times, go to ThineLine.us, pick “program” from the pink drop-down menu, filter by “music,” and start clicking dates. (It’s a lot, I know, but very well-organized, so get online and do the work. Well worth it.)
As for Sunday, the final concert of the festival will take place at Dan’s Silverleaf (103 Industrial St, Denton, 940-808-0008) with country/soul band Chattahoochee at 3pm.
The Fort Worth Museum of Science & History (1600 Gendy St, Fort Worth, 817-255-9300) has
recently opened its newly renovated Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater and launched a music series, Live from the Omni: Music Under the Stars. Folk singer-songwriter Jacob Furr will play with a three-piece band while a star show is broadcast in the dome. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the entertainment begins at 7:30pm. Drinks will be available for purchase before the show. Tickets start at $20 at FWMuseum.org.
Also at the Omni, you’ll find some great music on film today and beyond. At 4:45pm, Pink Floyd’s iconic Dark Side of the Moon will come to vibrant life. The team at NSC Creative, who produced this presentation, worked closely with Floyd’s long-time collaborator, Aubrey Powell from Hipgnosis, to get the vibe just right. The film’s runtime is 44 minutes. Tickets are $15 at FWMuseum.org.
Then, stick around because you’ll also want to see Resolution: A Cinephonic Rhapsody for the Soul, the first-ever dome theater film to win the Audience Award for Best Immersive Experience at SXSW — and the most talked-about ticket of the festival. Set to the Polyphonic Spree’s new album, Salvage Enterprise, the cinematic experience opens around a glowing campfire, then each song reveals the inner world of someone seated at its
edge. From soaring through canyons to flying ships in the clouds, racing puppets on RC cars, and drifting through psychedelic starscapes, every moment is a spectacular fusion of music, story, and wonder. The show starts at 7:50pm, and the runtime is 43 minutes. Tickets are $32.50 at FWMuseum.org.
For more Omni experiences, musical and otherwise, visit FWMuseum.org/explore/ omni-theater/.
Before heading off to play at a resort in Hawaii next month (bastards!), Cut Throat Finches have a final local show as part of 760 Fest. The first public event of its kind at The District at Willow Park (460 Shops Blvd, Willow Park, 817-618-0008), it will take place at The District’s new outdoor event space from 10am to 10pm. This free, family-friendly festival will bring together incredible musicians, artists, boutiques, and interactive art performances. Expect surprise appearances, pop-up shows, and raffle prizes. Food trucks will be on-site, offering snacks, beer, mixed drinks, and wine for sale. For more details, including the full lineup and set times, keep an eye on Facebook.com/thedistrictatwillowpark this week.
By Jennifer Bovee
Country/soul band Chattahoochee will perform on the final day of Thin Line Music in Denton.
Local folk singer-songwriter Jacob Furr is the featured artist at the inaugural Live from the Omni event on Thursday.
EATS & drinks
Lasting Legacy
A star chef plants roots in North Fort Worth with his Sicilian Butcher.
The Sicilian Butcher, 3200 Tracewood Way, Fort Worth. 682-253-5222. 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, 11am-10:30pm Fri-Sat.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CODY NEATHERY
Within the blueprints of the vanilla neighborhoods and copy/paste shopping centers dominating North Fort Worth, new restaurant openings are tagging along, and crowds are flocking. Whether locally owned or not, a burgeoning dining scene is taking shape just a mere 15 miles north of downtown which begs discovery.
This is where Chef Joey Maggiore opened his Arizona-based Sicilian Butcher last July as the fourth and first out-of-state location, in Alliance, continuing to pay homage to his father, James Beard winner and Sicily native Chef Tomaso Maggiore, who opened more than 50 restaurants during his lifetime. The Sicilian Butcher is one of several concepts by Chef Joey — his brunch-centric Hash Kitchen resides next door. Quite impressive but a long way from a mom-and-pop operation. I had zero expectations except a brief glance at the menu online, but this dining experience could be summarized in one word: fun.
Near the entrance, the host podium stands in front of a glassed wine wall, but to be honest, the dessert shop to the right drew my attention. Gelato and Italian pastries (think: various cannoli shells with your choice of filling) proved to be a better greeting than the vino. Life is short. Eat dessert first.
With that mantra, tiramisu landed on our table. As described by the server, the assembly process takes three days. The cocoa powder-dusted espresso-soaked ladyfingers (sweet sponge cake) layered with mascarpone, or Italian cream cheese, held exceptionally well, making an easy cut with a spoon. Perfetto. Time well spent.
Vintage family photos hang under chandeliers that provide abundant lighting, which made it cafeteria-like rather than lowlit and cozy, our only turnoff regarding the atmosphere. The remainder of the décor is checkered black-and-white tiles and wallpaper with tomato-red seating, adding to faux brick- and wood-planked walls displaying antique baking platters hung with care. Very traditional Italiano.
The menu is extensive, interactive, and playful. Taking cues from our server, my guest and I still had trouble narrowing down choices to capture a fair portrait of the food. We intentionally avoided commonalities
continued on page 17
The octopus and calamari appetizer looked like a paella and tasted divine.
The Sicilian Butcher’s three-day tiramisu was delightful.
David’s head contained a delicious blend of amaro, citrus gin, strawberry, ginger beer, and lime.
such as fried calamari, shrimp scampi, and charcuterie with in-house cured meats, aiming for items reflecting creativity.
We started with the tempura-fried zucchini blossoms, which came as full-fledged vegetables stuffed with whipped ricotta and corn, partnered with San Marzano tomato sauce. While straightforward, this dish would have been lifted by light seasoning. Or at least salt. The sauce seemed faint and a tad watery, and even when combined with the blossoms, a pop of flavor was still lacking.
The appetizer of boiled octopus and calamari was served in a hot pan with minced meat lying in a splashy white wine-lemon butter sort of like paella. Since Italy sits across the Mediterranean from Spain, this makes gastronomical sense. All the ingredients placed upon the grilled ciabatta proved a winning combination.
We catered to cured-meat expectations by keeping it light with carpaccio. Paired with peppery arugula, thin slices of parmigiano, and caper berries, the meat, when rolled together with all that plus a squeeze of lemon, offered robust freshness.
A jovial appetizer that seems gimmicky is the meatball Ferris Wheel (yes, served in a miniature Ferris Wheel) with six meatball versions, including eggplant and marinara or steak and truffle mushroom. Maybe next time.
We skipped the Neapolitan pizzas and Sicilian-style bruschetta with various toppings for some mains.
Yes, guests will find a six-hour braised short rib or grilled ribeye that our server promised is as good as any at a high-end steakhouse, but we were here for a bite of Sicily. Since baked manicotti and chicken cacciatore are typical Italian faire, we budged for the fazzoletti as recommended by our server. Known as handkerchief pasta due to its large square shape, the fazzoletti here is served like a fluffy pillow stuffed with a hearty three-meat ragu along with ricotta and mozzarella before being covered in a creamy and rich parmigiano sauce. Tasty, this dish also could easily be split between two diners. Other options include baked chicken or pork parmigiano, though the build-yourown meatball-and-pasta dish whispered my name. We selected Chef Tomaso’s namesake
meatball, compiled of veal, prime beef, pork, pine nuts, raisins, provolone, parmigiano, and herb breadcrumbs. Although a lot to unpack, it truly represented the Sicilian Butcher in our eyes.
Next, we once again went for the parmigiano cheese (OK, we really liked it) out of sauces like marinara, Bolognese, and others, followed by our choice of pasta, which was pappardelle instead of gnocchi, rigatoni, or any of the others that are available. This, too, could have easily been shared Lady and the Tramp-style if romance was in the air.
For cocktails, we ordered a tempered riff on an Old Fashioned called The Siciliano that came seemingly smooth due in part to amaro- and biscotti-flavored liqueur (yes, those Italian cookies offered on flights), and
strawberry-infused Cocchi Americano added a gentle sweetness to the white negroni with gin and dry vermouth finishing it out. One more beverage, and I found myself sharing an intimate moment sipping from a bust of Michelangelo’s “David.” Inside his head was an incredible concoction of amaro, citrus gin, strawberry, ginger beer, and lime a la a Moscow Mule. l
The build-your-own meatball-and-pasta dish is a fun way to try various items on the Sicilian Butcher’s menu.
Reminiscent of a pillow, the fazzoletti will have you napping in no time.
The carpaccio is a good sample of the Sicilian Butcher’s house-cured meat without a massive charcuterie platter.
Ate Days of Food & Booze Events
It’s all happening soon!
BY ELAINE WILDER
The bike/skate/walk/run Open Streets event on the Near Southside Saturday is also an open invitation to stock up on fresh grub. Block 4 (between Fairmount Avenue and 6th Street) will be the location of the Farmers Block, presented by Wandering Roots Market (@WanderingRoots_ Markets). Small business vendors will be selling goods such as seasonal fruits, veggies, meats, sourdough, and other baked goods, all sourced directly from nearby farms and kitchens. There will also be medicinal products, like CBD, mushrooms, honey, and teas, plus barbecue sauces, dog treats, jams, natural skin care products, pickles, and more. Open Streets go, go, goes from noon to 6pm on Magnolia Avenue between 8th and Hemphill streets.
Saturday night is also when proto-punks LABELS are playing the Boiled Owl Tavern (909 W Magnolia Av, Fort Worth, 817-920-9616) and will certainly be imbibing the Crackberry Cider they love so much. This semi-sweet, tart beverage from Dallas’ Bishop Cider is made with blackberries and cranberries and is apparently a big hit.
Along with winning Best Grocery Store multiple times over the years from our readers, Central Market (4651 W Fwy, Fort Worth, 817-989-4700) is also a go-to spot for live music. CM’s Fort Yard patio hosts the Vintage Yell and Jesse Spradlin from 5:30pm to 9pm Saturday. For future events, visit CentralMarket.com/posts/ fort-worth-events.
On Sunday, Wines from a Broad (317 Houston St, Fort Worth, 682-224-0056) has its $5 special on new wines. Chef Dena Shaskan’s wine bar in Sundance Square which features female-made wines is open from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays.
While Wednesdays are typically nothing special except the marking of the halfway point to our weekend, I’m here to remind you that Blue Mesa (612 Carroll St, Fort Worth, 817-332-6372) still has
its weekly $12 lunch buffet from 11am to 2pm. Then, from 3pm to 6pm, you can enjoy happy hour specials, including $5 Blue Margaritas, $5 bites, and $2.50 tacos.
#HappyHumpDay
Belzoni’s Catfish Cafe (110 Jim Wright Fwy, Ste C, White Settlement, 817-386-0714, @BelzonisCatfishCafe, BelzonisCatfishCafe. com) specializes in catfish but is also known for burgers and sweet potato pies. The place is open for lunch 11am-2pm Mon-Fri, for dinner 4pm-7pm Wed and Fri, plus noon to 4pm Sat (closed on Sun). However, according to the Fort Worth Foodies group on Facebook, the hottest new ticket is Belzoni’s “Twosday Special,” featuring two meals for $22. For details on when this begins, follow the group.
If you want to brush up on your grilling skills before summer is in full swing, Rahr & Sons Brewing (701 Galveston Av, Fort Worth, 817-810-9266) is hosting a Brisket U class at 9am on Sat, May 10, when you will learn the art of smoking, including proper cut of meat selection, trimming techniques, rubs and prep, wood selection, smoke profiles, managing a fire, timing, and slicing the end product. The cost is $89 per person at BrisketU.com.
Business owners, restaurateurs, food truck truckers, lend me your ears. Or, eyes, as it were. Anyhoo, there are a couple of important food/booze days coming up. If you’d like to see your Cinco de Mayo or Mother’s Day events included in this column in the coming weeks, please email Marketing@ FWWeekly.com. We’ll also have special advertising sections, so there’s that. I’m sure your Weekly rep would love to save your space. To see old examples of all of the above, go to FWWeekly.com and visit the Special Sections drop-down. l
Up your barbecue game at a class at Rahr in May.
Courtesy Brisket U
Get your eat and drink on during Open Streets Saturday.
Courtesy Near Southside
MUSIC
The Replacements
Is any young blood ready to pick up where our local aging rockers have left off?
BY PATRICK HIGGINS
As a grizzled and bitter scene vet still trying to push a few of my own Sisyphean rocks up that old hill of perpetual musical anonymity, there are two laments I often find escaping my lips when I take a look around at the state of local music. The first is, “Where is everybody?” as in, “Where are the crowds?” Lately, it seems I’ve been playing to rooms more barren than grocery store toilet paper shelves circa March 2020. The second — the chicken to the egg of the first repine — is, “Where the fuck are all the bands?!” By this, I specifically mean rock bands. More specifically, new (see: also young) rock bands.
There are a handful of us relics still kicking around from the Fort’s indie-rock peak of the middle aughts, trying to reignite the once healthy and diverse scene, but there sadly seems to be no next wave coming to help carry these efforts to the next gen, and, consequently, apparently no younger crowds seeking live music either.
It’s not exactly news that live music attendance has been steadily declining over the last decade or so. At least at the local club level. Big arena legacy acts appear to be doing just fine getting folks (i.e., monied Gen X-ers) into $150 seats, along with $30 for parking and $60 beer tabs, but your favorite listening rooms around town can’t seem to consistently get more than a handful of patrons in at $10 a head, even on
weekends, to take in some local talent. It’s an alarming trend we intrepid journos in charge of the music beat at the Weekly feel compelled to draw attention to as consistently and with the ineffectual urgency as “real” news outlets do in covering that buffoon in the red hat currently playing craps with your 401(k).
As more and more former rock-based clubs have folded over the last several years, the few remaining are increasingly incentivized to favor solo singer-songwriters as their live entertainment. There’s certainly less overhead in individual artists. Full bands likely require three or four times as much of the night’s take. Solo acts are also perceived as a less risky product to put onstage. The fear is that unestablished rock bands could potentially alienate the few patrons who happened to wander into the bar, seeking drink and company more than loud music blaring out of a PA. A single person with an acoustic guitar is less likely to drive nonmusical crowds from the room.
So, are there no crowds because there are no bands? Or is it the other way around? And does anybody care? Sure, we all know “rock is dead.” We’ve been hearing the refrain for decades. Unless you’re talking about metal or hardcore punk, the tardigrades of guitar-based music: small, hidden from plain sight, and impervious to any ecosystemic destructive forces. The very nature of punk and metal is to exist outside of the mainstream, thereby making
them largely immune to its everchanging trends and tastes. Somehow healthy metal and punks persist, relying on a fervent fanbase, despite being relegated to smaller DIY and “unofficial” venues. In most local clubs, however, plain ol’ rock ’n’ roll seems to have largely gone the way of the VHS tape.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m certainly proud of the solo artist-centric aspect of the Fort’s musical community. There are so many wonderful singer-songwriters. But a city this size should have — and, more importantly, needs a vibrant underground rock community. It’s an essential element to any city’s hope for a vivid and dynamic subculture.
The irony is that recent years have seen a sort of resurgence of rock music outside of our local scene, especially from overseas. KXT, one of the few local radio stations to still play new rock music, regularly spins young and up-and-coming bands like Irish post-punks Fontaines D.C., the UK’s IDLES, Aussie provocateurs Amyl & The Sniffers, or even stateside acts like Wet Leg, Japanese Breakfast, and Snail Mail. Frustratingly, little of that seems to have made its way to inspiring the youth of Fort Worth to join in.
Little but not zero. Enter: the Washheads.
Despite the old-man-yells-at-clouds aspect to this piece so far, its eventual intent is actually to offer a little bit of hope. A few weeks ago, I got an unexpected, and much
needed, shot in the arm to neutralize some of my curmudgeonly bitterness. One of the Sisyphean rocks I’m still pushing, my band Understudied, played a show at The Cicada in late March. One of the openers, if you can believe it, was an actual band made up of actual young people, a five-piece alternative rock revival outfit called Lost in the Wash.
Playing only a handful of shows so far in their, a’hem, young career, this group of literal high schoolers has single-handedly renewed my faith in the future of our scene. They were raw and unseasoned, sure, but they also had an energy and an enthusiasm we crusty vets find difficult to muster anymore. They began their set with a respectable cover of Radiohead’s “Just” before playing a set of original ’90s-inspired rock ’n’ roll.
More importantly, the place was packed with fellow teens rabidly cheering them on, “Washheads,” as the band lovingly refers to their legion of followers. It had been a very long time since I’d seen so many young folks in one place at one time outside of a school. There had to be close to 100 of them.
For one night at least, I was transported back to my own high school bands and the throng of friends who would come to see us at all ages-friendly venues like 1919 Hemphill, the old Ridglea Theater, The Impala, and, in Arlington, Laser Tracks. A major hurdle for young bands now is the shameful absence of spots like these that are willing to allow all-ages crowds. Kids can’t drink and therefore don’t fit the business model. Here’s a secret: Fewer adults are drinking, too. At some point, would-be music clubs might need to rethink the model and help to future-proof it — or risk losing it forever.
Chasing the buzz of my own formative musical experiences is what still carries me through to today, as frustrating as many of my recent live experiences can be. But for a moment, watching Lost in the Wash and several dozen Washheads cheering them, I was gifted that same feeling in its pure unbridled infancy again. It was inspiring. More simply put, it was fucking cool!
One band does not make a scene, but it can certainly start one. If even one kid in that crowd was watching Lost in the Wash and was hit with the thought, “Wow! That looks rad! I want to do that!,” it could be the beginning of something. Nothing inspires new bands like new bands. So, kids, do something cool. Grab a guitar and join in.
When they do, clubs, take a chance and let them play. l
Lost in the Wash, a ’90s-inspired alternative band composed of 16- and 17-year-olds, gives hope to a local rock music scene at risk of fading away.
New York- and Dallas-based director and choreographer Candace Evans leads the production, bringing her signature blend of operatic finesse and physical storytelling (from a background in both theater and dance) to the Bass Hall stage. Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra is lending full orchestral power to the performance under the baton of Christian Capocaccia. The production is in Italian with English supertitles, and performances will run for two hours and 40 minutes with one 20-minute intermission.
“I always ask my performers what would happen if the supertitles went out during a performance in Italian or German — would the audience still know what was going on?” Evans explained. “That’s our task: to bring the story to life from the words, the music, and our actions. Luckily, with Rossini and his wonderful characters and insightful comedy, that’s such a fun task.”
At the podium, internationally acclaimed conductor Christian Capocaccia will lead the cast and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra during each performance. Born in Rome, his passion for music and easy rapport with vocalists has made him a favorite on opera stages across the U.S. and Europe.
“I have been fortunate to work with Christian before, and I have such admiration for him,” said Evans. “We’re already in alignment, which gives great support to our singers. We don’t need to sound each other out. Mom and Dad are already in place.”
Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Doche (Angelina) and tenor Victor Ryan Robertson (Prince Ramiro) lead the cast with energy, charm, and vocal virtuosity. For Doche (rhymes with “posh”), Angelina is a signature role — a coloratura mezzo-soprano role that requires all the depth and warmth of a mezzo alongside true coloratura speed and brilliance.
Rossini roles are also favorites for Robertson, whose unique musical journey includes stints as a collegiate tennis star and working rock singer. Robertson made history as the first performer to debut at the Kennedy Center, the Metropolitan Opera, and Broadway all in the same year. In 2023, he added a Grammy nomination to his growing pile of accolades.
Though Rossini gave to Angelina and her Prince the opera’s most moving arias, he reserved his sharpest wit for the schemers and fools who surround them. A trio of baritones — Grammy Award-winner Adelmo Guidarelli as Angelina’s pompous stepfather, Don Magnifico; Efraín Solís as the Prince’s clever valet, Dandini; and Eric McKeever as the wise old tutor Alidoro, who sets the plot in motion — steal scenes delightfully while the stepsisters, Clorinda and Tisbe — played by Fort Worth Opera Resident Artists Hannah Madeleine Goodman (soprano) and Mariam Mouwad (mezzo-soprano) — deliver hilariously over-the-top antics.
Evans relishes the built-in chemistry between Goodman and Mouwad, in particular. “They’ve spent a year working together and playing off each other,” Evans said.
“They already have that sisterly bond and the kind of trust that’s essential for great physical comedy. You’re going to love the things they get up to onstage!”
One unique element of the opera that distinguishes it from the traditional fairy tale is that, instead of fleeing the ball and accidentally dropping a slipper, Angelina gives the Prince one of her matching bracelets with a command to find her and “know” her by that token — an almost Taylor Swift-ian moment of youthful sincerity.
Inspired by that moment, luxury jewelry brand BuDhaGirl has partnered with Fort Worth Opera to offer a limited-edition Cinderella bracelet, the same design worn by Angelina in the opera. The crystal bracelet, available in both adult and child sizes, can be purchased at BuDhaGirl.com or as part of the Cinderella Tea, a separately ticketed event before the Sunday matinee on April 27.
At the Cinderella Tea, patrons will enjoy an elegant pre-show experience with tea, champagne, sandwiches and pastries, and an exclusive photo opportunity on the Bass Hall stage. Each tea guest will receive the limited-edition BuDhaGirl bracelet as part of the event. For more information and to make reservations for the tea, please visit the FWOpera.org/ cenerentola-2024#cinderellas-tea.
For those seeking a (literally) elevated opera experience, Bass Hall private box reservations are available for both performances of Cinderella (La Cenerentola). Private box guests will enjoy exclusive, prime-view seats, complimentary champagne and a charcuterie board — perfect for entertaining clients, colleagues, or family. For details on availability and reservations, visit the private box page on the Fort Worth Opera website.
Fort Worth Opera is committed to producing opera of the highest possible artistic quality and integrity; to identifying and training talented young singers; to serving as a crucible for creating new American operas; to joining forces with other arts organizations in significant collaborations; and to enriching the community by stimulating cultural curiosity and creativity in people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. For more FWO promotional info or tickets, visit FWOpera.org. l
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CLASSIFIEDS
The List
Top resources for everything. Okay, almost everything.
By Fort Worth Weekly Classifieds
The Fort Worth Weekly Classifieds includes all sorts of stuff. Let’s start with astrology!.
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19)
While you typically prefer direct action, now is a favorable phase to coordinate your desire to get what you need with life’s changing conditions. What advantages might you gain by waiting for the perfect moments to arrive?
TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20)
I see this upcoming phase of your cycle as being wind-like, Taurus. You won’t necessarily have to be vivid and obvious to spread your influence. You will be able to work behind the scenes in potent ways.
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20)
What may initially seem disruptive could ultimately generate positive outcomes. I hope you prime yourself to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth. For best results, set aside your fixed beliefs about what’s necessary for maximum progress.
CANCERIAN (Jun 21-Jul 22)
Now would be an excellent time for you to organize, host, or encourage similar gatherings, Cancerian. You have extra power to facilitate the stellar socializing that generates zesty connections and spreads invigorating influences.
LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22)
I suspect you will soon have access to extraordinary courage and help from unusual or even supernatural sources. Use these gifts wisely, Leo!
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22)
You will align yourself with cosmic rhythms if you spend more time than usual exploring the frontiers. It’s time to expand and extend yourself!
LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22)
Your precious processes and creations might thrive best when allowed to grow free from undue attention. You may benefit from maintaining privacy and silence about certain matters as they develop.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21)
In the coming weeks. It will be crucial for you to maintain an acute awareness of what’s genuine and what’s illusory.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21)
You must directly observe people’s actions rather than simply believing what they say about themselves—or what others say about them. You must look beyond surface declarations to understand the deeper rhythms and patterns. Be a devoted participant, not an uninvolved judge.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19)
I have high hopes that you will discover deep truths about yourself that have previously been unavailable.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20- Feb 18)
I suspect that in the coming weeks, you may experience a metaphorical breakthrough and unveiling. What mysterious parts of your life story would you like to have illuminated?
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20)
Your ability to discern and appreciate multiple perspectives will enable you to create an intriguing kind of harmony. You will have the power to notice and reveal beauty that has been veiled or unnoticed.
EXPANDED HOROSCOPES
For unabridged versions of the horoscopes above by Rob Brezsny, go to FreeWillAstrology.com.
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For more local listings, products and services, flip to page 24 and check out the back cover!
Happy Birthday, Taurus!
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HEALTHY KIDS DAY
April 26 10 AM–1PM at the Downtown Fort WorthYMCA FREE community event celebrating healthy habits with fun, fitness, and family! Activities include art projects, karoake, live animals, yoga, bounce house, free swim assessment, with snowcones, games and giveaways. You will have to see it to believe it!
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PHYSICAL MEDIA ROCKS!
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PUBLIC NOTICE
The following vehicles have been impounded with fees due to date by Texas Towing Wrecker, 205 S Commercial St, Fort Worth TX 76107, 817-877-0206 (VSF0000964): Alum-Lince Inc, 2015, Alum-Line, $1689.25; Deck Over, 2000, Dolly, $1689.25; Dolly, 2000, #154300, $1689.25; Fleetwood Enterprises, 2005, Fleetwood, $966.47; and Trailer, 1991, Trailer, $989.85.
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